GIVEAWAY WINNER ... plus a Treat for Every Reader

In honor of our first stylish sponsor's love of millinery, we put the names of the giveaway entrants into a hat (one entry per reader), tossed, mixed, closed our eyes and drew out one lucky name.  And the winner of the Denise Fike Metallic Print is:

Barbara Hammond

Barb chose "Peony" (shown here)
(An artist herself, Barbara also writes the blog Zero to 60 & Beyond)

Barb, I'll be in touch with details.  Everyone else--don't despair! We have a treat for EVERY READER:   Enjoy 20% off Denise Fike's Metallic Series thru 6/30/11. (Visit Denise Fike Designs on Etsy and use code "STYLE.") 

That's just $32 for a piece of original art--a real steal.  On July 1 the price goes to $50 per piece, so take advantage of this special Style Maniac offer now.  Images of the 9 other prints currently offered are shown in the collage above.  Have fun shopping, and thanks to all for entering.

SPONSOR GIVEAWAY: Metallic Print by Denise Fike

"Peony" Metallic Print by Denise Fike.  One of 10 to choose from if you win the Giveaway.

As an introduction to her new work, our premiere Stylish Sponsor has volunteered this fabulous Giveaway.  This is your chance to get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art created by Denise Fike.  And the best part is the winner gets to pick which one of 10 lovely prints he or she will take home!  Entering is easy.  Simply:

• VISIT the Denise Fike Designs shop on Etsy and look through the 10 Metallic Prints showcased
• CHOOSE which 1 of the 10 prints you would select if you win.
• POST a comment here naming your favorite print.

Giveaway closes on Tuesday, May 24 2011.  Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, May 25.  Art will ship anywhere in the United States.

 Here's a bit more about these METALLIC PRINTS, as described by artist Denise Fike:
Each print is an original work, and is distinctive, as no two are alike.
Printed on metal and hand made paper.  

The spontaneity of the process results in a unique image with every print.

Once stabilized, I make adjustments to the art to enhance the piece.  

The art is framed, ready to hang, and measures:
overall - 6 1/8" x 8 1/8"
art- 5" x 7"
Premiere price $40
After June 30th: $50

INTRODUCING OUR VERY FIRST STYLISH SPONSOR: Denise Fike Designs

Today I am pleased to announce our first-ever sponsor of Style Maniac, artist Denise Fike of Denise Fike Designs.  Denise truly sets the standard for my vision of a Stylish Sponsor:  talented, original, with work of genuine interest to you, dear readers, plus a personal favorite (and friend) of my own.  Early on in this blog I featured Denise's lifesize Fashion Collages and Custom Bridal Portraits (she also paints pets).  Since then she's expanded into Dirty Dishes, started her own fabulous blog, and developed a proprietary process to create smaller sized (and priced) but hugely fabulous one-of-a-kind Metallic Prints.  You can find out more about Denise's work through the links below and on Style Maniac's new SHOP page.  Tomorrow, stop back for a very special Giveaway that will give one lucky reader a chance to win a piece of Denise Fike original art.

DENISE FIKE DESIGNS
Denise Fike
Artist
Fashion Collages, Custom Bridal & Pet Portraits, Dirty Dishes, Metallic Prints and more. Commissions welcome.

Website  

SHOP Denise Fike Designs on Etsy
Facebook Page
BLOG:  Fashion Plates & Dirty Dishes
Email 

GIVE A GIFT OF ART ... with a 20% discount for Style Maniac readers

Last month I had the most civilized shopping experience at an art gallery around the corner from my home.  While sipping wine and noshing on Swedish meatballs, I chatted with the four artists hosting the show and then discovered some lovely small paintings (at very lovely prices) just perfect for some lovely people on my gift list.

An original piece that no one else owns ... the pleasure of an afternoon socializing surrounded by pretty things ... supporting a local business instead of a chain store ... and of course, supporting the artists themselves--all without spending a mint:  those are exactly the elements I had in mind when creating Style Maniac's  mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season Gift Guide.

So, how does this help you with your gift giving? First, I encourage you to seek out galleries, shows, exhibits in your own town.  Look for smaller pieces, emerging artists and student works for budget-friendly options.  No worrying about whether the gift will get to you in time--you can take it right off the wall!

Second, enjoy your own virtual gallery party from the comfort of your couch. I've arranged with Denise Fike, a wonderful artist and friend, to offer a special holiday discount just for Style Maniac readers.  Browse through the Denise Fike Etsy Shop and then take 20% off any item until the end of this month.  She offers fashion plates, paintings textured with vintage wallpapers and new collage cards.  The 5" by 7" cards, based on Denise's paintings with vintage velvet papers hand-applied, are made to order, shipped the next day and an absolute steal at 10 bucks.  Frame them and you have a work of art for less than lunch at the mall!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART:

Enjoy 20% off any item in Denise Fike's Etsy Shop from now through December 31, 2010. 

Use code "stylemaniac."

Eve fashion collage and painting courtesy Denise Fike.

ONLINE ART SHOW: Denise Fike

 

 

Once upon a time, I visited Denise Fike at her studio. She sat on the floor beside a long roll of blank canvas, a Sharpie clasped loosely in her fingers. As we chatted her hand moved in a swift fluid motion. As she worked her way across the canvas an enchanted world of fairies, flowers and birds sprang to life behind her. Pure magic.

That project, handmade children's wallpaper, is just one of the forms Denise's art has taken. She's also taught fashion illustration and was Director of Fashion Drawing at Drexel University. The two interests--wallpaper and fashion--resulted in a series of works that make intricate use of vintage wallpaper. Although dozens of patterns cover every inch of the canvas, none clash. (I've used these in Redecorators' projects and they elevate any furniture they are paired with. They also make terrific screens.)

Most works are of a grand scale. "I think that's me rebelling against my tiny house," Denise laughs. Her house is indeed tiny--a Trinity two rooms deep in which, along with her husband Lane, she raised two boys and a very large Great Dane.

Recently, Denise has been working on a series of nudes in a flat, graphic style; another series of intricate florals against a clean background; as well as interpretive portraits that capture the spirit and essence of a bride-to-be.

Yet, Denise will tell you, all of her pieces "share the same line." Whether of a bride, a dominatrix, an artichoke or a haute couture hat; whether collaged from vintage wallpaper and metallics, or bursting to life in lacquer-like house paint, each creation is unmistakably hers.

 

 

For more information on commissioned portraits, bridal, pets plus fashion and floral themes contact Denise at:

Denise Fike Designs
denisefikedesigns.com
denise.fike@gmail.com
267-968-1849.

All images courtesy Denise Fike.