1/25/11 Unbelievable

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

Morning Coffee

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

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!

Mid Week Mess

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!

Dec 9th- take care day!

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!

Sale in progress!

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

Challenge: Create

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.

Everybodys working for the weekend

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!

Stew-dio!

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

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!

Monday Monday

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

Electric lollipop

So I took some time to revamp my website finally and you can view and give me some feedback on it if you wish. electriclollipop.com It's the poor mans website that doesn't have a fancy shopping cart feature and all that jazz but it should do for now. I need to figure out how to connect my Paypal to it for easier shopping. Learning as I'm going. Most of my customers just buy through my etsy or contact me on facebook and ask for things there. Really want this site to pay for itself at some point.
Would love to hear your feedback though!
http://www.electriclollipop.com

Riding the Strange Waves

Since last I visited here my life has been touched with melancholy and grief. I see my last post was joyous and triumphant. How was I to know that in that very month my Dad would pass away unexpectedly.
I had always cringed a little to read such personal accounts on other peoples blogs. I wondered at how they had the courage to let the whole world know, the extent of their sadness. I had no idea, the weight of it all...but now I do.
But I won't dwell on the sadness but rather on all the wonderful gifts my father gave to me. Not only do I have a renewed appreciation for life and the fleeting beauty of each day but also for my artistic abilities my Dad always nurtured in me.
So in my sorrow I find comfort in the paintbrush and pushing my skills to those my Dad would be proud of. To sign his last name to every piece when it is done gives me a pride inside - that his legacy lives on through me.
I will be showcasing a bunch of stuff I am making for Etsy here,as well as my own personal paintings... trying to make a living with my own two hands and my paintbrush for now. Prepared to sack groceries should things get dire but for now...painting is my therapy.
My Dad wrote in my birthday card once "Enjoy the Life"... and I am and invite you to do the same.
Thanks for reading and happy creating!
(image featured: detail from my latest canvas "NEST: Little Dreams")

PUBLISHED!

Just got my copy of the Wichita Falls Literature and Art Review and had a good old fashioned jump for joy. I'm officially PUBLISHED! Such a special moment for an artist! My piece "telescope" was reproduced in wonderful vibrant color alongside a bunch of great art and poetry and writing. Such a thrill! Big thanks to the art editor Richard Carter for finding something in my work he liked.
Prints are available of "telescope" in my etsy shop for $12 and I hand sign each one.
;-) Happy day!

Happiness is a warm bun

I'm trying to be better about updating my blog as I work on getting my little business up and running. Yesterday I got my giant box of record mailing boxes! WOOHOO! Starting to look like a little biz around here. This morning I ordered my first roll of bubble wrap, a couple rolls of packing tape and my shipping supplies will be complete. Now I'm on the quest to research a good printer that will do some nice giclee printing so I can expand my shop into other areas and not just records. Going to learn screen printing this summer and branch out. Yesterday I got my first customer appreciation photo! So excited! That little bunny record was commissioned by a facebook friend who is starting his own little music lab and wanted it to be christened with a bunny art record. He sent me a great photo and it really made my day. The desire to do this for a living and make people happy with little pieces of my heart is in full swing.

Jacob and his bunny record

Out of canvas, working on paper. Trying to work through the pain of a back injury and get my spirits back where they belong.
"Renovation"
acrylic/ink on paper w/ newsprint

All Together Now!

Ok, I'm back from the madness of Beatlemania and am happy to report that all my hard work was not in vain. The event was really fun, although it was quite humid in the gallery/soda shop... so it was a good thing I was scoring some free soda pop to quench my thirst. There was an amazing turnout for the art crawl and our event was abuzz with people loving on the Beatles. The go-go girls did a great job hyping up the crowd and we got lots of attention from camera wielding spectators.
I sold both of my pieces in the show quickly and barely got a chance to say goodbye to them. It turns out that one of them was bought by an out of towner and he had to take the piece that night instead of leaving it up to finish out the show. So when the next one sold I just waved it off as well. Bye bye records! The octopus was bought by a fellow who wants to turn it into a tattoo! And the Beatles piece is going in a sweet little girls room. I was honored my stuff went to good homes. Vinyl is hard to paint on but everyone loved it so much I may try my patience with a few more.

I'm still alive in this hive

Yes, I suck. And now that we've agreed on that I will get on with the post.
Spring is kicking my butt. Stuff is blooming and flying and sprouting which makes me sneezy, stuffy and turns my mouth sideways. I love the Spring but it kills me. Time to go back to Doctor for nose spray. Sigh!

I've just wrapped up a huge painting I haven't posted and started a new one and started another little experiment. I'm painting on vinyl as in records. Somehow a disdainful LoverBoy lp made it's way into my house and it has become my first experiment. Muah ha ha!

Also I have discovered Facebook and it is a little addictive but annoying, I admit. But that's only a small part of why I've been away from this blog so long. The other part is that I've kinda hit one of those energy slumps and I just don't feel like my vitamin c or octane is kicking in. I'm sure this has everything to do with allergies! But I will try, I have lots of photos to post and catch up on this blog so buzz along with me if you're still here!
Will post photos of LoverBoy desecration art when it's done!

I Just Want To Be With You

I am working on the followup painting to the one pictured above and I must say...I can't stop thinking about it. I longingly gaze at it as I throw my scarf on before I zip out the door to work. I promise to spend time with it "the very next day" I say, before going to sleep. I stare at it. I scheme. And this weekend I will finally have time to spend painting. I can't wait. A little obsessed? Perhaps. Every time I finish a painting I get a little goosebumpy just thinking that I'm that much closer to my very own show. Someday...but for now I'm having so much fun creating them.

Around Town

I'm part of this group called Etsy Dallas and it looks like they're about to revamp the whole shebang and allow new members in. Be sure to check their blog and apply if you're interested, hit the link-
Etsy Dallas Blog.
Also in the world of craft- my darling friend Tara of Tara to the T is having a closing reception on her Bonnie and Clyde show. The details are on the flyer

looks to be a cool event. Outlaws+ cool hats+art= I'm there!
In not so wonderful news or even local...actor Patrick McGoohan (The Prisoner)finally escaped and is no longer with us. Thanks for some great shows Number Six!