Betty K. Chambliss puts her creative ability to work. (Photo by Gloria Bigger-Cantu) Throughout her life Betty Kelly Chambliss has demonstrated her many talents in many artistic endeavors ranging from oil painting to her latest project creating bird feeders. She admits she has a passion for whatever project she undertakes.

Colorful bird feeders made from cups and dishes decorate a display at Sellers Market where Betty’s works are featured. Her interest in creating bird feeders occurred when she went to a beach shop a few years ago. The shop was owned by one her of her friends in Bay City. She showed interest in the bird feeders that her husband’s friend made. He taught her how to make bird feeders.

“I have a passion for dishes and for recycling,” she said. She buys the dishes at thrift shops and has found beautiful dishes such as cups from Dresden, Germany, Beligium and Finland. She has a work area in the garage and spends about 30 minutes designing art work and creating the bird feeders.

“I am surprised how they turn out and each birdfeeder has its own personality,” Betty said.

Besides creating birdfeeders, Betty also makes Christmas ornaments. She sews for her granddaughters specializing in ballerina tutu skirts.

Her introduction to artistic endeavors began when she was 18 years old and enrolled in an oil painting class taught by Arlene Morgan. Then, later she worked with stained glass, designed, made jewelry that she gave to family members as gifts. She made beaded crosses. Another project she might tackle in the future is making yard decorations.

She said she loves to cook especially comfort food. She cooks soul food that includes turnip greens and corn bread and she can make a big pot of chicken and dumplings. She enjoys cooking for her family, children and grandchildren. Her parents, the late Bill Schultz and Ida Mae Schultz, taught her cook.

She learned many of her recipes from her father who would often cook for the family.

Betty’s family were Kingsville pioneers who moved to Kingsville in 1925 and established themselves in the small community. Her two daughters and granddaughters, brother Chuck Schultz and sister Mary Jo Hunter live in Kingsville. She said she is happy to live in her hometown with many family members living her too. Her sister Billye Archer lives in Austin.

Most people who have know Betty throughout the years recognize her because of her friendly smile and her genuine interest in people. Her friendliness was reflected when she interacted with people at the Flower Box. During the 20 years she worked as a floral designer she liked to create massive flower arrangements for weddings, funerals and big parties. Customers would bring in large urns and wanted plenty of greenery and flowers.

“It was a lot of fun working there,” she said.

Suzette White said they consider Betty a part of the family and praises her for being a multi-talented individual. White operates the Flower Box, a family owned business. The family has known Betty over 35 years.

“She is amazing, generous, kind and wonderful person with a big heart,” said White. “She is extremely talented because she can paint, do ceramics, make bird feeders and sew,”

“Betty also cooks and she could be Kingsville’s Martha Stewart,” White said.