Filed In: holiday

a new year

2015, new year, goals, resolutions, january, kz by kate zitzerHello, it’s been a while but I’m back. I hope you had a good time ringing in the new year. Twenty fifteen is here and it feels like the possibilities are endless. Twenty fourteen was exciting and completely exhausting all at once, and therefore I made a point to take a real holiday break – three weeks actually. I have always valued challenges and in 2014 (between searching for a house, becoming homeowners, moving, starting renovations, changing jobs and running my own creative business) I saw a lot of them. Truth is, as tired as I was after all was said and done, those challenges have made me stronger, more understanding and more patient. I am happy that 2014 has come to an end. That was one hell of a year. This year, however, so far, has been off to a good start. We are only nine days in but I can just tell that this one is going to be a good one. I know this will be the year I start reaping what I have been working so hard for. I decided not to make any resolutions for 2015, but instead make a list of goals –

  • Drink more water
  • Take my vitamins
  • Start using recipes
  • Make shopping lists
  • Keep a better schedule
  • Sleep more
  • Take more weekend trips
  • Host more dinner parties
  • Make art everyday

Realistically I should probably rephrase that last part to make art most days. It’s so easy to get swept up in the day to day of life, but ask any artist and they will all tell you the same thing – you must practice every day. So what about you? Will you be making any resolutions, goals or big changes this year? I hope you’ll join me for the next chapter and that 2015 will be a year of gratitude, good health, friendship and fun for all of us.

happy holidays

gift treeI wanted to pop in today to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope your holidays are filled with family and friends, joy and peace. It’s been a hectic year to say the least, but I plan to take a few days off now to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. I wish you all the same – my very best to you and yours.

image source

studio update + cyber monday sale

art, art studio, painting, artist, kz by kate zitzer, cyber monday, saleart, art studio, painting, artist, kz by kate zitzer, cyber monday, saleart, art studio, painting, artist, kz by kate zitzer, cyber monday, saleIt’s here, the last month of 2014! I am popping in with a few updates that I would like to share with you. First, today is the last day to take 20% off EVERYTHING in my Etsy shop. Here’s how it works – go to my Etsy shop, select your items, and enter code holiday20 in the coupon code box at checkout (you will see the savings reflected upon checkout and when paying via PayPal). Offer good through midnight tonight. Thanks to everyone who has already purchased something! Also, make sure you are following me on Facebook and Instagram. I will be announcing more holiday sales over there throughout the next couple of weeks! Lastly, it’s been non-stop in my studio. I have a few custom orders to finish and I’m still producing new art for Etsy and the Bucktown Holiday Art Show – more details coming soon. It’s that time of year when working weekends seems unavoidable. I have to admit the chaos makes me excited and seeing snow this past weekend definitely put me in the holiday spirit.

source kate zitzer art

kz by kate zitzer black friday and weekend sale

art for sale, paintings, kz by kate zitzer, etsy, acrylic, artistJoin me today through Monday to kick off the holiday season and take 20% off everything in my Etsy shop – all artwork and prints. Here’s how it works – go to my Etsy shop, select your items, and enter code holiday20 in the coupon code box at checkout (you will see the savings reflected upon checkout and when paying via PayPal). Offer good through midnight December 1st.

I have 24 original pieces in my shop, so if you are interested in original works, now is the time to purchase. I will also be announcing holiday sales on Facebook and Instagram 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!

setting a fall table + entertaining tips

Setting the table ranks right up there as one of my favorite holiday activities. This year I wanted to create a comfortable and carefree vibe that felt fresh and modern yet had enough fall tones and autumnal motifs to make it season appropriate. Instead of the usual warm reds, oranges, tans and taupes, I was inspired to switch it up with plum purple and yellow. I also paired natural materials like wooden bowls and trays with shiny elements like polished silverware and mercury glass votives. organic, modern, holiday table, fall, autumn, thanksgiving, decor, tablescape, dinner partyForget the fancy centerpiece and try a fresh floral garland instead. It feels festive and fun, and it will last throughout the holiday season. Nestle smaller floral arrangements, white pillar candles and wooden candle holders with white tapers around the garland. Scatter acorns to fill in the gaps. Incorporate seasonal fruit or vegetables when possible. This time of year I love persimmons. They add an outdoor vibe and a pop of color.  Read More