happening in the hive

Toto, I don't think we're in Whoville anymore

2011-05-05T15:40:00.001-07:00

Psst kids! It isn't like this, it's not like this at all!
In the "real world" the WHOS hearts
grow two sizes too small! :(

Sigh! At least theres the ol' Charlie Brown cartoons....

BRB!

2011-04-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Be Right Back!

I am way behind on some projects I've been working on- slacking on- so I'm jump starting the week with an internet ban and a studio lockdown. It's good for me. I have found myself with projects that NEED to be done so I can get paid and some that have already been paid for that need to be done!
Then I have people waving at me in line wanting records and such and have found myself totally out of artwork to sell except what will be in the gallery show on April 29th

So long story short -I am signing off for about a week while I play catch up. Lucky for me I love the life of an artist- long hours in the studio painting! Till we meet again- take care and have a great week!
posted from beesarefun.blogspot.com

1 Fish, 2 Fish...

2011-04-03T04:41:00.000-07:00

This week has kicked off some new dietary changes for me. I'm forgoing red meat and doing more fish. This isn't too far from what I've been doing for a few years now but admittedly I have fallen off the wagon when $ got scant...hamburger meat is a lot cheaper than salmon steaks. :(
The stress of starting a new side job, juggling some other projects,not enough rest and me not getting enough exercise last week and my PCOS flared up BAD. Severe depression and an acne constellation on my face to rival the Milky Way. I knew it was time to get serious about my PCOS and diet...and exercise. I always feel pretty good when I exercise and I go to PiYo (Pilates/Yoga fusion) class diligently every Monday and walk every day but last week I let everyone else dictate my week and put myself second.
WRONG!
Always take care of yourself FIRST and the world second. You will never go wrong if you follow this advice. Don't be afraid to say NO to people when you have too much on your plate...it really is not worth the stress and they will probably understand.
My research has shown that Omega 3's are particularly awesome for my condition so along with taking the supplement I'm also turning to fish for my protein along with oysters and the like because they are rich in zinc, magnesium and B12.
The rest of my diet is going to get very "Mediterranean" and I have to limit carbs pretty tightly right now. My shopping trip yesterday looked a lot like I only went to the produce section....mushrooms, garlic, romaine (another excellent food for me) lettuce, cauliflower, apples, etc
I'll have to get reacquainted with QUINOA and desserts will look alot like...apples :/ I'm also switching to Almond Milk since dairy is really bad for my PCOS. This is going to be a lot of trial and error and I have to be patient, I know results wont be fast but hopefully Im on the road to recovering my life, moods and health.
Today will be a day of painting I'm feeling a little joyous to be back on track.
Everyone have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

March Madness

2011-03-24T05:03:00.001-07:00

I could've sworn that just last week I was lazing in my backyard taking in some sunshine and worrying about making some moolah to keep afloat. Next thing I know I am in the thick of 5 different things, it feels like. Let's recap...
First I have secured all my major paintings into a gallery that will be opening soon. That is all the word I have but will keep you posted when everything comes to light- but I am for sure going to be showing at this wonderful gallery very, very soon!
Secondly this "thing" I've been waiting to hear back on for about a month....this "thing" I had already given up hope on and hid all emails about because it was so frustrating finally popped back up. Unfortunately this "thing" is a secret "thing" that I'm not even sure is a "sure thing". How vague can I be? We'll just say this thing would be a nice freelance gig that will pay my bills and allow me to paint if I can get it going. Wish me luck, on Monday I start trying to get this "thing" rolling.
Today I am going to my old college because I've been offered a very, very part time gig teaching Drawing class once a week. A little cash and a big challenge! Me? Teaching? Can I do it? I'll know more after I go fill out paperwork today and find out some more info. A very out-of-the-blue opportunity. I used to work at my college a long time ago and loved it, great vibe, great people....will be interesting to go back.
And then I've got to hustle making some small paintings for three things- one is a writers group that wanted me to come speak on April 2nd about my Hour Swap Project and I'm donating a piece to them as a prize for a contest they are having.
The other is a joint show with artist Jw Tarin at the Cedar Springs Library which kicks off in April. And next week I'm meeting with a local business about showing my art in their fine establishment- which I think will have good clientele seeing my stuff. So I have a lot of painting to do to build up my "SHOW" pieces as I literally have NOTHING to show right now. A very odd feeling!
I also have about three commissions on the stove so.....whoooo! Total Busy Bee that can take on NOTHING else right now, thanks. Unless it's a big thing like a show at the Met or something.
My plate is full right now! Thank you very much!
But really, thanks Universe....let's see how this all pans out!

Time enough for everything

2011-03-21T04:16:00.001-07:00

I am trying to juggle so many things right now. A favorite mantra comes to mind, "time enough for everything". I guess it is only ME making myself rush and feel like theres not enough time in the day-when I guess really there is. I don't really have deadlines on some of these things- just personal deadlines I set for myself. So-in REALITY I can not stress and do what I need to do steadily. Like the ol' turtle racing the hare. I will get there!
Today is supply getting day and gym day. I have missed gym for about two weeks due to injuries and am in sore need of it now. In place of the gym I have been doing little mini hikes every morning for about two miles. A beautiful way to get your heart rate up and it's been easy on my back. Ready for Pilates and the elliptical machine today though.
I worked all weekend on the Hour Swaps for tomorrow, I'm trying a new method out and trying to have 10 swaps a week...5 on Tuesday and 5 on Thursday. Will have to see how it works out, I also need time to work on commissions and my personal work so I'm trying to balance all of this...I think that was the original purpose of this post. Balance.
The photo above is a detail from one of the Hour Swaps I'll be offering tomorrow. "Lucky Springtime Hare"
acrylic and ink on canvas board
11" x 14"
to bid on it tomorrow simply head over to my blog:
http://www.theartofpoverty.blogspot.com
Time to get this day started, Happy Spring Time everyone!

this blog brought to you by BEES ARE FUN

Studio Life!

2011-03-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

Last Sundays show wiped out ALL the little Art pieces in my studio, leaving only these behind to show to galleries, clients, etc. SO....
Back to work like a busy little bee trying to build up a swarm of new pieces. Luckily the weather is turning fine and I can paint outdoors and be inspired and luckily facebook is being stupid and making it hard for me to post. That is good. I need to be working anyway. :)
Spring cleaning, getting the studio organized because some gallery peeps are coming to look at my stuff here and painting like theres no tomorrow because i promised some people I'd be coming by to show them stuff soon and I've got an art show in the works (more details TBA). And commissions to finish!
I am busy in the studio but you'll see me Tuesdays and Thursdays with affordable art for you dear friends! :) See you in little spots- here and there!

Sun and Moon

2011-03-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Above my bed is a little ceramic wall decoration I bought in Monterrey. It is a little painted crescent moon with a slight smile and next to the moons face is a tiny little sun. The sun is dark blue, serious looking with a flower painted on it's head. The moon is bright and the center of attention.
I bought this piece for multiple reasons. One I bought it from my fathers hometown of Monterrey when we went to attend to his funerary arrangements and meet with the family. I wanted something from Monterrey to hang in my home and remind me of my roots. Also I bought it because it reminded me of a little poem/song my Dad would say to us when we were crying toddlers and he was trying to distract and cheer us up:

Allá está la luna,
Comiendo su tuna,
Turando las cáscaras,
Para la laguna.

(Yonder is the moon,
Eating her prickly pear
Throwing the peelings
towards the lake.)

But lastly it has become a symbol I use to remind myself that with the Day also exists the Night. The light needs the dark and vise versa and one or the other will always be on the flipside of the other.
Life and Death. Night and Day. Sadness and Happiness.
Sun and Moon.

Life offline

2011-03-04T05:22:00.001-08:00

I've been offline almost all week and I have to say...it has felt pretty AWESOME. I had taken myself out of cyber commission because I had some....COMMISSION work to do (and still do) and facebook and Hour Swap upkeep really does eat a big chunk of the day.
I had promised no blogging but here I find myself, cup of coffee in hand...in front of this damn screen.
Not doing Hour Swaps for about a week and a half has felt strange. On one hand it has been nice to not have to report to "the office" every morning and pester the world with For Sale signs (which it feels like sometimes) and on the the other hand I have missed it. I'll be picking it up again next week though and I have been CREATING Hour Swaps....just not posting them every morning.
Why?
I'm getting ready for an HOUR SWAP SHOW!

So I'm balancing this commission project with prepping for the art show which has made me one busy bee.
Yesterday I was feeling a little tired of endless painting and looked outside longingly at the awesome weather and made a decision. WORK OUTSIDE.
So I did and it was refreshing and if the weather holds out that is where you can find me. It is my goal to spend as much time outside as possible.
But I wanted to get back to my real reason for blogging this morning. I want to tout the virtues of disconnecting from your social network for a few days. It truly is a reset button! I still have much to do in the way of breaking bad habits but disconnecting was the first step, next step will be not having ANY meals at my computer or checking emails every 30 minutes out of boredom.
I have discovered it is very liberating to :
1. Not know what everyone else is doing at any given moment of the day
2. Not know what a stranger had for lunch
3. Not know what really gets on Person X's nerves
4. Not have everyone else know what YOU had for lunch, where you are and what gets on your nerves.
5. Have TIME to read, sit outside and have tea, pet the neighbors cat, tidy up your house and get stuff done!

It was feeling like I was reporting to this computer on my every daily action. ROBOT XPR reporting for duty, here is my work MegaComp, I am going to go eat cereal now, yay I got some coupons in the mail for cat food, my cat is really getting on my nerves, i'm going to go eat a tuna fish sandwich now, blah....blah....blah...
And here I am blogging, does the irony never cease! :D
Disconnect. Go Outside. Reconnect with the "Old Ways" before the internet...I think we used to play outside, work in our yards and read? Right?

Golden

2011-02-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not even sure what to say about the events that have just transpired. They have been so challenging, illuminating and made me feel something.....odd...."lucky" is a good word. I have felt very lucky the past few weeks. I am definitely in gratitude mode and the golden sunshine streaming through my window today was the first thing I thanked. It is going to be a beauty of a day.
I guess a quick recap is in order since I haven't blogged much here. I have been so wrapped up with the art of poverty blog and getting everything ready for Good Morning Texas and UNDERGROUND.
So it has been a marathon around here of painting up a storm, getting fresh pieces for both of these things BACK TO BACK. Deciding what I should take on TV and what should go to the Janette Kennedy Gallery and then hustling some vinyl record pieces (which I knew would be hot tickets at UNDERGROUND) has consumed my life the past couple of weeks. Then there was the ride wrangling and supplies I needed to borrow from here and there and everywhere. Meetings to go to, things to schedule and reschedule and ICE! Which threw a big wrench into a lot of my plans but you have to adjust and keep on going. Not to mention my bike TUCO has a flat tire and I need him to um...do everything practically! Groceries and post office runs will not be possible without TUCO!
So, wow...so many people popped out of the woodwork to help me in so many ways that it is hard to feel like a hermit right now. Last night I certainly did not feel like a hermit as I sat in the gallery at UNDERGROUND painting live surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people and artists and people in body paint and devils on stilts....it was a sensory overload!
My friend Lorena (who helped me MAJOR last night) took photos and I'll be posting them soon. It was a crazy night, my whole stack of business cards disappeared QUICK! My mailing list grew without me having to butter people up.

(these pieces drew rave reviews!)
I had a great spot in the gallery and two pieces in particular had people like moths to a flame, I got so many wonderful compliments and interest in my work that I had a permanent smile glued to my face all night. Wait, it's still here this morning!
The painting I was working on live sold before the paint was even dry (yay Moustachiopus!), old friends and new came out to say hi and wish me well.

I got to meet Joe from 420 Tattoos in Denton as he came to visit his Jimi Hendrix piece he bought from me. I got asked if I did tattoo art because my line work was excellent. I got blogged and promoted by some awesome people like Schmidty who wrote a nice piece about ArtLoveMagic here. And the lovely Cori Berg who used my painting over at her lovely blog Sacred Arts: Healing Art Gallery, cameras were going off all night...it was good vibrations and a nice wind down to all the work I had been doing.
The precursor to this was the GOOD MORNING TEXAS show which had my facebook CRAZY with wonderful peeps cheering me on and cyber high fiving me all over the place. I got some new blog followers and interest in my work, my stat counter went off the chart and I got some nice emails from strangers saying they were impressed with my work and loved my idea. I AM WRAPPED IN LOVE SWEET LOVE.
So Valentines weekend has given all this sweet love to me and I send it out to you. THANK YOU ALL, EVERY ONE OF YOU! You make the world a better place, you bring a smile to my face :) Happy Valentines Day tomorrow and remember to let the people in your life that mean the most know it!

(*my paintings will be on view until Feb 26th at the Janette Kennedy Gallery 1409 S. Lamar in the Southside on Lamar building)

Bang Bang!

2011-02-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Woke up feeling really sore and discombobulated and can only think it was falling four times on the ice, crouching for two hours making a snow owl and way too many hours sitting on a hardwood floor painting this week-that has put me here.

