Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Mass Produced vs. Original Art

When I paint a painting - it involves a lot of time & effort.

Big home stores may be selling printed art from original paintings, and that's great but in my opinion, it doesn't replace an original painting.  Expect to pay cheaper prices for mass produced items, but if you want something truly original where each brushstroke was created for you & your home, then go with original art. There is something special about original art & the feeling that it coveys to people.

Sadly, some large websites have saturated the art market by allowing anyone to buy a large piece of art (around 23"x33") for under $35...and YES, it's still a printed version of the original.  Because of this, I'm guessing some people may not understand the "original painting" market & tend to underestimate the uniqueness of an original painting. People will usually email me expecting prices to be in the same range as printed art they see on big art websites or in big home stores.  Some people even find it a little over their budget. That's ok. Perhaps it's over-saturation & ease of availability, but nonetheless some of these big 'art/poster' companies have taken away the connection between the artist and the buyer. Instead leaving the buyer with a mass produced product with no real individual element to it. I know that's harsh, but it's true.

You see, mass produced prints are STILL printed versions, (even if they are high quality) and the price range is justified for that print. People cannot expect an original to be in the same price range. In the same way we cannot expect a replica Louis Vuitton to be the same price as the real Louis Vuitton. Original means there is no other and in my opinion......this deserves to be valued as such.




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Home: Katie Kime

Katie Kime is an Interiors and + Fashion designer based in Texas. She has a colorful & bold preppy style that captures the eye immediately. Her prints are eye-catching & so is her home which was featured here in Lonny Mag back in 2015. You have to check it out for some amazing home inspiration! Katie Kime seems to live her life in color, from green foliage to animal prints, her patterns are a must-have in a home or wardrobe. 

Personally,  my favorite area in her home are the spotted wallpaper in the dining area + the large closet with the banana leaves wallpaper.  All which can be purchased via her online shop.

I hope to one day collaborate with Katie Kime, she's amazing! 





-post by jen ramos



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ART: Birds Painting

I recently launched another sale with 8 paintings & only 3 are left.

Today I wanted to highlight a piece I've done more than a few times for clients called "Birds".
This painting is one of my favorites & probably one of the prettiest in person. People ask me why this piece costs more than the other large ones...and the reason is because this painting takes around 3-4 days to complete. I literally have to do this piece in layers to make sure it turns out the way I want it.  I also add oils which takes longer to dry. 

Looking at this piece of art, I can picture it in a little girl's room, a home office or even a bedroom! It's versatile & seems to mix well in any space even with the pink colors! This Large BIRDS painting is currently available in my online gallery, see it here.





Hope you have a great weekend!! Happy Holidays. 



-1st pic by mia baxter (superimposed with my painting) + 3rd photo via Domino with painting superimposed.




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Cocoa & Hearts News

Hey everyone! Hope this Monday is going good for you! -  I thought I'd pop in & update you on this NEW Kids t-shirt line we are putting together!!  We are actually re-doing our entire Cocoa & Hearts website + re-branding it.  The Cocoa & Hearts site will no longer be paintings, but you can go to Made By Girl if you're looking to have me paint an original painting for you. Sound good?

The new Cocoa & Hearts logo will look like this (below) & we will be seeking out a few K-I-D-S brand ambassadors. That means.... we will send them a few t-shirts in exchange for some cool pics on social media, tagging us & letting others know where to find the line!  The kids will be carefully selected based on your social media account, follower count etc.  Excited to introduce this to all of you! I know this is a different route and I may have many people un-follow me or stop reading the blog all together...because you you preferred to see home decor....& that's ok. When I first started Made By Girl, I had only 7 followers, so I understand what it's like to be at ZERO pretty much (if I have to be).  BUT, I really hope to have your support through this in any way, especially all YOU moms!

As I mentioned before - we'll be launching about 8-10 t-shirt designs to start with. Can't wait to see which is your favorite.  Sizes will range from 18 Months old - 4 years of age. Please don't forget, if you'd like be notified of the launch date - SIGN UP to our mailer at Cocoa & Hearts.  XO


-post by jen ramos



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New Made By Girl ART + New Site!!

Hey everyone!! 

After not adding paintings to the online gallery for a couple months, I have now added some NEW  pieces including several (pre-framed) colors paintings!  I recently painted some art that was inspired by the GORGEOUS carpets I've seen in local shops along with the Morrocan style rugs I love so much! -  These new additions are currently listed as 'Rug Style' - and they have a slight abstract-feel to them.  I love beautiful, colorful rugs and thought this would be a great addition to my online gallery.  Hope you like them!!

NOTE: My apologies.....the pricing on some of the paintings was incorrect & higher than I had requested. Sorry!!!  - That was an accident & the true pricing is now listed for each painting!


p.s - for commissions and any custom pieces you'd like to have me to paint, please email me.



-post by jen ramos


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New Year: Changes are Coming

Hey guys! Sorry I've been a bit MIA, but as I said, I will not be updating my blog on a daily-basis anymore. To tell you the truth, I just don't have the time.  But I'm hoping to update 2-3x a week. For now, we've updated the look & feel of the blog, hope you like it!  - Speaking about updating, I am STILL in the process of re-designing the MadeByGirl shop. 

