It's been a while...

...I know that the first rule to blogging is to be consistent. Well, with this week's preview of crisp and fresh fall air arriving, I am re-energized to jump start my blog again! In the coming week, I'll have new photos, topics and ideas to share, so peek back in from time to time to see what is new!

For now, I will leave you with a link to something that I am VERY excited about! In the spring of 2010, Mary Engelbreit is hosting a workshop! Registration started today, and I made sure to lock in my spot! Sounds like such a fun time-

http://www.maryengelbreit.com/meet-me/mary-engelbreits-home-companion-workshops/

As Busy as an Elf!

I have been as busy as an elf around here! As if our little one hasn't been keeping me busy enough, I've been keeping on my toes with some custom orders too! How exciting to know that come Christmas morning that there will be people across the country opening up my own creations! I love the challenge of each new custom order and in a way, I'm slightly sad to see each piece go! One of these days I'll get to make some pieces that we can hang onto!

Above is a hand painted teacup and saucer that I made for a relative of mine that had bred Cockatiels years ago- and NOT on purpose either! What started off as a pair that someone had asked her to take, quickly became an extensive family of birds! Everyone one of our relatives had one or two at some point and, I am certain, that whenever we all see a cockatiel, we ALL think of Sue!

Below is a custom Bridal shower invitation that I designed for an "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" themed party. I had such a blast creating this design and I fell in love with Alice enough to put her in a frame and list her on Etsy! She tells me that a cup of tea can calm the stresses away from ANY crazy day in Wonderland!

Above you'll see a set that I designed and painted for a daughter who wanted a special gift for her wine-loving-librarian-mother.

Below: It's the thought that counts, right? Well the husband who contacted me to create a set of mugs for his wife will surely get bonus points for this gift! His wife's favorite mug (white with a vibrant red poppy on the front) had broken. As a gift, he wanted to give her a set of four to replace the one that was lost. Isn't that sweet?

Below: Lastly, I had painted a pair of beautiful Wine Glasses with a Monarch butterfly design. A perfect gift for any nature lover! (You can find these for sale on Etsy right now!)

Well, there are LOTS of projects that still need some attention, but I just wanted to share with you what has been keeping me busy these days!

Get out those stamps!

It’s is official… the holidays are here!!! Starting Friday, Christmas cards start making their way into mailboxes across the map and I can hardly wait!

This week, after we have celebrated our gratitude for all of God’s blessings this year, the thrill of holiday bargains immerge! Even in my little shop on Etsy, there are big things planned! Not only am I now offering photo card designs this year, but for a short time
you can even get a custom design for free!

Here’s the SALE!!!FREE Photo Card Design with ANY purchase! That's right... even my cards for $2.50 qualify you for the free Photo Card design- that's $12 worth of Holiday goodness all for free! (Not a bad deal if you ask me!) How do you do it?When you make your purchase and check out, tell me which design you want and the short holiday greeting to be added. After your purchase goes through, send me an email at Kelly.Schwark(at symbol)gmail.com attaching the high quality photo to be used and you have yourself your own CUSTOM design in the works!!! (Allow 48 hours to receive design via email.)Sale will be listed for 12:00am EST Black Friday through 11:59pm Cyber Monday.**Please note that all copyright information and requirements of the design are detailed in the descriptions of the listings found on Etsy.

All cards can be purchased on: www.KellySchwark.etsy.com

Lastly, if you love my Martini Madness cards, why not enter the giveaway on "Original By Terri" blog? You’ll find out how you can win yourself a set of these cards!
Drawing ends on BLACK FRIDAY! Good luck!

http://originals-by-terri.blogspot.com/

CafePress… another place to find me!

In order to get more of my designs on more products, I’ve opened up a CafePress shop!

There is still some tweaking and some updates yet to be done,

but please feel free to drop on by and check out my new site and new product lines!

There you’ll find:

cards, mugs, magnets, shirts,

bags, onesies, keepsake boxes, decorative tiles,

and even a couple of ornaments!

http://www.cafepress.com/KellySchwark

Top: Acorn Decorative Tile by Kelly Schwark
Above: American Quilted Christmas Tree Mug, KellySchwark

Above:Peppermint Swirl Infant Bodysuit, by Kelly Schwark
Below: American Christmas Tree Tote Bag, Kelly Schwark

Mighty Oak in Progress

I have been in love with the weather these past couple of weeks. The fresh air, the changing colors and textures, it is ALL so inspiring! I have to admit (and I’m sure my hubby will not be very happy with the next statement) but I’m missing our abundance of acorns this year! The past two years our might oak trees have produced an overwhelming amount of acorns. The squirrels and chipmunks were fat and happy as the ground was literally covered with acorns. I suppose our oaks needed a much deserved break (as well as my husband from the tedious clean up!) so I am left to create my own acorns this year!

Above: Detail of Original Acorn Watercolor Painting

Below: Original Acorn Watercolor Painting (Framed)

now for sale on:
www.KellySchwark.Etsy.com

Above: A Mighty Oak in Progress Nameplate with sample quote. Now for sale at www.KellySchwark.etsy.com and ready to be personalized for your little nut!

These lovely little acorns hold so much inspiration. What starts off as a beautiful little gem that can fit into the palm of your hand will one day grow to become a mighty oak tree! Let the inspiration of the tiny acorn remind you every day that we all can achieve greatness.

Join me for a walk!

We were blessed with a wonderful weekend. There is nothing like some family time outdoors appreciating all of nature’s beauty! God truly is the most amazing artist, combining colors, textures, and compositions of beauty beyond anyone’s imagination. I couldn’t stop snapping the camera on our walk, and have GOBS of lovely photos of our little one!

So… grab a cup of warm apple cider, a maple scone and join me on a little hike through some of our fall colors here in New England!

Mother Nature's New Palette of Colors

Amazingly, the summer has passed us by and fall seems to be in FULL swing here in New England! It seems to me that the leaves have started changing overnight and the air has taken on a cold brisk bite in the mornings. As much as I adore the new colors in the palette that Mother Nature proudly displays, I secretly (or not so secretly) wish that they days and nights wouldn’t get much cooler than this. Time keeps ticking so, I grab a Pumpkin & Spice Latte, give into the cold and CELEBRATE the fall!!!

These past few weeks have been proven to be pretty productive around here. Our little one has gone from a wobbly little walker to full fledged runner! A few bumps along the way, but isn’t that life? We grow, we learn, we fall a few times and then pick ourselves back up and move on. It’s a wonderful lesson for any age if you ask me.

Inspiration has recently come from the change of season, in colors and textures, but also a few new trends that I seem to have fallen in love with. Now, hang on a second… I’m not a “trendy” person by ANY means, but every so often there are things that pop up that I can’t get out of my mind (and subsequently my designs.)

Naptime is short these days, so excuse me for being brief. Please feel free to swing by my shop of Etsy.com to see a few new products that I’ve listed. I hope to write a little more about each piece in the coming days, but until then leave me your thoughts on the new little goodies!

"A Mighty Oak in Progress" Nameplate

Matryoshka Doll Personalized Hand painted Pants (above) Nameplate (bleow)
Sock Monkey Personalized Stepstool