Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 20

Goodbye Soul Shine Studio (wah!)

A year ago, I moved into a new beautiful studio space with three dear friends. We called it Soul Shine Studio. And it was amazing. You can read the full story and see the full tour here.

The truth is is that this space has been deeply grounding and beautiful this last year. I have loved it so much. We've gathered, worked, created, shared, and collaborated. I have counted my lucky stars, daily, because, honestly, it's been as easy as pie sharing the space with three of my favorite people on the planet.

But as life unfolded in big ways these last few months for all of us, and as our lease has come up for renewal, we made the hard decision to let Soul Shine Studio go.

I KNOW!

For me, several things factored in. As I begin to move my business in new and exciting directions, I really need a large, dedicated and solo space that can accommodate all the moving parts of where I'm at and where I'm going. Also, with the move to our new house, I now have more space to work from home - something that feels more doable now that John is a stay-at-home papa and True is older. I'm craving a more simple work pattern and to be a bit more integrated in everyday home life.


So. I began the slow process of moving my art supplies out of Soul Shine and into my house.  Hello, transition and moves at every turn. I'm a bit stressed out, if I'm being honest! But I'm also just really grateful. As my business has grown over the years, and as I became a mama, my work space has changed and morphed according to what scenario would work best for the time. Now that we're getting settled into our new home, I'm certain that this will likely be a more permanent move for my creative work space. It won't be a huge space - a spare bedroom - but it will be nice and cozy and bit of an annex, if you will, to the future larger of home of KRR offices. Stay tuned!

I will miss Soul Shine, but so thankful for the experience and for the deepening of friendships that it birthed with my lovely studio mates :)

new house update!

(beginning to decorate our bedroom)

Can you believe we've been in the new place two whole months? I cannot. I simply cannot. I thought I'd give you an update on where we're at.

Our first priority when we moved in was getting True's room settled and arranged so that he could acclimate and adjust as smoothly and as quickly as possible. We were definitely able to get his room fully unpacked and functional right away, but I wouldn't say it's decorated by any means. He loves his new room. It has a lot more space, and the best part is is that it's on the same level as our bedroom. In our old home, his room was on the main floor while our room was in a renovated attic master suite.  I was never was fully comfortable with our being a full floor above his room. In our new house, our bedrooms are all on the same level, with our room directly next to his. We LOVE this new dynamic. It means we can hear him more easily and aren't reliant on a monitor in the evenings. It means he can hop out of his bed in the mornings and easily find us, and jump into our bed. It means we're all waking up at about the same time every day (645am - 715am) and generally in closer quarters in our morning routines. It means I'm no longer waking up at 3am each night worried that he has somehow wandered out of his room. So yes, this new arrangement has been good on so many fronts. Love, love, love.

We've been thinking of some pretty fun ideas for his room, but we're not in a big hurry as he's enjoying his space so much at the moment.


We have made some big progress with our room! Above is a photo of the fabrics that we landed on for the room - a mixture of yellows, grays, reds, and a touch of green. The floral is a duvet cover from Schoolhouse Electric (love that place!). Once I had the floral bed cover chosen, my mom and I headed off to the best fabric store in the universe and chose coordinating fabrics/patterns that will be fashioned into curtains, bed skirts, and more.  I seem to be obsessed with gray lately, so there is a ton of gray in our room. Soothing. 

It's totally coming together! I can't wait to show you the full room when it's done, but for now, a peek. By the way, there is carpet in all the bedrooms in this house. I know it seems odd, but I've never lived with carpet before! For now, we're keeping it. It's nice and clean and warm on our feet in the morning. I have a suspicion that as the years go by, we'll pull it up and insert wood, but for now, we're digging it. 


One thing I did not anticipate with this move was how barely any of our old furniture would fit in this new space. Most of our furniture was fashioned for a sweet little bungalow, which meant that everything was smallish in scale and perfect for typical bungalow nooks. But this new house - though not much bigger in square footage than our bungalow - is a totally different feel with just about all of the square footage above ground (vs having a ton of square footage in the basement, like our last house), higher ceilings, and more of an open floor plan. 
Our old furniture, like our old living room loveseat couches, look TINY in the new house - scale is totally wrong. So. I'm having to really rethink how I would normally put together a space and think outside of the box. It's a design challenge for me and my hunch is is that it's going to take some time. I'm a little over my head and exhausting myself with Pinterest research, magazines, and more. Not even kidding.
So, to help get ideas flowing, we've been heading out to stores when we have some extra time and taking photos of things that catch our eye. The photo collage above shows some things we've seen along the way. We've been a bit surprised at what we've been drawn to! But also just noticing, paying attention to what delights us, and moving slowly. 


