Sneak Peek at 2 10x10s - Feeling Adequate

As a mother and business owner, I find the demands can be overwhelming and often wonder just how much I am “supposed” to accomplish in one day – in order to make myself feel that I’ve done enough.

Frequently, as the evening closes, no matter how long the day has been I feel inadequacy peeking in – should’ve done this, can’t believe I didn’t finish that…

The night before last, as I was painting I had a thought – if I write down all that I did each day before ending the night, that will probably help me to feel adequate. So I did. And as I composed my big long list of that day’s accomplishments, I did feel better and almost didn’t need my aromatherapy to fall asleep that night :)

Just for kicks, and because I know a large percentage of my readers are mothers in nearly the same place as me, I thought I’d record my list:

Played Bouncy Balls (that was fun!)
Organized the coupon drawer
Vacuumed all of downstairs twice
Took down the Christmas Tree (hence all of the vacuuming!)
Baked a loaf of bread
Organized the pantry and cleaned the shelves
Played pirate festival with the boys
Finished packing client gifts
Finished writing Holiday Cards
Cleaned the fridge
Gave the boys a relaxing, unhurried bath
Edited some websites, quickly
Played jacks with the boys
Prepared and cleaned-up-after three meals and bedtime snack
Packed Etsy orders
Went on a skateboarding walk with the boys
Folded two loads of laundry
Played Puppy BINGO
Read four bedtime stories
Tucked in two exhausted loves
Cleaned two bathrooms
1 hour marketing on the computer after the kids were asleep
1 hour painting after the boys were asleep
Started two new paintings
Worked on 4 paintings
Edited all Etsy print listings (organized into sections)
And more that I am forgetting, I’m sure


Does this look familiar to you? Haven’t you always wanted to write down all that you did in one day (and be tempted to show it to your husband?) ha ha!

I am now reading a book titled “Slowing Down to the Speed of Life” by Richard Carlsen and Joseph Bailey – it’s helping me to realize that getting more done will not make us feel more satisfied… I’ll let you know more as I get further into it. It is a good read so far, and a great deal at 50 cents from the Library bookstore!

I’m working on two new 10x10s – the one on the right will be finished then released tomorrow morning – the tree one I love and will come later when it’s finished.

Have a wonderful evening!
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Prints of the 8x8 Collection - it's time

Dear wonderful supporters, buyers, collectors, fans, friends, family and silent anonymous readers & viewers (whom I'm looking forward to meeting) ~

Throughout the process of releasing the 85 8x8s Collection (February - October 2009), I received numerous emails from those who'd missed the opportunity to purchase a certain original as to whether or not I would offer prints of these paintings.

Unsure, I responded with "at this time, I'm not offering prints of this collection..." it made perfect sense at the time, to me and hopefully to them.

Two months have now passed since the 85 8x8s Collection has come to completion and all but three of the 85 paintings have found warm new loving homes. I am infinitely honored and pleased by this - but I still receive those questions and saying "no" now just seems so.... I don't know.... mean and unfair?

If an image touches someone, why should they not have the option of purchasing a print of it. If it makes sense to them and tells a piece of their story (past, present or future) ~ if it makes them smile, think and/or remember, then who am I to tell them "no".

To the wonderful owners of those warm loving homes where the Original 8x8s live, I hope that you will not feel anything but honored and justified in your purchase by knowing that other mothers and fathers out there want to own a print of the painting you snagged first.

It's time.

Thus, I have now made a selection of prints from the 8x8 paintings available in the Online Etsy Shop.

However, if I make all 85 of them available tonite (or even this week), you'll be talking me off the deck railing, so I'm accepting requests!

Email me (katie@kmberggren.com) or comment on this post (here at the blog) or on my Facebook page if there is a painting in the 85 8x8 Collection that you'd like a print of. I'll then make it available for you and the world.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening - and anytime you anonymous readers/viewers want to chime in, you are 100% welcome! Do it on a Friday and you may win Free Cards!

Talk with you Thursday for the next 10x10 release into The Forty Minis Collection!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

The End of Vacation

I've beat myself up a bit lately about not working enough, making enough, creating enough, doing enough.

I realize that it is hard to work and be a mama at the same time, to have a business and two little bebes that need and want you, but mostly need you to be around.

I'm blessed that my business is in my home, that I can paint and create and toil above the watchful eye of my two biggest fans.

We are coming out of a many-day vacation - one where I spent a lot of time playing Playmobil and reading stories, sleeping and eating. It was wonderful and we all enjoyed the closeness and lack of work.


I still squeezed in short painting sessions after the kids were in bed, but much less than usual.

Last night while mopping my downstairs hardwood floors on my hands and knees, I had some time to think...

...to think about what's really important ~ the things that are important to me are parenting (which includes being a wife to my wonderful husband), painting and promoting (well, you have to put the work out there or the painting doesn't help to support the parenting)


It seems easy, eh? Parenting, Painting, Promoting. Not much else really matters right now.


Parenting comes first, so each day I try to look into those little faces many times and make sure that they are happy, fed, healthy and heck - just enjoying life.


I am realizing that being Conscious and Aware does help to provide solutions.


So, we go back to work tomorrow (which means I stick work in throughout the day whenever I can) and put my mind back on track to be focused and efficient.


It's fun, or else I wouldn't do it.


