Filed In: etsy

for your home | etsy finds

As I was treasure hunting on Etsy this weekend I found all sorts of treasures for the home – I’m still on that kick. I have to have that mid century modern bookshelf and how great is the elephant figurine? While my possessions remain in a storage unit, I’ll keep on dreaming and scouring the internet for more interior inspiration.

for your home etsy finds | palettes and passports blog lamp shade | pillow | plant stand | light | stool | coasters | bookcaseelephant

eye candy 02 | valentine’s

valentine finds | palettes and passports blogI hope these pretty little images leave you feeling happy and loved today. They’re giving me a vintage retro vibe, and I love the pink color palette and painterly style. The lovely lady with the floral crown is by Judith Geher and that pink geranium can be found here in H. Oomen’s Etsy shop. The pretty pink bouquet is by Stanley Bielen and those funky swirls are called Dhelia from Marc Cinq-Mars. Now what are you waiting for go tell someone you think they’re sweet! Happy Valentine’s Day!

advice | office organization

etsy finds getting organized | palettes and passports blog Most of us spend a lot of time in our offices – home or otherwise – but it’s a space that often gets messy and neglected and can be pretty boring! So I love the idea of adding a little style to the spot where you spend most of your day. Here are a few tips and some fun finds for creating a work space that is both functional and beautiful –

office organization tips and toolspencil holder | wire basket | clothes pins | office accessories

Try to start your day with a clean desk. It will probably get messy as you work throughout the day but take a little bit of time at the end to file those papers and organize the office supplies. Make things as easy to put away as possible. Use desk drawer organizers or designated labeled boxes.

File receipts. For the past few years I’ve been keeping all my receipts in a box, but this year it’s my goal to use a binder with properly labeled folders.

Keep desktop accessories to a minimum. Don’t leave anything on your desk that you don’t use on a daily basis. As tempting as it is to buy cute trays and organizing boxes, try to keep those to a minimum. I found that those cute little trays and boxes just mean I collect more clutter. I keep a few pencils, a notebook, a pair of scissors and a ruler out in the open for easy access because I use them almost every day.

Use your wall space. Hang and post important “things to do” on bulletin boards. Put up some artwork – choosing a favorite image can go a long way to adding beauty to your space – and hang a mirror opposite the window to create more light in the space.

office organization tips and toolstwig pencils | oyster globe | magazine rack | vintage typewriter

I’ve been dreaming up all sorts of ideas for my future studio/office. What office supplies and accessories do you use? What are the best storage solutions? Should I stick with a theme when decorating (all white?) or a mixed color palette? What do you think? For more studio and work space inspiration check out this board.

top photo found here

new start new art sale | kz by kate zitzer

kz by kate zitzer art sale | palettes and passports blogNow is a great time to buy new art for the new year so I’m having a sale! I updated my Etsy shop and marked down a lot of pieces. Head on over and take a look. The sale will end next Friday, January 17th. If you are local to Chicago and do not want to pay for shipping, just email me and we’ll work it out. Remember all of my original paintings are signed on the back and ready to hang.

Relax, a 12×16 original painting on gallery wrapped canvas made with acrylic paint, is on sale. Two colors are available – purple and teal. Regularly $45, this piece is now $35. Get it here. Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, three paintings in the Midwest is Best state silhouette series, are also on sale. They are 9×12 original paintings on gallery wrapped canvases made with acrylic paint. Regularly $40, these pieces are now $30. Beachside prints are also on sale. Three sizes are available – 8×10, 9×12 and 11×14. The listing is for an 8×10 print so please message me before purchasing if you would like a different size. Regularly $18, the 8×10 prints are now $15. See what else is available in my shop here. kz by kate zitzer art sale | palettes and passports blogkz by kate zitzer art sale | palettes and passports blogphoto credit kate zitzer

kz by kate zitzer black friday sale

kz by kate zitzer black friday saleI’m having a Black Friday sale today in my Etsy shop – 20% off all artwork including prints. To receive the 20% discount enter coupon code blackfriday at checkout. Offer good through midnight tonight.

I will also be announcing holiday sales on Facebook throughout the next couple of weeks so make sure you are following me over there too! I’m so grateful for all of the love and support you have given me and my art these past few years. You have no idea how happy that makes me so thank you for supporting my small creative business!

As a reminder for holiday shipping – delivery in the U.S. should be mailed no later than the second week of December and International Mail should be mailed as soon as possible. If you have any questions, want something in a different size or color or are curious if I can make something special for you, just email me or send me an Etsy convo. Happy shopping and happy holidays!

2013 Black Friday COUPON CODE – To use, enter code blackfriday in the coupon code box at checkout (you will see the savings reflected upon checkout and when paying via PayPal).