We are working on a few things & these are some of the changes to come:
  • New paintings being added without a flash sale.
  • Larger paintings added.
  • More color series art.
  • 98-99% of the art sold will be only my original paintings. 
  • We will probably ONLY keep 2-3 MBG prints (prob the most popular ones)
  • The ones we do keep, we will be selling framed. 
  • You will still have option to frame the paintings.
  • I will still be accepting commissions, so you are welcomed to email me. 
  • New photos will  be added of the artwork & more.


If you hadn't heard, please read this post on why I'm shutting down a portion of my business. Stay tuned - it's a whole different ball game running a biz and being a mom. I'm sure some of you can relate & know what I mean! - Have a great week!


-post & photo by jen ramos



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Made By Girl News

Hello everyone, Happy New Year! WOAH it is super cold today in NYC! -  Like 14 degrees. Good reason to stay in & write this important post.

I've been in the process of selling a few things in my home & making way for some BIG changes. A baby-space/office (if you can believe that).   Our son is growing quickly & needs a little more space to move around.... so, I've decided to sell a few things including my white leather daybed. (pictured below).  In the process of all this... we are also working on a new blog design + new site design....and I've been painting a bunch of new ART to add!

Now for the BIGGEST news....after 10 years in business as Made By Girl, a portion of my business will be partially closed down.  What I mean by that is - the prints/poster section of my company will no longer be available.  So basically, 98% of the ART on Made By Girl from that point on, will be original paintings.  I've thought about this change long & hard & contemplated on many things. To be honest, it feels like the RIGHT CHOICE for me at this time.  Perhaps this is the beginning of something more meaningful?? I don't know.  But what I do know, is that new beginnings make room for others things to grow.

THANK YOU for all your support throughout these years with my art-prints portion of my business.  I can't even begin to tell you how HAPPY it made me & how much I learned from it.  Unfortunately, the ART PRINTS business has become terribly saturated & EVERYONE is now a designer of prints/posters CREATING prints with every quote in the book!  Sadly, the uniqueness has died.

So, on I go to the NEXT THING.....to innovate & create new work. And in the meanwhile, my Original paintings come with me.  That +  a bit more is what I will be showing you with the new site (for the most part).  Stay tuned, as we will have a HUGE sale soon .....on... ART PRINTS.


-image & post by jen ramos



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Dagne Dover Event

Was such a pleasure to work with talented ladies from Dagne Dover this past weekend! I was at their pop-up shop hand-painting bags for their customers. This was such a fun event & so fun for everyone that popped in. A few people weren't sure at first about a painted handbag, and then when they saw them in person they were convinced to get one! I left with my all-white mini-tote, but my mom snagged it when I showed it to her that evening. I couldn't say no!

Speaking of bags, these bags are some of the nicest work bags I've seen. Before I work with a brand I have to really love the product and know that I would absolutely use it myself. When I first received my bag from Dagne Dover, I was super impressed. The beauty of the bag flowed from the inside-out. The inside has many (well thought out) compartments, even one for your umbrella! But can also be used for shoes & water bottles! The zipper is a gorgeous chunky gold on most of the bags, which I love! A bag with a cheap looking zipper is a huge turn-off, but these do NOT disappoint there!  The tote bags come in a variety of sizes like:

The 15 inch Tote :  the ultimate day-to-night carryall, made with highly functional compartments to keep specific items in place. Stylish and spacious. I own this one in black & can carry my new gold 11" macbook. Made with a canvas material almost identical to the Louis Vuitton bags.

The 13" Tote :  It's made for 7am-10pm lifestyle, with the same clever compartments but a slightly a slimmer shape and fold-down handles for tighter situations.

The Mini-Tote This small-bodied model is designed for speedy days-about-town that call for more than a purse but less than a full-size carryall. Fully-equipped with a 10.5” tablet sleeve, pen loops, a water bottle holder, and an array of convenient compartments for wallets, phones, cards and more! Since I don't tend to carry a lot, this is my favorite size!

The Tiny Tote:  For day-to-night dressing, our smallest tote is your smartest choice. This miniature version of our classic style features the same stashable compartments with a stylish size to take you well into the evening. In addition to a separate 3-pocket card case, it includes a secure zip pocket, magnetic-close pocket for a phone or your card case, and pen loops. Detachable cross-body strap frees up your hands!





I highly recommend these bags if you're a working girl, or a busy entrepreneur. These bags are well designed and well thought out....I can't highlight this enough.  They are much prettier in person too!
You can buy yours directly from Dagne Dover.



-post by jen ramos


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My Baby Boy Room Ideas

I've been imagining Noah's nursery for several years now, and although he doesn't officially have his own room, he will one day soon!  Right now he shares a space with us in a side area of our room.  Living in the City requires sacrificing space & oftentimes people will share their space with their children for a several months until they can figure out another (more-convenient) arrangement.

In the next couple of months I hope to CREATE a few digital-nurseries & then choose, execute & start working on it in REAL LIFE. That's my plan.  I've come up with option number (1) below, which includes some of my own new ABSTRACT art. Hopefully as he grows, he'll be inspired to incorporate his own art into the space.  All in all, I wanted the room to feel modern, creative with bright pops of color! One other feature I really want to add is the black- striped teepee from Land Of Nod.  I can already picture myself reading to him inside this cozy little teepee ! 

Another decor item I'm also considering is a neon sign.... in a blue-ish tone.  I love the effect the neon lighting gives off in a space. It adds such a cool effect!  However, I haven't decided what I'd like the neon to say.....hmmmm.  I remember wanting to have a child for as long as I can remember. Adopting Noah was a dream come true, and he is so loved.  But I'm stuck on what the sign should say.... Any ideas??? Maybe his name, Noah? Or maybe something else like 'dreams come true' or "You are Loved".  

I'm currently looking at a company called Endeavour Neon for the sign, so we shall see.   Books are so prominent in my home, I want them to be a BIG part of Noah's life. So, I figure start adding them to his space & that should hopefully generate interest in them! I can literally keep going on decor...but you get the idea. Stay tuned for another nursery down the line!

Curious....what do you think the neon should say?




1. delaney rug in 8"x10" via pottery barn kids
2. teepee via land of nod
3. snow rabbit via ooh noo 
4. set of 2 or 4 blue abstract art via made by girl (coming soon)
5. modern alphabet blocks white letters via ooh noo
6. boys rule print via mini learners
7. custom neon signs via Endeavour Neon 
8. mini zebra print via made by girl 
9. new issue book case via Land of Nod 
10. Andy Warhol's Colors book
11. bow tie blocks via Land of Nod
12. WHERE THE WILD Things Are book via amazon
13. Personalized name kids book via Pottery barn kids
14. sort and tip truck via pottery barn kids
15. rainbow stacker via Land of Nod


-post by jen ramos






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New at Made By Girl

Please excuse my absence, but I am mostly updating on my instagram these days. I'll be trying to figure out if I want to take my blog in a different direction and post more personal posts. Wonder if that would be of interest to people out there.....hmmm.

On another note, we have a cute new print called The "Um, Ok" Bunny, but it's already sold out!  BUT, you can pre-order it here! - Great for kids rooms!

 Check it out below!

http://madebygirl.com/product/the-um-ok-bunny


-image by jen ramos


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New at MADE BY GIRL

Hey guys! Great news!!! Have you seen the new Made By Girl site yet?

WE have officially merged Cocoa & Hearts (my original paintings) with Made By Girl!  You can now find all prints & original paintings on one website. This is easier for us, hope it's easier for you too! We have several new pieces that I think you'll want to check out like:

Lily the Swan - perfect for nurseries & kids rooms. Hand-drawn art by me, sold as a print.
love, love, LOVE - Perfect print for any decor. 
Black Abstract Swirl - add a little modern abstract piece to your gallery wall. Hand painted by me, sold as a print.
EVER & EVER in gold foil - this print would make a great print for a wedding, or a gift.

THEN we have the Original ART section | Cocoa & Hearts:
Darla's Flowers - original painted art by me
Le Kissy - original painted art by me



Plus, I'll be adding these hand-painted 'Hot Pink Swans' soon to the Original Paintings section!! Cocoa & Hearts Stay tuned!! You can always request a custom one if they sell-out.


Thank you for checking out the new site, enjoy your week!



-image by jen ramos
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Valentine Gift Ideas

I know it can be overwhelming to shop for a Valentine's gift, but for the next day or two, I've decided to give you a few ideas. You don't have much time left - so here we go!

Men, If you give your wife or gf perfume, chocolates, a massage etc....try adding in a little something extra to the mix such as an art print from my Made By Girl shop, a gorgeous card from Paperless Post or some cute stickers from Paper-Source! These are just thought ful extras she'll love! 

Ladies.... you can also do the same for your honey......it's not just men doing the gifting, you know?!




-post by jen ramos
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NEW: ever & ever

My apologies for my absence, my boxer Darla, died this past Thursday.....and it's been terribly sad around here. I will be posting a tribute post in her memory soon.  In the meanwhile, one of the newest prints arrived today & is now available in the shop.  It measures 16"x20" and yes, can be shipped anywhere in the world.  It's called 'ever & ever' in a beautiful gold color - symbolic of a love so strong that lasts forever...



-photo by jen ramos

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My Domino Picks

I love Domino magazine. Who doesn't? I've been a long time fan & honestly, my wish is to be featured along with my apartment in one of their issues. Will you root for me? 

But today, I wanted to ask if you were aware that Domino has a shopping section on their site?? I usually visit their shop once-a-week and am always intrigued by the the new additions. Hmmm I can totally see one of my paintings there too, what do you think? I love that they have my girl Jenna's Indian Chief prints, gorgeous!  Well, aside from dreaming, I've decided to show you my current picks from their shop.  I'm really lovin' this brass triangle stand - perfect for napkins on dining tables.

Tell me, have you shopped at Domino?



-post by jen ramos


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