I'm thankful, and I know my boys are too, that as their mama I can be around, work around, and find time, also, to just be.


Ekhart Tolle is helping me with that last one. And I do not always succeed, as a matter of fact, I'm trying to get much better.

Have a great week.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

above image: I Can See Clearly Now

Time Well Spent - a Christmas Eve release into The Forty Mini Collection

Well, it's a later-than-normal release, but right on time if you ask me! Amid the hustle and bustle of holidays, work sometimes comes last - and that's a good thing :)


I'm proud to present Time Well Spent - the newest painting in The Forty Minis Collection.

You can find Time Well Spent, as well as Music, Day Dream, and Wist, here.

Also, you can find them in the Online Etsy shop.

I wish you all a gloriously relaxing and warm, aware Holiday tomorrow - why not start it right now, of course, after the baking, wrapping, building and creating of gifts is all done!

Take a moment (or five or six) to be IN the moment this weekend - enjoy.

Now, that's a reminder to myself as well.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Gift Wednesday - Happy Holidays!

Versus Free Cards Friday this week, I've decided to do Free Gift Wednesday in honor of Christmas.

Australian artist, Michelle Eaton has offered to gift one of the lovely charms from her Etsy shop.

Thus, comment on this blog post (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) between now and next Wednesday night. Next Thursday morning, I will announce the winner when I present next week's 10x10 for The Forty Mini Collection.


Here is Michelle's Etsy shop - so you can start getting excited.


(and, tomorrow's 10x10 will come in the afternoon vs the morning, by the way) :)

My family and I decided yesterday to leave for a quick and spontaneous, well-deserved vacation, so that's all you'll hear from me today!

Have a lovely day and a very Happy Holiday!

As with each day, I thank you for your continued support and generous kindness.

Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Free Gift Wednesday coming up! Free Cards Winner - Christmas Eve brings a new 10x10!

Happy Relaxing Holidays to all!

This evening I was blessed with chocolate, a good book, a massaging neck pillow and... what day is it anyway?!
It was wonderful :)

Instead of Free Cards Friday this week, I'm going to do Free Gift Wednesday with the gift being a lovely charm from the Etsy shop of artist Michelle Eaton.



Comment on Wednesday's Free Gift Blog Post to be in the running. I'll choose the winner the following Thursday when I release that week's 10x10 painting. Sound good? :)

Here is Michelle's Etsy shop - so you can start getting excited.

Art Pendant © Michelle Eaton. 2009.

And yes, Christmas Eve will bring a new 10x10 painting ~ Stay tuned, it is called Time Well Spent and I love it.

The Free Cards Winner for last week is Jessica - email me and we'll connect for shipping. Thanks for playing!

Have a beautiful Tuesday ~ Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Cards Friday - What's Up In The Studio - Do It Day!

It's Free Cards Friday and I am sorry I waited til the last moment to create this post.

Today was "Do It" day at the Berggren house which included creating charms, tons of vacuuming, stripping wallpaper (hence the tons of vacuuming), playing at the park, cooking, cleaning, packing and shipping several orders, playing a 5-year old's game of bowling, and now fixing dinner and preparing for some relax time and painting (later). Phew!

I do love Do It day, though (this term coined from a favorite Sesame Street book) :)

Here is an image showing What's Up In The Studio!

The new large painting is titled Heart Of Hearts and is inspired by an 8x8 titled Heart To Heart which is available, by the way. When taking this small painting to my Portland Gallery, the owner looked at the tag and said "Heart Of Hearts" instead of Heart To Heart. Those words stuck in my head and became the title for this inspired larger painting.

Well, since it's Free Cards Friday today, comment on this post throughout the weekend (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards!
I will choose the winner on Monday.

Have a lovely weekend!

If I can stay away from the chocolate chips (which I have a tendency to call my Chocolate Prozac on those kind of days) then my little cold will probably go away :)

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Holiday Centerpieces with Toddlers!

We went to The Uncommon Gift ~ such an inspirational shop in Camas, WA ~ where my little one's eyes lit on some pretty candy centerpieces that Carrie, the owner, had created.

On our way to the grocery store, it was all he could talk about. He bounced around in glee while we picked out our supplies.

We picked brother up at school and while I put groceries away he proceeded to open each and every type of candy and spread them all around in piles! They then created to their hearts' content and here is the result.

Voila! Lovely and sweet (literally) child-made centerpieces!

I've already threatened them about sneaking pieces throughout the holiday season - we are a pretty much candy-free home, so these were utterly delightful to make and sample!

Happy inspirational days to you! I MUST go vacuum now!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Artist Michelle Eaton ~ Brisbane, Australia ~ 2nd Mini Tomorrow!

Artist, Michelle Eaton's work caught my eye months ago and seeing this little darling pendant to the left should tell you why.

Well, for a week starting today (until December 16, on the U.S. clock) - you can take some time to view Michelle's sweet multi-media pieces and jump into a drawing to win a print from me.

View Michelle's blog here


"Peaceful Moments" © Michelle Eaton. 2009.



Tomorrow brings the second 10x10" painting in The Forty Mini Collection!
Stay Tuned, it's a good one!


Have a lovely evening.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

A day off - Free Cards Winner - da Vinci

The da Vinci arts fair was a great success! Thank you to all who came and said hello, visited and make purchases - I was very impressed at the caliber of work available at this event.

