My daily visits to Diana Evans' blog and her "Yummy Sketch of the Day" daily food postings have brought back fond memories of the home based cake business my friend Melissa and I used to run from her kitchen. The biggest challenge was the wedding cakes because everything had to be made and decorated the night before, and of course wedding cakes call for many tiers and a flawless application of fondant or icing or both. So we are talking about many all-nighters and carefully transporting our cakes to finish decorating on-location the next morning. Our specialty was fresh floral cakes, but the characters were lots of fun, too, such as this lady bug cake with black sour ball eyes and licorice whip legs. I wish I had a better picture of this cake. I also like the way the yellow bridal shower cake turned out, since I had to make this one alone, and it was my first attempt at handling rolled fondant.
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: My photos, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 14 of 14
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 2/1/2008
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cake, My photos, My photos, Add a tag
By: Venetia Butterfield,
on 1/30/2008
Blog: The Penguin Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Jame Bond Penguin MySpace Devil May Care, Jame Bond Penguin MySpace Devil May Care, Bond, James Bond, Bond, James Bond, Add a tag
The countdown to the publishing event of the year- a new James Bond novel to mark Ian Fleming’s centenary by none other than Sebastian Faulks - officially begins today at www.myspace.com/devilmaycarebook.
Devil May Care has come to MySpace, and we’re looking for someone to create the book’s theme tune. Not only will this bring the winner fame, glory and admiration, but their song will be featured on the audio book (published this May), and they’ll also receive £1000 to spend on music equipment.
The question has already been asked - why MySpace? Is Penguin ignoring Bond's original audience, in their attempt to be too down with the kids? I don't believe so. And MySpace isn't just for the kids these days, anyway. We thought long and hard about what we could offer to Bond fans and would-be Bond fans online, given that there is already so much out there. We don’t believe in building websites for the sake of it. Partnering with MySpace gives us a chance to bring Bond – the original Bond as Ian Fleming created him – to a whole new audience. Entrants to the competition must sample a Fleming Bond audio book in their track, any part of five we have provided: not only will this test their creativity, but entrants will be forced to think about who the Bond of the books is. It is this Bond who appears in Sebastian Faulks’ Devil May Care and, with no other detail on the content of the book available to them, they are wise to consider the Fleming backlist carefully.
And you can't really argue with MySpace’s statistics of over 10 million users in the UK. This hotbed of creativity provides an army of talented people who, lucky for us, are all in one place. These are the people who will bring the literary Bond into the twenty-first century – as far as I know, there has never been a theme tune for a book before. This is a chance for someone to make their own stamp on one of our most exciting books in a long time.
As for the hardcore Bond fans, I suspect they’ll join us anywhere to get their fix: extra content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, hints of what’s to come… and there’ll be lots of all of that as the countdown continues...
Jen Doyle
Wannabe Bond girl
Add a Comment
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/1/2008
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, My photos, Add a tag
©Kathleen Rietz
I had to make a decision that was really hard for me as a freelance illustrator: I had to decide to pull out of an assignment. The deadline for the picture book assignment was just too tight. I have worked day and night for the past 2 1/2 months, barely stopping to enjoy the holidays, running myself raw. My "free time" has been filled with creating new sample pieces, adding to my website, creating "give-aways", promoting myself, trying to keep the fiery momentum going. Freelance business can be oh-so volatile. I had wished for projects like this to come in June, July and August. Instead, they all came at once - during the holidays no less! And business rarely ever goes according to the schedule sent to you, especially in November and December when everyone's schedule is up for grabs. So....I realized that taking the job would have meant compromising my other current assignments, and nothing would have received 100% of my effort. By "nothing" I mean my assignments. And my students. And meetings. And the patients at the chiopractic clinic. And more importantly really, my friends, family, and myself. It is so hard to strike a balance at times, isn't it? And it is really hard to say "no" to assignments. Especially good ones - like PUBLISHED BOOKS! But I felt a sense of relief at the thought of not having this deadline hovering over me: a week to research and complete rough sketches, and then a week and a half for FINISHED, full-color art!! So yesterday I did something I have not done in at least 3 months: lie on my sofa with the dog, a wool blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and the television remote.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 12/23/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, my birthday, Add a tag
Today is my 40th birthday. You may remember Random Fact #1 from back in August "I Am A Twin". So it is my twin brother's birthday also. For those of you 20-Somethings out there who think that 40 is old, it's not. I still love hip-hop and dance music and I shop in the Junior's dept for most of my clothes and stay up until all hours of the night making my art. I love the stupid "reality" shows on MTV and I text my friends when I don't feel like calling. But I also have to tell you that my 30's were way better than my 20's, and I am looking forward to what my 40's will bring. 40 years has made me wiser, more empathetic, standing firm in who I am and what I believe, but more accepting of others and their differences. My world view is different than it was even 5 years ago, now that I think about it, and it's been shaped by my years on this earth. Am I where I thought I would be at 40? No. But I am my mother's daughter, and I know she would be proud of me if she were here. This is an amazing time we live in. We have so many choices to shape our lives and live our dreams right at our virtual fingertips. We can touch others' lives and share our thoughts and our art right here at our computers. I am grateful for every one of you who has ever stopped by my blog and commented on my posts; I feel like I "know" so many of you and you brighten my days, every day! Thanks for an awesome year of art blogging and I cannot wait to share the next one with you all! Cheers! (Red scarf courtesy of my friend Joan in Hawaii, who began knitting it months ago and sent it this week as a birthday gift, along with some other goodies. Thanks Joan!)
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 12/5/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
©Kathleen Rietz
I emailed this photo to my friend and fellow blogger Joan Yoshioka in Hawaii, who commented that it looks like a snowcone. I thought the same thing when I photographed it this morning. This bush reminded me of something from a fairy tale - like the garden Dorothy discoveres in The Wizard of Oz - a shrub sprouting forth sparkly snowcones or sugar covered marshmallows. It is worth clicking on the image to see it full-size. Of course, it was even better in person.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/7/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: SCBWI, Children's Book, My photos, Add a tag
Here is a photo from the exhibit today at the Chesterton Art Center in Chesterton, IN. I wish my sister could have been there....tomorrow is her birthday, and I wanted to surprise her by presenting to her my original painting, "Symphony In The Pond" (on the right). She loves the painting, but was pretty convinced I would never part with it. She thinks she is getting a print. : ) I wanted to see the look on her face. We are having lunch tomorrow...I will have to wait until then to tell her.
One highlight from the show was seeing so many wonderful original children's book illustrations along with their illustrators in one room.
Another highlight was hearing Larry Day speak about his book "Not Afraid of Dogs", which was awarded the SCBWI's Golden Kite Award in 2007. His illustrations are great, and I loved hearing about the entire process.
But most important to me was having my friends there to support me. They enjoyed the show, maybe more than I did, and it meant a lot to me.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/27/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
©Kathleen Rietz
I've never been a fan of meat, hated milk even as a child, and am very happy with what Leon referred to today as my "Jesus Diet". It is the same diet my mom referred to as "Sticks & Stones". Ha ha, you people are all so very funny. Sure, I crave a plate of technicolor sushi creations from Daruma in Schaumburg, IL, at times. And Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream in Arlington Heights, IL, is the best REAL ice cream in the world. But on a daily basis, a normal dinner for me consists of what you see in the picture above: barley, steamed edamame, a splash of soy sauce and a tomato wedge. For lunch I may get on a kick where I make black bean tacos on soft corn tortillas with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and fresh salsa. Breakfast is almost always a piece of fruit, oatmeal sprinkled with some dried fruit, coconut, nuts or seeds, and, of course, a cup or 2 of tea! Apple slices smeared with natural peanut butter and a cup of tea are a favorite snack at work this week. I fill my weekly shopping cart with fresh fruits & veggies, whole grain breads and legume pastas, beans, seeds, nuts and dried fruit. The dog rarely ever fights to lick my plate.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/7/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Animals, My photos, Add a tag
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/6/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
©Kathleen Rietz
I think September is the most beautiful month of the year. 
©Kathleen Rietz
These photos are dedicated to my mom, Carol, who would have been 72 this month.
©Kathleen Rietz
As I get on with my life, I wish she was here to celebrate all of my happinesses with me. I know she would be proud of the woman I am today, her daughter.
I miss you, Mom.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 8/26/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
I was tagged by Steve and Joan to list 8 Random Facts about myself, and then tag fellow bloggers to do the same. I was actually going to make a collage of all 8 facts to save blog space, but I had so much fun going through family photos and old letters and vintage birth announcements tonite for fact #1, that I decided to give it its own posting.
Fact #1 is I AM A TWIN. This is me with my brother Patrick. And please nobody ask if we are identical twins. That question always makes my jaw drop.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 8/25/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
My sister gave me my birthday present early this year. We drove to Lake Geveva, WI for a mini getaway this week. It was just so nice to clear my head and get a different perspective on my life. And, of course, I had my camera handy. Those of you who visit my blog with any regularity know how drawn I am to this world's little creatures....especially bumblebees, ladybugs and an occasional spider. I include them in my artwork and photos all the time. I hope these photos I took offer you a moment of calm and relaxation...maybe even fascination. I love to visit this little world through the eye of my camera.
©kathleen rietz I was a little heartbroken that the bees in this photo were not in focus. But I just loved the way they looked together, the honeybee and the bumblebee meeting for lunch on this cluster of tangerine-colored flowers.
©kathleen rietz This little grasshopper was also enjoying lunch, too busy to notice me.
©kathleen rietz I could not resist the angle of this plump bumblebee on this pretty yellow flower...
©kathleen rietz Just another nice close-up of a bumblebee sipping nectar.
©kathleen rietz This little bumblebee had her back to me, and her sweet and simple pose seemed so perfect for a future children's book illustration. 
©kathleen rietz This was the view of the creek which could be seen from the condo where we stayed. It truly was serene, and the highlight of my summer 2007. Thanks for the "early" birthday present, Flip. : )
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 6/20/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
I have been unable to draw or paint this week as I heal from a back injury. I have recently discovered photography as a creative venue.
The recent heatwave in Chicago has passed, and for the past 2 days the weather has been wonderful.
I love the way the sun has been filtering through the trees, creating a spotlight effect on an otherwise shady area of my yard. The result is these 2 dramatic photos of day lilies. These photos are "raw", unretouched and fresh from my camera.
And an old weathered fence...
My sister brought me flowers last week, which lifted my spirit. I decided to photograph the flowers in a way that would convery how they made me feel. I feel loved. : )
All photos © Kathleen Rietz. Please do not use without permission.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 6/16/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
Leon left for his annual training with the military last weekend, and I've been suffering through a horrible back injury now since Tuesday. I'm tremendously bored, actually, which is not like me. I can't sit up for any decent length of time, can't drive, and the pain is exhausting enough that I am taking 3 hour naps in the afternoon. It's the weekend, and I saw absolutely no one today. Most days have consisted of ice packs, doses of Ibuprofen, being driven to the chiropractor, and mindless television. I finally got out my camera today and took some photos:
A spider in my bathroom (Do you feel sorry for me yet? I do. This monster has hairy legs.).jpg)
I wish I were motivated to make a stirfry (I'm getting tired of pretzels. And sliced cheese.).jpg)
My camera did this very strange thing with the colors when I tried to take a picture of my garden today. (Looks cool, I guess. Right?).jpg)
All images © Kathleen Rietz
) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : yes I'm bored... boo hoo hoo... : ( : ( : ( : ( : ( : ( : (
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 6/3/2007
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: My photos, Add a tag
More photos from my backyard...
Did I tell you...
I never get bored.
Querida Kate:
Aprender a decir "NO" es una de las cosas màs maravillosas!!!
No te preocupes, con tu talento nunca te faltarà trabajo!
Feliz 2008 para ti y tu familia.
Hugs,
Cata
I'm glad you got to relax a bit - everyone needs to recharge their batteries! I really can't imagine that the best work is done when we're ground down and overworked. I too turned down a really good PB opportunity that was way too short on time last month (must be something about end of year with publishers, does anyone really work this fast?) and it was devastating but the right choice. Sanity first, right? And here's to more good things to come in 2008!
I totally understand Kate. Sometimes is very hard to find a balance bewteen jobs and everyday life..
Is not easy to say no to a job offer, specially one that is very appealing... but to be able to stop and think of the outcome, it is going to be good enough with such little time? Are you going to be happy with it ? Is even more difficult and not eveyone can do it.
I'm sure it wasent easy but you were brave and did it.
So now enjoy your much deserved time to rest and your couch!
Don't worry I'm sure another book offer will come soon.. You'll see :o)
I totally understand Kate. Sometimes is very hard to find a balance bewteen jobs and everyday life..
Is not easy to say no to a job offer, specially one that is very appealing... but to be able to stop and think of the outcome, it is going to be good enough with such little time? Are you going to be happy with it ? Is even more difficult and not everyone can do it.
I'm sure it wasnt easy but you were brave and did it.
So now enjoy your much deserved time to rest and your couch!
Don't worry I'm sure another book offer will come soon.. You'll see :o)
I understand. This season was the first time in three years I did not sign up for hockey. It was hard but it was the right move.
Enjoy your cocoa!
ian
Well, I'm glad you told 'em no, cause those deadlines are just NUTS! I've been in the same boat once and obsessed over it for weeks. It's hard to find the balance, but sometimes time on the couch with the dog is more important.
Happy New Year!
Thanks everyone! I guess we've all struggled with balance in our lives!
I congratulate you on making a stand for yourself and those who are important to you. It's a hard thing to do, especially when we are talented and driven people. I'm happy you are seeking balance - keep it up!
you are not a machine.
health and sanity come first:)
Wow, wish I had some tough decisions to make, haha...
Glad you are keeping busy but balanced!
Oh Kate, that's a hard one. But letting go seems one of the essential things everyone has to learn. For freelancers it's just that much harder because we can rely only on ourselves and our time. But I agree with the other commenters: health and ballance come first.
Happy new year, by the way. I hope you started it well, and may it bring one good job after the other. Scratch your Sunshine behind the ear (the left one) for me while you're on your couch relaxing.
I love this post, you just reminded me, to try and relax a bit this year too!
Hope you had a wonderful New Years!
Sandra Evertson
Wow, Kate, talk about full disclosure! THANKS so much for sharing your struggle qwith us!! I can completely understand, and sometimes the most important decisions are so so tough like yours was. But you did the right thing, for yourself and also for the project. If you haven't enough to give to it, then you might not have been totally 100% beaming proud of it anyway. BUT, what you did took a lot of wisdom. There WILL be another book coming for you Kate, and when it does you will be in the right position to say YES!!!!
Thanks Kathy Weller and everyone else. I just want to take a moment to tell you all why I decided to post about this situation. I usually post to tell you all about new jobs because I am excited and love to share the good news. Likewise, there is the other side of freelancing, which many of you already know is difficult at times. In 2007, I had several book assignments which I held in my hands, which for one reason (or many reasons), did not work out. Of course, I had others that DID work out and I am happy about that. But I feel like it is only fair to blog about both sides of the coin...you know? I have my struggles like everyone else in this industry. I spent about 16 years as a freelance illustrator, designer and product developer, and I made a comfortable living. That all changed due to outsourcing and industry trends, and the last couple of years have been a big struggle. In a way, it has also been a blessing because the struggle has stretched me creatively and helped me to focus on what I always wanted to do anyway, which is illustrating children's books and teaching art. It also led me to start this art blog in October 2006, and it's been so priceless being a part of such a supportive blogging community with you all. But again, I feel like if I am going to present the good side of freelance illustrating on my blog, it is the honest thing to do to also share with you the harder side as well.
There will be other freelance jobs, and my Picturebook '08 ad comes out this month, so I am excited to see what sorts of jobs that brings.
Thanks for all of your comments. It's been nice to let go a little and find time to breath again!
Hey Kate, I'm glad you took some time off for yourself. I'm sure Sunshine was happy too. I consider you Wonderwoman but that schedule was just too ridiculous! Breathe woman! You deserve it. And thanks for sharing both sides of the artworld coin. It must be great to be surrounded by other artists who understand your situation completely.
Good for you Kate! Believe me, I TOTALLY know where you are coming from and just how hard it is to say NO to any type of work. But, its simply not worth it when you can't be 100% on top of your game.
You did a very, very smart thing. Not to mention the way time spent on the couch with a furry friends as fuel the creative spirit...
Dear Kate,
This post gives that much more creedence to to my post :) It is so hard to find the balance, but also to set boundaries which you did so well. I'm proud of you. We don't want to put out art that we're not proud of just to fill someone elses deadlines. I hope writing this has helped you on the freelance journey. I know your travels will take you far because you're doing what you love, and for all the right reasons! Lucky Sunshine and lucky you to have had that moment to share :)
I know what you mean about balance and sanity. Thank your lucky stars that you don't work at an agency that demands at least 60 hours a week. And have freelance jobs piling up all over the place. It's enough to only allow for 4 hours of sleep most days. And that includes weekends. I told my husband that the next time I would have to sit on the couch would be Christmas 2008. Seriously. Keep up the good work. You'll find a happy balance in there somewhere. And you'll see the work come along too.
It sounds like you found peace and contentment from your decision. And I bet it was a very tough one. Looking forward to seeing all of your wonderful art you have up and coming!
Teresa
xo
What a crazy deadline.
I'm glad you said no.
I had to do that a couple of months ago and it was soooo tough to let a job go by. =o(
But it worked out for the best.
Taking care of yourself,sifting out the "stuff" that doesn't feed your spirit is a great way to start off the new year Kate!
Wow!! Sorry that you had to turn down an assignment-- on the other hand, it's wonderful to be so busy you need to do that! happy 2008!!
Hi Kathleen....
Great read...thanks for sharing....
Oftentimes we just keep working and working...and I really don't think people appreciate all the behind the scenes stuff we do as illustrators...we are in a constant state of flux and we feel the pressure to constantly say yes ....
I'm glad that you're thinking about yourself and know that you have made the right decision...
You are so talented and it is so nice when it all comes naturally...with no major deadlines and not too much stress.....
Have a great week...
Cheers,
Diana
Good for you Kate! You deserve a break!! The couch and a blanket are a perfect way to recharge. Take care my friend!
Sometimes the best decision is the one that gives us time to spend on the sofa with a good book and a hot cup of comfort like cocoa or coffee. So glad you were able to contemplate and see what you really needed for yourself this time of year.
Best wishes to you this 2008. :)
I think you did yourself a huge favour in turning down the book assignment, Kate. Thanks so much for sharing the other side of the coin....I very much appreciate it. I'm sure it would have been pure bliss to break from your busy schedule and just curl up on the couch to relax and watch TV. Well deserved ~