But boy did I have fun doing every last bit of it, even falling! Out of Epsom Salts but am soaking first thing this morning nonetheless. Then I am bypassing all this Super Bowl hooplah by working in my studio today, need to finish a tiger record and then really make some headway on some stuff for Underground. I am feeling the pressure, now just gotta keep remembering to have fun with everything.
I think I will be more fun after another cup of coffee.

New Addition

2011-02-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

"The Roots Remain"
24" x 24"
acrylic on gallery canvas

She's officially finished! You can come see her Saturday Feb 12th at the UNDERGROUND show! Whew! Lots of work went into this one!

So Close!!!

2011-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ok my new painting is so close to be doing done, I'm expecting another hour or two of work and this thing will be ready to hang. I had been sitting too long on hardwood floors painting that I just HAD to stop and rest so it didn't get finished last night. I'm a wimp...but I also like being able to walk and stand up straight.
My impetus for finishing is this beautiful SNOW! I want to go play, I want to go play! But can't play until work is finished. WAH!
I'll post the photo of the painting later. I am feeling it is one of my best yet and already see some forms I want to explore in my next canvas.
Everyone enjoy this beautiful rare white snow!

Studio

2011-02-03T05:53:00.001-08:00

This is my little dining room/studio and that is the current canvas I'm working on. Heres a closeup shot

As much as I'd love to go take a walk in this 17 degree weather and do a little slipping and sliding on the ice...I'm not allowed to go outside until this is done. Today WILL be the day! It is marathon painting day in the studio! Everyone have a great day whatever you do!

Hot Seat!

2011-02-02T06:21:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in the Hot Seat and that isn't the same as Sitting Pretty- you can read about all that over at The Art Of Poverty though. I wanted to blog about my upcoming show here and why I hope you'll attend.
You should attend because it's going to be AWESOME!
Attended a pre-meeting for it this past weekend and saw a little video of last years event. It truly looks like a good time for all. Live music, live art being created (yes, painting live...come see us artists in action) and a TON of amazing fresh art from your cities underground talents! There will be a sensual art room I hear- ooh la la...with live models. A place to grab drinks or coffee, shirts for sale (really cool shirts!) and just a great interaction of artists and creative people, music and good vibrations.
I'll be working my butt off to get ready for it so please come support the UNDERGROUND artists- all my stuff will be priced economically and will mostly all be NEW stuff created for this event. Everything you need to know about this show can be found here:
UNDERGROUND EVENT INVITE ON FACEBOOK and get to know the awesome crew who puts this event on as well as many other art events around town
ARTLOVEMAGIC and if you are an artist in the metroplex wanting to make a connection with ArtLoveMagic and get in on some art showing opportunities-I suggest you come to this and start chatting with them. Amazing group of people who are trying to help artists out. How rare is that?

Balance

2011-01-30T05:13:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday January 30 and I have exactly 12 days to finish a stack of records and about 3 canvases. I am trying not to freak out. I am trying to enjoy every minute of the rush and bustle and I'm trying not to feel so damn tired.
I blame a glass a red wine which I never drink. The stuff makes me feel stuffed up and sleepy. Cute pink shoes which I never wear (because my Nikes are my mainstay) didn't help my already tired legs. Working outside on the concrete didn't help my back nor did sitting on a cement floor at yesterdays meeting.
I am all kinds of sore and tired and stuffy today and unfortunately NO REST IN SIGHT!
Today would be grocery day and grocery day involves me riding my bike about two miles and fitting what I can manage on my back and in my basket.
How much do I NOT feel up to this task today?
But it's got to be done, my friend needs food for her lunches and I need food to maintain some energy.
I spent a good 5 hours on a new canvas yesterday. I was able to work outside and be inspired by the birds, the sun and the sound of windchimes. When the sounds turned to my neighbors kids playing basketball and said basketball constantly rolling behind me onto our porch I decided to pack it in.
I think I will kickstart this day with a hot cup of coffee and a super long soak in a hot bath and hope that puts some pep back in my step. I don't know where the rock is gonna come from but I need to pull it outta somewhere quick!

TGIF

2011-01-28T05:11:00.001-08:00

This is yesterdays Hour Swap piece! I would love to do a whole wall of these, it would be so groovy! They remind me of little tiles. By the by, I love little hand painted tiles. Pretty Talavera Mexican tiles...when I'm rich I'm going to have them all around me!
Visions of grandeur this morning, obviously I'm not quite awake. Although the idea DID pop into my head that if my TV appearance made my business boom the first thing I was going to purchase was something I have never had the pleasure to purchase. It is something that I haven't even had the pleasure of experiencing in a very long time. That my friends is a real honest to goodness bed. Sleeping in a bed! Not sleeping on a shabby hand me down mattress on the floor?! THAT is my dream. I will totally be content with a bed. A BED!!!! But back to reality....
It is Friday morning and my TO DO list is so long I was considering blowing off Yoga but remembered that Yoga is doing wonders for me right now. It calms down my anxiety, limbers me up and makes my back feel good, gets my blood flowing and my brain working (hello oxygen!) and takes care of something I promised to never take for granted. MY HEALTH. No matter how busy I get HEALTH and FAMILY take precedent. So to Yoga I go and then the post office and then busy in the studio day....the day looks like a gorgeous one so Im contemplating setting up my canvas outside, hmmmm...
today feels like a good one, hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend!

Motivation

2011-01-27T05:03:00.001-08:00

This is yesterdays HOUR SWAP painting which fetched $33! The cats meow...thats my half of the electric bill! These have been well received and really I can't believe how the project has taken off in so short a time.
I am set to appear on Good Morning Texas on Feb 11th! So excited!
But I've already blogged all about this on my other blog and I wanted to talk about motivation here.
Lately I have been getting messages from friends telling me I am really inspiring them and motivating them. Some people are contemplating quitting their jobs and trying to make a go of their dreams. Others are motivated to be more productive, creative...work on their artwork or own businesses. While all the wonderful words telling me that I inspire you are very humbling I must pass your thank yous on to the Universe. Not to sound like a hokey hippie dippy chick but I am just a person who has learned to "receive" and through receiving "giving". Anything I have learned through other people, reading or my own mistakes and successes in life I pass on to you but I am not the source. I am a small transmitter in the Universe, we all are. This may not make any sense and thats ok, I probably need a second cup of coffee.
I will say that one thing I think is very important in trying to make a go of your dreams is believing that you can....sounds very Disney but you'd be surprised at how simple and real this is. Also you must learn to look at your obstacles as "opportunity". Obstacles challenge you, your obstacles are your own very unique problems. No one else might have just the same obstacles as you and therefore you must find your own unique solutions to the obstacles. Not viewing them as obstacles but your own special tools to build on. Aren't these how great inventions are made? Someone sees a problem and therefore a great invention must be made to solve it.
And last but not least and really this should right up there with believing you can- THANKFULNESS. You did not get all the way where you are in life all by yourself. You have existed in a world where people have helped you in some way or fashion. Either by encouraging, teaching or giving you tools you need. Even those bad people in your life who try your patience are giving you something. Thank them all! I thank my really bad job situation for lighting a wildfire in me to get the hell out of there. I thank the people who have been mean to me for showing me that is NOT the way to go through life. Thank everyone and everything for strengthening your armor, for giving you fuel for your fire, for training you for an amazingly hard track you're about to run and the only race that will mean anything in your life. Chasing your dreams. Don't let life slip you by, just decide that you want it and that you WILL get it.

I've not changed my status in life since making my own way in the world as an artist. In fact I'm broke. Poor by the worlds standards. But damn if I am not SO happy to be doing what I love to do everyday. Something that fulfills me and that other people can enjoy. What I was meant to do. My goal is not to be rich and famous but simply succeed at doing what I love to do. My purpose. Everyone has one. JUST DO IT!

Keeping your head above water, making a wave when you can

2011-01-26T00:43:00.001-08:00

Yesterdays HOUR SWAP piece went for $10! Congrats to the winner, a fellow woman artist for snaggin' that deal. I really liked this piece and can see me doing some similar stuff in that theme and color palette. It inspired me-there I said it!
I think it would be cool to show who these people are who are collecting my stuff -some seem to be other artists and some are people in my community who have businesses, etc. Isn't it interesting to see what everyone contributes to the world? So if time permits I will be posting up a little info or pic of what these people do- who they are...I have lots to catch up on, a treasury and some blog lovin' for my fellow Etsy peoples.
Trying to knock out two boxes and then get down to serious business. Big paintings. Did I tell you? I'm gonna be on TV!

1/25/11 Unbelievable

2011-01-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Here is yesterdays HOUR SWAP piece which I am pleased to say went for $42! WOW! Amazing! The bidding went on hot on the heels of some interesting news I got yesterday.
Last week I posted over on Craigslist about my Hour Swap in order to gain some more readers, get some more exposure, etc. Fully prepared for the usual couple of spam letters I get from posting over there. Strangely I didn't get any spam. In fact I got ONE solitary email and it simply asked if I was located in the metroplex.
Usually I wouldn't answer such a question from an anonymous Craigslist responder but the address it came from intrigued me, "wfaa"...which is a local TV channel. So I responded with a "Yes, Im in the metroplex and thanks for checking out my art" message.
Yesterday when I got back from my supply run and gym I see another email from the same person and it reads
"I’m a producer with Good Morning Texas at WFAA/Channel 8.
Would you be interested in coming on the show to talk about your “Hour Art Project”?
It sounds like it could be a lot of fun."
UNBELIEVABLE! And this couldn't have come at a better time, I'm eeking through what looked like the last month of me "living my dream" trying to be a self employed artist and was about to hit Craigslist employment section when this little piece of gold bonked me on the head!
So much to do to make sure this opportunity is as productive as possible. Things like this do happen?! To regular ol' poor artists like me?!
You should keep up with my other blog - it seems to be quite the buzz right now!
THE ART OF POVERTY

1/24 Get Movin'

2011-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

Spent a lot of time in the studio working on orders this weekend and finished these "Tiger and Honey Bear" themed pieces. Today is Pilates and supply day so almost no time in the studio but I am going to try and push myself to do my Hour Swap. It's going to be a tight squeeze.
Then I have another box order in the queue and then...time to get serious. I have the UNDERGROUND show to prepare for and won't be able to do much but get ready for that- all extraneous projects will have to wait until after Feb 12. There will be -if all accounts are true- a LOT of people at this show and the more pieces I have prepared for it the greater my chance of selling and I need to sell bad. Going to be putting some major mileage on my studio...consider me Miss Hermit until this show is over.
And if you know any artist you know this is the equivalent of hanging a sign on your hotel room doorknob that says DO NOT DISTURB. :)
It's go time and I feel the fire under me! Everyone have a great Monday!

Morning Coffee

2011-01-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

I spend most mornings here at my computer with my morning coffee. I may wake up full of creative ideas and itching to get into the studio but sometimes the world wide web is a little distracting...especially youtube, etsy and facebook....which seem to eat a good part of the morning for me. Before I know it the morning is over and it's time to make lunch and there my whole morning has been wasted. So before I head into the new week I am going to start utilizing an old friend of mine called "Morning Coffee" which is an app designed to open up all the sites you frequent daily. You can even configure it to open certain ones on certain days etc... Then every morning I will systematically go through each site. Email- check. Other email- check. Website analytics-check. Etsy store peek- check. My blogs updated-check. Any blogs I wanna follow- check...and then last but not least Facebook- and here is where I am going to implement another old friend. My watch. I'm going to give myself a set amount of time and then LOG OFF when the watch goes beep! Seeing the tabs open will remind me Im on a mission- get through each one and close it.
I should then be able to get more done in a day. Like go to the park and get a good run in, visit my duck friends (shown in the photo above) and enjoy the outside world before heading into the studio and working. I have found this to be a vital part of my creative process- going outside and getting my blood flowing.
I will have to log in at various points in the day to post stuff to Etsy or communicate with people about orders, etc. But I am going to use the watch method this week and really monitor my time. I feel like I didn't get as much done last week as I should've. My creative challenge to everyone this week is to monitor how much time you waste online, by waste I mean staring at the computer screen waiting for someone to comment on your facebook or boredly scrolling through the internet when you need to get your laundry done. Sometimes we just need that down time. But sometimes I think my downtime might be more fulfilling if it was spent in a bubble bath, reading a book or doing some good old fashioned meditation.
Namaste!

New Day

2011-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just wake up feeling like it is a "new day". Well, of course it is but you must also turn the page in your mind. All yesterdays problems, events and things to do are over and things begin anew -with new outlook, idea and color. Its a cold 33 degrees but from my window I see blue sky and golden sun pouring over the fence. A new day. A good day.
I forsee a good run and some mileage on my shoes today, warm meals made from scratch and the completion of orders which I am so thankful to have.
Yesterdays HOUR SWAP project is featured above, it went for a high bid of $20! This has been a good week for me in the DIY money making project department. I am full of gratitude and humility at everyones interest and kindness.
This weekend I'll be posting some spotlights and doing a little local spotlight on a neighborhood business I adore. Love where you live!

Too Cold

2011-01-21T04:32:00.001-08:00

It is just much too cold for waiting on downtown streets in sweaty clothes for late buses. I'm going to do my yoga and Pilates here at the house today and hope to get some running in this weekend when the temps climb up a little. Wuss....yes.
Plus I'm doing a studio lock down day and working on orders and getting some stuff done.
Featured above is yesterdays Hour Swap piece, you'll have to visit my other blog to find out it's fate!
I've been featured in some treasuries this week so I'll try to do my gratitude blog either today or tomorrow.
Everyone have a great Friday and weekend!

Nothing from Nothing

2011-01-20T05:19:00.000-08:00

11/19/11 HOUR SWAP PROJECT
"Ripple Effect"
7" x 7" acrylic on wood panel
Winning Bid: $10
My Pilates teacher has a little saying she likes to throw out there while we're struggling to not die on the floormats in a half crunch we've been holding for a full minute...she says "Nothing from nothing equals nothing! Something from something equals something!" Which of course means- your effort will provide gains and she is right- not only has my effort in Pilates already provided me with gains (or losses I should say, bye bye 3 lbs!) but it is a good thing to remember when you're working on other parts of your life. Put in the effort! Things aren't just going to magically happen by themselves. So when sales were NOT coming through my door via ETSY I figured I had better put some effort in and use the ol noggin'...that was the impetus for my other blog. 2 Blogs is not so easy to keep up with- especially when you're trying to keep your content varied. And then add on to it that one blog requires you to work for it, work hard so that you not only gain readers but buyers! But something from something equals something and I'm in it to win it.
I was feeling silly yesterday and have been enjoying watching Sanford and Son on Antennae TV (33.2 here in DFW) so yesterdays HOUR SWAP was..."Fred G. Sanford" and he sold at a bid of $10! A steal! I painted him not only because he is funny but like me- a little entrepreneur doing what he had to do to make it. In his case- collect junk. In my case hustle artwork.
I updated my website with more about the project and hope to see this thing grow- at least get a little handful of pieces into the hands of those who would like to collect art but can't afford to- not at gallery prices anyway.
Today I have orders to work on (YAY! WORK!) and do you actually think I got my Christmas tree taken down and anything cleaned yesterday?
Big Fat No.
Nothing from nothing equals nothing after all...or a bunch of dirty dishes, hairballs and a dirty house.
Wah.

Mid Week Mess

2011-01-19T06:25:00.001-08:00

This was created for yesterdays HOUR SWAP project, if you're keeping up with that you know a lucky person is getting a painting that took me ONE HOUR to create in exchange for one hour of their hourly wage. That one went for $9! Follow my other blog The Art Of Poverty "Experiments in Unemployment" if you're interested in getting an art piece for insane prices....like $9! Or if you're interested to see how crazy it is trying to live off your own wit, skill and creativity. It's like Survivor but I have yet to succumb to eating grub worms or killing my chickens!
I looked around my place yesterday and noticed....wow, this place is a mess. For all intent and purpose it looks like Christmas is still going strong in my living room. EVERYTHING holiday is still up down to the cheery wreath on my front door-which tells the whole world you're slackin' or still waiting on a late delivery from Santa. I would be the former.
I promised my Mom I'd lunch with her today and then I have band practice this evening so my studio is not gonna get much action today but if I can I will be disassembling anything holly and jolly and starting to put my cave back into place.
Somehow Im going to try to squeeze an Hour Swap project in but it's gonna be tight. Hope everyone is enjoying hump day as much as me! WHEEEEE!

Buzzin'

2011-01-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a day of fun experiments on wood panels. I bought these nice little 7" x 7" wood panels and decided to see what I could do in ONE HOUR. The end result was this:

As I sat there trying to decide on a nice price to list it on Etsy - the idea struck me...how about charging one hour of someones hourly work wage for one hour of my painting time on this painting. It would be fair and affordable and would get my work to someone who might not be able to afford it otherwise. Not sure how to accomplish this on Etsy I decided to make it a purely Facebook and Blog experiment. Want to see what happened? Go to: the art of poverty to find out!
Above is another wood panel I did just for kicks, I'm playing with my paper cutter and this piece kind of reminded me of Matisse and his cut paper forms and colors. I am itching to get at a canvas but know I need to create some smaller works for Underground before I can.

I also have an order for a France Gall box and I need more valentines in my shop as we approach that holiday. I also need to dust off my bass guitar and get in tune for The Shapes show coming up. We start practice this week!
My other blog has definitely lit a fire under me and made me put my foot to the pedal on trying to create more money leaves on my tree. Not sure if it is pure luck or what but I had a sale last night in the Etsy shop!

Wave bye bye to Mr. Tiger Record!
Time to go update my other blog and in case you're interested I'll be doing another "HOUR SWAP" today so stay tuned to the Art Of Poverty blog to see if you can get a painting for like $12.78 or see if I sink or swim....da da dunnnnnnnn!

(pictured above: Papercut Painting Vines on Wood $15 in my etsy shop and "Against The Grain-The Hour Swap Project" 7" x 7" acrylic on wood panel)

Monday Motivation

2011-01-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

In light of me doing a hardcore grocery run on my bike yesterday (in the mist and cold) and my body telling me to CHILL- I'm skipping Pilates class today. I know, I know.....shameful. I suppose at the last minute I may still jump on the bus but doubtful. Theres a big parade downtown and the buses will be running wonky. Yes, I can make up excuses till the cows come home :)
BUT-I will be doing a neighborhood run and possibly a bike ride to celebrate the 60 degrees we're climbing up to today! WOOHOO!
Yesterday I started a new blog called "Experiments in Unemployment" here http://theartofpoverty.blogspot.com and it is pretty much self explanatory. Check it out if you wanna see me try to stave off impending doom! Oh no!
I also baked my first gluten free loaf of bread yesterday and must say- pretty tasty! Not sure that I have gluten problems but am experimenting with various known problem makers and trying to cut stuff out of my diet to see if I can't find the culprit of my ailments.
There is really too much to do to even wrap my brain around right now so I leave you with a photo of my delicious loaf of bread!

Sunday Slow Down

2011-01-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a week of making, doing, meetings, meetups and now a little Sunday slow down before it starts all over again.

I feel like I have a lot of little pots on the stove and I'm hoping one of them will offer up a tasty stew to feed me.
Sales are slow. But I have decided not to stress or worry over it, merely keep creating and really looking at each new opportunity that presents itself to me as a potential rung on the ladder to something else.
Worked on some mock up "invitations" for one of those potential opportunities and was pleased with how far I've taken my skills as an artisan. I still have some terribly bad photos of the first stuff I posted on Etsy back in 2007. I really don't know how anything sold with those horrible photos!
I was featured in a gorgeous treasury yesterday so that is always a little pick-me-up. Check out The Vintage Gangs treasury GREEN TEA. As with all treasury makers-I will be putting Vintage Gang into a treasury too and also a little blog spotlight this week.

Heres the poster design for THE SHAPES reunion show I did. Looking forward to this and also knowing I need a lot of practice to get my fingers and voice back into shapes for this- no pun intended.
Speaking of shaping up- I lost 3 lbs since I took on the Pilates + Yoga + Running + Biking! I can feel my body getting stronger and I have more energy! It's important for artists who are sedentary by nature to be active. Take time away from your easels and work tables and get outside and get your heart pumping!
It looks like a wash today with rain steady in the forecast. Bread baking day and more studio time for me.
Everyone have a relaxing Sunday!

Rain Puddles

2011-01-15T03:29:00.001-08:00

The weather icons on my computer screen show a grey rain cloud and rightly so. It is raining and has been for a few hours. A perfect day for staying in and working on a new project.
Only- I also need to get groceries and this is where it gets complicated. You see, I have no car. Never have. I get my groceries on my bike and well...rain just kinda sucks to do the grocery trip in especially when you add into it that it's 41 degrees. So I'm hoping for a rain reprieve, a raincheck from the rain. Dear Rain, please stop for like...2 hours so I can go get groceries. Please. Thanks.
Yesterday I ran out for supplies, I'm trying my hand at schmancy invitations and had to get nice paper. I also saw this paper punch that I had to have- I tell myself- even though it was out of my budget. So now I feel compelled to punch paper and try to make my money back on it. I'll post pics of my efforts later this weekend.
Thoroughly busy weekend making invitations, new stuff for the shop and a flier for the next gig. Oh yeah, The Shapes are playing a reunion show on Feb. 25th and I gotta get the graphic word out!

Out and About

2011-01-14T04:40:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a thoroughly productive day with me getting just about everything I meant to do in the studio-done. Except for one thing. I like to start something before I quit for the day...like prime a canvas or a box or sketch out the next record. It keeps me excited for the next days creative session to know that something is waiting and started for me. I wasn't able to do that but look at what I did do! Featured above- Lucky Hare Green Tea box. I had fun photographing this box, spilling my sencha tea all over the place and playing with teapots and chopsticks.

This is a healing mandala I made to give to a charitable event, it will be auctioned off to benefit Gilda's Club which helps support those affected by cancer. When making these I try to think about healing, wellness and joy. I try not to let any negative thoughts pop into my head. It is a lot like meditation. I need to make one of these for myself!

And this is a set of records I'm shipping off to New York this morning. The Mondrian record set! They look great as a set and so I made a listing for Made To Orders on my Etsy site in case anyone wanted to order a set. Thats my cat Poppy making her photographic debut.
Today is post office, yoga and supply run day. My glue gun has bit the dust and I need to grab a few essentials. I also have the mineral MOLYBDENUM on my supply list and am hoping this helps heal my ailments. Looks like the high is going to be 44 so I'm gonna bundle and hope yoga gets me all warmed up (it will).
It's been a thoroughly busy week and it's not over for me yet as I like to work on Saturdays and Sundays. Have fun everyone and if anything in this post caught your eye you should check out my Etsy Shop! http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com

Lockdown!

2011-01-13T05:01:00.001-08:00

Today I am locking myself in my studio in a right proper LOCKDOWN DAY! So much stuff I needed to do this week didn't get done, plans popped up, plans fell through and I lost a solid day of work that I need to catch up on. Lockdown day means I DON'T check facebook ten times a day and my cellphone gets left in another part of the house where it can't interrupt. (Thats actually a general rule for me on most days anyway)
I am at work. At Work! It is really hard to get into the work zone when you know you have something to do at some point in the day or know you will have to stop for some reason or other so today I do not exist to anyone and hopefully I will get stuff done.
Yesterday I did get a mandala record done that I'm donating to a charitable event and group. I also primed a box and wrote some business proposals to a couple of places.
Funds are dying every day and I'm trying my best not to stress out about it but OUCH this seat is HOT!
Working for yourself has it's ups and it's downs, this is the downside- STRESS OVER FINANCES.
Have you peeped my Etsy shop lately? :)
http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com
Everyone have a productive day!

Treasury Up!

2011-01-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

Finally got the treasury up, take a peek:
Love is in the Details

A lovely assortment of finds from people who have treasured me, favorited me or who just had some amazing stuff!

Today I'll be locking down in the studio and photographing my Mondrian record set, finishing a record mandala and starting something....new....not sure what yet but lots of ideas brewing upstairs in the noggin'! Speaking of brewing...coffee time!
Have a great day!
(featured above: Something New II Red Heart Two Tone Necklace with Coral by Amoronia)

I see London I see France!

2011-01-11T04:57:00.001-08:00

I don't see anyones underpants! Just added a new box style to the etsy inventory, the French Cafe Very Paris Box! Ooh La La!
I had planned on working very hard today in the studio but had something pop up that's gonna take the day away from me and a meeting this evening so it looks like projects are on the backburner until tomorrow. Good thing that backburner is lit because it's 25 degrees here, brrrrrrrrrrrr......

BRRR!

2011-01-10T04:38:00.001-08:00

It's cold mornings like this that make it REALLY hard to climb out of warm pj's and leave the house. 30 degrees. BRRRR! Have to, have to, have to (trying to motivate myself), have to, have to.
I got quite a lot done yesterday in the creative department. I finished this TIGER AND BLOSSOM AND BEE record, some valentine cards and almost finished an order for a Mondrian record set. When that is done I want to take some photos of it because those look really cool as a set on the walls.
I also laid the groundwork for another mandala record and a new box...but I have to go to the post office this morning and then Pilates so all my projects have to wait.
Oh Monday! You are so busy!
Hope everyone has an awesome week, hopefully I can get a treasury up by tonight. It is my goal!

Rainy Day Sunday

2011-01-09T04:42:00.001-08:00

Was greeted yesterday morning with a SALE! Sold my "Year of the Rabbit" box and now have a whole little bevy of stuff to ship out next week. Packing stuff up this afternoon amidst creating some new record pieces and hopefully some more valentines.
It's raining and cold here, theres a little cloud icon with snow flakes on my weather alert...skeptical but will welcome snow any ol' day. We don't see it much here in Texas.
Hopefully this week I will have tigers, a little French flair and maybe some ginkgo's to show in the shop!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Creative Weekend!

2011-01-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished this little jaguar box! I was so thrilled to be able to work with my new onlays (the little carved wood decoration on top of the box) and glad I picked some more up at the store yesterday. I have lots of blank boxes and valentine carding supplies to work with now. I love supply runs! I also snagged a little wooden box purse and some wood panels...new experiments to try. I'm also going to try putting little "feet" on some of the boxes and see how that goes. So much to do, so many ideas in my brain so it's a good thing the weather forecast is calling for SNOW tomorrow and I can lock myself away all weekend and work on stuff. Although I am sad my hike tomorrow will have to be postponed, I really needed a good hike to recharge the senses.
Yesterday was also my first YOGA class which I have added onto my already exercise-centric schedule of Pilates, biking and running. Yoga made my wrists and shoulders sore, I'm doing something wrong I'm sure. Downward dog is a struggle, hopefully in time I'll get the hang of this.
I finally had my first sale of the year yesterday evening and sold a few records from the Etsy shop! WOOOOHHOOOOOO! I was getting scared since I just went and bought supplies and my funds are dying slowly every day that I don't sell anything. Marked almost everything in my shop down so hopefully I can get some more sales rolling in.
Featured in another treasury, these make my day! Check out this cool homage to Brittania called "Dreaming Of A British Vacation" by OhCanada on Etsy.
Today is priming records day....laundry, sweeping, mopping and general maintenance and then a very creative weekend in the studio.
Everyone have a great weekend, throw a snowball or two!
(Jaguar box can be found at my etsy shop)

Spotlight Friday!

2011-01-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to catch up on SAYING THANK YOU to some sweet Etsy people who have put me in treasuries of late. I will be doing a Thank You Treasury at some point this weekend but for now a Blog Shout Out to the kind sweet strangers who have put me in some really cool treasuries of late. This is usually called Five For Friday but there were more sweet people than I could count on one hand. Who are these people and what do they do? Let's find out!

MoMoPics shop is a wonderful little trip through baby onesies and tiny tees. It was hard to choose which picture to show off from her shop but I thought the sneaky duck running through the camo was pretty wonderful!

petekdesign Now here's a Tea Party poster I can get down with! Wonderful stuff at petekdesigns shop, it was hard to choose just one image since the "If You Wanna Kiss KISS DONT TALK" poster made me giggle. If you must know I'm an avid "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" fan and I know how that quote came about. Lots of cool stuff in Hebrew too as this shop is from Israel.

TBMarie how your shop makes me want your jewelry! Just take a look at some of these pretty little rings n things! I love the dangling rings and the affordable prices. Unique stuff, I've not seen rings put together like this before. This shop is in Croatia and has some really lovely stuff!

Connect The Dots Crafts has some seriously awesome repurposed and recycled stuff! Featured above....coin purses made out of various drink cartons! AAAAGH! How cool! There are also some really neat utility aprons and gift tags in her shop, and earrings...oh go look already!

Muds Evolution Pottery I was going to feature the totally rad noodle bowl at first glance but then saw....Ginkgo! I am a sucker for Gingko, their beautiful elegant little shape, color...a magical little plant. So needless to say I really love these little ginkgo leaves and someone should buy them for me. Really. Go check out the wonderful pottery in this shop, lovely pieces every one!

Amoronia made it really hard to choose a photo also. Sweet little nest earrings or the amazing green Two-gether necklace or...or....check out this beautiful shop of amazing jewelry! Aren't these little nest earrings so precious?!

Thank you so much to the sellers featured above for making my Etsy experience wonderful, it's amazing what a kind act can do for a persons morale. Happy Crafting everyone and enjoy your weekend!

Good News!

2011-01-06T05:27:00.001-08:00

Nothing like good news to invigorate your creative sensibilities. My trip to the doctor yesterday brushed off all my fears of having Diabetes. I am in the clear of that at this stage of the game! Still keeping a vigilant watch on my diet and health and making some changes for the best.
I finished this special project box- which is a bit of a secret until it's all complete- but expect to see this box again new and improved for a special reason down the line.

It has been fun doing these new boxes, making them look rusticated and adding new elements to them. I hand cut the felt for the inside to look like leaves and made a special tag to go along with the boxes. Something I'd like to start doing for some new boxes, really making them special.
Today I'm focusing on doing a jaguar box with my new wooden carved inserts and a tiger record painting. It will be good luck to have these animals around in the studio. Gearing up for a couple of things next month, save the dates:
FEB 12 - UNDERGROUND at South Side On Lamar 8PM, check my website to learn more. Speaking of my website, I don't think I mentioned that electriclollipop.com is now Tiger Bee Arts and you can access it at www.tigerbeearts.com, you can keep up with my upcoming events and news and there are some photo galleries posted of various events I've participated in.
The other date to save is another TOMS event! I really have fun at these! Feb 19th I'll be at NorthPark again painting Toms shoes. For every pair that is bought a pair goes to a child in need. It's a wonderful cause and you get your shoes customized by artists at no extra cost to you! I'll keep you guys updated as the time gets closer. February is poppin'!
Much to do today, hopefully everyone is enjoying good health and a wonderful week!

Jan 5- Hustle

2011-01-05T05:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I spent a good deal of time in the studio,I finished this new style of English Tea Box with Big Ben on it and primed another box I'll be working on today. Also listed some new Valentines on Etsy. Seems a little early for Valentines but in the "industry" I'm way late on getting Valentines out, seems they shoulda been done before Christmas. ;-/
Running some tests today and hoping for the best. Mind over matter!
Hope everyone is having a fun and creative day.

Jan 4- Bicycle Around the World Day

2011-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

I just looked at my calendar and noticed two things. One is that it says "Bicycle Around the World Day" on Jan 4th and the second that I hadn't blogged since the New Year began.
Not really sure what Bicycle Around The World Day is but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to participate in it. I did participate in Run Around The Park Day today though, hopefully it's in the same spirit!
I started the year with a little sugar in my gas tank. Uncertain news about my health that could be nothing or could be something, either way I'm trying to stay positive about the whole thing. And how do we do that? By staying busy as hell and creative in the studio.....and by running around the park! Started the week off with Pilates and strength training at the gym along with my usual elliptical training. On my off days from the gym I'm tracking my mileage with neighborhood runs, in the cold, in the sun...I am there, running!

I'm adding Yoga to my schedule this week and also the first hike of the year this weekend with the Texas Trail Trekkers. Texas Trail Trekkers is a hiking group I organized because I LOVE being outside. It's a total inspiration, refresher, recharger for me. So very physical week for me and feeling great about it.
Cleaned the studio right proper and regained my working table from the clutter monster. Working on some boxes today and some records if time allows. Busy bee me.
Hope everyone is enjoying a creative start to the New Year as well. If you're interested in the Trail Trekkers click the link!

Last Day of The Year

2010-12-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

It's the Last Day of the Year and I'm feeling better. Not completely free of the cold- but better. Spent yesterday working on a Tea Box (pictured above) and a record piece I'm posting to Etsy later. The last days of 2010 have been kind in the Treasury dept. I've been featured in a few and also a blog! Check these lovely treasuries out:

Year of The Rabbit Treasury and A List For Our Mondrian Times with the Mondrian inspired blog http://amoronia.blogspot.com/2010/12/mondrian-inspired.html

I'll be thanking all the treasury makers and blog writers next week with a blog feature on their Etsy Shops, so heads up for that!
Keeping my head up and looking forward to 2011. Itching to get some more creating done today but the house can't go into the New Year looking like this so it's cleaning day for me.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable end to the New Year and I wish you lots of good Health, Happiness and Creative Time!

Year of The Rabbit

2010-12-30T06:42:00.001-08:00

Working on my second cup of coffee and trying to shake away the Nyquil/Melatonin cobwebs that have me in their fuzzy grasp. There is much to be done now that I can breathe a little better.
My studio needs to be sorted, organized and put in order. Yesterday I pulled myself from bed and sat in the studio to put two new boxes together- for the mere purpose of having something new in the Etsy shop and to do something. I can't stand lazing a few days away with nothing created. I'm mental like that.
Finished a nice Year Of The Rabbit box (pictured above) but had no patience to take good pictures so I'll be re-shooting it today-outside preferably. I am loving introducing new elements to the boxes, little pieces of glass mosaic tiles- this fun metallic paint I discovered. It's going to be a time of experimentation for me when I finish all my pending orders next week. I'm also in the mood for mandala records. Not enough time in the day!
Still suffering through a cold which has been tricky like a fox, lulling me into false sense of security and then leaping upon me viciously. I am going to be vigilant with my meds, vitamins and good eating for a good while until it is gone.
It's the pending New Year anyway- sometimes you need things such as bad health to act as catalysts for change.
Sales have been slow as I had predicted. The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is over and people are trying to rebuild their wallets. Am going to do my best not to stress and keep plowing forward with creating and hoping ol Luck smiles down on me....that and lots of marketing research and trying to find new avenues of selling. Possibly need to make a new sales event happen. Like I said....not enough time in the day.
Here's to everyones GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY and HAPPINESS in the New Year! Never forget that YOU are the Captain of your ship so steer that baby where you may!

Obligatory Blog

2010-12-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

What is it about harboring a little fire in your throat and not being able to breathe that puts one in a grumpy mood? Odd isn't it? Yes folks, Santa brought me a cold this year. A tricky little one that almost felt like it was going away before it grabbed me by the collar and gave me a fierce headbutt and knocked my nasal passages out of commission. Quite the visual, I know.
I am a terrible sick person too. I feel sorry for anyone who has to be around me, sullen and uncommunicative and grumpy to put it nicely. But I'm trying to be good this time around and see this as a time for rest, catching up on reading and movies and just having to come to terms that if I don't feel up to working on stuff-then I don't. Much as it pains me and my wallet.
Hibernation time. I'll blog when I got my spirits back and am breathing again. Hope everyone had a nice Christmas, it's a good thing I got a new teapot and lots of green teas over the holidays!

Dec 24th- The EVE

2010-12-24T07:14:00.001-08:00

Listening to a cold rain fall on the windows and feeling warm and abundant. Thankful for shelter, heat and the little comforts of life. Knowing that I am fortunate, despite being poor financially....very fortunate for all the wonderful people in my life, the little basic pleasures which I have learned to appreciate even more. So I wanted to wish everyone a very wonderful Christmas holiday- filled with the most important things in life: Family, Love and Good Health. May you value and appreciate them deeply for they are gifts of the highest magnitude. And I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"
Merry Christmas Everyone!

Dec 23rd-Vacation!

2010-12-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

Never have been a fan of the word "Vacay". Leave it to us to take one of the most beautiful words in the English language and hack it to a harsh and awkward sound. No. Let that beautiful word rolllll off your tongue, every syllable to be savored. Vay-cay-shun! Vacation!
Today is the beginning of mine and I have looked to the wise creatures who inhabit my home with me for advice. There they are pictured above and their advice to me...well, can be viewed quite easily. Laziness. Couch worshipping. Snuggling. A Whole Lot Of Nothin'. They are so wise, easier said than done though. I am actually kicking off my vacation with some organizing and cleaning but not getting too crazy about it and there will be plenty of couch worship as I catch up on some magazines and reading. I've got some snacks stocked up and everyones orders are DONE! I could do a count of how many people are getting Tigerbee Goods this year for Christmas but it hurts my head as much as warms my heart- I have painted a LOT this season! And I've barely seen friends so I've decided to go out tonight, in a dress and everything and have a celebratory drink. Maybe a cranberry something?
Hoping everyone is enjoying some time doing fun things, resting and being with friends and family. It's time to slow down and remember the things that matter.
Where are my kitties? We have some snugglin' to do!

Dec 22nd- Closer

2010-12-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday saw me finishing up this Kitty Cat Box for a Christmas order and now there is one order left in the shop. A Ramones box. I can officially clock out for Christmas once this is done!
A quick trip to the doctor to put my spine back in place and then I'll get busy juggling the box and grocery getting. I woke up to see that Santa had been hard at work putting my new bike basket onto my bike. Poor Santa! My mountain bike didn't have some of the things that normal bikes have for mounting such things so Santa had to use a hacksaw and some special parts from Home Depot to get my basket on. Everything is a hard task around here. But it's on! And I can't wait to see how much I can carry in it!
Vacation for me will most likely be a lot of cleaning and organizing but it will be a nice break from sitting hunched over with a paintbrush in my claw for a few days.
Well, much to do and SOON so have a great one!

Dec 20th- It Looms!