Here are some of the fantastic and inspiring artists I was honored to meet:

Ann of Circle Innovative Clothing ~ wow, her layered and creative jackets and such were so gorgeous - I am honored to now own one of her awesome hats ~ Thanks Ann!

Denise of Radiant Shadow Jewelry ~ buttons and bottle caps linked and bolted together to make clever and elegant jewelry.

Jessica of Modern Beads and Jewelry By Jessica ~ colorful jewelry that drew quite a crowd of admirers.

Lisa of Lisa Kaser Illustration ~ I just love the odd and raw beauty of Lisa's work.

Jeni Lee of Jeni Lee Art ~ Jeni's art is always intriguing; rich and environmental.

Megan of Little Mamas Designs ~ sweet baby items!

Also Carolyn who offered the addictive Girl Bands ~ creative headwear that the women could not get enough of!

It was great to meet you (see you again)!


This was a very long weekend for me - four events down (1 on Friday eve, 2 on Saturday, 1 all day Sunday) and one day OFF coming up ~ tomorrow!


Realize, that in September of 2007 I made a vow to paint EVERYDAY and I stick to that (I've missed 5 days since then) - so I will find a smidge of time to paint tomorrow, but beyond that, nothing. The computer sleeps tomorrow... I haven't had a day off since I can't remember when. I'm looking forward to it.


Mechelle is the free cards winner! Thanks for playing!

above image: FLY - this was a popular one at the show this weekend. Prints available in the Online Etsy shop

have a great week,

love & sincerely ~ Katie

Free Cards Friday! Weekend Events

I have just enough energy and time to say "Hey! It's Free Cards Friday!"

Comment on this post throughout the weekend (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards! I will choose the winner on Monday.

If you are local, come see me tomorrow at da Vinci arts fair:
2508 NE Everett, Portland OregonSaturday, December 5: 10-6pm
Sunday, December 6: 10-4pm (learn more)

Or on Saturday evening at:
Sixth Street Gallery 5th Anniversary Celebration & Silent AuctionSaturday, December 5, 5-9pm105 W Sixth Street, Vancouver Washington ~ free event (learn more)

OR

Tonite at:
Living Hope Church, East Vancouver WashingtonFriday, December 4, 7-9pm 705 SE ParkCrest Avenue ~ free event


SEE why I don't have much time to write? Gotta go, dinner is burning!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

The Forty Minis Collection Starts NOW with Wist!

Good morning friends!

The Holiday Season is beginning, and it is exciting!

The Forty Mini Collection has officially BEGUN with this first 10x10 painting: Wist!

Let me know what you think!






Wist is, as I write this, available in the Online Etsy Shop, and once the original finds a new home, I will make prints available.


I feel excited for the coming weeks as I finish the next couple 10x10 paintings and prepare for several upcoming art fairs.



Have a lovely, wistful day!


Thank you for your time, and for following along so graciously.
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Enchanted is Complete - Free Cards Winner - Thursday Starts the Forty Minis Collection!

Good Morning!
Enchanted is now complete, the newest painting to come out of the studio.





Thursday starts The Forty Mini Collection - with Wist being the first 10x10" painting to be available in the Online Etsy Shop - let me know if you would like to receive an email each Thursday when the new 10x10 is released - otherwise, look for the new one here on the Painting Motherhood Blog , on my website, Facebook, and in the Online Etsy Shop - each Thursday morning before 8am (ideally!)


Holiday Cards are here!



Have a lovely and inspired day!
(I just put daylight lightbulbs in my studio - so it feels very cheery and noon-ish in here)



The Free Cards Winner for last week is Suzanne, thanks for playing everyone, and for your feedback on the Conscious Parenting post. Thank you Lela, Phil and Jacqueline!



Love & Sincerely,
Katie


Don't forget, the The da Vinci Arts Middle School Art Fair is Coming Up!

2508 NE Everett, Portland Oregon
Saturday, December 5: 10-6pm
Sunday, December 6: 10-4pm
This is a fun event packed with great art by over 70 local artists

Conscious Parenting, Free Cards Friday

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.


From the time my first little boy was born, I have had ONE big burning parenting question. One question above all over questions. Throughout his young life I learned a bunch about parenting styles, health and such - but this ONE big burning question remained.

I asked other mothers, I asked my grandmother's sister (who was about 85 at the time) and her response still lingers in me.

I read books, I google searched, I asked the doctor.... but the question remained.

About a month ago, I was on Twitter , Tweeting like a good Twit should, and I saw a post about Conscious Parenting and a free teleclass.

Being an info buff and loving free teleclasses because they always send you the recording later (I never am able to have an hour of quiet time during the day, as you also have experienced!)

The woman who sent the Tweet was Jacqueline Green of Great Parenting Practices.

The teleclass speaker was Phil Johncock.

When signing up, I was allowed to put in one question for Phil. I quickly submitted my ONE big burning question:

"How much time each day should I spend one-on-one playing with my child?"

Jacqueline sent me the free recording and would you know that MY ONE big burning question was the first question (in the first five minutes of the show, no less) that Phil answered.

His response was (in my words):

If you are conscious and aware in each moment then the amount of time that you should spend with your children will be obvious.

At first I felt a bit jipped, but then over the course of the next couple days, I realized that he was right. When I am in each moment and paying attention to my boys, listening to their words, looking into their faces to find the story, then deep in my soul I already know the answer to my ONE big burning question.

If you pay attention to their behavior and how they are feeling, you will automatically know when to spend one-on-one time with them, and how much they need.

I was thinking, this week, about Conscious Parenting, and googled to find this Conscious Parenting 101 article by Lela Davidson. It's a good read, so I have pasted it below, it is COPYRIGHT LELA DAVIDSON, of course:

---------------------

Thanks to Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle's, A New Earth (note from Katie - this is a fantastic book), including it's message of the idea of conscious parenting is getting widespread media coverage. Whether or not you agree with all of Tolle's ideas, his advice on parenting is sound.

According to Tolle, conscious parenting consists largely of simply being with your child. This article explores that idea, as well as some other aspects of this new movement in parenting.

What is Conscious Parenting?

Before you dismiss these ideas as too new-agey and fluffy for you, consider the meaning of the word conscious according to Websters:

1. perceiving, apprehending, or noticing with a degree of controlled thought or observation
2. sharing another's knowledge or awareness of an inward state or outward fact
3. personally felt
4. capable of or marked by thought, will, design, or perception
5. self-conscious
6. having mental faculties undulled by sleep, faintness, or stupor : awake
7. done or acting with critical awareness
8. likely to notice, consider, or appraise
9. being concerned or interested
10. marked by strong feelings or notions

Synonyms: Aware, Awake

Doesn't seem so woo-woo now does it? Let's all be more conscious in our parenting, more aware of how we're perceiving and appraising our children, as well as noticing our behavior and what's behind it.

Shifting Paradigms

Proponents of conscious parenting believe we are at a crucial point in the history of our planet. Basically, the future of the human race depends on our children's ability to be peace-makers. Whether you believe this is nothing new, simply the human condition, or you believe major destruction is imminent if we don't take major action now - you'll have to agree that raising peaceful little people is not a bad thing. Maybe conscious parenting is the philosophy that speaks to you and helps you be the best parent you can be. In other words, can't hurt, might help.

Mama Comes First

Conscious parenting calls for parents to pay attention to their children and, more importantly to their own thoughts and behaviors. It's important to understand out own needs and personal hurts in order to avoid repeating painful patterns from our past. The idea is to limit the damage we pass on to our children so that they grow into healthy and balanced people.
Especially when frustration levels are high, we tend to fall into old, familiar patterns of behavior. Conscious parenting is all about being awake and aware to what's going on with your child now and deal with that situation or feeling.

Give Children What They Need

According to Michael Grayson Conner, child psychologist, parents need to pay particular attention to the words we use, as well as our expectations when dealing with our children. According to Conner, here is what children need:

•Children need examples and simple instructions. They need you to show them what you want and how to do it.

•Children need to practice. It is best to have simple goals with only a few steps. Tasks that are complex should be broken down into smaller takes. As a general rule, complex activities need to be practiced about 60 times before it becomes natural. •Children need supervision and guidance when they are learning new tasks. The idea is to keep students on task, correct mistakes, help when they are stuck, allow them to struggle, and to avoid discouraging failures.

•Children need lots of encouragement and praise for their initiative, creativity and effort. They need to learn that persistence in the face of failure and discouragement can lead to success.

•Children need opportunities to do things on their own while someone periodically monitors their behavior.

We practice conscious parenting when we are actively engaged in meeting these needs. When we are paying attention to what the child needs right now. Conner provides a great example of an . interaction between a child who's been asked to clean her room and a parent who just wants it done

article by Lela Davidson

---------------------

I hope this helps put you on a track to solving your own big burning questions.

I'd love to hear your comments. It's Free Cards Friday, so comment on this post throughout the weekend (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards! I will choose the winner on Monday.

Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Oh and by the way, my grandma's 85-year old sister's response to my ONE big burning question was "A snitch here, a snitch there."

The da Vinci Arts Middle School Art Fair is Coming Up!
2508 NE Everett, Portland Oregon
Saturday, December 5: 10-6pm

Sunday, December 6: 10-4pm

I'll be pleased to present a whole new selection of Glass Art Charms at this event - as well as new original paintings, 8x10 prints, 12x15 Limited Edition Giclees & Holiday Cards.

above images: Simplicity and Gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving! Cling is the Final Giclee Release for November

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today and every day I, personally, am infinitely thankful for the kind, generous and inspiring people that I have had the opportunity to meet through being an artist and a mother.

Thank You.

Cling is today's Signed ~ Numbered ~ Archival ~ Limited Edition Giclee,

the FINAL Giclee release for November.

See Cling & all 4 Limited Edition Giclee releases for November

The Forty Mini Collection starts NEXT Thursday with 1 (or 2) 10x10" painting(s) released each Thursday morning.


Holiday Cards are here


Have a thankful and aware day,

Love & Sincerely, Katie

So alike - Original Mixed Media Collage Art Painting by Sascalia

I thought this was so strikingly sweet, so I wanted to share it!


So alike - Original Mixed Media Collage Art Painting by Sascalia Mother and child
Originally uploaded by sascalia

Have a great Wednesday!

Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Love Art Gallery features Decemberville!

I am not sure I'll be there just yet (da Vinci that weekend) ~ but as you know, I HIGHLY recommend the Love Art Gallery as a place to find glorious local art, kind hearts and infinite inspiration.

