Kiwi Arts - Original Art, Painted Glass and Accesories

Peters Path | Socially Conscious Clothing | Lobster Hand Painted Platter

2010-02-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Peters Path | Socially Conscious Clothing | Lobster Hand Painted Platter

The Artist's Way!

2009-07-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, so I am reading this book called The Artist's Way - A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron, A Course in Discovering and Recovering our Creative Self - Wow!!! I know, some of you are like - "you are just now reading this?" Answer - Yes, it found me a couple of weeks ago, and I never knew about this book. I think this is the best book on this kind of subject I have ever read! I would call it the bible of art thinking. The thing I love about this book, is that it addresses all people. Not just "artists". It is not about the simple idea of art, but actually living a more creative life and being in touch with yourself. It talks about our responsibility to give of ourselves and how we can create for ourselves and others. And the best part is all the creative ideas ans ways to unlock those blocks. It is such a good read - you can't put it down. She talks like she is sitting right next to you, and I understand her. This is rare for me! ha! So, if you have writers block, art block, or simply want to have more creative eyes and ears - READ THIS BOOK! You will love it!

So today, I plan to miss rehearsals because of a sore throat, and rest, and paint! I don't want to get the other actors in Three Sisters get sick, so I can stay home and catch up on a couple of painted wine glass orders. I will post pictures as soon as they are done.

I had a really fun dream last night - I dreamed the kids and I got picked for a photo shoot, but the lady that picked me wanted me to have RED curly hair!!! LOL! So, yes - in my dream, I had the make-up artist give me a perm, and dye my hair a strawberry blond. LOL! It was so funny! Then, the lady that picked us for the shoot, went on to tell me not to worry about the wrinkles around my eyes, or the dark circles because she saw it as aged beauty! She wanted more of it in her pictures. Weird huh?

Oh well - I will update soon. Have a great week ahead!
Beth - Kiwi Arts

Better Pictures of the Montreat Martini Glasses and Bracelet!

2009-07-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Alright - I thought I would post some better pictures of my latest glasses and bangle bracelet I painted. The customer ordered it for a friend of hers that she went to "Montreat" with. My customer Rhonda from Peters Path wanted her friend to have a memory of their time together. Well, I was thinking..."Rhonda can not give her friend a memory gift and Rhonda not have anything", so I surprised her with a painted bracelet that Rhonda can wear. I hope she likes it, she said she loved it! Now the two friends can both remember "Montreat". I am not sure what I enjoy more, painting, art, or making people happy. Either way, there is not enough money in the world that is worth this feeling. Success!

Now, I am off to start a new order, and I am continuing to work on the set of "Three Sisters", with Ocean Troupe. Love the cast! Good times! :-) I posted some pictures in my last post.

Enjoy your last days of summer, it is coming to end faster than I can even imagine.
Beth- Kiwi Arts

Some of the cast-movie Three Sisters

2009-07-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

I love working with guys! This is going to be the best movie! Hugs ya'll! Go Ocean Troupe!

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Directoe Jim and AD Mandi

2009-07-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

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Just Finished! 'Montreat' Martini Glass

2009-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Painted for a customer - "Montreat" martini glasses and I painted a surprise Montreat wood bangle bracelet for her as well. She is giving the glasses a thank you gift to a friend for their trip to Montreat - but I wanted her to have something to remember their trip too! So, I painted the bracelet for her. I hope she likes them.
I am off to delivern then rehearsals. I will post better pictures soon. These are from my blackberry. Chow!
Beth- Kiwi-Arts

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Funny! - from rehearsals

2009-07-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

I was at rehearsals yesterday for the movie "Three Sisters". This is Jim, the producer talking to us. He is with Ocean Troupe. And yes -- see the cast member behind him sneaking a doze off zZzzzz! He actually started snoring! It was so funny. We all pretended not to notice. ;)
Hugs! Beth

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My mom before the eye lift!

2009-07-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

Hey - today is the day my mom will be able to see better! This is the "before" picture. It is a simple procedure, they just cut away the extra baggy skin around the eye and LIFT! The best part is medical insurance pays for all of! It is considered medically necessary when you can't see through eye lids! LOL! After the procedure we go right to rehearsals. Can you say wonder woman! Also my wonderful Spanish daughter, Ana - arrived from Madrid last night. She was my exchange student we had several years ago and she has been a part of our family ever since! We love you Ana! I will post the after picture of mom next week so we can see the difference. Hugs- Beth

I did it! I updated my blog! Yippee!

2009-07-05T09:11:00.001-07:00

Let me start off by saying I am sorry to all of my blogger friends. I know I have been horrible about my blog. I had to make some choices and put updating my blog in priority order. This is has no reflection on reading your awesome blogs, but it put updating mine at the bottom of the list.