2010-12-20T03:47:00.001-08:00

It's the week of Christmas and the house is a mess, good thing I'm not expecting any guests! Oh wait- I am. CRIKEY! Have people coming to pick up their orders this week so some time should be devoted to a bit of housework.
Just finished a monster of a box. Sorry Jesus and Mary- but you were a two day mountain. Pleased with the way they came out though. Possibly why my back is killing me. Will be doing penance at Pilates class for it.
Much to do before I take a "break" and why am I thinking that I could start my vacation on Wednesday? That's just crazy. I just had two orders drop in my lap after the cutoff date. Happy for the business and definitely need the money so I'll be working on getting those done so RESTING can commence!
I have so much to do that I've decided not to think about it but rather turn on the autopilot and just start cruise control- picking up one thing, doing it, moving on, on to the next thing, etc, etc. Maybe I should make a list? Maybe that will just stress me out even more? Still need to go buy something for Christmas dinner. I'm getting the feeling the family is just not in the mood this year but I'm feeling ham-mish and am going to see how much a nice glazed ham costs this week. Luckily Santa came early and smiled on me- I am now the proud owner of a bike basket and mount! I can carry more groceries! I can carry more packages to the post! I am feeling super excited and abundant about this!
Looking forward to a BUSY but fun week, I think the fun will start when the house is clean, the orders are done and theres a ham in the oven.
Try to enjoy the madness!

Dec 18th- Here, There, Everywhere

2010-12-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I walked into the living room where my indoor mailbox drops and found a whole smattering of Christmas cards everywhere. YAY! Santa came when I wasn't looking! Amongst the envelopes was a larger envelope and in it was the Oak Cliff People newspaper I appeared in. YAY! My Mom was so proud and she needed a little cheer, it's been a very rough year on our family.
It's funny all the things you get asked in an interview that never make it into print. I'm fairly certain 80% of my conversation revolved around how my Dads passing gave me some inner inspiration to make good on his name and go out and seek my dreams. That didn't make it into print unfortunately but it is true.
I was surprised to make the front page but there I am! Funny how the story happened, I was trying to fill out their form online to buy an ad when a computer glitch didn't complete the process. One of their ad agents went to my website to investigate, loved what she saw and told a reporter about me and WHAM- story! You just never know how life will surprise you.
Today is gonna be madness I suspect. Bussing to the drugstore to pick up medicine, riding over to visit my Mom later (bike...no car here) and then possibly hooking up with a friend for a holiday card order pickup. Party invitation for this evening... and somewhere in there finishing this box for a customer. OH MY! Where's my second cup of coffee?

Dec 17th- Balance

2010-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

I've decided to give myself a mini vacation for the holidays. An extreme and implausible notion for a self employed artist! Those are lost days with no pay unless something sells in the Etsy shop but alas- life is too short and didn't I vow when I left my 9-5 that life was for living? So yes, I will be enjoying a few days of leisure time with family and friends and enjoying the holiday as best I can without a paintbrush attached to my hand. That means I finish all projects before next Wednesday. I can do it!
It's important to find the work/life balance and it's a daily struggle for me right now. I haven't slipped into a routine, in fact I've been enjoying NO routine whatsoever but then I find the house starts to go to pieces and grocery shopping doesn't get done etc, etc. I'll find the balance with a little tweaking here and there.
Finished a customers box yesterday- a monster of a box that took all day it seemed. I'm blaming the colder temps for not allowing paint to dry fast enough and today I start another customers box whilst juggling housecleaning (yay) and some food prepping. Starving artists still need to eat.
But where yesterdays attitude was driven and inflexible today finds me leisurely and open to where the wind blows me. Maybe it's the holidays tapping me on the shoulder?
Everyone have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

Dec 16th- Go Elf!

2010-12-16T05:21:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a whirlwind that whirled me into an early bedtime with exhaustion. It was lots of fun helping with the toy drive though, I'm excited for the kids who are getting some presents from Santa this year that I helped pick out. ;)
Tonight they will be handing the toys out to the kids along with punch, cookies and Santa Claus of course but I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend. I have a day full of orders ahead of me and possibly a trip to the post office to get that Ramones box out that sold yesterday. The boxes in the shop are dwindling and I can't wait to make some new fresh ones- but can't until Christmas orders are filled. BUSY ELF!
Anyway, busy busy busy day...and happy for it and feeling blessed. Hearing the bus that used to take me to my 9-5 cruise by in front of my house all day is a GREAT reminder that my job right now is where I am meant to be. Loving it, every busy minute.
Have a great day everyone!

11 days til Christmas

2010-12-15T04:30:00.001-08:00

I hope I can be as happy and smiley as I run around today as Mr. Gingerbread Man there. Very packed day but should be fun.
Starting off with packing an English Tea Box and biking it over to the nearest post, another Christmas present that needs expediting for a customer. Then I'm reporting to a Toys For Tots Donation Drive at my local park, I'll be sorting toys for a few hours before dropping off another box to a customer in the neighborhood and then working on orders after all is said and done. WHEW!
Much to be done and it's looking like my natural wreath may never get started, maybe it'll be a New Years wreath instead.
Trying to shake off some Bah Humbugs so Im hoping volunteering and riding my bike all over town will be just the ticket.
Have a great one everybody!

Dec 14th- Boxing Ring

2010-12-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

It's time to step into the Boxing Ring and TKO a couple of these box orders. Bam! Pow! I'll be a painting elf for the rest of the week but will try to pop in for a blog or two. This reminds me- it would be great therapy to have a punching bag to punch and kick. Maybe 2011 will see my return to the martial arts HI-YAAAAH!

Dec 13th-Ship Day!

2010-12-13T05:20:00.001-08:00

Something criminal about leaving a warm, cozy bed to trudge around downtown in 26 degrees WILLINGLY. But that is what I'm doing today. Shipping day and Pilates for me. I was planning on my usual supply run which adds another 3 hours to my trip but as of right now I'm nixing that plan and saving it for a warmer day. BRR!
Mailing out Panda Box (above) and an armload of Christmas cards I slaved over all evening. Note to self: get cards done around Thanksgiving time next year.
Today is supposedly the busiest shipping day of the year according to internet hype. Hopefully thats not true this year or hopefully I get there before anyone. The 26 degrees might be playing into my favor after all!
Have a great day everyone, the big day looms nearer! I'm offering 15% off in my etsy shop if you use the code XMAS1 so you can still get a great deal for a Christmas gift and there are tea boxes in stock. Put your friends favorite tea in there and you are ready to give an excellent gift!

Dec 12th- REST!

2010-12-12T05:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterdays Handcrafted Holiday Sale went wonderfully! I arrived to find that one of the boxes (my special Jaguar box with mosaic tiles) had already been reserved as a wedding present! How special! Met so many wonderful vendors with beautiful stuff to sell and the people who came in to buy were all in wonderful moods, sipping wine and nibbling Christmas cookies (the frosted cookies were like little cupcakes, I had to remind myself of Pilates and not go for seconds) and BUYING! It was great to see people walk out with little bags of this and that. I had a few painted records, record mirrors and boxes sell and the Christmas cards were a big hit. I did well!
So glad that small businesses and artists and artisans can still do a little business in this economy right now. I had so much fun, it was nice to get out and be social. I took some photos of everyones shop (some are a little blurry, I apologize) and bought some tiny affordable gifts as well. Here are some photos from the handcrafted Holiday show at TEATRO DALLAS.

Sara Cardona who coordinated the event was selling some wonderful original paintings by Bangladesh artist Ali Akbar for $15 (framed!)

total cute explosion at this very kid friendly booth!

Such beautiful jewelry in amazing color pairings, I loved the garnet and wine colors best:

Jim from Mimi's Bees treated everyone who passed by to a little spa for your hands with some amazing exfoliating scrub...needless to say EVERYONE was walking out with little tubs of that stuff. Amazing!

loved the Latin theme at this table, lots of stuff for little bebe's and cool stuff for adults too:

really loved the little "Pio Pio Pio" bebito shirt

My booth neighbor was Maria Teresa Pedroche and she made the most wonderful little milagro soaps, there were blessing hands, corazons, ojos (eyes) and all kinds of designs, some had shells and flowers pressed into them and irridescent food paint made them shimmer! Did I mention they smelled wonderful?

It was a great day full of busy-ness and business. Today I put my gridwall back up, put everything back into place in my studio and after getting my own Christmas cards ready to be mailed I'll be taking a break from the studio to REST and do real life stuff. It's been a busy and eventful week- this little bee needs a day to rest!

Dec 11th- Holiday Sale Day!

2010-12-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Just have time for a quickie today before I rush off to man the sale table at Teatro Dallas. Worked on a new batch of Christmas cards last night so I'll be selling those along with my records and boxes at SALE prices. I hope some of my friends stop by and grab some wine, light bites and peruse the handmade goodness of several vendors.
Life is kinda crazy right now so I am looking forward to tomorrow being a day of peace and reflection and non busyness. But today- busy, busy...hope to see you here:

Teatro Dallas
1331 Record Crossing Road
Dallas, TX

HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY SEASON AT TEATRO DALLAS!
December 11 from 12 - 5pm

A little bird told us...
"Have a GREEN holiday without being in the RED!"

Join us for a holiday pop-up sale
Saturday December 11 from 12-5 p.m.
Support and sustain local, professional artists and craftspeople offering affordable unique gifts for those you love. Wine, and light bites.

Dec 10th- Friday!

2010-12-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

It is with great joy that I announce that the sale on my painting DID go through last night. As a self employed little busy bee, these are the things we thrive on. Feeling so blessed.
Today I'm packing up ALL my BOXES and ALL my Christmas Cards and ALL my records and painted pots and folding up the gridwall. We're going a travellin' today! Taking everything to Teatro Dallas to set up for the sale we're having on SATURDAY DEC 11th!
I'm going to have to give my guy a tutorial on DEACTIVATING my ETSY LISTINGS. As things sell they will have to removed from my online shop. Going to be tricky, wish me luck!
Finished a new record mirror yesterday, this one is on a 12" record and I've hand inked little funny retro cats all over it. Kinda cute huh?
Sold the Green Tea Panda Box yesterday (20% of proceeds to go to the Giant Panda Conservation Fund) and started thinking about other charities I could help through my work. From now until Jan 31st I'm going to be donating 10% of each sale to to the North Texas Food Bank. My family has had to rely on them in some hard times through the years and I am thankful they are there. My own Mom and brother are pretty much in the poverty class so I will be helping them personally as well. This is what the season is all about for me. Nothing feels as good as giving. Donate to them directly with cans of food if you can, they have many donation centers set up around town.
Much to do to prepare for the sale, hope everyone who wants a handmade from me comes out to see me:

HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY SEASON AT TEATRO DALLAS!
December 11 from 12 - 5pm

A little bird told us...
"Have a GREEN holiday without being in the RED!"

Join us for a holiday pop-up sale
Saturday December 11 from 12-5 p.m.
Support and sustain local, professional artists and craftspeople offering affordable unique gifts for those you love. Wine, and light bites.

Teatro Dallas
1331 Record Crossing Road
Dallas, TX

I should have a small feature in the Oak Cliff People Newspaper today, if it goes online I'll share the link. Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Dec 9th- take care day!

2010-12-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was abuzz with boxes. I finished 3 in one day- I think a new milestone for me. I finished two English Tea Boxes and this little Jaguar Box pictured above. I used my new little mosaic tiles and LOVED how easy they were to work with. How cool they look when they are dry. They really added a lot to that box!
Someday I'll do some mosaic tile stuff, will need grout and all that fun stuff.
Had some visitors yesterday too, good thing I had baked some brownies up for giving. One of my friends bought all the Christmas cards I had just made so I will need to make some more today. Maybe my Mom will want to make some too. Thats where I'm heading today, off to visit my Mom with some brownies in tow of course! :)
Unfortunately the BUG has hit our house. I've been waiting for it. But this morning my man had the sniffley, stuffies and complaints. A sure sign that the dreaded cold bug has arrived. I have yet to get it. I really don't want to get sick so I will be doing some extra care tactics today. Disinfecting all the doorknobs, light switches, phone and common handling places. Going to the store for more herbal teas (I've been drinking Good Earths Sweet and Spicy Tea-already sweet no sugar to add!), bell peppers, garlic, chicken, lemons, ginger, tomatoes, oranges and good soup making ingredients. And I'll be going OUT and away from the bug today, good fresh brisk air and biking.
All of this could be futile and my blog tomorrow may be a lot of wah wah wah Im sick! :( Sad face! But hopefully not.
Yesterday I was contacted by an interested art buyer and he is supposed to come view the piece in person this evening and (crossed fingers) buy and pick it up. I really do hope so because I really could use that sale. I love the piece but it's been with me a few years and I am ready to let it go to a nice home with spacious walls.

A good part of the evening will find me packing up all my boxes, records, cards and gridwall for the SALE on Saturday. Going on Friday to setup so theres lots to do to prepare. I don't forsee me creating any new boxes or records today so I will just enjoy Mom time and make some soup. Possibly some Christmas card making. It's a Take Care kinda day.
Everyone Take Care!

Dec 8th

2010-12-08T03:18:00.001-08:00

Oh busy, busy, busy in my little Elf Workshop! I had two new commission orders come in, both Christmas presents so it's getting close to crunch time aka Christmas!
Still stocking the shop with stuff daily, the Jolly Roger is what I completed yesterday. Also got two English Tea Boxes halfway done and will finish those today and start on the Jaguar box. I'm going to try my hand at "mosaic" work on that one. Wish me luck!
A thoroughly busy day and I'm wondering when I'll have time to make my wreath and my own Christmas cards. Busy is good, so thankful I can use my own two hands and crafty brain to put food on the table while still making people smile. Yesterday I checked out my Etsy feedback and gave myself a pat on the back- people love the care I put into their orders. So grateful!
Better get crackin and clear a little space on my plate, till next time- have a great day!

