www.KellySchwark.com

It's been a while...

2009-09-01T16:09:00.002-04:00

...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!

2008-12-17T15:09:00.017-05:00

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!

2008-11-25T11:35:00.006-05:00

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!

2008-10-14T12:39:00.008-04:00

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

2008-10-14T11:51:00.009-04:00

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!

2008-10-06T15:00:00.017-04:00

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

2008-09-24T14:53:00.019-04:00

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

Get out the milk and cookies...

2008-08-12T21:11:00.012-04:00

I know what you are thinking... "It is WAY too early to be thinking about Christmas!" But in all reality, sometimes, don't the days and weeks pass us all by a little quicker than we would like to admit? Before you know it, an entire season has found a way to sneak by you without you batting an eyelash!

For us at our house, the summer has been keeping a steady pace. We have had some beautiful days recently, the ones where the air is so crisp, clean and clear that everything seems so sharp and in focus. The summer colors are so vibrant and exciting, but there is a part of me that can hardly wait for the joys that the holiday season always brings with it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in any way anxious to put the shovel to use again, nor bundle the baby up in layers upon layers!

Yes, the air is colder and Mother Nature’s palette turns to cool dull shades of gray, but we create our own warmth and colors of the season, don’t we? We celebrate traditions, spend time with family and friends and give thanks for all of the wonderful blessings that have been bestowed upon us through each and every season of the year.

So, to jump start the holiday season, I will be listing a few holiday cards early this year! You can start finding them on my Etsy site in the next few days. In the mean time, I hope that everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer as we all eagerly await the holidays!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-07-22T11:07:00.006-04:00

Today is our little one's very first birthday!!!

So, for her birthday I did a little sketch of some of her favorite things... her best pal Tina our kitty, boxes wrapped in pretty paper and goldfish. And even though she has yet to try her first cupcake, with her father's love of chocolate running through her veins, it is only a matter of time!

We are so blessed to have this sweet little angel in our lives!!!

Happy Birthday baby girl!!!

Polka Dots!!!

2008-07-18T12:35:00.008-04:00

Oh, I just LOVE this week's topic for Inspire Me Thursday! Recently, I have been sprinkling a little bit of polka-dot love on my sketches and recent creations. Those friendly little dots even make an appearance on my updated brochures featuring my upcoming line of hand painted children’s furniture.

I find the look of combining bold, bright and happy bands of color with black and white polka-dots so charming and cheerful! But it seems to me that I am not the only one dabbing my circles and dots on anything I can. If you look around, this trend is dancing its way into EVERY avenue from carpet tiles created by FLOR, to printed canvas shoes, and even wiggled its way into fine china. FINALLY a trend that even I can enjoy!

Coming SOON to Etsy!!!

2008-06-20T13:27:00.010-04:00

Feast your eyes on this set!

I had such fun creating this for our pint sized friends Ellie & Grant!

...And of course my studio companion was just exhausted after all of her hard work!

I will be back soon to write more about offering more personalized hand painted children's furniture, but in the mean time, keep your eyes open for new products on my Etsy site!!!

Monday Artday

2008-05-03T21:21:00.002-04:00

Tropical Greens, Acrylic, Kelly A. Schwark

Every week I look to a few different websites for artistic inspirations. I sift through a few that offer advice on business, some that offer the latest and greatest materials and supplies, a few here and there that focus on how balance family life and an artistic career, but the sites that I love visiting the most are the ones that offer fuel for my creative soul. Places such as Just Be Connected, Inspire Me Thursday, Illustration Friday, Etsy and Monday Artday feed my imagination with images, ideas, suggestions, quotes and simple words that act as my muse. As a mom to an infant, it is not always the easiest thing to switch from the daily needs of my little angel and a Connecticut housewife to a passionate artist.

The painting above was one that suited the inspiration on Monday Artday (and yes I know that it is NOT Monday!) The challenge for the week was “tropical jungle.” This particular painting, done with acrylics and slightly kissed with colored pencil here and there, was painted a few years ago while we were still living in Hawaii. It is one of my favorites as it stirs up the memories of friendly trade wind blowing the sweet fragrant air, warm sun shining on my face, and sounds of the ocean lulling peacefulness into any hectic day. I can almost hear the geckos chirping… and my heart beckoning for me to come back! Aloha, A hui Hou.

Now listed on Etsy!!!

2008-04-14T12:18:00.008-04:00

Hand painted Glass Vase, Kelly A. Schwark

Hand painted Martini Glass, Kelly A. Schwark

Hand painted Glass Frame (4X6), Kelly A. Schwark

Now listed on Etsy are these hand painted glasswares. Each one is almost complete as it waits for the last bit of instructions from its new owner! Hmm... will a name, a monogram, or a silly phrase grace the space on the vase? We'll just have to wait and see!

I am so excited about these pieces, and I know that they will make the perfect Mother's Day gift! Each one can be personalized, making it a "one of a kind" piece. I'm hoping that they each find a good home! (Please note that the Martini Glass does not come with the cocktail, and nor does the picture frame come with the handsome groom... I will keep them both for myself!)