The Love Art Gallery features my original paintings, 8x10 prints, 5x7 art cards, and glass art charms and do an out-of-this world job of representing and supporting their artists.

Go if you can!

da Vinci Arts School Art Fair & Sixth Street Gallery Silent Auction and Anniversary Celebration are Coming Up

The da Vinci Arts Middle School Art Fair is Coming Up!

2508 NE Everett, Portland Oregon

Saturday, December 5: 10-6pm

Sunday, December 6: 10-4pm

I'll be pleased to present a whole new gaggle of Glass Art Charms at this event - as well as new original paintings, 8x10 prints, 12x15 Limited Edition Giclees, Holiday Cards...

This will be the fourth year of this event for me ~ and each year it gets better with a diverse arrangement of over 70 artists, an art creating area, refreshments and a raffle drawing. As well as some art from da Vinci middle school students. This is a great place to do some Holiday Shopping - my friends Jeni and Megan (http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlemamasdesigns) will also be there. As well as an artist I admire, Lisa Kaser (http://lisakaser.com/).


I'd love to see you there!

Also!

Sixth Street Gallery is having their 5th Anniversary Celebration & Silent Auction
105 W Sixth Street, Vancouver Washington
Saturday, December 5 from 5-9pm

This event features Live Music by Myles Lawrence & Joshua English, Refreshments and Wine, Raffle Prizes, Holiday Gift Items and a whole lot of exciting fun! Not to mention a Silent Auction bursting with good things.

At the gallery, I personally will have Glass Art Charms, original paintings, 8x10 prints, Holiday Cards...

I'd love to see you there, too! What a busy holiday weekend!

The Free Cards Winner for last week is Michelle! Thanks for playing!

Have a great week!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Drape is this week's Giclee ~ A Limited, Signed and Numbered Edition of Only 30

Drape is this week's Giclee!

These are signed and numbered, archival prints from a Limited Edition of only 30, EVER!
Once the 30 are gone, there will be no more 12x15 Drapes, EVER!

You can get yours in the Online Etsy Shop!

WHAT IS A GICLEE ANYWAY?
Giclees are Museum quality Fine-Art reproductions, also called Archival Prints. These are the result of highly advanced digital printing technology using fade-resistant archival (acid free) inks inks known to last at least 70 years.A Giclee is the closest to an original painting as you can get.



These prints are made using an ultra-high-resolution printer, using enhanced smooth matte acid free paper.



The color, quality of materials, and overall look makes a Giclee much more valuable than any other type of reproduction. Notably more valuable if the edition is limited to 100 prints or less, and if the Giclee has been pencil signed and numbered by the Artist.

The Forty Minis Collection is Revving Up!

Beginning Thursday morning, December 3, 2009...

FORTY (40) 10x10" paintings will begin to be released ~ ONE per Thursday morning until the Collection is complete.

UNLIKE the 85 8x8s Collection ~ once the original 10x10 has sold from The Forty Minis Collection, I'll offer 8x10 prints of each painting.

Each 10x10 original painting in The Forty Minis Collection will sell for $120 plus $10 shipping through the Online Etsy Shop, and the prints will be $14 each, also available through the Online Etsy Shop.



Have a great Thursday!


Love & Sincerely,

Katie

The Forty Minis Collection - Beginning Thursday December 3

Beginning Thursday morning, December 3, 2009...

FORTY (40) 10x10" paintings will begin to be released ~ ONE per Thursday morning until the Collection is complete.

This is the sister collection to the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection that ran from the first Thursday in February through the last Thursday in October. See the 85 8x8 Collection in its entirety.


Hang on!

Like the 8x8s, there's only one original, but UNLIKE the 85 8x8s Collection ~ once the original 10x10 has sold from The Forty Minis Collection, I'll offer 8x10 prints of each painting.

Each 10x10 original painting in The Forty Minis Collection will sell for $120 plus $10 shipping through the Online Etsy Shop, and the prints will be $14 each, also available through the Online Etsy Shop.

I'm looking forward to this project, and have already begun working on some pieces, as you can see above. The inspiration is flowing now, and I'm working on adding nature to these new pieces - by way of birds, mostly birds.

If you have any questions, ideas, comments or feedback, don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you to those who have already begun sharing the excitement of this new collection with me.

Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Free Cards Winner ~ Last Years Holiday Cards on Discount for Facebook and Blog Friends/Fans!

Hey!

Virginia is the Free Cards Winner this week - those cards are going to travel a looonnnggg way :) Thanks Virginia!



I've got some packs of last years Holiday Cards floating around, and wanted to put them out there for a discounted rate - excited for the 2009s but still love the 2008s!




I have:
•4 boxes of Snowmen (each set has 10 cards/11 envelopes),
•6 boxes of the little girl, called Waiting Up,
•2 boxes featuring 5 Snowmen and 5 Waiting Up

The interior message for Waiting Up: "May the warmth, joy and wonder of the season be yours!"


The interior message for Snowman: "Celebrate the spirit & joy of the season!"



They were $15 last year (and the 2009 sets will be $15), but right now they are just $11 each box for my blog readers/facebook friends & fans - let me know if you are interested and I'll post them in the Online Etsy Shop just for YOU!!



Have a great week! Back to work!



Love & Sincerely,

Katie

Free Cards Friday! My Newest Epiphany - so glad I took the time to write it down.

Hi! I'm feeling very domestic today - and so I thought I'd take a quick break for a Friday post.


I had an epiphany last night:

•When I think about what needs to be cleaned, folded, sorted, vacuumed, organized and put away around the house (Home) - I feel fine and get ready to dig in.

•When I think about what needs to be packaged, listed, uploaded, designed, painted, photographed or created in the studio (Studio) - I smile and start making a list.

HOWEVER! When I think about all that needs to be done around the house, then I think about all that needs to be done in the studio/business - my body instantly floods with overwhelm... and I begin bouncing from one area of my life to the other, creating a not-so-good day.

My thought was this - if I channel my thoughts and energy to ONE area of my life at a time, for a period of time ~ Studio or Home (I know it sounds so easy) ~ then I feel far more peaceful and get a whole lot more accomplished.


For instance, I am writing this blog post right now, then going BACK to cleaning, without even checking my email box - because I know that box will grab me by the neck and pull me into a whole new area that I am not ready for just yet this morning :)


Those who know me know that I have a disenchantment with multi-tasking, so this is just another part of it - on a larger scale.

What do you think?

Comment on this post throughout the weekend (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards! I will choose the winner on Monday.

P.S. I just discovered a long smear of muddy footprints stretching from the backyard to the garage - directly diagonal across the lovely floor my 5-year old and I had JUST cleaned, aargh, I guess that's the way it goes. Thank goodness for a good vacuum cleaner (and plenty of patience).

Have a purposeful and mentally-organized day!

Love & Sincerely,

Katie


Above Image: Spirit Soaring - inspired by music and makes me think of cleaning the house, or otherwise bumbling around, with music and the baby. You can purchase prints of Spirit Soaring in the Online Store.

The First Giclee has Arrived! Linger

The First Limited Edition Giclee has been Released ~ Linger!

These are signed and numbered, archival prints from a Limited Edition of only 30, EVER!

Once the 30 are gone, there will be no more 12x15 Lingers, ever.

You can get yours in the Online Etsy Shop!

WHAT IS A GICLEE ANYWAY?

Giclees are Museum quality Fine-Art reproductions, also called Archival Prints. These are the result of highly advanced digital printing technology using fade-resistant archival (acid free) inks known to last at least 70 years.

A Giclee is the closest to an original painting as you can get. These prints are made using an ultra-high-resolution printer, using enhanced smooth matte acid free paper.
The color, quality of materials, and overall look makes a Giclee much more valuable than any other type of reproduction. Notably more valuable if the edition is limited to 100 prints or less, and if the Giclee has been pencil signed and numbered by the Artist.

Coming December 3!

The Forty Mini Collection - beginning Thursday, December 3, 2009 ~ 40 10x10" paintings will be released ONE per week on Thursday mornings.

Hang on! There's only one, but once the original has sold, I'll offer 7x7 prints of the painting!
Each 10x10" painting will sell for $120 plus $10 shipping through the Online Etsy Shop, and the prints will be $14 each, also available through the Online Etsy Shop.

Have a great day!
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Charms in Progress - 1st Giclee Tomorrow Morning - December Plans

Good evening!

Stand-by, the first Giclee release is TOMORROW MORNING!! Stay tuned to the Giclee page in the Online Esy Shop if you'd like to grab one!

(PSSSTTTT.... it's Linger)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, my boys and I were playing at the park ~ goofing off and channelling Superman from the swings... a Daddy and his (cutest I've ever seen) little girls came to play. He had just gotten off work, I could tell, as he watched them play - his face serious and furrowed - giving them just as much attention as they needed to not fall from the climbing bars...

It was time for us to go so I enticed my boys into a 3 minute game of tag before we had to walk home. Our tag game sent us flying through the grass, arms out, wild-eyed and crazy ~ fun.


...the little girls watched us with shy smiles...

Our three minutes turned into five and I raced my boys to the wagon and the entrance to the park. We trudged home, hand in hand and as we came around the corner, I turned back to see the two little girls enticing their Daddy into a game of tag - in the same area of grass where we had been playing near the park toys. I stared and observed, as I usually do whenever another human is close by (especially a parent), and felt so happy as I watched the Daddy go from hands-in-his-pockets watching the girls chase each other to jogging around with them ~ having a bit of a good time.

I felt warm with pride for my little boys and our little family. It may have been the nicest thing we 've done for someone else all week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On another note, I'm working on a few more (6) Glass Art Charms in the studio tonite, as well as thinking about December, let me tell you what I have in mind :)





The Fourty Mini Collection - beginning Thursday, December 3, 2009 ~ 40 10x10" paintings to be released ONE per week on Thursday mornings.


Hang on! There's only one, but once the original has sold, I'll offer 7x7 prints of the painting!

Each 10x10" painting will sell for $120 plus $10 shipping through the Online Etsy Shop, and the prints will be $14 each, also available through the Online Etsy Shop.

I'd love to know your thoughts!


Love & Sincerely,

Katie

Holiday Cards Are Here: Warm Friendship & Holiday Baby ~ Free Cards Winner, too

Spreading (Early) warm holiday greetings! Ha ha!

I'd like to introduce you to the 2009 Holiday Card Designs: Warm Friendship and Holiday Baby.

Each Crystal Clear Box contains 10 full color cards and 11 envelopes ~ $15 each.

The interior message for the Holiday Baby Holiday Card is: "May you find comfort & joy while sharing the magic & awe of the holidays."

The interior message for the Warm Friendship Holiday Card is: "Wishing you a season of warm friendship & whimsical happiness."

I am Currently taking Pre-Orders for these cards - your package will ship within 10 days!

To order some, visit the Online Store.

Melissa is the Free Cards Friday winner for last week - thanks Melissa! Your cards are going into Tuesday's mail. And thank you to those who find the time and energy to stop in and say hello on these posts!

I'd like to introduce you to my mentors and say a bit about finding your own - stay tuned for an upcoming post.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

The 8x8 Collection ~ What it has taught me, and Thank You ~ Free Cards Friday

It seems sad and isolate to let go of this collection that has opened me and closed me, stretched me and compressed me, delighted me and stressed me for 9 whole straight months.

I am happy with the finished family of 85, but is it really about the outcome? The finished pieces? Or is it about the process?

Glow, the first 8x8, released the beginning of February, 2009

The stumble, the path, the walk, the doors that open pulled by inspiration and insight – pulled by experiences and quiet meditation – pulled by time with my boys that I know I will never retrieve…

Fresh young years of their life that have this one chance to be lived…

I ponder about what is next, and am looking forward to the Limited Edition Giclees, as well as the collection beginning in December called The Forty Minis.

I look forward to seeing what lies ahead in the long run, while I feel my way onto the canvas, as though my heart and soul is gripping the brush and my mind is but an extra appendage…

I love what I do, and if I follow my soul I’ll be completely free to do what I am divinely called to do. The rest will be taken care of.

Healing Me, the final of 85 8x8s, released the end of October, 2009

Sometimes I am and I feel so strongly outcast, but I smile and feel joyful thankfulness that I get to be me in my world. I feel like a 0person with a completely separate ideal. Though I know millions and millions share my feelings, and I am thankful to be connected to so many who feel and think like me.



If you have not watched Dr. Wayne Dyer’s flick Ambition to Meaning, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Soon, I will post a blog post showing all 85 of the paintings – that will be fun.

Thank you again, to all of my wonderful supporters ~ to those of you who have been there with me from the beginning ~ and to those who have stepped in along the path somewhere.

Thank you to that certain sweet collector who now proudly holds 21 of my paintings, to the other wonderful woman who has 18, and she who has 14 and he who has 6 ~ to name a few of my new friends.

It's FREE CARDS FRIDAY! Comment on this post to be entered to win!


Love and warm, sincere feelings to you all, have a great weekend!

Katie

The 85 8x8 Collection is Complete! Free Gift Today and Tomorrow! Giclees Next Week

The Very Last 8x8 of Them All has just been released!

It is called Healing Me and with it I present the completed 85 8x8 Collection.

TODAY & TOMORROW Only - purchase an 8x8 painting (there are several available) and Receive a FREE Glass Art Charm!

See the Available 8x8s Here

NEXT THURSDAY, same time ~ same place, the first of 4 Limited Edition Giclees will be released: (drum roll...) Linger (http://kmberggren.com/g128.htm) ~ they are $70 each for a signed and numbered Limited Edition Giclee.



WHAT IS A GICLEE? You may be wondering...

Giclees are Museum quality Fine-Art reproductions, also called Archival Prints. These are the result of highly advanced digital printing technology using fade-resistant archival (acid free) inks known to last at least 70 years.

A Giclee is the closest to an original painting as you can get. These prints are made using an ultra-high-resolution printer, using enhanced smooth matte acid free paper.The color, quality of materials, and overall look makes a Giclee much more valuable than any other type of reproduction. Notably more valuable if the edition is limited to 100 prints or less, and if the Giclee has been pencil signed and numbered by the Artist. Which these will be!

Each Thursday morning I'll surprise you with the painting that is offered as a Limited Edition Giclee - so stay posted by making sure you are on the email list!


Holiday Card Styles Coming in the next few days ~ Stay tuned!


Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday here on the blog - Comment on this post (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards! I will choose the winner on Monday.


Have an inspired day, THANK YOU for staying in touch
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Brand New Glass Charms ~ Tiny Moments To Take Along!

I'm happy to introduce to you: brand new Art Charms ~ Tiny Moments To Take Along...

These are the Art Charms born from the previously conceived idea, but reinvented in GLASS!

Mini images of original paintings, adhered to smooth lozenges of glass ~ painted in shimmery gold, then glazed for a glass-like appearance, protective seal and durability.

Finished with a Stainless-Steel plated bail ~

they are ready for the strand, chain, hemp, cord of your choosing.

They are gorgeous, shiny, shimmery and smooth.

Lovely, and each is hand-crafted, by me!

They aren't perfectly waterproof, so you'll want to be on the safe side with water, baths, hottubs and of course due to their yummy smoothness, we'll want to keep them away from young children and babies.

These Glass Art Charms are now available at The Uncommon Gift in Camas Washington as well as a couple available in the Etsy Shop at http://www.kmberggren.etsy.com/

Let me know what you think of them!

Believe (above) is also now on display at The Uncommon Gift in Camas Washington!

The Free Cards Friday winner for last week is Aleisha! Thanks for playing!

Love & Sincerely,

Katie

Free Cards Friday! Holiday thoughts already?

It's Free Cards Friday again, and I can hardly believe it!

