Behind the Scenes on Bookmarks and a Giveaway!

I sell several "products" besides my original watercolor paintings, one of which is bookmarks.  They're fun to do and they fill my illustration urges without me having to move to Kansas City and apply for a job at Hallmark (which I used to fantasize about years ago, but I'm over it now... sort of).  I paint my bookmark designs in watercolor on paper.  I paint the original design in the exact same size the actual bookmark print itself will be.  That way, there's no distortion from having to re-size the image later.      

Original painting for an Easter bookmark design. 2 1/2" x 7 1/8" by Holly B. Johnson

After the original painting is finished, I scan it, upload the image on my computer, and print the design on Epson fine art paper.  I use large sheets of paper with 9 bookmarks per sheet so I have to cut them apart once they're printed.  The rest is simple assembly- a bookmark sleeve, a tassel, BAM.

And guess what? 

You can get one of these bad boys for free! 

I'm having a Back to School Giveaway on Facebook.  Five people will win a FREE bookmark of their choosing.  Just head over to Painted by Holly's facebook page to enter.  Winners will be chosen at random tomorrow (Friday 8/17). 

Good luck!