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T20:03:00.003-04:00

For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born.
~Alice Freeman Palmer

Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing.

~Albert Laighton

Happy Easter!!!

Illustration Friday- Heavy

2008-03-20T13:24:00.004-04:00

When I saw last week’s topic on Illustration Friday of “Heavy,” I immediately thought of the heaviness of pregnancy.

The weight that you carry around of your growing child is heavy, but also there is another type of weight… the heaviest you’ll ever know. Knowing that the tiny little person that is growing in there will depend on you for everything, and everything that you do will shape their life… now THAT is heavy. The worry that you have of whether or not you will make the right decisions, protect them from things and people that can hurt them, give them the guidance that they need while the freedoms to make mistakes and grow from them; that is heavy. The responsibility of showing them God’s blessings and teaching them how to have a close relationship with Him, that is heavy.

Like I said, pregnancy (and subsequently parenting) is heavy… like you’ve never known before.

Work in progress...

2008-03-18T17:47:00.011-04:00

For the last two days- during naptime- I've been chipping away at a painting that I've wanted to work on since the fall.

I had taken the baby out for a walk, still new to motherhood and still trying to figure out what exactly I needed for such an outing. How I wish I had a photo of the two of us that day to share with you! There I was, pushing the stroller piled high with a diaper bag prepared for end times, cell phone, my digital camera, and my "good" camera. Oh, and early on in our adventure, it became an EMPTY stroller that I was pushing as she preferred the old reliable Baby Bjorn instead. My intention was to take a relaxing stroll through town, snapping reference photos of some of the wonderful New England-esce scenery.

A stop at the Phelps Tavern Museum was on my itinerary, but upon arriving there, I found out the museum was closed on Mondays... and it just so happened to BE a Monday. Fortunately, I was still able to walk around the perfectly welcoming grounds and captured a few photos. I believe this building that I am painting was the barn, but I'll let you know more when I visit on any other day BUT a Monday.

Now that I am once again caffeinated and naps are finding their way into my little girl's routine, things are going a little smoother. I am having such fun putting the brush to canvas, and reminiscing upon that humorous outing. I'm still a few naps away from completion, but I thought I'd share with you my work in progress... as a mother and an artist!

***Update***
It seems I may have jinxed myself.... Since writing this post, my little one has decided to boycott naptime. With fingers crossed and armed with a more than a few prayers, I'm hoping that I'll get to work on this piece some more today! Check back again soon to see the finished painting!

Brownies complete any kitchen!

2008-03-07T15:21:00.007-05:00

This week's Inspire Me Thursday topic is “kitchen.” If you have been to our home, you know that we just LOVE our kitchen. It is warm, cozy and comfortable. It seems to be the heart and soul of our home, and it was what sold us on this house. It is the only room that has the privilege of saying that it kept its wallpaper from the previous owners, and in fact we even pulled the warm colors for all of our other rooms from its pattern.

The one thing that I try to do on a regular basis to “complete” our kitchen is to bake fresh brownies, cookies or bread. There is nothing like something fresh out of the oven to make your home (and family) smile!

The sketch above is the remains of a batch I made the other day. It's just a quick pencil sketch that I whipped up in a few minutes... the time restraint was to keep me from opening up the lid to steal a decadent treat!

5,017 miles

2008-02-27T19:34:00.004-05:00

Have you ever visited or lived somewhere for a short period of time and quickly fell in love with it? Let me tell you about my other "home" that is 5,017 miles away.

My husband and I arrived late one January night on the island of Oahu. As the plane approached the island in the dark, beautiful displays of street lights were sprinkled across the land beckoning for us to follow them. Walking off of the plane, the air was so sweet you could drink it. The trade wind carried the smell of fragrant leis of Tuberose and Plumeria that graced the necks of tourists and returning locals alike.

The following morning, we walked out of the door of our hotel, and there before us were the most amazing mountains. Everything was so bright; so colorful. It was almost as if I had put on glasses and watched as the world became sharp and clear.

During the four+ years that we spent there, Hawaii felt more and more like home. I fell in love with the land, the perfect climate, and the “aloha spirit.” We have been back on the mainland for a couple of years now, but I still miss Hawaii everyday. So tonight, yet another cold and brisk winter night, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite pieces of art from one of my favorite places. This was an oil pastel that I had done of an amazing beach on Oahu. If you are planning a trip soon, let me know and I will give you directions to visit my Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles here at this beach!

Aloha!

Sanity

2008-02-22T11:10:00.008-05:00

I’m sure that is an image that brings about a certain amount of calmness to some of my viewers that are parents.

As much as I may have tried to introduce these gems to my little girl, my daughter can not stand these little suckers! Oh how I tried. I bought several different brands in pursuit of the perfect match for baby, but all ended with the same result… the gag and a look that says “What on earth are you doing, Mommy?” Fortunately, she’s a little angel that rarely needs much more than her routine to keep her happy. (Talk about a blessing!)

In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the simple design, curves, colors and reflections from a product that brings sanity to so many mommies and daddies out there!

Budding With Color

2008-02-20T16:48:00.006-05:00

As we near the end of February, we near the end of winter. I love many things that winter brings with it; Christmas, new snow, romantic fires glowing in the fireplace. They are all wonderful things. BUT there is something so special about spring.