For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know that the dining room is coming along as well. One thing we did was trade buffets with my mom. She got the one that was in our old dining room and we got hers. Coincidentally, the buffets were exact matches, but hers was shorter than ours, and it's turquoise. John LOVES the turquoise, but I'm not so sure. For now, we're loving it in the space and it's a great complement to our vintage floral painting collection. Thank goodness for moms who are willing to trade furniture. We've traded couches in the last couple of years too! 
Ok! That's the house update, friends. More soon as we move along....WHAT an adventure! 

A few good things

I have so much to tell you guys. Honestly, life feels like it has taken off and I'm barely hanging on in many ways. Lots of really good stuff, and some challenges, too. I'm embracing the ebb and flow and trusting in all of it.

While I try and gather and sort myself out, I thought I'd share some a few good things that have caught my attention in recent weeks......



Brene posted this video on her blog awhile back and it GRABBED me. This kind of stuff in on my mind constantly as I parent True. If you have a boy in your life (that's all of us!), check out this video. I also recently read this book - a total game changer and highly recommended. This one too! 
Speaking of Brene, are you guys taking part 2 of her course on Oprah.com? If so, you may have seen me in week 2's creative video. Remember when I was a guest for part 1 of her course? That was super fun. I was so lucky to do it all over again for part 2. It's SUCH a great course - honored to have been a small part of the experience. Love everything Brene is doing. 
Some other fun things my friends are doing:
* Andrea is making Super Hero necklaces in perfect timing for Mother's Day!* Lacy is beginning drop in group health coaching! Affordable, loving, supportive. So smart! * Lynx has a shiny new website! So proud of her.
* Pixie is totally rocking it, Flora too. 

* Mati Rose has illustrated a book based on E.E. Cummings famous poem,  I Carry Your Heart With Me. It's totally adorable, as is Mati. 

Blog love:
* You guys I am LOVING this amazing woman at Vintage Revivals. Every single room reveal is inspiring! Holy smokes! 
* I'm also loving Design Mom. She recently moved and watching her new home come together is inspiring. Also really appreciate her honestly about the stress that she felt during and after her move. I can so relate! 
* I CANNOT believe how long it's taken me to share this (forgive me, Flyers!), but ten of my students from my 2012 Flying Lessons ecourse did the coolest thing and created simultaneous Kindness Missions! They love-bombed their neighborhoods, strangers, bus drivers and loved ones around the world and they made it all into a blog series! Each blog links to the others so start anywhere! HOW CUTE ARE THEY?
Ginger DeverellLaly MilleSandy KingKristen Fairgrieve Naz LailaLulu Bea (Alaina McGinley) Karrlin BainKathie GaddChandra MerodLisa Ullrich

Self Care: 


A few weeks ago, I did something I've never done before. I had my first ever make up lesson and it was amazing! I went to see Kirstie - same sweet soul who did my make-up for the videos in my art ecourse that launched earlier this year. First, we went to Sephora and she helped pick out the products I needed. As someone who has no idea what I'm doing when it comes to make-up, this was really huge. It reminded me of the time when Myriam showed me around the Whole Foods, carefully explaining what everything was in the produce section, how to cook it, etc, except this time it was a make-up store. Seriously, friends. I need all the help I can get. Anyway, Kirstie picked out essential things like blush, foundation, lip color, etc. She also picked out things I would have never thought to consider but have turned out to be really great, like matte primer for my foundation (I am super oily), and eyebrow filler. Then, we went back to her studio for the lesson on how to apply it all. She would do one side of my face, and I'd do the other. I learned so much! The goal was a quick and easy routine for everyday makeup. It's been a few weeks since my lesson, and, I've kept up the routine. The entire thing takes about 10-12 minutes each morning, and I feel so much more confident with make-up in general. Who knew? 

More soon,XO

Nourish Your Soul with Cases for your phone, laptop + reader!

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.  May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.  Click here to see all the posts in this series. 

Celebrating our new skins and cases!
Friends, our new cases for phones, readers and laptops are SWOON worthy! I'm so excited to share the latest and greatest with you! ALL of the designs below (plus many more) are available for virtually any cellphone model, laptop, etc. You can see all the options right here on DecalGirl. 





Head on over here to find yours!


Thanks, friends. Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. I so love what I do.
Warmly,
Kelly Rae

Around Here Lately

It's incredibly beautiful in Portland these days. Spring is here, for reals. As beautiful as it is, I have a small case of the blues. And it's sort of driving me bananas in the way that things do when we can't shake it. I'm certain is has to do with all the transition. My soul just wants to feel settled. I made a promise to myself: I. Am. Never. Moving. Again.
Ha! 
I'm working on giving myself all sorts of permissions these days: to take my time, to not take my time, to have good cries, to just be with it all and let it teach, heal, and lead me to whatever it is I need to learn.
Something tells me I'm heading into a bigger awareness. I'm craving lots of reading time, lots of writing time, lots of creating time. And a big part of the blues is the frustration I feel around not having the time, though realizing that it's up to me to make the time. Lots of friction. 

Meanwhile, one of my favorite people on the planet, Mati Rose came up for a quick visit. You know that famous poem by ee cummings, i carry your heart? Mati's newest children's book is an illustration of that poem and it's just incredibly sweet. I teared up as she read it. If you haven't seen it, you gotta check it out. 
I'll never forget the first time I met Mati. It was in 2007. I was 31 years old, trying to be a true blue real deal artist when I wasn't working as a medical social worker. I had just moved to Oakland from Portland (for John's graduate schooling), and Mati lived in San Francisco. Mati already was a true blue real deal artist and I loved + adored instantly. We became very fast friends.  We've been on a journey these last 7 years as we've built our creative businesses, and as we've navigated love and life. Here's my very first post about Mati when we were becoming friends (I still have those yellow shoes!)
Remember the Wear Your Joy Project that I started? I'm still doing it, friends! In fact, I have a big post coming up with more pics and links (you guys have been asking for it - coming soon!). I have to say that even through the blues I've been feeling lately, this practice of intentionally wearing my joy as been really helpful in lifting my spirits. It's the littlest things, no?

So. As part of the practice, I tried out a headband. Felt a little funny (vulnerable, really), but I've always loved how they look on other women, and so I gave it a shot. And guess what? Love! This particular headband is made by Pistil - love their scarves and hats too!


In some very VERY big news, I've hired a full-on business manager. Someone who is lovely, and smart, and holds so much experience. She flew to Portland and after spending a couple of days working with her, I hired her! I love how totally aligned she is with my values + mission. Also loving that she can hold the big vision and dreams that I have and help make it all happen. I'm nervous, excited, and just so incredibly ready for more help when it comes to both strategizing the big picture of where my business is going as well as all the micro, detailed stuff.  It's time. It's likely been time for a long time, but I've hesitated to take the leap. I've jumped, friends. I'm all in, and totally trusting the journey. I have big dreams on where I'd like to go. I ready! 



True is hilarious these days. I'm thinking 3.5 is the best yet (although we seem to say that with every age). It's singing, and dancing, and funny phrases, and running around the house, and climbing, and sweet hugs and kisses, and endless curiosity. Sometimes my heart can barely take the sweetness of it. John and I often say that we hit the jackpot with this awesome kid. It's hard, but man is it good. And can I just say that living with someone who is in a constant state of wonder is such a gift. Love him. 
More soon.XO,Kelly Rae

Nourish Your Soul :: Gifts to Celebrate Mom!

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.  May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.  Click here to see all the posts in this series. 

Mother's Day is May 11th!
We've selected some of our favorite gifts to celebrate mom! And in plenty of time to allow for shipping. Hooray!
Jewelry:

One of our newest pieces! This bracelet is vintage inspired, feminine + totally affordable. How sweet is is this? See it here. And also check out the matching earrings + necklace. 

One of my favorite jewelry pieces we've ever made and a super sweet gift. See the Your Heart is Never Alone locket here. 
Garden:

Wooden Planters! Brand new + in perfect timing for the sunshine! See our planters here.

Our new garden angel. I'm so loving the muted colors, the flower impressions, and the wire wings. Yes! She's big at 19 inches tall and the perfect addition to mom's garden. Get yours here.

Wall Art:
The I Heart Your Heart Manifesto Print comes matted, signed, and ready to frame. Man, I love this one and I'm thinking it's perfect as a mom's day gift. Get it here. 


We adore this larger18x24 wall canvas. I especially love how it's a great complement to all the garden pieces. See it here.
Mugs:

The packing on our new mugs is just as cute as the mug itself making it perfect for gift giving! We think this one is perfect for mom. See it here.  
See our full collection of mugs here.
Bags:

A bestseller, our weekender is perfect for weekend trips + getaways! See it online here.
Scarves:

We are loving scarves for mom! Big, soft and lovely - bestsellers and I LOVE them! See the entire line of scarves here.



Thanks, friends. Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. I so love what I do.
Warmly,
Kelly Rae
PS: The products featured above (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop.  International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started. Garden Gallery is having a sale MONDAY the 28th and Tuesday the 29th. 25% off all orders with code MOM.

TODAY IS THE DAY!!

(photo credit: Viv McMaster)
For the last four years, I've hosted a ONE DAY ONLY sale for The Whole Shabang for a seriously discounted price. You guys went berserk scooping it up, every single time. I love a good, well received sale. So much that I've decided to make it a full-on, possibility-fueled tradition.

So, today, friends, is THE DAY. In fact, THIS WEEK is the week! Instead of just one day, we're hosting the sale for a whole week. 

And it's HUGE: 50% off!!!!!!  Can I get an amen?

I am so proud of this book. So proud.

Let's make 2014 the year your creative biz will soar. Let's start with everything you could ever need to make that dream real. Let's simply begin, one small step at a time.
I WILL NOT be offering it on sale again this year. Now is the time. Get it while you can. You will not be disappointed and once downloaded, it's yours forever.

PS: This is the only ebook comes with membership to the ultra supportive private Facebook group where a community of your fellow ebook Flyers offer ongoing support, resources, and inspiration. This alone is a game changer for you and your creative biz! 


(That's 50% off the regular price!)
Ever wonder....

: How to build a devoted following and online presence?
: How ultra-successful artists sell, price & package their work?
: How to create a visually stunning website + blog, without spending a lot of $$?
: How to effectively organize your time & energy, and deal with all the outrageous fears that pop up, when you “go public” with your heart’s work?
: How to get published, licensed, and accepted to art shows?
: How to diversify + expand your income with possibility-drenched revenue streams?
: How to stay engaged with your heart while managing the business side of creating a business?

You aren't alone.

I know exactly where you’re coming from. Just a few years ago, that was me — sending heartfelt emails out to artists & entrepreneurs I admired. I always wished that there was some way I could access their brains, just for a moment. And that kind of direct-line-of-access is exactly what I want to offer, to you.

It took me half a decade of wondering & wandering (and very hard work) to find answers that worked for me. And now, I’ve bundled up my very-best resources & how-tos … for YOU.


Flying Lessons: The Whole Shabang is a beautifully designed, highly interactive + functional e-book.

Did I mention it's 223 pages? Yes, yes it is. It's parts one, two, and three combined, which means it's packed with information, personal stories of what’s worked for me (and what hasn’t worked - lots of wisdom in those hard earned lessons), links, informative interviews with some of the most knowledgeable people I know, and resources that will save you boatloads of time and money in hours spent researching. And that's just the super short, skinny version. More meat (ahem, fat delicious details) below.

“I cannot believe how much you have covered, the depth and quality of each lesson, and how many ‘tools’ I now have to enable me to soar! Thank you so much Kelly for your generosity, for gifting us with your wisdom.”


It's for anyone who wants to start, grow, or enliven their creative business with smart, soul-based growth strategies.

Whether you’re a beginner, or an accomplished crafter, coach, photographer, artist, writer, or anyone with a big message to share, this e-book will give you concrete information and and empowering inspiration to get you moving toward the direction of your soul-filling mission.



“I’ve taken many workshops and without a doubt your content has far surpassed any of them...you've helped me realize “What am I waiting for?” I’ve got a logo concept going, next is a website redesign and finally to get a blog going. I now know I can do it to. I feel ready. Thank you!”

The Details:

Top-notch design: Highly functional and interactive with internal links, external links, and a super loaded appendix dedicated to resources just for you! Once downloaded, this e-book is yours forever.

Blogging: Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about how to create an effective, fulfilling, soul centered blog, including how to create, how to improve, and surefire ways to get more blog traffic.

Websites and social networking: The specific ins and outs of how to create, how to improve, and the secret ingredients to using them effectively.

Fear Wrangling: We all have them. In fact, being afraid of a big dream usually means it’s a dream worth pursuing. In Flying Lessons, we dive into effective strategies on facing our fears with the utmost care and intention.

Community: How to build long lasting creative allies inside a nurturing community that will have you counting your lucky stars, daily.

Marketing: Effective soul-based marketing strategies that will build traffic, buzz, + joyful momentum, including detailed information on how to use print media, newsletters, advertising, social networking, and more.

Selling Online: Specific strategies for successful selling on Etsy and other online marketplaces, including tried and true tips on how to get more traffic to your online shop, and effective ways of styling, photographing, and packaging your goods.

Selling Offline: Detailed information on how to sell your work at boutiques, and craft shows. You want to start wholesale accounts? I cover that, too.

Making Prints: I share all my secrets and how to’s, including scanning, printing, which paper to use, how to ship prints, etc. I share which mattes I use, which mailers I use, and more.

Press: Everything you've ever wanted to know about how to get good, solid press that will build your audience, build your credibility, and create effective, lasting momentum for your business.

Publishing: The ins and outs of how to get published, including in depth interviews with industry stars, Christen Olivarez (Editor-In-Chief of Stampington/Somerset Magazines) and Tonia Davenport (long time Acquisitions Editor for North Light books).

Licensing: In depth discussion on everything you need to know to get started, including finding manufacturers, attending licensing shows, + considering agents. Included is a revealing and informative interview with Ingrid Liss, Creative Director for DEMDACO. Also included are detailed interviews with three highly successful licensing artists who share what’s worked for them. I also share my own licensing story and everything I've learned along the way. This section is a big licensing round table, and there's a seat just for you.

Money (!): The skinny on how to diversify your income with several smart, often easy and soul-filling, income streams. I believe in inviting abundance into our lives. Consider yourself invited into the world of abundance, too.

Time management: Your super big, seemingly unreachable dreams? We'll break them down into doable steps and whip up a doable time management plan complete with breathing room and time to celebrate all the goal reaching that will be reached, often.

The Journey: The creative business journey is a unique one. We'll discuss ways to wholeheartedly and bravely embrace it, including recharging wearied souls, handling competition, burnout, as well as everyday ways to celebrate the journey.

Personal Stories: I share my best mistakes, my worst mistakes, my secret tips, and lots of personal and true stories about what it looks like to start, grow, and nurture a successful creative business. Kind of like we’re sitting together on a cozy couch, having some tea, sharing stories, side by side. Yes, just like that.



What is calling you? (Truly)
Because it's not just about building a web presence, marketing like a pro, and building a successful, sustainable income selling your goods. All of that matters, of course, but it's more about answering the little nudge of the whispers that have been calling you. It's about tapping into what is possible when you face the direction of those whispers and begin to create a more brave, full, inspired life. Flying Lessons will help you answer the call. Promise.

“I describe it as my business bible. Not only is it filled with tips + tricks, but it's filled with heart + soul. It's as if you're sitting with an old friend who believes in you and gives you the courage to believe the same. Love it!"


Download it now. It's fast + easy.: Click the “buy now” button below. You will be redirected to Paypal to pay for the e-book.
: Once you’ve paid for it, an email will be immediately and automatically sent to your email address (the same one you used at Paypal) with a link to download the e-book/PDF (it’s about 26mb and will take less than a minute to download).
: I recommend reading it with Adobe Reader which is free to download.



Once downloaded, you will have it forever to refer to as your creative biz continues to grow and grow. Because of the nature of e-books (once you download it, it’s yours forever), all sales are final.

Prefer to purchase it in smaller chunks? We've got you covered. Other e-books in the Flying Lessons Series include:







More love for the e-books:
“This content has been a catalyst in helping me to see exactly where I want to take my creative business. Before I felt like I was floundering around in uncertainty and fear. Now I really believe that I can make my artsy dreams a reality! You have given me the resources, tools, and knowledge to take my creative business to places I thought were only open to a chosen few.”

“This information is SO, SO helpful. I feel like I’m reading a letter from my biggest fan / supporter / friend / mentor – I can’t thank you enough.”

“The content totally exploded my mind and continues to push me into all new places…Kelly is generous beyond belief. I wish I’d “met” Kelly when I was a fledgling business woman and yet there were still volumes to learn from her rich content. What I have learned is helping me to prioritize my creative business and stay true to my creative spirit.”

“You’ve covered topics that I have long wondered about, but didn’t know how to do or where to go for answers. Thank you for your generosity in sharing.”

“This content has helped me with so many things, from mental clarity, to organizational skills, to technical details to reconnection with my spiritual path and growth… This was worth SO much more than what I paid in terms of the growth it inspired in me.”

“Flying Lessons was fantastic. You went above and beyond. I have taken many classes/workshops but not one of them could even come close to the information/content you shared.”

“I am in possibility heaven!”


“Kelly Rae, this is generous…. and I mean GENEROUS amount of info and insight you are showering upon me! Thank you!”

“I am blown away by all the work you have put into this Kelly. WAY BEYOND what I expected.”

“I am absolutely floored at the empowerment you are giving me Kelly. I dont think I have ever felt as confident as I do now.”

“This content has been beyond helpful. You’ve answered every single question that had been circling my brain for months, and now I feel so much better prepared to get my creative biz up and running. Thank you!”

“I have struggled so long on my own as an artist, succumbing to the fear over and over. Marketing, follow through, and consistency have been the biggest challenges. Now I feel as though I have a mentor, cheering me on and laying out the steps one by one. There’s only one direction to go from here!! Thank you Kelly Rae for your generosity of spirit!”

“Holy Moly, Kelly! Thank you for being so generous and thorough in everything you are covering! I’ve taken several e-courses and read many e-books, but this is by far the most practical and actually makes me feel like I can do it. Awesome.”

“I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful content and the fact that it was not just informative, but that you, yourself, Kelly Rae, came shining through, making it all so personal. This is the most amazing, WORTH IT content I have ever read.”

“Holy Camoly. Where in the world could we find all this info in such a short time, from someone who KNOWS? It would have taken me a LIFETIME…thank you so much Kelly Rae!”

Nourish Your Soul with Truth + Beauty

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.  May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.  Click here to see all the posts in this series. 

Products that celebrate Truth + Beauty:



I'm a big fan of surrounding ourselves with anything that nurtures our senses: flowers, color, love, meaning. Our spaces reflect who we are, and remind us who we are too.  This 6x6 wall art is a sweet reminder. Get yours here. And see all our 6x6 wall art here. 


Roomy + beautiful! I adore this tote, expecially her map face. Get yours here. See our entire line of bags here.

The perfect size for your phone, a few cards and money! This is one of my favorite wristlets. Get yours here. See them all here.


Thanks, friends. Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. I so love what I do.
Warmly,
Kelly Rae
PS: The products featured above (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop.  International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started. 

ART IN MOTION + some thoughts on hope and healing.

With Art in Motion, I share the visual journey through the life of one of my paintings — from the blank canvas, to the first splash of inspiration, all the way to the finished piece. Enjoy to the fullest!
Click here to see all the posts in this ongoing project series.



Started with a very quick sketch using my Stabilo pencil (link below)....


Very loosely painted around the sketch...



Worked on her face + hair using PITT Pens (my favorite pens - link below). Added a bit of collage.


Created wings with paper and a script stamp, then painted her dress......
Signed/ Matted Print Available Here

Added some text via alpha stamps, added her halo, and finishing touches.

This healing angel is for those of us who are in transition, on the edge of one way of being in the world to another. Who perhaps are struggling and working our way through grief, old and new. Who understand that healing can make it through the tiniest of cracks in the dimmest of days. Who are inspired by all the ways that hope and healing show up in our beautifully messy, complicated stories. Who believe every word on the Be Brave Manifesto. 

This one is for all of us . We are not broken, friends. We are meant to be on healing journeys. It's our soul work. It's why we're here, ultimately in this journey. This I believe with my whole heart.

So.

Here's to hope and healing.

XO,
Kelly Rae

I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art  (with descriptions) over here or if it's easier, I've put some easy links below for you :)



Tabletop Easel Canvas Boards Golden Fluid Acrylics Spray Bottle Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics Brayer Gel Medium (Gloss) Stabilo Pencils (Black) Gesso Shiva Oil Paintstiks Alphabet Stamps Alphabet Stencils Face Color Pitt Pens White Sharpie Paint Pin (fine tip) Black Pitt Pens Ott light Heat Gun Stencils My Book (Taking Flight)InLinkz.com
Thank you guys. I hope you enjoyed a peek into the process!XO,Kelly Rae

Food Changes Everything

Welcome to Food Changes Everything. In this series, I've asked my health coach friend, Lacy Young, to share some of her wisdom with you - everything from delicious green smoothie recipes to how to make those hard, but life-affirming small step changes around food. Lacy didn't always take care of herself. And neither have I. Luckily, she changed her food habits which changed her life. And now I am learning, through her, how, in fact, food changes everything.
See all posts in this series here.You can find out more about Lacy on her website. 

This lifestyle takes work. Eating whole foods isn't always the easy choice. We are surrounded by junk foods, processed foods + fake foods that are dressed up to look, smell and taste pretty delicious. Even an ugly cupcake makes people smile.

Staying mindful and acting in alignment with your desires is a practice. Often that means overriding old ways of being. When stress + anxiety well up inside it can be so easy to self-soothe with food. For me it used to be sugar. Anything cake, cookies and ice cream. Looking back usually only the first bite made it better (if that). After that I was negotiating a killer headache or belly ache with a side of guilt for having done that to myself yet again.

The truth is that there's always an option that will support + nurture you and it usually doesn't have anything to do with food. Inspired by a client going through a tough time I've compiled a list of motivational tips + tools to help.



1. Pause + breathe before you act on the emotion or feeling you're experiencing by eating. Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. Take three deep breaths. Sometimes it's all you'll need to bring you back into presence to gain some control + perspective.

2. Say to yourself, "I love you. I see you. I feel you." You're feeling rotten and taking a moment to affirm that you're here with yourself, on the same team, being seen can work wonders. Consider a practice of saying it in the mirror daily.

3. Look at what you'd like to do and then decide differently. Ok-- the shit has hit the proverbial fan. You're ready to cart yourself down the street to the local coffee house for a baked good and cup of whipped cream with a little coffee in it. What could you do instead? What could you do that would take you out of the moment you're in, still feel satisfying but NOT filled with sugar + regret? Have a glass of water and write in your journal. If you're in a really tender state consider writing all you're feeling and then burning the pages to help release any trapped energy! (please burn the pages in a safe place like a fireplace)

4. Is this an opportunity to set a healthy boundary? Sometimes the thing that pushed you over the edge was a result of not standing up for yourself in a loving way. Could you say 'NO' sooner next time or change some routine, behavior or practice that would honor your boundaries?

5. Naps are a wonderful reset button. Maybe you need a nap to bring you back. Sleep is basic, necessary and a total life saver. Maybe it's time to look at your sleep schedule and commit to getting into bed earlier each night.

6. Be oh so gentle with yourself + respect your feelings. Chances are something has been building up over time to lead to this moment. Could you practice more kindness with yourself this week? Maybe that means letting go of those old rules about how things need to be done in a certain order before you take care of you. Leave the dishes in the sink + light a candle to soften the mood. It's ok, advisable even to take care of you first.

7. Ask yourself what you're really craving and then create space to invite it in. It could be you're really craving... more peace, physical touch, quality time alone, intimacy, a little hope, some more energy etc...

If you're struggling, you're not alone. We all face challenges in feeding + taking care of ourselves. There is a way to fill the well without overdosing on food + booze. There is a way to move through life without the guilt + shame hangover. I totally understand what it feels like to want to change but not know how. I have been in those moments when I knew it was going to be more painful to stay the same than it would be to do the work to change. I baked a whole sheet of cookies once only to take them out of the oven and put them down the disposal in tears. Been there. Done that.

Love yourself enough to do the work to change. You've totally got this!

XO,
Lacy