Berried Treasure

Creative Arts Fair

2012-01-18T21:44:00.000-06:00

DUN DUN DUNNNNN!

So I finally decided to take the plunge and enter into the creative arts fair. Well as long as they still take my entry form tomorrow. Yes I procrastinated, I couldn't decide what to enter.....part of it pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Do I expect to place at all? No. But it is a neat opportunity and you never know. There are so many other very talented people out there who will be entering too.

I'm going to enter two charcoal drawings, an oil painting, and one or two photos.

Here are two of the entries. I'll post the drawings later.

I still need to get my Uncle's permission to use this, but I am 99% sure he will be more than happy to let me use it.

And maybe this one of a local water lily.

What do you guys think?

Winter Happenings

2012-01-03T22:40:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time. I've been busy with the holidays and haven't made time to update the blog.

Thanksgiving came and went. Christmas came and went.

We went to Ruidoso for a few days after Christmas. I got some neat photos there, and it was nice having a "white" Christmas for once haha.

The deer pictures were taken through a foggy windows, so they aren't all that great. But I am surprised at how well some did turn out, especially the mama with babies (she actually had triplets) and the close up of her.

Loved the contrasting colors.

And here is a silly picture of my dog Samson....his favorite toy is a ball if you can't tell. haha!

Thankfulness part 2 & 3

2011-11-18T23:07:00.000-06:00

So I missed this last weekend of Thankfulness.

Since I missed last weeks and it was Veterans day last friday I will start there.

I am thankful for our veterans, current active duty. They sacrifice so much. They sacrifice not only themselves, even with the possibility of being seriously injured or killed....but they also sacrifice their personal lives and family. All this because they believe in what America stands for, they want to fight and serve their country with honor. They do this with little pay and little thanks. I would like to believe that as U.S. citizens as a whole, we have become more thankful for the sacrifice of our military. But since I am to young to remember how its been for years...I just can not be sure. I am truly grateful for them all though. I have many family member, from my grandfathers on both sides, many uncles, my cousin....and to my brother. Can't leave out my many friends currently active duty, or who have just signed up to join different branches of our military. What an honor it is to know you all.

This was taken this past June, on my brothers return from Afghanistan.

My Brother Home! what else is there to say.

My Grandmother and Granddaddy on their 60th Anniversary.

Granddaddy was in the Navy during WWII. I love these two people dearly.

My Uncle Richard. He holds a special place in my heart too.

He does Calvary re-enactments too.

My Papaw with my brother Christmas 09. I love this picture.

Papaw was in the Army during WWII.

They don't look related do they? lol

Just a few pictures of family members that have been in the military.

I am very thankful for my doctors and caring medical staff. They take such good care of me and treat me like a friend instead of words on paper. Mostly I am thankful for good medical coverage too. Without it I'd be scared of where I would be.

Here is a picture of a sweet lady and a great nurse I have in the hospital. Now you other nurses reading this don't be jealous, I just don't have your picture. lol

I am thankful for my friends. Two in particular I would like to talk about right now. Sun and Fred. Sun and I have been friends for over 10 years now. I started dating her best friend all those years ago, and she became my best friend. It has been a wild and crazy 10 years I'll say that. Man, a lot has gone on. We have both grown in so many ways. It's kinda neat to look back on. She has been through a lot in that time. She may not see it, but she has grown in her walk with God through it all. She has met a wonderful person, her husband Fred...who is perfect for her. It had been my prayer she find someone to love her like she needs...and he is that for her....and her for him. God's perfect match. His family has become hers. There is nothing I am more thankful for that she has them. Though there are events that have happened and are currently happening that is extremely difficult for them...they are still strong in their faith and for each other. Even if Sun doesn't feel like she has any strength left at times, somehow God gives it to her. You my friend are a strong lady. It may never get easier, but God will bring you strength when you have none left. God will hold you when you think you can't stand any more.

Thankfulness part 1

2011-11-06T17:20:00.000-06:00

Most of my friends are posting one (or several) things a day that they are thankful for till Thanksgiving.
I thought I would write a blog once a week...because what I am thankful for I can't just say in a few sentences.

I am thankful for being saved by Grace. Jesus sacrificed everything to the point of torture then death, so that we may have forgiveness and eternal life with the Father in Heaven. No amount of words can describe how thankful I am for His sacrifice. I am a awful sinful person, yet God loves me so much. No matter how many times I turn away form what He wants me to do, I come back and He welcomes me with open arms. He guides me everyday from the simple and mundane, to the very difficult decisions in life. I have learned that it's easier to just give it all to Him and let Him tell me what to do in those decisions...It's not always easy to know if it is really Him saying this or that...but when the answer comes you just know its right. I am thankful for that.

My heavenly Father spoils me. I would have nothing if it weren't for Him. I know that I would be in a miserable and depressed state it I did not have God with me. I am thankful that He never gave up on me all those years ago when I kept telling him no. Once I finally said "Ok God I give up, I give myself to you and you handle it all"....there was immediate peace. Ever since then no matter how hard things have gotten, I have always had God's peace. There is nothing like it.

I am thankful for my best friend, my husband. He has always been there, even before he was my husband. He is protective, kind, and sweet. He spoils me too. I don't deserve someone so wonderful...and yet God sent Tyrel to me. He takes care of me. He is strong in so many ways. This huge strong tough guy, taking care of a small frail sick lady...carries me when I can't walk. Holds me when I am sick....he holds me when I am well. He is everything I need....he is who God made for me. I am forever grateful.

I am thankful for my Mamma! She is one of the strongest ladies I know. Working hard and always taking care of her kiddos. Even though they are grown adults, she still gives us "treats" and takes care of us in her mommy way. She's the best Mamma (even though most everyone may say that about their moms). She is the outdoorsy type..Taught me to be tough! She taught me to not be scared of bugs and getting dirty. Although we both hate snakes and mice...eeee. She taught me to not be scared of having cystic fibrosis. She treated me like any other normal kid, I just had to do extra stuff. No big deal, so what. I love that she did that, and that the rest of the family (extended included) did the same. I'm sure when I was younger I tried my hardest to get away with things and play the "sick card", what kid doesnt? lol....but my Mamma played a huge role in who I am today....I am forever thankful she didn't turn me into a sissy cry baby! lol No crying mom!

I am thankful for my family. They are a wonderful mix of people. My brother who is a "tough guy". He is my pal. A former Marine! Sometimes I think we have our own language. We get to talking and it's all over the place, and no one else can keep up...some how we can. We can just hang out on the couch and not say a word, but have a great time. (I love his GF too, she is super cool!) I am thankful he has someone to love and love him back.

I have a HUGE family, meaning all my extended family and in-laws. I don't like calling my "extended family", extended. They are just family. All my aunts, uncles and cousins. We have country folks and city folks (sorta they are country at heart). We have biker chicks, and stay at home mommies. There are hyper ones, and laid back ones. They are all my family. I am thankful I have them in my life, each has a special place and a special memory. Many summers staying the night with some. Horse back riding. Fun photo sessions...and just being silly. You know who you are. I love you all.

Oh my in-laws deserve their own paragraph. I think I am one blessed lady to have the in-laws I do. They aren't in-laws, they are in-loves. My mother and father in-love are two very special people. They took me into their family fold and love on me as if I was blood. All my brother and sister in loves (there are like 6 of them), and all their kids (there are like 10!)....WOW what a wonderful family. They really are the best, and I was made to be a part of it. I am thankful God put them here as my family.

I am thankful for my church family. They are a wonderful bunch of folks of all ages. They love on you and take care of you when your down and when you are up. It is amazing to see how they come together when a friend is in need. It's funny to see how they come together just to have fun! Oh they make me laugh!

I am thankful to our pastor and his family. His wife is sooo funny and loving. She has a calming spirit about her,she lights up a room when she smiles, and you see her love for God in everything she does. I love how she picks on her husband too! lol Their boys are very sweet and respectful. Their daughter is fun and a good friend. Our pastor has a love for God that just beams out from him, and from his family. He has a hunger for God's word and learning more, and teaching God's people. I love how they have become my and Tyrel's friends. I am thankful God put them in our lives.

I think that is enough for this week.
Sorry no photos, no time to find some right now.

Fall and fall like pictures

2011-10-08T17:13:00.001-05:00

Today is a perfect rainy day. So I thought I would look through some of my pictures to see what I could share. I found pictures of our vacation last year. We took a cruise to the Bahamas, and then had a road trip up the east coast to Virginia, and down through the Smokey Mountains. We hit the Smokey's at the perfect time, right when the leaves were changing.

So in honor of fall, and since we don't get much of a fall around here, I thought I'd share.

Some pretty leaves...

Top Of the Smokey's

It was so pretty there.

This was kinda at the bottom of the Smokey's. It was cool to watch how the further up you go, the more the trees had changed. Kinda like watching it change in fast motion.

Some moss stuff...

This was part of a grain mill.

This was the grain house.

It was a very fun vacation, we saw a lot in a short period of time. But I always like going anywhere with my husband and we always have fun.

The Coder's

2011-10-02T13:52:00.001-05:00

The other day when I went butterfly hunting, I also met with two very special people.

Their names are Joe and Jessica (Jekka by those who love her dearly). You see about 6 years ago, Tyrel was the youth leader at our church and this is where we first met Joe and Jekka. Jekka was always at our house hanging out. Not long after they graduated high school they got married.

It has been a roller coaster ride for them, not in the aspect of marriage...just life in general. They have been through rough times...and even through the passing of Jekka's mom. I have seen them grow as a couple. I admit I was nervous for them at first, I didn't think they were ready. But God has guided them, and they seem to be stronger for it all.

The reason for this post you might ask? Well just to chat a little about them. Also because Saturday they moved to New Mexico...since Joe joined the Air Force. They are on yet another journey in their lives together and they will do wonderfully. They will be a great example to others they meet, and most importantly a great example of God's wonderful love.

I will really never say goodbye to them because they will never leave my heart and we will always be friends. So this is more of a good luck Joe and Jekka...

To see more of there photos click here.

Butterfly Migration

2011-10-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

The monarchs are coming through San Angelo. Such a site to see. You see them fluttering all over the place, and if you're lucky you can find where they are all hanging out.

This little guy kept following me, or I kept following him, depends on who you ask.

It is so neat to walk through the trees and see all the butterflies flying around you.

If you haven't guessed I like butterflies :)

They remind me that things change and out of change sometimes beautiful things can come.

Nature always reminds me of God's grace and beauty on this earth.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Rain Rain, please come again some day!

2011-09-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

We have been blessed recently with some rain. It hasn't been a lot of rain, but around here we will take anything. The weather is also cooling off slowly, but the evening nights are becoming beautiful. I can actually open the windows and enjoy a nice breeze and fresh air. Thank you Lord for bringing us this much needed rain and cooler days.

This isn't the best picture, but I enjoyed sitting on the porch while the rain trickled down for a little while. Made me so thankful and it was so peaceful.

Hannah was enjoying the rain too.

Since the summer was so brutal my flower gardens suffered. No new plants this year, and a lot of the ones already there have died, crossing my fingers some roots are still alive and will come back. With the recent rain the rose bushes have perked up, and I even had a surprise in my front garden. I always forget it's there but it brings a smile on my face every time it blooms. It's always a surprise because where it is planted, it is hidden under other plants so it only is seen once it blooms. It has a special place in my heart because my Grandmother gave it to me...and she is just like me she always forgets she has this particular plant until it surprises her.

It's a spider lily.

Who would have thunk it?

2011-09-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

I really love to be creative. In any way shape or form. Seriously you should see my messy craft room. I'd put a picture but I'm embarrassed by it's messiness. When will rooms learn to pick up after themselves?

Anyway, I have always been doing something. Making little crafts for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and lots of other things. Art was my favorite class in school, not only because there was no homework, but it was just the best time of day for me. I found it a great way to relax and explore different mediums.

About 10 years ago this sweet lady from my church decided to take me under her wing and put me in her summer art class. I actually grumbled at it, can you believe that? The reason being, it was a drawing class. I couldn't draw to save my life, my stick figures were horrible. But I went anyway.

I don't know who or what in the world told her that I loved art....or who was crazy and thought I should draw, but she had an instinct and acted on it. I am forever thankful that she did. She taught me how to open my mind and my talents. And can you believe I actually learned that I am good at drawing? Now I can't just draw from imagination I do need a picture...but still it is so much fun!

This is the 3rd charcoal drawing I ever did. It's of our dog Samurai Jack. He died a few years ago though.

And now that same lady thought I should come to her oil painting classes, so I jumped at that opportunity. And guess what?!? It is one of my favorite days of the week yet again, even if it is a Monday!

Here is one of the paintings I completed in her class.

Recently I have been working on several projects. I have been making some room decor for my almost 2yr old niece, working on a drawing for a friend, finished a painting for my nephew and working on a painting for myself. I'm actually painting a waterlily, using a picture I previously took. I hope it turns out as well as I have pictured in my mind.

Fun times...

Playing...still and waterlilies

2011-09-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

I never got around to finish re-vamping this blog. So I am at it again. Please excuse the cluster that is usually caused by my brain malfunctions.

In the mean time please enjoy these photos of the waterlily garden.

The waterlily garden here in San Angelo is internationally known. Can you imagine that? Something here in little ole Angelo, so well known? The man behind it is Ken Landon. He one of the largest collections in the world, and he displays it here. It is a wonderful place to go visit and just relax.

I love how the camera picked up the details in the dragon fly's wings.

The colors in this one just really stand out, so striking.

I love how the water in the background looks almost painted.

This was taken at the waterlily fest today. The pond in the bottom corner is sporting the Texas flag. Wanna guess why? Well that's because Ken Landon created a hybrid waterlily named Texas Dawn, and today it was recognized as the states waterlily.

I also got to meet a wonderful fellow photographer today.

Playing around

2010-11-05T18:28:00.001-05:00

There are new things on blogger so I'm playing. Please be patient as it might look ridiculous.

Pretty Flowers

2010-08-06T21:31:00.002-05:00

Changes

2010-06-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

I have been making changes to my web store. I will only be selling drawings and prints of photos I take. I will make anything else if asked though. But nothing premade other than drawings and prints.

So check out my store!

http://berriedtreasure.webs.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BerriedTreasure

Boots!

2010-06-24T16:40:00.001-05:00

I'm selling this drawing. You can have it with the barnwood frame for $35. Or just the drawing alone for $25.

All things baby

2010-05-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

Well sorta. I seem to make a lot of things baby related and I really love it. My new thing now is...

Hair Bow Holders!

I made one for my sister in law and just got inspired to make some more. I have two more I need to add some ribbon to and I am hoping to post those tomorrow.

If you know of anyone that would like one send them my way. I will charge about $12.50 for one.
I can also match a nursery or bathroom theme...even put a name or initials on it if I know before I make one.

Raffle Tickets

2010-04-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

I am selling raffle tickets for $5. The raffle is for a custom 8x10 charcoal drawing of a photo of the winner's choice. Drawn by me!
The cut off date will be April 30th...and a winner will be randomly selected. If you would like in on this raffle let me know. Even via internet you can enter. Tell your friends. This raffle is to raise funds for the Great Strides Walk.

For those that don't know the Great Strides Walk is a national fundraising event to raise money and awareness for the cystic fibrosis foundation. They are the leading foundation in funding research for drugs, therapies and working on a cure - someday.

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/AmandaBerrie

New Font

2010-04-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

So I found a new font for letters. These would be $7 a letter.

Hints of Spring

2010-03-05T16:46:00.000-06:00

Spring is right around the corner!

That means fresh new looks! I have a variety of frames to help spruce up those kids rooms. Or I can even work with you to match a room decor.

How about new mommies? I can do baby names for those nurseries!

Doesn't even have to be a nursery!

Keep me in mind this spring when your looking for something unique.

Here are some cuties

2010-02-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

For your viewing pleasure. Aren't they adorable?

What I have been up too

2010-02-15T16:09:00.000-06:00

These are the latest drawings. If anyone would like a drawing please let me know soon. I would like to work on them while I am in the hospital. If I don't get an order before wensday night I can't work on it until I get back.

Baby Letters

2010-01-27T18:10:00.001-06:00

Need opinions.

What do you guys think if I started to offer hand painted letters for kids rooms? In the past I do these for nurseries for family and friends. I can match almost any theme. Do almost any kind of pattern, or character on them as long as I have a good photo to go by. Do you think this would be something I should try? Do you know of anyone that would be interested in these?

Yes these are hand painted, nothing glued on.

Suggestions?

2010-01-14T18:17:00.001-06:00

I had to downsize the actual "webstore" to the free feature, so it looks as though there are less options. But if you go and look at the item you will notice that everything is listed under each category. For example, all 8x10 frames are listed under one.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions to make my business better. Doesn't necessarily have to be about the webstore, in fact I could actually do business all from blogger and through emails and get rid of the webstore all together. (what do you think of that?)

If you would like to see something done differently, or had an idea you would like to see if I could do...or anything please let me know.

webstore:
berriedtreasure.webs.com

email:
akberrie@gmail.com

Larger Drawings

2010-01-11T13:42:00.000-06:00

I will now be offering larger drawings.

11x14in will be $110

Larger drawings we can work something out. I have to find drawing paper thats larger though. lol. The drawing Pad I use is large but not a standard frame size. It's a 14x24.

So if anyone wants a drawing please contact me! I am ready to get to work!

akberrie@gmail.com

Pens by Bob

2009-12-12T15:58:00.002-06:00

I have added some pens that my father in law hand makes. Check them out.

Only one Deer Antler Pen available.

For pricing and more information go to www.berriedtreasure.webs.com

Frames!!!

2009-11-24T14:40:00.000-06:00

I sell frames too!

Dealine Coming Soon

2009-11-23T12:22:00.000-06:00

If you want any custom drawings for Christmas get your orders in soon. Other wise I won't have time to draw them and get them out! Christmas is creeping up on us fast!

www.berriedtreasure.webs.com

Working

2009-11-11T21:04:00.001-06:00

Ok so it's is working now.

www.berriedtreasure.webs.com

Technical Difficulties

2009-11-10T21:35:00.002-06:00

appears the host that I have my webstore on is having technical difficulites. I hope it is resolved soon.

If you want to place an order you can still contact me via email

akberrie@gmail.com

We can work out details and such through email until the website is fixed. I still don't mind working details out through email and by passing the website anytime. In fact I get more business through word of mouth and email anyway, the website just helps show what all is available.

Holiday Specials!

2009-11-06T16:25:00.001-06:00

LIMITED TIME OFFER!!

Do I sound like a commercial yet?

Seriously though I am offering any 8x10 custom charcoal drawing for $45 for Christmas.

I thought that with times being tough and holiday's tougher why not. Now I know it still seems expensive but it takes me a long time to actually get these drawn. This is also why I can only offer a limited amount. First come first serve basis.

I cann't say the amount I am limiting because it depends on when I get orders in as well. So the sooner I get orders in, the more I can actualy take as well!

Infant drawings can be a great gift for parents and grandparents alike. Don't forget those crazy pet parents!

Contact me for more information.

For orders I would need either a unedited, un"shrunken" favorite photo emailed to myself. The reason for this is picture quality. If the photo is edited, mainly if you shrink it, the details become blurred and I can not draw them. Can't draw them if I don't see them. If it is not digital you can scan it and send it, or even mail it. If it is a "hard copy" photo it needs to be at least a 4x6 size photo.

Charcoal Drawings

2009-11-02T16:05:00.003-06:00

Right now I offer custom drawings of your pet or infant, other drawings and decorative frames. In this post I shall share with you a sampling of the charcoal drawings. The webstore looks a little bare but I add things as often as I can when not working on drawings.

I take great lengths to ensure the quality of the work. However keep in mind this is hand drawn and may not be exactly like a picture I recieve.
Please contact me via the webstore or blogger for more information.

Here are some current pictures.

http://www.berriedtreasure.webs.com/

Getting Started

2009-11-02T15:53:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine suggested I start a blog to help promote my webstore. So I thought I would attempt it. Please be patient as I figure this out.

I have thoughts and ideas of sharing projects and new items added to the store through this blog. Maybe some times I will share personal blogs but I make no promises. I am not good at keeping up with the personal stuff.