Dec 7th

2010-12-07T05:45:00.001-08:00

Stocked up on card making supplies and some more blank boxes yesterday AND finished a new Tea Box. Wasn't planning on it but I really wanted my old friend Tea Time Panda back in the shop. He's a bit of a lucky character. Plus I've become superstitious and believe if I have less than 28 items in the shop I won't sell anything. Silly, I know, but so far my track record has proven this to be true. But I am really trying to stock my shop with such a diverse array of items in time for my big debut in the paper this Friday.
Not to mention I have a big sale on Saturday and there's lots to do. So today I'm a painting fool and I guess I won't have a day off until Sunday after the sale and hooplah. But you know what- that's alright because I am loving every minute of being a painting elf.
I'm thinking an English Tea Box and Mandala record and some more Christmas cards. I am also thinking I need to bake some banana bread today.
I really need to be kept away from the stamps and stationary section of the store because I ended up buying a little more than I planned. I will put it to good use so it's ok but NAUGHTY NAUGHTY, tsk tsk....tight budget right now.
Everyone enjoy the day, whatever it brings- it's still a little gift!

Dec 6th

2010-12-06T03:46:00.001-08:00

I get lost in December sometimes and have to try to find a calendar and see what day it is. It's the 6th! I guess the countdown has begun. I have to keep track of the days for the sake of knowing when to take stuff to the post office and how fast stuff ships etc. The English Tea Box I just posted didn't survive 24 hours on Etsy so it's off to the post with it today. Then off to Pilates class and a train adventure to go pick up more supplies. This is becoming the weekly routine.
It's just about time to send off Christmas cards to family and friends too. There really is just not enough time in the day, not even if I get up at 5am. Whew!
Trying to go into the week with positivity even though to be honest the impending holidays have got me a little down. Staying busy will be a balm and I definitely have lots to stay busy at. Going to try and appreciate all the holiday decor downtown today, maybe hunt down some roasted chestnuts somewhere. Have never seen a roasted chestnut man selling them here but there should be!

Short and Sweet

2010-12-05T04:20:00.000-08:00

I declare today Hot Chocolate Day! Well, it's 39 degrees here in Dallas and it feels like good weather to put on a pot of hot chocolate, a retro Christmas record (Johnny Mathis anyone?) and FINALLY put my decorations on my tiny tree. I think my tree is 15" tall and I have finally trained my cats to leave it alone. Although there always seems to be some mysterious ornament casualty a year- I have yet to get a confession out of any of them.
After all the fun it's back into the studio. I am going to attempt to recreate Bike and Bunny record. Wish me luck! I'm also thinking to do a jaguar box but we'll see how much steam I have. Finished a Ramones box and an English Tea Box yesterday and listed them on Etsy.
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and just a reminder- if you sign up for my mailing list you get DEALS N STEALS on stuff in my shop. Visit my website for the details!
http://www.electriclollipop.com

The Week That Was

2010-12-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

That was quite a week! Started it off with Cyber Monday and ended it on a high note with my interview with Oak Cliff People! A wonderful week that left me feeling thankful and noticed. The interview went great and I was thrilled to get to talk about my inspirations for working. The article should be out on Dec. 10th just in time for...
Handmade Holiday Sale on Dec 11th!
Here's the lowdown:
"Have a GREEN holiday without being in the RED!"

Join us for a holiday pop-up sale
Saturday December 11 from 12-5 p.m.
Support and sustain local, professional artists and craftspeople offering affordable unique gifts for those you love. Wine, and light bites.

Teatro Dallas
1331 Record Crossing Road
Dallas, TX

I'm going to be working hard all week to stock up for the sale so I hope some of my friends come out to pick out handmade gifts from either myself or some of the other wonderful artists and artisans on hand.
Usually when I do these physical sales I deactivate everything in my Etsy shop for the day so if theres something you have had your eye on you should GRAB it while you can!
I would also like to make my own wreath this week so look forward to a little DIY tutorial on that. My friends Kevin and Lydia got some free Fir boughs from Home Depot and brought it to me for just that reason. I had been talking about sneaking all over the neighborhood snipping little pieces here and there and they have saved me from a life of crime!
yesterday I made a rustic folky looking sign out of one of the wooden drawer pieces my Mom gave me. i decided my studio needed more MOTIVATION and my Dads words are always driving me. "Enjoy The Life- Disfruta La Vida" I'm thinking to play around with this imagery more, little jaguar with his thorny rose offering. Take time to smell the roses, the roses come with thorns...such is life.
Saturdays usually find me in the studio and today is no exception, lots of new boxes to replenish (no tea boxes in the shop! for shame!) and some new records would be nice. I'm hoping when the article comes out I will look like a fully stocked art shop again. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Loafing Day

2010-12-03T02:08:00.000-08:00

Despite my good intentions yesterday it didn't change the fact that I woke up SUPER EXHAUSTED. It felt like I was on the verge of catching whatever is going around and that I had been up all night partying- which I hadn't. I had been averaging about 3-5 hours of sleep a night and it was finally grabbing me by the lapels.
First I made sure my interview could be moved to today- which it could- HOORAY! Second I made a garlicky chicken broth with mushrooms, onions, crushed red pepper and tomato and drank that baby down with a nice full glass of water. Hydration city!
A nice dose of Nyquil, a cat by my side and something boring on TV and I was out like a light. Woke up hours later from one of the best naps ever and discovered I had drooled like a baby all over my shirtsleeve. EW! But thats a testament to how hard I slept. Feeling rested, cozy and groggy I opted to do nothing but loaf. What better day to crack open that box of bread mix and make my first loaf? Loaf day! Took a good amount of time to prep but the first sourdough loaf came out hot and yummy. Enjoyed it with a Christmas special on TV and promptly knocked back into dreamland.
I know this blog is supposed to be about creativity and motivation but some days you HAVE to rest and that was one of those days. Plus, I DID make a loaf of bread! The day wasn't a total waste! :)
Today I'm doing a little cleanup before the interviewers get here, visiting my Mom and popping back home for my interview. Oak Cliff People, a local paper, are coming over to chat with me about my art and snap my picture. When all that hooplah is over I have to sit down in my studio and work since I missed yesterday. I am gearing up for a real physical sale on Dec 11th at Teatro Dallas. Me and a couple other artists and artisans are going to be selling our handmades for the holidays and there will be wine and light fare- a nice little escape from the bustling mall wouldn't you say? So I have lots to do to get ready for that- first on my list is finding a ride!

Hot Cocoa and Hot Glue

2010-12-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

Hot Cocoa and Hot Glue was a great way to ring in December! Had tons of fun with the ladies and had lots of yummy treats to indulge in while we worked. My friend Lydia's husband Kevin made a DECADENT Mac N Cheese that blew us all away. It was a great pairing with some wine and brie. I threw some Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate in the crock pot and we really had a cozy time!

I had stocked up on snowflake stickies, fuzzy felt, ribbon, sequins, printed paper and cardstock and we all got busy crafting paper ornament balls, cards and other little undetermined but colorful creations. Lots of laughs around the table and everyone left smiling at the end of the night. Many thanks to my fun gal pals Rose, Lydia and Tempest for a fun and festive evening! Thanks to Kevin for that smashing Mac N Cheese (which I will be polishing off today!) and Danny for running to the store for marshmallows!
And I must thanks my cats for being on their best behaviour and not leaping into our sequins and glue!
Well, yesterdays fun are todays dirty dishes. Time to straighten the hive, I believe I have a special guest coming over today. An interview with a local paper! More on that when it actually happens, don't count your chickens and all that jazz.
Have a great day everyone!

December!

2010-12-01T02:41:00.001-08:00

I'll be ringing in December with a few friends tonight! So excited to have some guests over for a "Hot Cocoa and Hot Glue" night. Me and a few lady friends will be making some fun Christmas crafts while sipping on some hot cocoa and catching up. I've been looking up projects and can't wait to make some cool paper ornaments and some more Christmas cards.
My cards in the shop have been doing well and I've been trying to steadily replenish them. It will be soon time to send out my own cards to family and friends...and so begins the busy month of December. I am going to relish every minute of this month- what a rare pleasure to not be working a 9-5 during Christmas! Will still be working- like an ELF- but on my own sweet schedule. Nutty as it is.
I'll shoot some photos of our craft night, maybe you should host your own- it's a great way to take a breather during the holidays with friends and really experience what makes the holidays important- friends and loved ones!

Some Kind Of Wonderful

2010-11-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

Every morning before I get out of bed I thank the powers that be for everything. Life, Health, Friends, Family, Shelter, Food, Clothing, Love and for the ability to work with my hands to put food on the table. The feeling of gratitude is overwhelming.
Leaving the house to go to the post office with a heavy bag to ship off to customers- WONDERFUL. I will gladly carry that heavy load!
My Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale was GREAT! Sold lots of pieces to friends and strangers. Truly a time to be thankful.
Yesterday was Cyber Monday and completely dead in my shop until the sun went down. Promptly sold both of my English Tea Boxes, a hefty handful of holiday cards and a record mirror! Thankfully my trip to get supplies yesterday was fruitful and I have lots of blank boxes and more mirrors for making. Happy, yes I am happy right now. I love making things for other people to enjoy!
Now that the sale is over I'll be getting down to the commissions I've got and still offering some deals in my shop: FREE shipping on Holiday cards until Dec. 10th and $3 off RECORDS in the U.S until Dec. 10th. Got some stuff to pack up nice and ship away, busy day! Have a wonderful day!

My Day Off

2010-11-29T04:32:00.001-08:00

Mondays are typically my day off from being crafty in the studio. But I would hardly call it a day off. Up at 5:30 to check the shop, charge the ipod and get ready for Pilates and the Post Office. Taking all the orders to ship out today!
Then it will be a quick bite of lunch downtown and jumping the train to go get more supplies. Then back on the train downtown to catch another bus homeward- I'm figuring this is going to be an all day affair and I'll be putting in as many hours as most of you heading out to work today.
But this evening Im doing NOTHING!
Today is the last day of the big sale I've been running, tomorrow the BLACKCYBER1 code becomes inactive and I have the fun task of changing every listing manually back to normal. So BUY EVERYTHING so I don't have to do this! Ha!
Sold a bunch of Christmas cards, listed a few more and will be starting on commissioned stuff so people can have their gifts in time.
Wish me luck or another pot of coffee, here I go!

Addition and Subtraction

2010-11-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

The shop looked bare without mirrors so first thing after breakfast I got busy with my REAL COLORED VINYL 45's! They look so cool with light coming through them! I just listed them today so they are on sale at a great price. Check em out in my shop!
Also just listed a Flora record in BLUE! My first blue flora- looks really pretty

Sold one Telescope print, so all in all a productive day in the beehive. Now I'm going to pack up my orders to ship out tomorrow and kick back with some pie...possibly a little holiday decorating later if the mood strikes me. Have a great Sunday evening!

Shipping and Receiving

2010-11-28T03:50:00.000-08:00

The Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale is in progress. Here's what sold yesterday. This lovely Rooster Cut Out Record (the color is FABULOUS) and my little Coco Flor mirror

which leaves no mirrors in my shop and the vinyl is getting low! I'll be working in the beehive today to put a few more things in the shop for CYBER MONDAY!
Discounted my gift tags even more

And did I mention the holidays just got even busier in my hive? I'll be doing a POP UP SALE next month but will update you on that later. For now have a wonderful Sunday, go scoop up some holiday deals and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Sale in progress!

2010-11-27T05:19:00.001-08:00

The sale is in full swing and will be going all weekend long and into CYBER MONDAY! If you use the discount code BLACKCYBER1 you get 20% off the price you see. Wonderful deals! Here's what sold yesterday- the Flora Cabernet record above and this sweet Ringo Record Mirror!

Don't let any more sweet deals slip through your fingers! Today Im offering the first customer of the day a FREE Holiday card with purchase- complete the handmade gift with a handmade card. So thoughtful!
Ideas:
For the gardener or for your first herb garden:
This sweet little handpainted Jaguar pot. The word "JARDIN" is Spanish for Garden- totally sweet in the kitchen with a nice herb plant growing in it. Discounted price $12.80!

For the Tea Drinker:
An English Tea Box is the perfect gift for that person you know who takes tea like clockwork everyday! WOnderful box holds LOTS of tea bags so you can minimize all those cardboard tea boxes taking up space in your cupboard. Cheers mate! New discount price $28.80!

I could go on....and on but just check out my shop and you'll see what a great deal you can find if you shop this weekend! Shop my Etsy Sale: http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com

Release the Hounds!