Comment on this post (on the Painting Motherhood Blog or on Facebook) and be in the running to WIN Free Cards! I will choose the winner on Monday.

Tonite, I am working on my paintings for Holiday Cards - yikes, and to tell the truth I'm running behind ;)

I'm enjoying the little snowman and birds (yes, another snowman by popular demand!), as well as the mother sharing joy with her child - I'll show them to you as soon as I have them finished, and allow you to pre-order if you think you might like to send some this year.

IMAGES: last year's Holiday cards!

My boys decorated their rooms for Christmas today - despite the ghosts and spiders hanging in the family room - I had to convince them to wait on the holiday lights, though...

I wish you a wonderful, relaxing, inspired, rainy, Fall-ish weekend. I love this weather, most of the time!

Love & Sincerely,

Katie

2 New 8x8s for Thursday! Only 1 left - next week!

Today brought two new 8x8 paintings for the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - they have both been claimed - and next Thursday brings the FINAL 8x8!

What an enchanted adventure this has been and I am ever so thankful for all of the wonderful mothers I have met along the way ~ thank you so much for your support, feedback, excitement, ideas, purchases, sharing and referrals.

Gaze

Cherish

November will the The Month of Giclees!

Throughout November, I will release 4 Limited Editions - a new one each Thursday morning ~ each containing SEVEN (7) in stock 12x15 high-quality Giclee prints in a limited edition of only 30 (numbers 8-30 will need to be ordered, but are available as well!).

The first of 4 Giclee offerings will be released on Thursday, November 5.

WHAT IS A GICLEE? You may be wondering...

Giclees are Museum quality Fine-Art reproductions, also called Archival Prints. These are the result of highly advanced digital printing technology using fade-resistant archival (acid free) inks known to last at least 100 years.

A Giclee is the closest to an original painting as you can get. These prints are made using an ultra-high-resolution printer, using enhanced smooth matte acid free paper.
The color, quality of materials, and overall look makes a Giclee much more valuable than any other type of reproduction. Notably more valuable if the edition is limited to 100 prints or less, and if the Giclee has been pencil signed and numbered by the Artist. Which these will be!

Each Thursday morning I'll surprise you with the painting that is offered as a Limited Edition Giclee (these will replace the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection releases, since the 8x8 Collection will be COMPLETE by the end of October!) - so stay posted by making sure you are on the email list!

Also, FYI - I will be releasing two new Holiday Card designs, and also a few boxes of last year's designs. STAY TUNED! There will be a snowman and bird style, for sure :)

Have a great day!
Love & Sincerely,
Katie

Free Cards Friday!

It's Free Cards Friday! (hey, it's still Friday for another 2 hours!)
Tomorrow I take the band (the kiddos) on the road to see Great Grandma! 5 hours in the car... must get sleep and set out the tea for morning...


Comment on this post and be IN the running for Free Cards for Friday!! I'll name the winner on Monday and ship 'em out!

Also - as you may well know, there are only THREE (count 'em) THREE 8x8s left to be released in the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection - holy cow, I can hardly believe it. You can see the whole collection here!

The final three MAY go fast, but you can still snag some of the available 8x8s - there are 5 currently available in the Collection - by shooting me an email letting me know you WANT it!! I'll then pick it up and ship it off to you.

The available 8x8s are currently hanging at the beautiful Love Art Gallery in Portland, OR - if you are local, you can also just head on down there and pick a couple up.

While you are there, feel free to be in AWE of the other amazing local talent that graces the walls, counters, jewelry cases and pedestals.

Above image: Linger - if you like Linger, stay tuned! The Month Of Giclees is FAST approaching!

Have a lovely weekend!
Love & Sincerely,
Katie

2 New 8x8s Have Just Been Released - Preparing For November!

Introducing this morning's 2 new 8x8 paintings!

Wanderlust: Despite the day's duties, may we find priceless adventures...

Found: Now, with the arrival of a child, a father is found ~ accompanied by a fresh approach to love.

November is The Month of Giclees!

Getting ready to say goodbye to the 8x8 Collection Releases - but the collection still stands...

I will release 4 Limited Editions in November, each containing only SEVEN (7) 12x15 high-quality Giclee prints in stock for a limited edition set of 30.

The first of 4 Giclee offerings will be released on Thursday, November 5, with a new limited edition released each Thursday of November.

Giclees are Museum quality Fine-Art reproductions, also called Archival Prints. These are the result of highly advanced digital printing technology using fade-resistant archival (acid free) inks known to last at least 100 years.

A Giclee is the closest to an original painting as you can get. These prints are made using an ultra-high-resolution printer, using enhanced smooth matte acid free paper.

The color, quality of materials, and overall look makes a Giclee much more valuable than any other type of reproduction. Notably more valuable if the edition is limited to 100 prints or less, and if the Giclee has been pencil signed and numbered by the Artist.

Each Thursday morning I'll surprise you with the painting that is offered as a Limited Edition Giclee (these will replace the 85 8x8s for $85 Collection releases, since the 8x8 Collection will be COMPLETE by the end of October!) - so stay posted by making sure you are on the email list!

(If you are on the email list receiving 8x8 Releases, then you will receive Giclee Release emails)

Don't Forget! Tomorrow is FREE CARDS FRIDAY! Comment on tomorrow's post and be in the running to win...


Have a wonderful day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie