Wrap Your Baby ~ Wrap up a special gift for your favorite mama! ~ autographed hardbound motherhood art book

Posted on April 2, 2012 by
Moments With Messages hardbound Mother & Child Art Book by Katie m. Berggren

Rich intimate moments for a mother to treasure Moments with Messages, volume 1 ~ a Glossy hardbound motherhood art book ~ autographed ~ and featuring 29 of the 4x4 chunky acrylic paintings. Snag Your Copy of this Autographed Hardbound Book Right Here! for just $27.99 See all of the 4x4 Paintings in the Moments With Message Collection This is a gorgeous and sturdy, immensely high quality book with rich images which exactly represent the texture and heart of the first 29 4x4 original paintings. Each original painting carries a message, and includes an embedded text, painted right into the texture. Thus, each smooth printed page of this hardbound book reveals meaning.   You can choose 8x10 prints of the 4x4 Moments With Messages Paintings also! (email me if you don't see the one you want and I'll make it available for you) Or, choose a 12x12 sized collage of your 4 favorite 4x4 paintings!     Each book is autographed on the front inside cover, and contains a lovely fly sheet at front and back. At the size of 8" x 6" ~ this makes a lovely simple yet substantial gift for a mother, doula or midwife, girlfriend or daughter. I also love these books as an opportunity for a little personal retreat. A few moments to breathe and remember the moments in life that keep us going as busy mamas.     ♥ Pull your super cute 6x8" book from your purse, diaper bag or bed-side table ~ and take a moment to breathe in the intimate moments that make Motherhood purposeful and special. ♥ A great girlfriend-mama gift ~ stocking stuffer ~ ...

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Free Cards Friday, Music For Inspiration, Train

Posted on March 30, 2012 by
Katie m. Berggren Studio

Combat Overwhelm and Distraction ~ Take A Moment To Hear & See! I am supremely inspired by words, conversations, music and lyrics... word-strings of meaning or strings of seeming randomness. This week, I'd like to share this song with you from Train ~ I Am ~ the lyrics and beat here send my head into my heart, seeking, searching and wondering. This song is always welcome in my home and my studio. Here is a piece in process in the studio, titled Standing Alone, Together ~ follow along with this painting's creation process on the Facebook Page. Standing Alone, Together - painting in process by Katie m. Berggren It’s Free Cards Friday! Add your comment to THIS blog post throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I’ll choose the winner on Monday ~ come back to see if it is you ~ or be sure to include your contact info in your comment. Have a wonderful day! Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Posted in available paintings, behind the scenes, dance, drawings, emotion, facebook, from the sketchbook, inspiration, music, new paintings, painting process, painting progress, studio, youtube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Free Book | Meditation for Overwhelmed Moms ~ focus on peace & intimacy

Posted on March 28, 2012 by
Katie m. Berggren motherhood painting e-book

Cherish Moments of Peace during Busy Days ~ tune into intimate moments of motherhood FREE FOR YOU: A 70-page e-book featuring motherhood art & writing by Katie m. Berggren. Get it immediately, for FREE! By joining the e-newsletter list! (I send 2-4 emails per month and I promise to NEVER share your contact info) This e-book includes behind-the-scenes details, process photos, inspirational motherhood quotes, personal journal entries, blog posts and poignant sentiments for each of the 85 8×8 paintings created for The 85 8x8s Collection in 2009. A collection of intimate and emotional motherhood paintings released weekly for 9 months by award-winning motherhood painter, Katie m. Berggren. ~~~~~~~~ Some inspirational quotes from a mother and artist, featured in the book: 85 8×8 Paintings ~ A Dance of Intention & Creation: "Spreading word about my idea and the intention behind it gave me a reason to follow through. When others were watching and waiting, they were unknowingly holding me to my path. Plus, the excitement and anticipation was viral, and I couldn’t help but want to succeed!" "There is a daily conflict for a mother of young children. For myself, it is a challenge that reawakens every morning as I balance my desire to be a patient, graceful, loving mother and at the same time fulfill an instinctive urge to bring forth the creations of my soul and realize my dreams."  "Creating these little paintings allowed me to make a complete mess of my studio while giving in to the process; surrendering to the pull, and recognizing the eagerness of my new community who kept asking for ...

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Free Cards Winner ~ Healthy Skin ~ Healthy Mama ~ Muddy H2O

Posted on March 26, 2012 by
Muddy H20

Sharing with you a product in my own personal self-care arsenal! a note from my friend Gabriela, founder of Muddy H2O Etcetera Muddy H2O began producing high quality, natural body products in 2003. Our goal today, as it was then, is to promote the use of natural and organic ingredients in personal care products and to build a sustainable and vibrant Northwest company. We are also proud to support and encourage other businesses that have similar goals – to support and improve the quality of life in their communities. We believe the benefits of our 100% natural products should be enjoyed by many. We believe quality time spent caring for yourself is as important as the products you choose. We encourage you to create a simple beauty ritual to help keep both your mind and body healthy. We hope you enjoy our products as much as we enjoy sharing them! French Clay Plus Skin Rejuvenator is my favorite of Gabriela's products. I like to mix this powdered mask with raw honey and some canned organic pumpkin puree. The result is skin that feels soft and invigorated, detoxed and fresh. I absolutely love it! You can purchase this product online, or at a variety of retail shops. You can even purchase Muddy H2O's natural care products at New Seasons Market! Muddy H2O also offers some killer Pit Powder & Pit Stop Natural Deodorants for Men & Women, see all of Muddy H2O's products here. Hey Mamas! What natural product makes up a portion of YOUR self-care arsenal? We'd love to have you share below in the comment box. Hearing ...

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Mother & Child Painting Process | Distant Light

Posted on March 24, 2012 by
Distant Light, motherhood painting in process by Katie m. Berggren

I'm honored to share with you, the process of Distant Light ~                                                                                               Distant Light, motherhood painting by Katie m. Berggren                            Snag your very own archival print of Distant Light!   Sadly, this painting, while in transit to her new owner, was badly damaged by the USPS. Despite proper packaging and careful handling on each end, someone along the USPS journey felt the need to puncture the box containing Distant Light. They have refused to fix their negligence. Despite her scar, Distant Light is thoroughly loved by her new owner <3 Have a great weekend, Love & Sincerely, Katie

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Free Cards Friday | Step By Step Painting | Video Painting Process | Joy & Peace

Posted on March 23, 2012 by

Joy & Peace ~ Two children ~ one mama. A woman's joy as she strives to create, inspire and maintain peace ~ while she receives both joy and peace from her little ones. I'm honored to share with you the painting process of Joy & Peace in three parts! Joy & Peace ~ Video Progress Part 1 Joy & Peace ~ Video Progress Part 2 Joy & Peace ~ Video Progress Part 3 See more Painting Process Videos on the KmBerggren Youtube Channel! Snag an archival print of Joy & Peace in three sizes in the Online Studio Shop! It’s Free Cards Friday! Add your comment to THIS blog post throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I’ll choose the winner on Monday ~ come back to see if it is you ~ or be sure to include your contact info in your comment. Have a great weekend! Love & Sincerely, Katie

Posted in behind the scenes, Free Cards Friday, motherhood paintings, online Studio Shop, original paintings, painting process, painting progress, painting videos | 6 Comments

Commissioned Mother and Child Painting | Cosleeping | Client Testimonial | Holding On & Michelle’s Kind Words

Posted on March 21, 2012 by
Holding On By Katie m. Berggren

"I am just blown away, I yet again lack the words to convey how much I LOVE your painting. I thought it was beautiful last night but tonight it's even more stunning, it's so rich & has such a warm glow, I love the deeper gold/orange tones. It feels warm, blissful, serene, snug, safe... these words aren't enough, I will have to go get a thesaurus & see if I can find the words to do it justice! I'm full of smiles ever since I received this and very very excited at the prospect that this amazing piece of art will soon be in my hands. I forsee lots of time spent each day staring at it and feeling warm and happy :). Thank you so much for creating this unique and precious gift for me, I know I will treasure it forever. You are a fantastically talented artist but it is a particularly special talent that you have to be able to capture the bond between mother and child(ren) so poetically." See the Painting Process of Holding On here choose archival prints of Holding On in the online Studio Shop I am honored to share Michelle's painting and this commissioned client's kind words. Thank you Michelle! Love & Sincerely, Katie

Posted in babies, co-sleep, collector quote, collectors, Commissioned Painting, family bed, motherhood, motherhood paintings, new paintings, original paintings | Leave a comment

Resisting Life | Don Miguel Ruiz | Zumba | Life Inspiration | Free Cards Winner

Posted on March 19, 2012 by
Skin To Skin by Katie m. Berggren

I went to my very first zumba class this last week ~ and I knew I’d bumble. I did and I also had a really good time. As we began moving about, I instantly remembered a comment my hubby made to me before I left that morning ~ about my choice of attire for the class (I was wearing cackies and a tshirt with a zippered hoody and tee shirt). His comment comment didn’t strike me as funny til I saw myself dancing in the mirrors in the dance barn. I found myself cracked with smiles, glowing and beaming, ear to ear with even giggles. The old me, say, 3 months ago, would have held in that glee, stifled those smiles and stayed composed. I would have contained the real me that clamored to get out and enjoy my funny hubby.     I looked around and figured the other women probably thought I was totally digging the dancing, which I really was. Don Miguel Ruiz says in his book The Four Agreements: “That is why humans resist life. To be alive is the biggest fear humans have. Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive – the risk to be alive and express what we really are. Just being ourselves is the biggest fear of humans. We have learned to live our lives trying to satisfy other people’s demands. We have learned to live by other people’s points of view because of the fear of not being accepted and of not ...

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Step By Step Painting | Mother and Child Babywearing Painting | Deep As A River | Painting Process

Posted on March 17, 2012 by
Painting process Deep As A River by Katie m. Berggren

Deep As A River, created in 2011, remains one of my favorite babywearing paintings. This painting was inspired by the encompassing beautiful nature I experienced with my family at Silver Falls (Silverton, OR) a bit ago... and the peace that followed the whole weekend after our hike. From an unusual fern, to the blue of the sky between rain clouds - to an image I found in a magazine, featuring cows... I have been edged with inspiration ever since. I'm honored to share the painting process of Deep As A River with you here:                                                                                                                               Deep As A River and Elemental emerged at the same time ~                                                                                         Snag archival prints of Deep As A River in three sizes in the Online Studio Shop! Have a wonderful weekend! Love & Sincerely, Katie   The BRAND NEW Online Studio Shop is now up and running! Choose your favorite archival prints, magnets, originals and pendants from the best selection here: http://www.kmberggren.com/shop   Want to receive emails featuring new paintings, products and specials? http://kmberggren.com/join/ join and you'll get a FREE 5x7 Frameable Art Card with ALL of your Online Orders!   Katie m. Berggren art & design see new paintings at http://www.kmberggren.com Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/kmberggrenfanpage

Posted in archival print, babies, babywearing, behind the scenes, connection parenting, facebook, inspiration, motherhood, motherhood paintings, online Studio Shop, original paintings, painting process, painting progress, shop online, studio | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Free Cards Friday | A Simple Regret of My Own | Mother Regret | Biking

Posted on March 16, 2012 by
baby on bike, photo found online

As a proud mama of two little boys ~ I have gratefully had the opportunity in my life to be able to breastfeed, babywear, co-sleep, bubble bath with my boys and many, many, many other activities that come along as joys when raising a child. I do have a regret though. Off the top of my head it might be the only regret I have: When I was a little girl, my mom used to occasionally strap me into a simple seat on the back of her bike, and off we’d go. I do not have more than one or two memories of being behind her as she road, and the wibbly-wobbly feeling while she was off the bike and I was on ~ as she either prepared to remove me from my seat, or had just buckled me in. Funny how we can remember bits of motion. I must have been around 2 years old. Well, when our boys were very young, we lived in a town with lots and lots of hills, and very little opportunity to jump on the bike and ‘off we go!’ Thus, my boys will NOT have a memory of being strapped at my back as we encountered biking adventures. I honestly feel sad about this. When I was a little girl, I used to imagine what it would be like to strap my kids in the backseat of the car and go for a drive. I remember the thrill I got the first time I was allowed to take two little boys ...

Posted in a question for mamas, babies, beauty in everyday life, children, inspiration, parenting, personal life, photographs, simple living, simplicity | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Capture Mom a Moment… Meaningful Gifts for Mother’s Day

Posted on March 14, 2012 by
Close Knit glass art magnet by Katie m. Berggren

It is a nice feeling to have a meaningful gift all ready for Mother's Day. Could you capture a special moment for mom through an archival frameable print or a ready-to-hang original painting? Well, my purpose is to paint and capture the special moment between mother and child ~ and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have my paintings and prints touch and affect the lives of SO many mothers, women, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and daughters. Here are some thoughts from my mama-buyers: "Once again, your work has touched my life of motherhood. All of my pieces give me something to awe at in the daily life of little fingers and busy requests around here. It's such a contribution to my each and every day--makes me thrilled to be given the gift of motherhood. (: Thanks, Katie!" "Absolutely Beautiful!! The Buttons and the Card are Amazing!! The card Resembles My Daughter and grandchildren!! Wonderful Artist!! Thank you soooo much!! Oh, And, Shipped Super Fast, too!! :)" "I love this picture. I chose it because it reminded me of my own boys." "Many thanks for this WONDERFUL order! Perfect timing for a good friend of my Daughters who just had her third beautiful Baby, and another good friend is due any minute...perfect gifts for Mamas! Babies, Babies everwhere in our life!!!! Love your new little books too they are SO perfect to pop into a Birthday card....keep up your amazing work, you are one talented Mama!! :)" "Absolutely love it. I have it hanging on my wall proudly. You are ...

Posted in art book, Art Charms, available paintings, book, collector quote, collectors, e-book, emotion, etsy shop, giclees, gift certificate, gifts, glass art charms, glass art magnets, glass pendants, original paintings, pendants, prints, shop online | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Free Cards Winner & Lift Me Up ~ process video ~ Stage 1

Posted on March 12, 2012 by
LiftMeUp-2

I am honored to share with you this video of the first stage's painting process of Lift Me Up ~ a brand new painting in the works! Here are my thoughts on Lift Me Up: My little sunny son... he has no idea... as simple as a leap into my arms and a kiss on my lips and he has inspired a new painting ~ I can already see it and it is beautiful ~ and titled Lift Me Up.  Enjoy!! Love & Sincerely, Katie The Free Cards Winner for last week was Monica ~ thanks Monica!!  

Posted in art business, available paintings, babies, from the sketchbook, inspiration, motherhood paintings, new paintings, original paintings, painting process, painting progress, painting videos, sketches, studio | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Inspiration from Jurgen Wolff: creating a Done List

Posted on March 9, 2012 by
Blessings by Katie m. Berggren

I am honored to receive a monthly update from Jurgen Wolff ~ it is one of few emails that I actually read and re-read, vs. toss. Here is what I felt most inspired by from Jurgen’s most recent note:   If your days seem to disappear, start a "done" list to find out where they go I use a to-do list but often things come up that need to be handled but aren't on the list. At the end of busy days I sometimes wonder where the time went. Not very many of the items on my to-do list have been crossed off. One helpful tool in this situation is the "done" list. It's exactly what the name suggests: a list of the things you do, jotted down as you complete them. If you look at your to-do and done lists after a few days, you'll probably come to one of these conclusions: • You're letting yourself be distracted by too many not very important things (these won't be on your to-do list but will be on your done list). • You're forgetting to put important things on your to-do list (again, these will show up on your done list).       ACTION: If your time seems to vanish, try keeping a done list for a few days and then see which of the two conclusion above applies to your situation. Brainstorm a strategy for deflecting the unimportant tasks, or better planning the important ones. above text: ©Jurgen Wolff, http://jurgenwolff.com/ It’s Free Cards Friday! Add your comment to THIS blog post throughout the weekend and be in ...

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healthier body, happier mama

Posted on March 7, 2012 by
Provide by Katie m. Berggren

As a salad-loving wife and mama of two busy boys, I find myself alone at the dinner table more often than I like to admit. My hubby and sons enjoy but blast through their meals and our dinner conversation to head off in search of whatever activity I had to pry them from when I served the before-mentioned meal. They are making the most of their evening time together, and I get that, whilst I remain: mindfully enjoying and thoroughly chewing my greens. Last June (2011), I made some big diet changes (hence me, the now salad-lover) and one of those big changes involved taking the time to chew versus gulp my meals. As mamas we are busy and burdened and full of ideas of how we’d like to be or should-be spending our time. However, additional moments spent chewing assist in proper digestion in so many ways, leading to a healthier body, thus, a happier mama. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods website  when we take the time to chew our food long enough for it to be unrecognizable by texture before swallowing, we are on track to reduce esophageal stress, bacterial overgrowth, intestinal gas and other symptoms of indigestion. And if an efficiently-working system isn’t benefit enough ~ obviously when we take the time to enjoy our meals and think about the effort we (or someone else) put into preparing the meal as well as the different colors, flavors and textures of our foods, we are flung into the present moment ~ which really is a ...

Posted in a question for mamas, children, family life, family meals, food, health, inspiration, mindful mothering, motherhood, personal life | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Free Cards Winner & 4×4″ Chunky Original Paintings ~ now available as 8×10 prints

Posted on March 5, 2012 by
collage prints by Katie m. Berggren

I've had so many inquiries for the 4x4 paintings to be offered in a solo fashion, vs only as collage prints: see the collage prints here   So I've decided to offer the 4x4" paintings as 8x10 prints!  above image: Friendship (a brand new 4x4" painting) has just been added as an 8x10 due to popular demand ~ ENJOY! I am unsure of offering them in large prints such as 12x12 since the original is small and they are created to be enjoyed as mini images, little intimate & sincere moments. Visit the Online Studio Shop and search "4x4" to see the available 4x4 paintings as prints   If you would like an 8x10 print of a specific 4x4" painting (see the abundant selection here) I will make an 8x10 print available in the shop for you, just let me know! Thanks to those who continued to ask! The Free Cards Winner for last week is Jolee! Shoot me a note with your contact info Jolee!  Love & Sincerely, Katie

Posted in 4x4 paintings, archival print, available paintings, babies, babywearing, breastfeed, christmas gifts, etsy shop, giclees, gifts, mini paintings, moments with messages, motherhood paintings, new paintings, new product, online Studio Shop, original paintings, prints, shop online, text in painting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment