Win a $25 Gift Certificate to the Travel and Toile Store!

YES, IT IS TRUE.  

I'm doing a giveaway!  

You can win a $25 gift certificate to the brand new Travel and Toile Store on Zazzle! (http://www.zazzle.com/travelandtoile)

How do you win?  It's pretty simple.  I'm attempting to decide what photographs to use on my merchandise.  I could just choose the ones that I like best, and trust me, I will do that too, but I also want your opinion.  After all, if you are reading this, you must like something about what I'm doing, and my hope is that, perhaps, you might even want to spend a little cash to own some of it for yourself one day.  Maybe.  So, the way you enter is by giving me feedback.

Leave a comment (of at least four words) on ANY post, here on Travel and Toile, or on any photograph on the Travel and Toile Facebook Page.
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Travel-and-Toile/171433242888354)

Or, you can leave comments on the Travel and Toile Flickr Page.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelandtoile)

The comment can be positive or negative- just let me know if you like the photograph, or photographs in the post, what you like (or don't like) about it, or, if you would like (or decidedly not like) to see it on a product, or if it reminds you of something spectacular from your childhood (or doesn't), or if you like my composition (or you hate it).  Basically, just leave me at least four words about what you think about my work.  This will help me create products you will like, give me valuable feedback on how I'm doing artistically, and give you a chance to win some free stuff.  It sounds good to me!  

The more comments you leave, the better your chances to win!  There is no cap on the number of comments other than time, and number of posts/ photographs that happen to exist.  And, of course, the size of your sit-at-computer-and-chill-out stash of snacks.  That's important. 

This contest begins at 11:00pm EST on Sunday, June 12, 2011, and will end at 11:59pm EST on June 19, 2011.  All comments posted before that time were definitely appreciated, but will not count for this contest.

While you are debating... check out some of the super-nifty merchandise already available in the store! 

More fine print type things- 

You DO NOT need to have a Google ID to leave comments here.  Just click on  "# comments" at the end of any post, and choose the Name/URL option in the drop down menu.  You don't actually have to put a URL.  However, if you don't leave a name, I can't enter you in the contest.  It doesn't have to be your real name, if you don't want it to be.  It merely has to be consistent.  If you win, I will need your actual email address in order to send you your fantastic $25 gift certificate!  

Unfortunately, you do need to be registered with Facebook in order to leave comments there.  Sorry about this, if you aren't a Facebook user...  I just wanted to broaden the options for entry.  Same thing goes for Flickr, actually. 

Why four words?  It's an arbitrary number, yes, but I don't want people just writing "awesome!" or "this sux!" or "comment..." on a post.  That's not helpful to you, or to me.  Not that, "Wow, that was awesome!" is all that much more helpful, but at least it looks like you made an effort... right?

Why are there so few items in the shop at the moment?  Well, I just opened it yesterday, and I'm working on it.  There will be many, many more items very soon.  Don't you worry.  That $25 worth of free stuff will be very worth your time, I promise.  If I didn't think it would be, I wouldn't be offering this awesome opportunity to you!

Didn't you have a store on Etsy?  I've been wanting to do a giveaway for awhile now, and this seems to be the perfect opportunity.  As many of you know, I used to host my shop on Etsy.  This proved to be extremely unsuccessful.  I dumped a lot of money into the store, and basically didn't get any back.  It was an essentially failed venture, but I learned a lot, and have lots of printed notecards to send to relatives, and magnets of my own work on my metallic front door, so I wouldn't say that it wasn't pointless.  Zazzle offers a wider range of products with smaller monetary gain on my part per item, in theory, but there are no costs up front.  I'm giving it a go!  

As more questions come up, I'll edit them here, on this post.

Thanks for your support, everyone!  

BEST OF LUCK!!

Flatbush Melody

The sun gleams off of the snow in early morning.

Murals and signs decorate the area.

Cool little shops sell strange goods.

People go about their daily lives.

This is Flatbush.  

Beautiful and urban.

All photographs taken on Church Ave between Flatbush Ave and Bedford Ave.

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Terrific Tuesday Store Update

More new things!  Lots and lots of magnets available, including smaller, cheaper ones. 

You can now own some Travel and Toile gear for only $2! ($4 including shipping!)

Also- if you want to buy an item that I don't have for sale, I can make just about anything you want out of any photo you see here on the site.  

Want a small magnet?  Fantastic. 

Mug?  Marvelous.  

Print?  Perfect.  

Framed Print?  Peachy.

T-shirt?  Terrific... soon.  I'm actually planning to start making t-shirts, but I haven't done it yet.

But yeah, anything you want, I'll put it together for you.  Just email me at travelandtoile@gmail.com and we'll discuss pricing.  Then, I'll create the item and list it in my store, saying that it is reserved for you. 

After that, BAM!  

You buy it, I ship it to you, and everything is awesome.

Anyways, here are some things I listed earlier this afternoon.  I hope you like them!

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4" x 6" Magnet of "Castle on a Hill" Original Photograph of Bratislava Castle

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

Come along with me on a fairytale dream.

The castle is atop a jagged hill.

The sky is purple.

Everything is soft and pretty.

And you are the ruler of this magical land!

This can all be on your fridge. Or your desk. Get taken away to a magical place!

"Castle on a Hill" is an original film photograph of Bratislava Castle in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This castle is actually under heavy renovations so that it can be open completely to the public, and I was lucky enough to visit it just before it temporarily closed. This photograph was taken from the bottom of the hill, and was developed in such a way that the colors became very vibrant. There has been no digital editing done to this photograph.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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4" x 6" Magnet of "Lion" Original Photograph of New York Statue

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

Do you like adventure?

How about things that are lovely?

Are decaying statues your type of thing?

Then look no further than this one-of-a-kind magnet! Add some vintage feel to your fridge, desk, door, or whatever. Enjoy the shabby chic look of a lion too old and beautiful to cause any harm.

"Lion" is an original digital photograph taken outside of St. Marks Church in the East Village area of Manhattan, New York City. The East Village is known for its hippie past and hipster present, and this church and its outdoor statuary do not disappoint.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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4" x 6" Magnet of "Enjoy the Ride" Original Coney Island Photograph

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

Ever dreamed of going to Coney Island?

Feel like you need a touch of New York City on your fridge?

Enjoy amusement park rides?

Want to feel a rush of a warm beach breeze?

This magnet is perfect for you!

"Enjoy the Ride" is an original photograph of an amusement park ride in Luna Park, in Coney Island, New York City, USA! This touch of Brooklyn Americana was actually taken on the Fourth of July, 2010. Imagine you are riding through the air with these people on this unbelievable, and very pretty looking ride.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

Thank you so much for your interest! If you like this item, please check out some of my other stuff for sale. I also have 2"x3" magnets available of this print- please see other listings for them.

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4" x 6" Magnet of "Chubby Buddha" Original Photograph

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

Ever wanted a little touch of Buddha in your home?

How about a bit of history?

Or, a bit of... London?

"Chubby Buddha" is an original photograph taken of an ancient Chinese statue of Buddha in the British Museum in London, England. The background is of a painted wall from a Chinese temple. The Buddha laughs happily, spreading wisdom and joy!

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

Thank you so much for your interest! If you like this item, please check out some of my other stuff for sale. I also have 2"x3" magnets available of this print- please see other listings for them.

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2" x 3" Magnet of Travel and Toile Logo

From Travelandtoile

 

 $2.00

This is a magnet of the fantabulous Travel and Toile logo!! Straight from the front page of the Travel and Toile blog!

It's an original photograph of a bird flying over the Paris skyline called "Overhead," with the words Travel and Toile printed on. It was taken in front of the Sacre Couer in Montmartre, and you can see many famous Paris locations in the background. I titled the photograph "Overhead," because the bird is at least thirty feet above all of the people on the ground, and with the camera angle, it looks like an even greater distance.

Paris is a beautiful city, the City of Love, and having a piece of it in your home or office can brighten up your day with dreams of travel. This photograph was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.

This order is for one 2"x3" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all.

Your item shall be shipped in an envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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2" x 3" Magnet of "Overhead," Original Photograph of Paris Skyline

From Travelandtoile

$2.00

This is an original photograph of a bird flying over the Paris skyline. It was taken in front of the Sacre Couer in Montmartre, and you can see many famous Paris locations in the background. I titled the photograph "Overhead," because the bird is at least thirty feet above all of the people on the ground, and with the camera angle, it looks like an even greater distance.

Paris is a beautiful city, the City of Love, and having a piece of it in your home or office can brighten up your day with dreams of travel. This photograph was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.

This order is for one 2"x3" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all.

Your item shall be shipped in an envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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2" x 3" Magnet of "Beach Ninja" Original Photograph

From Travelandtoile

$2.00

Beach Ninja is out to serve justice in righteous and sandy kind of way.

Join him in this fun print as he sneaks around a park bench to defeat the mighty seagull Gulcor and his malicious minion T-ruck the truck. He must save New Jersey from their evil schemes!

This order is for one 2"x3" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in an envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a padded envelope or box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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Thank you so much everyone!

Happy Travels!

Fantastic Friday Store Update

I'm so excited.  I keep adding new things.
I hope you like them!  There are only limited numbers of all of these available, so pick them up before they go away!  

Framed 4"x 6" Print of "Overhead Antique," Original Photograph of Paris Skyline

From Travelandtoile

$8.00 

This is an original photograph of a bird flying over the Paris skyline, edited to look like an older film photograph. It was taken in front of the Sacre Couer in Montmartre, and you can see many famous Paris locations in the background. I titled the photograph "Overhead," because the bird is at least thirty feet above all of the people on the ground, and with the camera angle, it looks like an even greater distance. This order is for one 4"x6" print of the photograph in the lovely frame shown. It will be shipped in a box.

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4"x 6" Magnet of "Beach Ninja," Original Photograph of Our Sandy Superhero taken on the Jersey Shore

From Travelandtoile

 $4.00

Beach Ninja is out to serve justice in righteous and sandy kind of way. Join him in this fun print as he sneaks around a park bench to defeat the mighty seagull Gulcor and his malicious minion T-ruck the truck. He must save New Jersey from their evil schemes!

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

A little note: the little word magnets are not included in this order, they are just for display in the photograph.

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4"x 6" Magnet of "My Art Is Many Pieces Put Together," Original Photograph of a Mosaic in Austin, Texas

From Travelandtoile

  $4.00

This is my original photograph "My Art Is Many Pieces Put Together," which shows a detail from a stunning mural by Austin artist Stefanie DiStefano. This fun piece of art is hiding underneath a bridge in South Austin. I had to climb down a bit of the hill to get it! I just imagine that at night these fun-loving skeletons come out to do some groovy dances under the moon.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

A little note: the little word magnets are not included in this order, they are just for display in the photograph.

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4"x 6" Magnet of "Window Shopping," Original Photograph of a Shop Window Display in Brussels, Belgium

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is my original photograph "Window Shopping". If you have never been to Brussels, take home a taste of it with this awesome magnet! Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a beautiful city with amazing architecture and people. One of the best parts about the city center is the prevalence of arcades. Arcades are kind of indoor-outdoor malls with many stores lining a covered street, and it was in one of these that I took this photograph! This shows a beautiful window display in a closed shop, complete with a beautiful heart and many items in French, that wonderful language of love.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

A little note: the little word magnets are not included in this order, they are just for display in the photograph.

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4"x 6" Magnet of "Three Sisters," Original Photograph of Flowers in Central Park, New York City

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is "Three Sisters," an original photograph of a beautiful set of flowers growing in the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park. I love Central Park in spring and summer, the flowers overtake it with beauty. When I originally posted this photograph on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com, I had multiple people assume that it must have been taken in a botanical garden of some sort. Not so! These three beauties were out in the free air for all to see.

I named the photograph "Three Sisters" after the Chekhov play of the same name, to give a nod to their theatrical heritage, being from the Shakespeare Garden.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

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4"x 6" Magnet of "And the Living Is Easy," Original Photograph of Flowers in London

From Travelandtoile

$4.00
This is an original photograph,"And the Living Is Easy," which depicts some lovely flowers nestled into the grass in Gordon Square, London. I lived in London for a semester during college, and attended school right by this small, lovely park. In spring, the place exploded with flowers that filled the yard. I had to get down on my hands and knees in order to capture the small beauty that was before me. This photograph was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all. Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

A little note: the little word magnets are not included in this order, they are just for display in the photograph. 

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4"x 6" Magnet of "Overhead," Original Photograph of Paris Skyline

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is an original photograph of a bird flying over the Paris skyline. It was taken in front of the Sacre Couer in Montmartre, and you can see many famous Paris locations in the background. I titled the photograph "Overhead," because the bird is at least thirty feet above all of the people on the ground, and with the camera angle, it looks like an even greater distance.

Paris is a beautiful city, the City of Love, and having a piece of it in your home or office can brighten up your day with dreams of travel. This photograph was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.

This order is for one 4"x6" magnet of the photograph. The front of the magnet shows the photograph, and the back is entirely covered in super strong magnet- there are no strips or anything. The magnet is fairly sturdy and clings to magnetic surfaces tightly, so it won't fall off easily at all.

Your item shall be shipped in a padded envelope if ordered alone, or with other magnets or prints. If ordered with other items, such as cards, snowglobes or mugs, it will be shipped in a box. Just a reminder- second items only cost $1.00 for shipping!

***********

5"x 7" Print of "Creepy Carnival," Original Photograph of a Fairground in Stockholm

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is one 5"x7" print of the photograph "Creepy Carnival." It portrays a fairground ride on the island of Djurgarden seen from a boat cutting through an icy fjord in Stockholm, Sweden in February 2010.  I had an amazing vacation to Sweden at that time, and I hope I can share some of the mystery and majesty of that country with you through this photograph.

This print comes unframed, and will be shipped in a padded envelope if sold alone or with other prints, and in a box if shipped with other items as well. The print will be signed on the back.

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5"x 7" Print of "Tagged," Original Photograph of Flowers at Longwood Gardens

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is one 5"x7" print of the photograph "Tagged," which portrays beautiful white flowers at Longwood Gardens, the former estate and conservatory of an aristocratic French family in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA. It was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.
This print comes unframed, and will be shipped in a padded envelope if sold alone or with other prints, and in a box if shipped with other items as well. The print will be signed on the back.

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5"x 7" Print of "A Rose Might Smell as Sweet," Original Photograph of a Rose in Central Park, New York City

From Travelandtoile

$4.00

This is one 5"x7" print of the photograph "A Rose Might Smell as Sweet," which shows a blossoming pink rose. It was taken in the Shakespeare Garden of Central Park, New York City, New York, USA in summer 2010, and was originally seen on my blog, http://travelandtoile.blogspot.com.
This print comes unframed, and will be shipped in a padded envelope if sold alone or with other prints, and in a box if shipped with other items as well. The print will be signed on the back.

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Etsy Things I Love

So, you may or may not know that I have an Etsy store! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Travelandtoile

^^^^^ That is it ^^^^^

However, there are a lot of other cool stores on Etsy, other than mine.  As a matter of fact, most of them are much cooler than mine.  They're just generally superior.  Anyways, here are some things I love from those other splendid stores!

Neat stuff, right? That's one of the reasons I love Etsy- everything you find is so unusual. For nerds like me, it's pretty much perfect.

In other news, please check it out in the next few days.  I'm still working on the snowglobes and such, but they are on their way!

Thanks everyone :)