Better Pictures of the Montreat Martini Glasses and Bracelet!

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

Kiwi Arts updated blog - hmmmmmm?

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

Creations by Toni - You are my hero!!

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!

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 Glass and Accessories Now Sold at Image Spa! Wahoo!

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!

New Additions coming to my Etsy Store - Sneak Peak

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

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

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

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

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

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