The air smells sweet; the crisp fresh air blows through open windows; and color starts to peek its head through the dull sleepy blanket that winter leaves all about. It’s almost like God gives us little doses at a time to slowly wake up our senses.

I know that we are still some time away from seeing real signs of spring emerging, and I write this as I hear the weather report calling for snow on Friday night, but couldn’t we all use a little helping of color now?

Here is an Iris just starting to bud for you to feed your color starved mind. I was able to do this today while my little angel was napping, so not only was it a treat to delve into the idea of spring, but this was an accomplishment for this new mom- to complete a drawing during nap time, wow!

Warms my heart

2008-02-14T21:01:00.004-05:00

With Valentine’s Day, we are all surrounded by images of love and romance. Segments are all over the news about it, articles grace the papers, and it seems you can’t escape pink and red on the internet. For the past couple of weeks, it’s been building up to this very day and along the way, I have heard (more than once) “it’s too commercial, so we don’t celebrate it.” My thoughts on that are: how sad.

I have been blessed beyond words with a loving family, but especially with my husband of seven years this June. For every article, television segment, commercial, radio announcement that I have come across, it only reminds me of how very much I love him, and how much I am loved by him. This photograph was taken after our wedding ceremony. We had just finished our “posed” photos with our wedding attendants and family and for the first time, we were completely alone. So much was ahead of us, and I’m not talking about the 175 people waiting at the reception! Everyone has their stories, their ups and downs, but for us, there is no doubt that our love for one another was enough to get us through those difficult times and it made the good times so amazing to share. On this cold winter’s night, with our yard and driveway covered in snow and ice, thinking of that moment, thinking of all that we have been through together, and all of the wonderful things that we have ahead of us just warms my heart.

I can not wait until our little girl is old enough to understand the real importance of this day, which is to tell the people you care about most that you love them. No; one day a year is not enough to celebrate love, but I’m going to enjoy this happy day full of love!

Purring Peacefully

2008-01-19T19:23:00.000-05:00

At times, wouldn’t it be wonderful to live the life of a cat? Yesterday with the everyday chaos that comes with the territory of a mom to a six month old, I saw our cat soaking up the sun in bay window. There Tina lay with a smile on her face completely relaxed and with not a worry on her mind. She wasn’t worried about the new snow that made a mess on our driveway, the laundry that hasn’t been folded for what seems like decades, or the dried baby cereal on the kitchen floor. She has no concern over money, or parenting skills; she doesn’t care if her collar doesn’t fit her quite as well as it used to. Tina won’t be worrying for the next fifteen months about a close friend who will be deploying to Iraq soon. (Sorry James. She will miss your visits though!)

My point is this; wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a button that we could hit every time we need a moment free of worry? A moment that we could do nothing but celebrate the greatness of sunshine, warmth, and peace.

For me, those moments come when my little girl just wakes up in the morning with all smiles. They come from a hug from my husband. They come when I am praying to God. They come when I am creating art. I suppose we all have glimpses of a cat’s life everyday, we just need to spend a little more time purring and less worrying!

Write what you know...

2007-12-04T14:32:00.000-05:00

As a new mom, it seems like what I “know for sure” has boiled down to feedings, diapers, and a language that only my four month old seems to understand! Everything else is up in the air!

Okay, maybe not everything.

I know for certain that I have been richly blessed. We have a roof over our head, food in our cabinets, warm clothes to wear in these cold winter months, and best of all, a daughter born to us four months ago. My husband brews the coffee in the morning, makes the bed when I’m not looking and after a full days work, he goes to class at night to try and provide a better life for us. I often wonder what more could we possibly want?

Where do you find your inspiration? For me, there are a few things that clearly inspire me to create my art. I have lived in a few different places to know for sure that anywhere you are there is beauty. A city skyline, a still pond at sunrise, a deep ravine at sunset, high tide at the Cape, or winter waves on the north shore of a Hawaiian island… beauty is everywhere! But aside from the natural treasures that are for our viewing around every corner, inspiration also can come from the relationships that we create with one another. Who inspires you to try harder, to do more, to give more and to go the extra mile? My list could go on for days with that one!

To whom much is given, much is required.(Luke 12:48) It is our responsibility to be grateful for what we have and to find ways to give back, no matter what our age or situation may be. Find your passion and be creative on how you can take that and share your talents with others. You don’t have to start up an organization or donate thousands of dollars to a worthy cause to have an impact.

Write a quick note to a soldier serving overseas (41 cents)
www.AnySoldier.com
Drop off something for your local food or toy drive
http://toysfortots2007.com
http://www.foodshare.net/
Baby-sit your neighbor’s kids while they do some Christmas shopping
Find out when your local VFW meet, and drop off a plate of baked goods to say thank you.
http://www.vfw.org/

Many times, the thing that you don’t think twice about doing has the biggest impact. A smile, a “thank you” or a prayer, they can mean the world to someone.

Peace to us all this holiday season!
Kelly
www.KellySchwark.com
www.KellySchwark.etsy.com