Now, I have to recognize my blessings. I have been very fortunate and have been selling lots of my art to the local community. I have been commissioned for several projects and requested to fill orders on a weekly basis if not daily. Wow!!! Yes, this is a good busy. :-) Also, I have continued my work in the acting world. Aside from working my usual full time job during the day, I have been casted in several theater and film opportunities since my last blog post. I have had the opportunity to work with Page 2 Stage Productions, Ocean Troupe and others. It has been so much fun, and a wild ride! I love it! :-) Last but not least - I love my Paranormal Ghost Hunting team, Ghosts of Georgia . We have had some wonderful opportunities to investigate some very interesting places. In turn this has helped me continue to learn about my sensitive gifts. Very cool! The best result out of this, is using my sensitive gifts in my art. I can't tell you how good it feels when I hand over a painted item to a customer, and they say; "Wow, this is just what I wanted - how did you get inside my head?" Cool huh? :-)

I want to take the time to thank my wonderful Etsy friends. I am blessed to be on both the GA Etsy Team and Original Artists on Etsy. They have been my rock, and so supportive. If you sell on Etsy, please consider joining a team. You won't regret the time spent with these friends. It is a great support network and a wonderful tool to help you learn. You can never stop learning, and this is a great outlet.

If you have not had the chance to become a fan on my Facebook Fan Page - please stop by. http://tinyurl.com/kiwiarts I try to keep pictures updated as much as possible. I also Twitter, you can follow :-) Thanks for continuing to support me and encouraging me to update my blog. I will do this more often, I promise.

Now - I need your good vibes, energy, prayers - whatever you want to call it. Lots of orders to fill this week, a movie to start filming and another one to study, Two different dinner theaters to prepare for, a program to create for a New Dawn Theater Company, and I go back to work (I work in the school system). Did I mention my 5 kids and husband that are so supportive? I am so blessed!

Have a wonderful week everyone - hug your family and be good to yourself. Here are some pictures of one of my latest sales.

Hugs, Beth

Kiwi Arts updated blog - hmmmmmm?

2009-04-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm? Where to begin? I have not updated my blog in a while. I have gotten behind on some of my orders while I focused on a Dinner Theater I was in, and recital week at the dance studio. Now that these things are complete, I can focus on the new week ahead. There are several orders for people I need to get finished this week as well as some projects I committed to at the Art House here in ATL. http://www.arthousecoop.com/ It is going to be so neat to see all of our work in the Atlanta Airport all summer. I was casted in a new Dinner Theater for June 12 and 13th by Page to Stage Productions as well. I can't wait to learn more about my new character and get started. Our last audience was so much fun, and I am really enjoyed messing with them. Who knows what things we will pull on them this time. LOL!

Every now in then in life you are sent small messages, and you have to listen to your small voice very carefully so you won't miss anything. And then there are other times, that messages are literally shouted at you. That is when you better listen or you are certain to make a mistake. So, this was one of those weekends. It is all good though. Once again, I have learned some things about myself, and I know where to concentrate and what direction I need continue to move in. Life never seems to surprise me. The old saying that doors open and some close really has some meaning to it. You have to be opened minded enough to move through those doors and always be prepared for it to happen really fast. I guess that is why this place called life is also considered school for us. I hope to always learn, and never shy away from these opportunities. I have been through so many things in my life so far, but I am not sorry for any of it. All of these events in my life have shaped me into who I am. It is hard not to be thankful for that. The tears can be hard to see through at first, but if you can get through it and start listening, it won't hurt so much.

I can't wait to get started on some of these unfinished orders and put my mind where it needs to be. I swept up my studio tonight, washed some wine glasses to paint, got out some new canvas, and prepared my work space for the week ahead. Hopefully I can get most of this done before the weekend. I am going on a semi professional paranormal investigation with my Ghosts of Georgia Paranormal team on Saturday. I can't wait to meet the guest that are coming on the investigation with us. My understanding is that they can offer some wonderful learning opportunities. www.ghostsofgeorgia.com
I hope everyone has a great week, and I will post new pictures of my finished work later this week. G. Singletary, D. Willis, Jyl, Chrissy K, and C. Peters - I will have your orders done by Saturday.

Beth

1st Day of Spring Break - Where do I get my motivation?

2009-04-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

OK, It is not like I do not have anything to do......Maybe it is the cold air outside. They are calling for snow flurries! What is this all about? Maybe it is that the house is too quiet.... Do I feel like I can't do anything unless I have all 12,000 of my children running around asking for things while I am trying to create? Some of them are out of town........Or maybe it is just that I am off work this week and I don't know where to start???? hmmmm. We are off dance for the entire Spring Break, and there is no soccer either. No games... I should be going crazy with excitement! But I am not. Maybe I need all that structure to be productive. That is sick isn't it? Well, the only thing I have going on this week is that I MUST catch up on some local and Etsy orders, and I need to paint like crazy. I have a Dinner Theater that I am performing in on Friday, and a dress rehearsal on Wednesday. That is a very light schedule for me. Talk about no pressure! Well, If anyone else gets into this kind of funk, let me know. What do you do to motivate yourself? Do you have the self discipline I seem to lack? Where should I start? Feedback is welcome!
I accidentally erased some of my latest glassware painting, so I will re post the pictures. This is sad - re posting old pictures!!! OK, this is a sign, I MUST paint. Memorizing my lines for Friday would not hurt either. ha!

Hugs to all - Thanks for reading,
Beth
Don't forget to visit our Original Artists on Etsy Team (OAOE Team - to search team tags on Etsy). You can view our blog on http://originalartistsonetsy.blogspot.com or our team store on Etsy http://OriginalArtists.etsy.com to see some wonderful art work from all of our team members!

Some things I love - Life can be so much fun!

2009-03-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have to say, it does not take much to make me happy. I found a couple of things that make me smile, and I have to mention them. The first thing is this absolutely gorgeous painting by Carrie Goller on my OAOE Team. All I can say is WOW!!! When I win the lottery, this painting is MINE! :-) Just look at the detail, the colors, the richness, the reflection in the paint....oh, I could go on and on.... Take a look - and yes, it is Kiwis............what can I say? :-) Got to love those Kiwis! Here is a link to her Etsy store, if you would like to see more of her wonderful work. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5706223

While posting about Carrie, I have to tell you - you must go to our OAOE Team blog and look at all of these wonderful artist. They are simply amazing! They impress me so much, and I am inspired by looking at all of their wonderful works of art. Please take the time to take a look and leave some comments. The team blog is
http://originalartistsonetsy.blogspot.com Have a look at our Original Artists on Etsy Store while you are at it. You won't be disappointed. Here is the store link: http://OriginalArtists.etsy.com

The second thing I have to mention is my own work of art. Yes, I have to brag, but not because I did it, but because it was so much fun to do. I painted this little glass for one of my favorite shops Funky Monkey. I just love her shop, and her shop banner. Lucky me, she asked me to paint her special Funky Monkey glass. This is how it turned out, and I was very impressed. Thank you so much Funky Monkey for giving me such a fun sale! Here is the link to Funky Monkey's shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5041123

Last of all, I have to mention my dear friend Claudia from Cloud Nine Creations again. She has turned out another favorite for me. I just love her rings and her blog! Here is a picture of her latest ring, and the links to both her store and her blog. Have fun looking at all of her rings. Now, I have to tell you, I own at least 6 of her rings now!!! Wow! I am addicted to her work! Way to go Claudia!
Her blog: http://cloudninecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com And Claudia's store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5196278

Thanks for taking the time to look at a few of my favorite things. I have had such a good weekend with friends and family. I hope we all have a good week ahead of us as us Gwinnett County people prepare for Spring Break! wahoo! I plan to get lots of things painted, memorize my lines for the play coming up, prepare for my daughter's recital, and REST before the CRCT when we return to school.

Take care, and hugs to all my friends!
Beth

Creations by Toni - You are my hero!!

2009-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

http://creationsbytoni.blogspot.com/

A great big hug and a thank you to Toni from Creations By Toni. She has written this wonderful spotlight about little ole me!!! Thank you so much Toni! Please read it you get a chance. It is really a great write up. Toni is very talented, and I love her shop! Her newest broach is on her blog - and I want it!!!:-)

Here is the link to her shop on Etsy, and the blog link is above.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5233078

"Joy" The Millionaire's wife!

2009-03-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

I must tell you about the most wonderful artist on Etsy! She is fast, hard working, has a full time job in Admin just like me, and still has time to create some of the best jewelry ever! I have bought er..........um..........let's just say SEVERAL of her rings already. I call them my "play" rings! I wear them to work with my nice dress up, office attire to add a little piece of flair. It is my piece of "me". Those that know me, know I have to show a little. hee hee!

Anyway, I recently got the part as "Joy" in a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. My character is described below......

Joy – Joe’s second wife who is half his age; very superficial; spends Joe’s money on clothes and jewelry; not visibly in love with Joe; has frequent migraines.

This is the invitation to Joe's B-day party (The Dinner Theater)

Joy (Beth Peters) Millionaire, cordially invites you to attend the surprise birthday party of the century for the dear husband, Joe. but when the surprise party runs afoul and a key family member dies, everyone becomes a suspect in the thrilling "who-dun-it" mystery! Buffet-style dinner will be served.

I contacted my very reliable artist friend Claudia from Cloud Nine Creations, because I knew if anyone could help make my character come alive, it was her!

Here is the description I gave her of my character Joy..... I was a little more open about her - LOL!!

My character is "Joy", Joe the Millionaire's wife. I overdo "RICH". I am half his age, and a gold digger! My dress is fuchsia pink with a pink leopard print neck scarf and a gold clip. My shoes, OMG, my shoes - they are soooooooo cute! Fuchsia Pink Spectator Pumps from Target with a little Gold button at the toe. You should go look at them on-line, they are so cute! I got some little gold rhinestone clips for my hair, and some VERY "Joy" pinks and golds for makeup. It will be very over done. Lots of sparkles. I am "new money" if you know what I mean. It is going to be so much fun!!! Anyway - the play is April 10th. So, I need it pretty fast. This is audience participation dinner theater, so I am in the audience talking to guest, sitting with them, dropping hints on the murder etc...... So, I will be up close and personal with everyone. There is no real stage. So, people will see my hands and stuff when I eat. So, it has to be good! Ha! No pressure! :-) Can you do it?
The shoes:
http://www.target.com/Merona-Collection-Clarissa-Spectator-Pumps/dp/B001HC47FY/qid=1237502807/ref=br_1_1/180-6033037-8945029?ie=UTF8&node=13621961&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13621961&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=6

So in a flash, this is what Claudia sent me!

"Just letting you know that I finished your pink and gold button ring! I wasn't able to find any gold colored rhinestones, but had some gold buttons. I'm sending you some pictures of what I came up with. Let me know if you'd like to change anything on them, colors or design. I thought it turned out as you described.. flashy, spoiled rotten, sparkly, pink (and the "hot" pink button is the lust part). LOL"

Is this hot or what?? It is perfect! I could have kissed her all over! Cheek to Cheek - "Joy" style of course! ha!

So, if you are into funky, fun, or even sweet and preppy jewelery - You MUST check out Claudia's store on Etsy. She has very affordable prices so everyone can afford to have a little fun! Oh, and when she ships her cute little package, she puts it in this cute little ring box that makes it even more happy! It is like Christmas when you get your package in the mail! Just what a girl wants! :-)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5196278
www.cloudninecreations.etsy.com

Have fun - and Hugs and Kisses to my "daaaaarling Claudia"! (saying this as I whisk my scarf around my neck in "Joy" fashion!)

Beth - Artist
Kiwi Arts

Ps. If you live in the area, here is some more information on the Dinner Theater - IMPORTANT! Get tickets fast! One night only, and they are selling out. Gwinnett County residents $25 a ticket, non-Gwinnett $45 a ticket.

Need something to do over Spring Break?

Gwinnttcoutny parks & recreation
Mystery Dinner Theater
Friday, April 10th
7:00-9:30 pm
Age 12 - up
$25/person
GPCC14103
George Pierce Park
Community Recreation Center
55 Buford Highway, Suwanee
Register now!! Tickets are selling out FAST - One night only!
Call 770-831-4173 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com
Code: GPCC14103

Kiwi Arts posted on Snellville Shops - Cool!!!

2009-03-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, I made the Snellville Blog Post for Snellville Shops. That is so neat! Thanks Darla Dixon for showing me the post on Twitter.
http://tinyurl.com/d6m6jo

Kiwi Arts Glass and Accessories Now Sold at Image Spa! Wahoo!

2009-03-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Kiwi Arts is pleased to announce her new Hand Painted, Eco Friendly, Natural Wood, Fashion Bangle Bracelets to her Etsy shop. Whew.....that is a mouthful! I have been planning for this new addition for a month or so. I am so excited! Reading several articles on Etsy regarding Eco Friendly products, and meeting so many wonderful artists on Etsy has lead me to this new product now available in my store. The best news is that Image Spa in Snellville Georgia has agreed to carry my Art and Accessories. They have come up with the wonderful idea of having me paint wine glasses with their beautiful Iris Image Spa Logo. They will give these wine glasses to their couples (couple's massage), and their loyal customers. I am proud to be the artist painting these wonderful glasses for them. In addition to painted glass, they will be carrying my Eco Friendly Natural Wood Bracelets. I have sanded, painted, and sealed my original designs on these wonderful bangles. They are so cute! I have to admit it! :-) My girls are so mad at me - they keep begging to wear them to school. I keep having to tell them, "No, I promised Image Spa first!". Ha Ha... sometimes it just feels good to hold out on your kids! :-) I know, I am a wicked mother!

One of the other things I love about these bracelets are the cute little tags I have tied to the bracelets. They are made by ClaudiasCreations on Etsy. They are made out of homemade recycled paper, colored a sweet little pale green, and embedded with wildflower seeds. What a great idea!! After you purchase your bracelet, and the frost is sure to be over, you can go plant your Eco friendly wildflower tag under a small layer of soil. And yup, you guessed it - up will come wildflowers!! I can't think of anything more clever and more natural to put on my wood bangles. I am thrilled! Thank you Claudia. Please stop by ClaudiasCreation Etsy store to see more homemade paper products. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21808930

To celebrate Image Spa and Kiwi Arts' new relationship, Image Spa would like to give you a 10% off coupon on any Spa Services. I recently had an unbelievable facial from Image Spa, and let me tell you - They are the bomb! When you walk in this family owned spa, you know you have walked into high class. The smell is delightful and soft. The lighting is perfect, and the sound of water dripping down the rock wall automatically puts you in a state of relaxation before you have even started your Spa treatment. Image Spa offers a variety of services. For more information go to their website at http://www.imagespa.net/

If you would like to take advantage of this coupon - Please print it off by blog - and let them know Kiwi Arts sent you! :-) Enjoy! It is on me! LOL! :-)
http://www.imagespa.net/specials_imagespa.html

Thanks for taking the time to visit, and please stop by my Etsy Store to see the new additions. More to come soon!

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

2009-03-15T15:07:00.001-07:00

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Posted using ShareThis

Georgia Featured Artist!

2009-03-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I am the featured Georgia artist on this site. Please go visit - Great article! Thanks Jyl! Also, make a comment on the feature and you will be entered in the blog give away contest.

Thanks again Jyl for such a wonderul post on my Kiwi Arts. I can't wait to see the other GA artist you feature. I am honored to be among them! :-)
Beth
www.thepost-itplace.com

New Additions coming to my Etsy Store - Sneak Peak

2009-03-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have been painting like crazy trying to get some really cool wood bracelets painted and delivered to Image Spa. They are going to carry my bracelets and wine glasses with their logo on them for the customers. I am painting bracelets for my Etsy store too. Keep checking, and I will have them posted soon. I am really excited about the addition to my store. For one, I think I am going to tap into a more affordable price range for those of us that want a little piece of handmade art, but can't spend a ton of money on it. Second, I am creating a more Eco friendly art piece and having fun with it. I decided to use natural wood bracelets, and process the entire design, paint and seal myself. Then I am going to top off my Eco bracelets with a natural handmade wildflower seed tag. I got these tags from a wonderful artist on Etsy who makes her own paper - I will post more about this later. But when you receive the bracelet or buy them from one of the local places I have my work, you will also get this precious tag that contains plantable wildflowers. You can wear the art, and give back to nature at the same time. I think they are going to be so cute! I hope you love them as much as I do. So, stay tuned! :-) I am attaching 3 pictures. One of them, is my last painting, second one is one of my artsy fartsy daughters. She loves to take mood pictures in my studio, with just the right light and in from of my art. I think she is so cute, so I had to show her off. Third, my work in progress so you can take a sneak peak.

Tomorrow, I am will post a link to a local blogger that has done a front page feature on myself, and is featuring Georgia Women and their craft. Stay tuned! :-0

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment.
Beth

Glory Dance 2009 Commissioned Painting

2009-03-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

KiwiArtsGlory Dance Painting - Commissioned for Martha - Looksie! http://tinyurl.com/c27355

It is done, It is done!!! I am so excited! Please take a look and make comments if you don’t mind.
I PRAY, hope, want her to like it so bad!!! Cross your fingers and toes!!!
Beth

I made it in a treasury! Yippee - take a look!

2009-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=43302
Check out the treasury Earthly Creations put me in. Wow! I am honored to be among so many fine artists.
Thank you so much! :-)
Beth
www.kiwiarts.etsy.com

Painting in the Snow in "Hot-Lanta!" Looksie!

2009-03-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? How lucky am I to be spending a snowy Sunday at home painting in my sun room with windows all around me, and all I can see is SNOW! Yes, this is Atlanta! It has been snowing ALL DAY! It has been several years since we have seen snow come down like this. It is so pretty! I had to take some pictures and show you. I also took some pictures from my perspective as I paint in my studio. Wouldn't you just love it? It was so peaceful today. It looked like the trees had their branches stretched way out as if they were begging for more! I could even imagine little tongues sticking out as they tilted this way and that way, trying to catch every snowflake. It was an amazing show!

Atlanta has started to become more of a tropical area with Georgia being a more tropical state. But today, it felt like the old days. It was more like North Georgia, and more beautiful than I can describe. I can remember the days when I would walk to school in the morning and I could feel the ice crunch under my little feet. It was always like this the first month of school. I can even remember going back to school shopping and buying sweaters, coats, long pants and tights. It was always so much fun. Going back to school shopping always meant winter would be coming, and we might get snow that particular year. It was something to look forward to because it meant a day out of school when we needed it the most. The timing always seemed to be perfect.

Please enjoy looking at my pictures, and the not so much progress being made to the dance painting. I took a break this weekend to go and see two different plays I had friends in. They were wonderful! Now I am ready to start a new week and get back to work.

Tonight I am going to add the OAOE Team tag to most of my work on Etsy. Hopefully it will help unify us as a team. We are the Original Artists on Etsy Team. I updated my shop bio as well. The front page of my store should read a little differnent now.

Have a great week, and thanks again.
Beth
Kiwi=Arts
www.kiwiarts.etsy.com
www.kiwiarts.artfire.com

Dance Painting getting better - part -1 (forgot to show you first sketch!)

2009-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

OK, so - the painting is getting better. Please leave me comments - Good, Bad, or Ugly! I learn so much from all of you, and your opinions are very valuable to me. I actually have fun with it! :-) It feeds me and helps me finish the painting. I hope to be done tomorrow night after work. So, three days working after work is not too bad I guess. I realistically probably only dedicated 2 hrs of working time a night on it, if you take out all the interruptions. I did not get to start on the painting tonight until after playing mom taxi for most of the night - and then the President's speech. I probably could have done without the speech, but I felt like I needed to listen so if I need to say something negative or positive to someone about it, I would know what I was talking about! LOL! I hate it when people speak up, but don't know what they are talking about. Don't you? Drives me crazy! My favorite line is......."I voted this way or that way because this was how I was raised, or this is what my parents do.". Or even better - "I did not vote because it is a waste of time, but whoever elected this President was crazy." Aghh!!! So, I guess I keep up with politics so I feel like I can make an educated opinion rather than talking from my rear end.

I almost forgot - I did not show you my first sketch that was approved by the buyer to start this painting. So, you can see where the painting started from. Now, If I can concur my fears of some areas of this painting, add the rest of the dancers, and finish fine details - I will be done! Hopefully my customer will be very happy! If she is not, you will see it on Etsy later - ha ha!! :-)

Hugs to all! Happy Wednesday! Already half way through the work week! Yea! Can you believe it? This weekend I am going to go see two different plays my dear friends are in with my paranormal investigation team as a group outing, then one of my daughter's orchestra concerts, and finally paint, paint, paint for the rest of the weekend! Sounds fun huh? I love weekends!!!

Beth

Dance Painting (taking too long?) - part 1

2009-02-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have worked ALL day on this one painting I have been commissioned to do. It is only a $50 painting. The specs were given to me, so it is taped off at 14x20, and the color palette she would like me to use was given to me as well.

So, I am trying to stay in this same family of the color palette, but I am not doing so well - ha ha! I still have several dancers to add to this painting, lots of flowing material and gowns, and as you can see, I am not getting anywhere too fast! I figure by the time I am done with the painting, I might make $ .02 an hour! LOL! :-)Oh well - it is a challenge, and I love a challenge. I spent much of my time with the negative space, and texture. Even though, she has a specific color palette in mind, I still wanted her to be able to see the richness of color in the negative space behind her color choices. I am afraid if I stick to her colors, it will be very flat when I am finished. This is no big deal, I love building the paint. I don't think this painting will look anything close to what it looks like now.

The things I want to fix in this painting already.......... The one dancer's face in this painting. I hate faces! I don't do them well at all. I don't want the reader of this painting to be too distracted by the face of this dancer, and not looking at the movement and grace of the dancer instead. It is more important to show movement, soft flowing material, and to be able to hear the music by the time it is finished. I am thinking of swooping her face out, a little more abstract. What do you think? The other thing I need to finish.........I started off with some great transparencies, but I added too much opaque over my transparencies. I was scumbling over the texture, and I did too much. I lost some of that really nice rich color you could see through her gown. So I am trying to figure out how to get that back. Once you have used an opaque, it is hard to do much more. I figure I can add some transparencies back on top of the opaque, so I can add more color and tints to the fabric of the dress.

Well, this is part 1. I will post again with more pictures soon. Thanks for looking. I hope to finish after work tomorrow. We shall see after getting home, then transporting all my teens to where they need to go, and cooking dinner. I wish I could stay up later and work on it. I hate going to bed with that unfinished feeling.....

Everyone have a wonderful week! Stay warm, dry, and happy. Keep positive thoughts with you night and day. We will have so many good things to write about at the end of the week. I can't wait to hear them all!

Hugs!
Beth

Cool things to show off and be proud of!

2009-02-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, first of all, I know I am really bad about keeping up with this blog. I am making it a goal to keep up. I wanted to share a couple of pictures of the wedding gift I made for one of my really good friends. It turned out really cute. Her wedding colors were black, silver, w/splash of red! Lots of sparkles too! So, I painted one of my really HUGE Martini glasses with a abstract look (this is her style). Painted little silver/black rocks all around the glass/bowl. They were very artsy with the directional strokes, making them look really round. Then I followed down the stem with some red/black/silver/sparkle polka dots on the stem. The bottom of the glass (on the underneath - so you can see from the top) was a cobble stone look with splashes of red. Then I sealed the bottom with a basic shiny black and wrote their names/wedding date - and of course, I signed Kiwi Arts in RED! LOL! Then I bought some little silver pebbles (perfect silver) and filled the glass, and put little white floating candles on the rocks. This way she can add water, and light the candles for a perfect center piece. Or as my friend pointed out..........she can fill the glass with vodka and olives! The two can share a HUGE martini! LOL! :-) Here are the pictures, and I threw one of me and one of daughters that went to the wedding with me. We are both friends of the bride. Well she dances for her as well.

Then I had to show you my new business cards!!! I am so excited! Thank you so much Uniquefavors! They are unbelievable two sided, glossy cards - designed by Uniquefavors! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5417266

The best part is my really awesome "Kiwi" ring made by Diffraction! How cool is this ring? And it goes with Kiwi Arts! Who would have thunk it? I can't wait to wear it tomorrow! Now when people ask me why I am wearing a Kiwi ring........as if they did not know by looking at my Kiwi Arts decals on my car, and all of my art work that says Kiwi Art - I can had them a card! Yea!!! :-) Advertising at its best! :-) Here is the link to Diffraction. She is so talented! Take a look! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5874408

Ok, night all! I will post again soon.

Please send your good organization, time crunching, vibes my way. I am still trying to figure out how to get all of this side stuff done while being a mom taxi, and working full time.... sheez! But I LOVE it!!! Did I mention I LOVE IT? I really do!

Hugs to all!:-)
Beth

2009-02-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Yea! It has been a successful day for Kiwi Arts and Peters Path! Christine and Rhonda w/Peters Path have a clothing line and are part of a huge show in Savannah GA this weekend. They carry my art work. I painted these special wine glasses just for Savannah from the famous cemetery statue. If you know Savannah, then you know this symbolic statue in the cemetery. My understanding is that Peters Path was on the local news this weekend in Savannah twice! Sales were great for both of us! A few of my painted glasses, including both of these special ones made just for this show sold. Apparently the show goers liked my St. Patrick's Day glasses and some of my painted bracelets sold as well. I will find out more when Peters Path returns on Sunday. Way to go girls! Thank you for taking my Kiwi Arts! :-) Now, all I need are some Etsy sales, and I think I will be on the road of feeling a little more successful.

So, my next project? Hand paint my new natural wood bangle bracelets I bought off of Etsy, and get used to the natural elements of wood. Paint two full size paintings that I have been commissioned to paint, paint a special wedding gift for a friend, and paint more inventory for some local stores and theaters here at home. Whew! I will start tomorrow! :-) Thanks for reading!

Hugs!! Beth, Kiwi-Arts

2009-02-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Painting all week. Learning to manage time.

2009-02-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the wonderful advice regarding my last post. I have learned alot from you, and I am going to put it in action. Also, I will be patient. :-)

I have spent some of the week painting and getting ready for a show my friend from Peters Path is doing in Savannah. She is taking some of my work with her. I am very honored and excited she is taking my art. Her clothing line is amazing!! They are branching out into other areas of art, and she picked me! :-)

I hope everyone is doing well and they are not frozen. At least if you are, keep creating in your boredom. There is no telling what you will come up with! LOL. We are supposed to get snow/ice on Tuesday. Maybe I will get a day off work so I can get more done in regards to painting.

I am posting a couple of new pictures. I made these glasses and bracelets for another show last week. The bangles are plastic, but I am going to move to natural wood. I don't care for the less eco friendly version of plastic. Take care, Beth

Ok, my computer is acting up................. I will post the pictures tomorrow

How in the world do I make $ at this? Help!!!!

2009-01-22T23:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so - the studio is in place - I LOVE IT. I am inspired to work longer and harder now. Funky Monkey Girls - you should so set up that second bedroom! You will love having the place to create. It gives you new energy! :-)

But here is the problem..........How in the world do you make money at this? I have several places intersted in showing my painted glass, bracelets etc.... But they said I had my prices too high. If I sell to them on consignment for the price I want out of it, they can't mark it up high enough to make money themselves. They basically said people will not buy my items unless I come down to the market price.

So after researching the going rate for items like mine, I find they are right. This is not just one person, but several people that have told me this. So, I agreed to lower my prices. I have gone back to Etsy, Artfire, and my website, and set everything lower.

My question is - HOW do I make $$$? For example. I have just painted some really cool bangle bracelets (they are not posted yet). They are going to a show with some people this weekend. They don't think I can mark them any higher than $6 a bracelet if that much..... Well, I bought them for a $1 each. I have spend all week after work painting them.......Have no idea how many hours. If they sell any - I would have only made $5 off of each bracelet, but when you let others sell your stuff, you have to give at least 40% to them. I guess this is called selling on consignment. So, I am going to make a buck or two off these bracelets..........My wine glasses have the same problem. I have them marked at $17 - $19 each. According to the market, that might be too high as well. The glass cost $2 each, and then I put hours in my painting. I have to give a percentage to the owner or whoever lets me sell in their store. Am I making any money?? One suggestion was to not make my paintings so detailed, or elaborate. Then I can lower my prices. But that is the problem! I don't want to sacrifice Art for money....! It is not my style. I feel cheap.