2010-11-26T03:47:00.001-08:00

THE SALE IS ON!
Just finished a Fox Box for the shop and I'm pretty enamored with it I must say! The store is now fully stocked with boxes, vinyl record art, paintings, cute flower pots and some holiday cards...something for everyone! For him, for her, for the gardener, for the tea drinker and trinket collector, for the artistically inclined, rocker or a record lover. Do go check out the SWEET DEALS- take 20% off the price you see by using the code BLACKCYBER1 when you check out. And all the holiday cards have FREE SHIPPING on top of their 20% markdown. All hand made! All hand painted! Unique and made with Love!
Where? Here! http://www.tigerbee.etsy.com

Everything with the exception of paintings looks to be under $44.00!

Let's all give a warm send off to my Bike and Bunny record, he was sold yesterday and will be off to California soon. Bon Voyage Bun Bun!
I'm going to make another treasury today to thank some of the kind sweet people who have put me in some of late and then I'm going to poke around Etsy's Black Friday Sales and see what I can see.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and found lots to be thankful for!

Thankful

2010-11-25T03:22:00.001-08:00

Sitting here waiting for the cold front to come in before I pop a pecan pie in the oven and feeling thankful. I'm about to prepare a few items to add to the Thanksgiving spread and will be spending Thanksgiving with my family and not logging on until this evening when I prepare to launch the Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale in my shop. I have a lot to be thankful for and I'm really going to focus on that, today of all days. This will be my first Thanksgiving without my loving Dad there, a bittersweet holiday, but again- thankful for all the times we had together and really am feeling like his warm presence is always with me.
Be thankful for these moments we take for granted, that won't always be there. Remember to say thanks for all you have, that many don't. And on that note Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank YOU for keeping up with lil ol' me in the beehive, keep it kind!

(pictured above "Snowflake Holiday Keeper Box" for sale in my Etsy shop)

Blackcyber1

2010-11-24T01:45:00.001-08:00

Starting on Friday you can use the code BLACKCYBER1 in my shop when you check out and your discount will be applied to your purchase.
If you have another discount code -put that in the "message to seller" field and I will manually discount it and refund it to your paypal. Confused yet?!
It's easy, you'll be fine! The code starts working on FRIDAY but people are already shopping. And since most of my stuff is one of a kind I do suggest if you want it-you get it ASAP.
I have been getting queries and questions on items and some of my favorite things are about to go. This time of season is a big deal for us little businesses so I appreciate your business and purchase- you are helping me continue on and for that I am so thankful!
Going to ship out orders first thing and then get cracking in the studio making, making, making...I have a feeling it's going to be a good time for business!

Good Mojo

2010-11-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

My spidey senses were telling me to wait to go to the post office and lo and behold- another sale! This is my favorite little record that I worked super long on. Thought a lot about my Dad while I worked on this...Mexican cactus and pretty palomitas. Shipping day tomorrow and good mojo keep on flowing!
Thankful!

Bzzzy!

2010-11-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was spent in the studio working on another box. My English Tea Time got lots of hearts so I decided to make another in time for the big sale this weekend. Also worked on some Christmas cards and hand delivered a painted record. Busy day!
Today may find me biking to the nearest post office to shoot off that Ramones box which brings me to the subject of packing and packaging! I've been seeing some very nice eco-friendly ways of packaging and need to wrap my brain around my own idea about what works for my items. HMMMM! Any ideas? Simple but eco-friendly, not a lot of paper and frills. If I come up with any ideas I'll fill you in.
On my walk home from the doctors I noticed a lot of nice little things I could use for my natural wreath I'm planning on making. I plan on doing a HOW TO on the blog when I get that started. I really should go scoop up those little holly boughs and nice vines before someone gets the wise idea to rake their yard.
My Mom gave me some nice little pieces of wood she found, they came off some old drawers and have the nice dovetails and everything. I am inspired to make me a sign to hang outside. Going to poke around the web for ideas on using these little niceties!
Today will be THANK YOU card making day and that will be my Creative Challenge offering this week. Will post pics when they're done.
Everyone is off enjoying the holidays this week but a busy bees work is never done. Am definitely looking forward to doing NOTHING on Thanksgiving day..nothing but eating and enjoying my family. Buzzing off, keep it kind!

Good Mojo

2010-11-22T16:02:00.001-08:00

SOLD! To the man with good taste on Etsy, whoever you are thank you! I'm gonna miss my boys!

one little, two little, three little treasuries

2010-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Good Etsy karma in the air this week! This is my third treasury...it's a mod, mod world! Check out the InfamousDB's treasury:
Arts+Crafts

So much clickitty goodness! I will have to do a Thanksgiving treasury and thank all these treasurers this week!

Black Friday-Cyber Monday SALE!

2010-11-21T22:41:00.001-08:00

I've been working really hard to get ready for my big BLACK FRIDAY-CYBER MONDAY SALE. I'll be discounting everything in my shop by 20-30% so save your pennies because it will never be priced this cheap again!
If you have a coupon code you can use that toward your purchase on top of the discount! I have a whole range of things in my shop and will be adding more throughout the week, also lots of handmade holiday cards will be discounted too so add one to your gift and make it super special! I will ship immediately so your gift arrives on time. Peek at the shop and make your shopping list! TIGER BEE ARTS ON ETSY

Blogged!

2010-11-21T06:38:00.001-08:00

A little THANK YOU to these blogs which threw a little love-ity love my way this past week! Check out these blogs:
http://elephanttrunkstudio.blogspot.com

http://grsgvintageluggage.blogspot.com/
and
http://hottentotvegan.blogspot.com/
Since my computer is running on an outdated everything it won't let me post comments to some of the blogs. Dag nabbit! Will have to sneak onto the boyfriends computer sometime this week and give you personal smiles :-)
*Also big THANKS to the friends who reposted my links on facebook, told your friends and put me in treasuries! We little businesses depend on word of mouth to help spread the word- if you did this you are helping me eat Thanksgiving dinner and keep my heat on this winter. Blessings to you!

Creative Challenge: CREATED!

2010-11-21T05:46:00.001-08:00

I was thrilled to get a few bites on my Creative Challenge of the week. The Challenge being CREATE SOMETHING THIS WEEK- it could have been anything from a song, sketch, casserole (share the recipe please!), doodle...anything. Here are some creations for you to enjoy!
Featured above is Dexter Sleeping by San Francisco artist Rene Rodriguez. Not only is Rene a talented artist, triathalonist and awesome gal- she's also my sister! Dexter is my honorary nephew- isn't he cute! Sweet dreams Dexter!

Next in the queue is a wonderful poem/handmade creation by local (sometimes) Carlin Stultz. Carlin is one of my art collectors as well as being a wonderful supporter of the local music scene in DFW. Here is her creation Heartbroken and she has sewn up the heart with mementos inside, one of which is this little poem she wrote: "Teach me to sew & I'll sew back your heart.
To how it was before the lies & betrayal did start.
The innocence, the joy & hope for tomorrow.
You deserve it as well as I do, with no sorrow.
I'll reserve just a little space for me to abide.
So you can keep my true love & loyalty inside."
-Carlin Stultz
I think it's wonderfully sweet!
Here is one of my own creations this week:

This is just one of the many pair of TOMS shoes I had the honor of painting yesterday. If you scroll a few posts down you can read more about TOMS but the big thing to note is that for every pair of shoes thats bought at TOMS they give away a pair for free to a child in need. I think they just hit the millionth pair and are still trekking. It was really a lot of fun and made me feel warm and fuzzy inside to participate in this. The girl who got her cherry blossom shoes came to find me and tell me she loved them and THANKS!
Which brings us to our next weeks creative challenge. Since it's the week of Thanksgiving the Creative Challenge is to create a THANK YOU something this week. Whatever it may be, get creative and keep it kind!
(Want to participate in the creative challenge? Send your creation to djtigerbee@electriclollipop.com)

Gabba Gabba Hey!

2010-11-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

Just finished a Ramones keepsake box for the etsy store. Perfect gift for that moody punk rocker in your life? Hey ho, let's go.....check it out!

A Tale of Two Treasuries

2010-11-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just not been feeling the love? And then out of the blue you are pleasantly surprised from the most unlikely source? Well, that was me yesterday. I had asked my facebook friends to share my link around and got all of two people to help me. Little Red Hen much? I'm showing my age with that comment! :-)
Anyway by the end of the night I had been featured in TWO treasuries by total Etsy strangers, how's that for the world being a wonderful place? Funny thing is-they are both featuring the same record. Twiggy- you are adored!
Check out both treasuries as they are both stocked with wonderful stuff, first on the queue was a treasury by
GetReadySetGO with a vinyl record lean.

Baby, Put Your Records ON!
Check out the previous post for more on GetReadySetGO!

Get your kicks on CARNABY STREET at Flapperdoodle's fab little retro treasury! And DO check out Flapperdoodles shop and meet Ramona and Eloise, her fantastic flapper characters that are so whimsical and elegant I was smitten immediately.

Thank you unknown comrades in the handmaking army, thanks for taking the time to show a little care. And isn't that what it's all about?

Hive Five!

2010-11-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago, before life got strange and complicated, I used to do a Five For Friday blog spotlight on Etsy sellers who just happened to be at the right place at the right time. That place being the Promotions Forum on Etsy and the right time being quick enough to just say "ME ME ME!" and be the first five.
I decided to resume the tradition ( and while I can't say it will happen every Friday it will happen at least once a month) and bring to you todays lucky 5, let's give them all Hive Fives for all their hard work. Handmaking is a labor of love:

Kneatknit Creations Kneatknit knits all kinds of lovely scarves and hats and I was particularly drawn to this "short" scarf- such a pretty green! It's an acrylic and wool blend and looks super warm for the upcoming winter ahead. Kneatknit will be running a Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale so go make your list and catch a deal!

Hampshire Rose You know darn well what is right around the corner, you've probably even stopped eating just so you can prepare for it. THANKSGIVING! Luckily for you all your fun photos and memories can be preserved in one of Hampshire Roses little mini albums! Each page looks so fun to turn and there are many themes to choose from so get snappin'!

Elephant Trunk Studio I am loving this print over at Elephant Trunk Studio! There is also a smaller mini version but wouldn't this look lovely framed on your wall? Love the "wrinkly" technique that went into this, lots of elephants over here-stomp on over!

GreenGabby is a new store and I really favor these unique holiday cards! Lovely design (you all know I heart Nature) and simple, not your average square card! These come with envelopes and are really striking, there are also snowflakes and other styles so go peep them out!

Our last Hive Five goes out to
GetReadySetGO.
Can you believe I only got FOUR takers for free promotion yesterday? GetReadySetGO just happened to put me in a Treasury last night as I was waiting for my fifth taker- and that dear sirs and madams is the stuff rewards are made of!
I chose this lovely case out of her collection of beautiful vintage hand embellished luggage and cases because- I have one just like it! Only it's not just like it really- it doesn't have that really cool black feather design and is rather beat up and dusty. These are wonderful for your cosmetics and have a gigantic mirror so you can get gussied up on the go. Check out her fab collection now!
Big HIVE FIVES to all the makers out there, you make the world a more wonderful place!

Would you care for a spot of tea ol' boy?

2010-11-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

One lump or two? And do you take cream? Of course you do!
Just finished my English Tea Box which would make a fab gift for your favorite tea drinking mate! Cheers!

Commuting

2010-11-18T02:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays trip to get art supplies proved fruitful as is proven by that lovely picture of my Paciugo treat! Dark chocolate vs Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel...mmm!
I couldn't have chosen a better day to go box hunting, not only was the store fully stocked with new boxes but the weather was gorgeous. When you commute by train and bus you have to pay close attention to the weather forecast. When I heard Wednesday was going to be the warmest day of the week I marked that as THE day.
Overheard lots of funny and interesting conversations on my trip. One guy proclaimed he was going to see someone who he thought was dead but turned out not to be.
What a wonderful surprise it must've been to find out someone you thought was lost forever really wasn't and you could make up for lost time. He had health problems and used a cane. I sat listening to him and some other people talk about the cane he made out of pecan wood. When the lady he was talking to brought up making a cane from bamboo he said "Oh I've made a cane from bamboo before. You know those make good pipes and bongs?". He then regaled them with the tale that the lady he was going to see (the one he thought was dead) had hung out with Joan Baez in San Francisco in the 60's, his exact words were "they would walk down Haight, smoking marijuana and passing out flowers. If you can smoke marijuana and pass out flowers with Joan Baez then you are the right kinda person!"
Got a tasty lunch at Central Market and sat down at the long table facing the street. Midway through my charred eggplant and capers an older man sat down across from me and struck up a conversation. He was humorous and we talked about where we were in life. He asked what I did and I said "Starving artist" and then we both laughed at the full plate of food in front of me.
Turns out he is an actor and producer working on a movie. He asked if he could have the food I was going to toss to give to the birds outside. Apparently this is a ritual thing for him. We exchanged business cards and then I was en route to my Paciugo and art supply mission.

Saw a few of these boogers. Out of Service trains that get your hopes up and then kick you in the shins when they get close enough to read.
There was a generally friendly vibe in the air, strangers talking to each other, sharing stories and advice. Not long after I got home the winds started howling and the temps started dropping. Got my supply run done in the nick of time!
Todays project is finishing the English Tea Box I've been working on and visiting my Mom.
Have a great one and keep it kind!

Style Your Sole

2010-11-17T17:19:00.001-08:00

This Saturday I'll be at Nordstrom at Northpark from 1-4 doing a Style Your Sole event! I can custom paint your pair of TOMS on the spot! I'll be there with a few other artists working hard to customize your Toms so that they are uniquely yours. What I love most about this event, besides making your feet happy- for every pair of TOMS shoes you buy they donate a brand new pair of shoes to a child in need. ONE FOR ONE is what they call it. I'm really looking forward to participating and helping the cause along. You can find out more about their efforts on their blog and check out their site-they have some super cute shoes! Be sure and come check me out at Nordstrom this Saturday in the BP shoe department!

Taking time to smell the leaves

2010-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

The leaves have turned some amazing shades of yellow, orange and red and today I get to step out and enjoy the foliage. Sort of. I'll be en route to gather more supplies but will take time to smell the roses....er, leaves.
I'm going box hunting! Need some boxes for some commissions and I'd like to stock the store with a particular favorite- Tea Boxes.
I'm also out of felt and want to glance at holiday stamps. Slightly addicted to making Christmas cards right now shall we say?
While I'm out and about I suppose I'll stop at Paciugo and treat myself for all my hard work. The Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel I had a sample of has been singing it's siren song to me for weeks. I will just get the smallest size, Thanksgiving is coming up and I don't need any more extra calories if I can help it.
Yesterday I did some more cards (sequin and swarovski card pictured above - now in the etsy shop ) and primered some commission boxes. Had a couple of friends tell me they would be taking me up on my CREATIVE CHALLENGE so I can't wait to see what they come up with. Slowly but surely the Etsy store is being stocked for the BLACK FRIDAY-CYBER MONDAY SALE. I'll talk more about that soon.
Until then, happy creating and keep it kind!

Challenge: Create

2010-11-16T03:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posed a challenge to my facebook friends: create one thing this week and I would spotlight it in my blog. It could be a dish you made, a painting, sketch, song, photo, poem, story, a well writ blog post...it's pretty open ended as long as it was created this week. Fresh and new!
As a gal with NO CAR I rarely get to go to art openings, see bands play, dinner parties, etc. I thought this would be a great way to keep up with my talented friends as well as get my friends brains buzzing. So check back for updates on that front mixed in with my usual rants and raves.
Did not accomplish cleaning the studio yesterday as my Pilates class drained every ounce of my will to stay vertical. Yep, the afternoon and evening succumbed to eating tamales in bed, napping with my cat and some of that TV watching business.
All business today though, Tuesdays are my Mondays. That makes perfect sense.

National HOW ARE YOU DOING Day or how the Like Button Killed Dialog

2010-11-15T06:51:00.001-08:00

So you've tweeted how many beers you drank at Bar X, logged your heart rate and exercise workout on some fancy schmancy app and let your friends know every detail of your lunch and @what restaurant you ate it.com....you've had a BUSY day!!!

You've "checked in" to buy groceries at Walmart and I can only hope twitter.com/catburglar hasn't been tracking your every move and knows you're not at home babysitting the XBOX. You pressed the LIKE button about 40 times on your FB friends pages and that qualifies as "keeping in touch". Some people who used to be good friends of mine I only know are still alive because they "LIKED" a youtube link I posted.

The world is becoming weird. Do you know what your Mom had for lunch @what restaurant? Maybe let's "check in" to the real world and maybe send a comprehensive and concerned message written in the English (Spanish, Japanese, whatever you speak) language to a friend or family member instead of hitting LIKE and moving on with logging our every move of the day. I declare today "Ask someone how they are doing day!"
How do you celebrate this day? Simply ask someone "How are you doing?" be it a stranger or friend. A good candidate could also be the person who asked how you were doing and your reply was something that resembled :-) or THX!
And maybe lay off that LIKE button just a little bit, just for today.

I Heart Mondays

2010-11-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

Mondays, mondays....the bane of everyones existence. I happen to like Mondays but then again I'm not reporting to a cubicle right now. Maybe in due time I will hate them again too. I like that Monday is the start of a new week and as sadistic as it sounds it is a day I put myself through a lot of pain. 3 miles on the elliptical machine, 30 minutes of strength training and an hour getting my butt kicked by Delia- my Pilates instructor who has a killer body for a woman who I'm guessing is in her late forties/early fifties. Yowch you should see this woman! So I basically physically disable myself for about two days after class. But every week I can feel my body getting stronger and I remember my very first class with Delia and how broken my back was and how weak everything was. It's enough to keep me on track every Monday like clockwork.
Monday is also studio cleaning day. I'm really going to put some thought into this today and try to make my studio neat and comprehensible, I'd like to submit my studio photo to the Etsy group pool. I have a thing for looking at other peoples studios. Nerdy, I know.

Yesterday I made some Christmas cards and gift tags and practiced "staging" photos. I think my gift tags photo came out pretty snazzy if I may say so. And of course, playing with Christmas decorations is always fun. I made a small advertisement for my Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale which you can peep here
and just tightened up some things in my Etsy shop.
New week, lots to do. Busy in the hive trying to stay alive!
Keep it kind.

Have paintbrush will travel

2010-11-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

Keeping your eyes open for opportunity is a great way to not be on the far side of the house when Opportunity comes a-knockin'. Woke up to find that I've secured a gig for next Saturday...painting! I'll get a nice days pay for a few hours of painting work and I get to get out of the house and hang out at the mall. I never go to the mall. Maybe once a year. Will have to fight the temptation to go into Bath and Bodyworks and spend all my pay.
Thank you for listening Universe and please keep it coming!

Spent yesterday finishing the Mondrian record and completing a Chinese folk paper cut design record. Read a TON about marketing, what I need to do to sell for the holidays and how to take better photos. I am experimenting with these settings I never knew I had on my camera and practicing "styling" the photo. Here is my simple attempt at staging with my Mondrian record

Staging makes the photo a little more interesting and creative. It will draw the viewer in for a better look. Need tons of practice with this but will have plenty of opportunity to practice.
Today I'm working on Christmas cards and gift tags. Found some wonderful paper in my stash of remnants I can't wait to start on. Crafty weekend for me! Look for me at the mall next weekend, I'll have more details on where I'll be this week. Until then- have a great weekend!

Everybodys working for the weekend

2010-11-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

And some of us are working ON it!
I've found that I like working on the weekend- in the studio that is. Have been doing lots of research on marketing, advertising and how to sell during the upcoming holiday season. Can we say MAJOR TO DO LIST?! ACK! I have missed most of the major trade shows this season but have to give myself some slack- I've been busy building "product" that was sorely needed. And now I have to make more.
Also interested in link swapping -so if you have an artsy/crafty blog or link let's swap and help spread the word together.
Ok much to do, much to do...getting ready for a Black Friday sale on etsy means more time in the studio. Have a great weekend everyone!

Freshen it Up Friday

2010-11-12T05:40:00.001-08:00

It's Friday and it looks like rain in the forecast so I've decided to spend a good chunk of the morning CLEANING and freshening up the place. My studio has gotten a little on the messy side as you can see from the photo. By the by... I put gridwall up around my table to kind of "lock" myself in away from my cats who like to come a'bothering when they see me not giving them my every minutes attention. It sort of works, sometimes and of course my guy has taken to calling me Louie DePalma (the show taxi, Danny Devito sits in a little dispatch cage) which is hilarious!
Yesterday found me working on some Christmas cards and a Mondrian record and researching more marketing advice. One sale a week is not going to keep a roof over my head so I need to ramp things up, look for some local consignment places and hit a different audience. Should be getting some nice promotional materials I ordered next week.

The holidays are coming up and it's nice to be home and in the moment to enjoy them. Am going to work on some Christmas card sets this afternoon and hopefully discover some magic marketing venue online that won't require a big advertising fee. Being your own boss is the hardest work you can do. Poor but happy right now and sure things will start looking up in time.
The Winter Solstice treasury had three sales last time I checked. That is pretty cool, I am glad I was able to promote some other peoples shops and get them some business. Support handmade! If you've not seen my latest stuff go here:
TIGER BEE and if you want to get 20% off your next purchase sign up for my mailing list here:
http://www.electriclollipop.com
Happy Friday everyone!

Winter Solstice treasury

2010-11-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to create a Treasury or two on Etsy a week. Here is my latest treasury dedicated to the holidays, which will probably be a recurring theme for a bit!
WINTER SOLSTICE
Candy canes, snowflakes and wintry whimsy- do check it out and support handmade!

Stew-dio!

2010-11-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Not only is the studio overflowing with vinyl, canvases and paper bits but I've added flower pots into the mix. It's a crafty stew over here!
Yesterday was post office and pots day and today is a studio lockdown. Only stopping for lunch and hot tea.
Featured above is my little JAGPOT, I do love my friendly jaguar. And then I've been enthralled with Chinese folk paper cuts and did a pot in yellow and red
these will be nice for little herbs in the winter. Start them inside or bring a delicate little one in from the cold.
Starting to feel the season and will begin making some Christmas cards and other festive things. The hive is busy and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hump Day

2010-11-10T05:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Yesterday found me busy in the studio working on vinyl, finished this Mondrian record and sold it not long after posting! I really needed that sale to perk me up, I was having one of those bouts of the blahs I couldn't seem to shake. Big thanks to my official Oak Cliff collector Kevin who bought the record. :-)
I also finished a small record mirror that looks suprisingly well on my studio wall. Hmm, will have to make one for my own keeps.

Did a lot of experimenting with materials yesterday and also different spots to photograph indoors. Trying to ramp up my photo quality. I've decided to make a small "staging" area where I can photograph some of the pieces on the wall. Will take some time to get it right but should make for some lovely photos.
Working on another Mondrian piece today and visiting the post office to drop a Beatles record off. Feeling blessed.
Theres a little rainy cloud icon on my weather bug for tomorrow...hmm, good painting weather.
Jump over the hump and make it good!

November

2010-11-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday as I was out priming records I noticed a mosquito hovering around me trying to get a good angle on a bite. A mosquito! In November! Usually about this time I am rounding up sheddings from the trees and vines to make my natural holiday wreath but it has still been pretty warm and of course- the mosquitoes. Where is my Fall? I shan't curse it too much though because I do rely heavily on the weather for most everything. I need the good sun for taking photos of my art and crafty things so I can put them on the web to sell. Rain and cold temps are not conducive to good paint priming either. Not to mention I have been carless for going on three years and ride my bike and bus wherever I need to go.
I have adapted a new style of "grocery" shopping that involves me only buying what will fit in my backpack and perhaps a small parcel for the handlebars. I have mastered the art of tying a small brisquet to my bike with twine. While it seems the bike is enjoying a newfound renaissance of late I can't help but think my old 11 year old Shimano mountain bike as less than glamorous and view it more as my horse...my little packmule. Hardly anything stylish about it really. Anything too heavy for the backpack gets walked home from the Family Dollar down the street, not my preference to buy crappy milk there but sometimes I have no choice. But that brings me back to my point, the weather...I rely on it like a farmer these days.
Living simply and frugally these days but thankful to be working in the studio as much as possible. Each day I get to create is a wonderful day.

Monday Monday

2010-11-08T05:33:00.001-08:00

Had a perfectly wonderful day yesterday at the Buddy Walk. I was glad that Aidans Angels were able to not only make their goal but surpass it! The weather was gorgeous and the family was in good spirits.
Buckling down now for a week of working hard in the studio. Preparing for the cold winter ahead and possible bad weather that will hinder me priming records so while the sun is shining I'll be priming.
Trying to navigate google analytics and other stat monitoring sites to see where my marketing needs some help. Thanks to everyone who has already shared my links to etsy and my website. Next stop some more business cards and such!
Started Monday with good karma and made another treasury on etsy, peep out other peoples cool stuff here: she comes in colors

Sunday Morning

2010-11-07T05:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday is usually the perfect day for getting busy in the studio but today I'm stepping outside and doing something different. I'll be walking in the 2010 Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in support of my cousins son Aidan. It will be nice to do something for a good cause while reconnecting with family I hardly get to see. The weather looks great for it too.
Sold my little Jaguar 45 rpm that's featured in the photo up there and just finished a Beatles commission so it looks like I'll be visiting the post office next week. Next week will find me buckling down and working hard in the Tiger Bee hive while the weather is good. I rely on the sun to take photos and prime records, guess I better get on that lightbox making project soon!

thanksgiving time

2010-11-05T06:28:00.001-07:00

Every day this week I've been in the studio trying to work on something. Just finished a Beatles record commission, my latest canvas painting, a Mondrian box and started work on a new box I'll post soon. I did want to pause today and thank everyone who has been helping to keep me going...either with kind words of support, feedback on how to make my site/stuff better, helping to promote by sharing links and putting me in Etsy treasuries, etc. So many wonderful people out there and I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Here is my little show of gratitude for today- I made an Etsy treasury with some very nice Etsiers stuff. Check out the wonderful arts and handiwork of these wonderful and kind sellers.
Thanksgiving Time