So, any advice? Anyone know how I can get a Tax ID so I can buy items in bulk, wholesale. Anyone know how I can make a little money? How do I get people to buy? I LOVE painting!

Help!

Thanks for helping me.

Beth - Kiwi Arts

The new art studio make-over is done! Time to work!

2009-01-19T21:53:00.001-08:00

Yea, I am done! I can't believe it! I never realized how much there was to clean out and move around. The new art furniture is in, and supplies have been organized. Now, I know I will be more productive, and have a renewed energy as well. It feels so good to work in a clean and organized room. I have attached pictures of the finished room too.

So, this week - I must prepare for two shows and get some inventory together to sell on consignment. I want to paint some bracelets too. My daughters have asked for them, I think it will be pretty easy. Cross your fingers they sell well. I am so excited! My mind is full of so many ideas! They are endless!

I put several art pieces and painted glass in a local performing arts theater about 20 minutes from me this week. They were so excited, and so was I! I hung 4 different paintings, and scattered painted stemware all over the place. It added some color to the theater, and made it possible for me to sell my work. It was a good deal for both of us.

I am going to try and sleep. I need to prepare for the busy week ahead, but I am so pumped I don't know if I can. Well, I will try anyway..........

Thanks as always - for the support you give.

Beth - Kiwi Arts

Before pictures of the "new" art studio!

2009-01-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the studio renovation is going very slowly. Had 3 glass orders to fill this week, and of course I had work during the day. I came home from work everyday this week, played taxi mom to kids and activities, then I started to paint in my kitchen as usual. I stayed up 4 nights in a row until 4:30 am, at least! It caught up to me today. I was wiped at work! So, now that all the glass orders have been given to customers, I voted on a nap after work! It was needed. :-)

Hopefully all the art items/furniture I ordered will be in this weekend. I will post pictures if and when I get it done this week. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to getting this done. My back is killing me trying to paint at my kitchen table. It is going to be so much fun when I finally get in there.

Updates on my weekend coming up - I got a call from a local performing arts theater with an empty lobby. She saw my website and invited me to hang and sell my paintings in the lobby! Yea! Go me! I am so excited! :-) She is not even taking a cut of my sells. What is the catch you ask? Who knows? I guess she only wanted art work to hang in her lobby and I lucked out. There is a big concert on Saturday night, so I will have them hung in time. I am going to bring a little table and set up some of my stemware too. The theatre is Red Clay Theater out of Duluth GA. Wish me luck! :-) I am still new at so much of this, I am not sure what to even expect out of it.

Ok, after all the exciting art events this weekend, I am going Saturday night to spend the night again in an old empty Antebellum Plantation in Marietta GA to do a follow up Paranormal Investigation! We got some really cool EVPs the last time we were there, and some great evidence to show there is some activity in the old home. It once served as a Civil War hospital and was one of the last plantations left in Atlanta not burned down. It has a wonderful vibe! So, if we don't turn into human ice cubes spending the night in 15 degree weather, in a haunted home with no power or heat, I will let you know how it turned out. My GOG website is http://www.ghostsofgeorgia.com/ if you are interested in paranormal investigations.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend! BTW - go Dynamic Edition! Way to rock the clogging world on America's Best Dance Crew tonight! You were hot!

Beth

The journey

2009-01-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have noticed this is going to be a long road, journey, or whatever you want to call it. Just when you get a burst of confidence, you realize you only took a baby step.

So, I have decided to create a new space for creating my art. I thought it might give some fresh light and energy. I am so excited! My husband decided he wanted to move his office to the basement, and clean up the office upstairs. Then I decided I wanted to clean out our sunroom and make it my art studio. I put some stuff from the sunroom in the old office upstairs. We also did some winter cleaning and are having several large items from the three rooms taken away. It is amazing how much better we can create and work with some clutter taken out of our lives.

With all of this said and done, I will begin the process of growing. I think I will be in a much better place to nurture my talents and struggles. It will allow me to be a better artist by having the room to stretch and think. I will post pictures of the progress soon. Right now the sunroom is almost empty and I am waiting for the art/craft table, new art chair, daylight lamp, and rolling organizer/bins to come in. I can't wait to get it all put together! I think the kids will enjoy seeing me in there as well. It will give them more space to hang out with me too.

So, I will post the progress, and I can't thank some of you enough for the inspiration as I look at your blogs and shops. This is so much fun!

Beth

Painting Glass and selling on Etsy

2008-12-29T11:05:00.001-08:00

I have just posted some new painted stemware on Etsy.com. Please take a look and let me know what you think. http://www.kiwiarts.etsy.com/ I have several design ideas and more stemware on my website. My questions - how often do you think your product is viewed and purchased? Is there a special "in", I need to know about to get my art work discovered by local buyers?