Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 21

Ask Kelly Rae :: How do you keep all your supplies organized?

YOU ASK. I SHARE. WE TALK.
Ask Kelly Rae is your chance to prompt me with your thoughtful, soulful & beautifully complex questions about just about anything! Art, love, relationships, friendships, business, creativity, home decor, where I got my cowgirl boots — the doors are wiiiide open. 

Click here to submit a question for a future post. And enjoy today’s conversation . . .



Hi Kelly Rae,


I am beginning my journey as an artist and Possibilitarian! My question is what containers or organizing skills do you have for setting up a studio so it functions well. I am a messy artist and I currently have a small space but hoping to expand to a larger space. Having an organized and well thought out space for where to put all the papers, paints, pencils, markers, embellishments scraps and do dads would be very helpful. Shelving or drawers? Open spaces for containers? Should I have a file for all the different types of papers?
Thanks, Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
So glad you asked this question and so glad that I'm not alone in making beautiful messes!
I love getting a peek into how others store their supplies and how they set up their creative spaces in general. I've had so many different set up through the years - from a corner in a dimly lit basement to a dining room table to big space outside my home - but the one thing that remains the same no matter where I've created (or how I've organized the space) is the intention to make it as inviting and nurturing as possible. 
"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." - Joseph Campbell

Creating art is a sacred time, a time to unleash your playful spirit, nourish your soul, and fill your well. Just as we would set the scene and/or create a ritual if we’re heading into meditating, or prayer, or into a meaningful conversation, it’s important to do the same with making art.
There are so many ways to organize your space (I'll share my tips below), but the most important thing is to notice what feeds YOUR soul and to create an inviting environment that will support it. So if creating in the middle of the kitchen island with lots of activity swirling around is working for you, then great! If you notice that your soul needs quiet, then perhaps moving your operation to the corner of quiet area in your home would be a good move. I’ve seen some pretty amazing closets that have been converted to creative spaces! The point is is to give yourself permission to claim your art-making time as sacred, important, and to create a nurturing environment for it.

For me, that usually a candle, a cup of tea, perhaps some music, and always always an intention for that day's painting session.....usually on a post it note......

These post-it note intentions are little reminders to stay as carefree as possible during the creative process, little touchstones to return to again and again while making stuff.  Super important. 

SUPPLY ORGANIZATION:
Ok, let's get to your original questions about how I organize supplies! 
Here's a quick tour of how I store my art supplies. I’m a big fan of keeping my art supplies out where I can see them. I noticed I wasn't using them unless I could visually SEE them. I’m also a big fan of rolling carts….
Paint:
photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
I keep all of my paints (and gel mediums)  in an industrial rolling cart – perfect for moving them around. Carts are tricky to find, but I generally find them at IKEA, or some kind of salvage/junk store.
Papers:
photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
Rolls of wallpaper and wrapping paper hang out in a large vintage basket. 



I keep smaller pieces of paper in a rolling cart of drawers, organized by color. This particular rolling cart came from IKEA and it rolls right under my studio table.


photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
I keep more papers and book sources in an old pink trunk. All my papers are out and easily accessible.
Ribbons:
photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
I keep my ribbons in my very own tiered tray. This tray sits right on my table. If you’re interested, you can purchase one here.
Inks and such:

I keep my spray inks, ink pads, and alphabet stamps in tiered baskets. And I keep brushes, texture tools, and stencils in one of my rolling carts (from IKEA).

photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
I keep more stencils and stamps in another rolling cart (from IKEA). These rolling carts are KEY.
Pens, Pencils, and more
photo credit: Zipporah Lomax photo credit: Zipporah Lomax
I keep small buckets of pens and pencils and other small stuff in a industrial roundabout that sits on my studio table. Love this thing. I bought it from Create-ologie which no longer exists online (boo), but again I've seen these around at industrial type salvage shops.
Ephemera:

I found these vintage jewelry containers and they’re perfect for holding small ephemera, such as buttons, stamps, and more. I usually stack these on top of each other to help save room.

Thanks for the great question! I hope that helps :)
Keep em' coming,Kelly Rae

Click here to submit a question for a future post.
Click here to see all posts in this ongoing project series.

Nourish Your Soul with Faith Centered Gifts

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 all things Faith:



Sometimes we need a reminder to choose hope. It's always, always worth doing. You can get yours here. She also comes in a spiral bound notebook here.

As sweet as they are meaningful. Our cross necklaces are sure to remind you what is close to your heart. Cross necklaces here.

One of my favorite totes. Love the flower detail. Trust the Journey tote is available here.


Adore our chunky crosses for their beautiful construction with super thick sides. Get Grace here. See our entire line of crosses here. Don't miss these! 


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. 

Basement Before and After

I just realized that I never showed the before and after photos of our basement remodel in the old house! It's such a major transformation, that I HAD to share. 
BEFORE:

This is what it looked like when we moved in. Pretty dingy. We took our time remodeling it......
After:

Crazy, right?

Here's what we did:


We built new walls, and put in insulation.....

We installed pocket lights in the ceiling....

We repaired the stairs with new risers, and installed (fake) hardwood floors...

We painted the walls, and installed large egress windows where the old tiny windows once were...

And then we decorated.....Ikea couch, shower curtains turned into curtains, shag rug, a Mati Rose birdie painting, and lots pillows...

We even built (ahem, my dad built) a faux mantel. He also built that awesome room divider you see at the other end. On the other other side of the room divider was True's play room (you can see that room's full tour here).
We loved how this basement family room turned out! We recently rented this house to a lovely family and I have a feeling this basement (and the whole house) is gonna continue to get lots of love. Remodeling a house is no small feat. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have created something, room by room, that will be a part of our lives forever. 

On releasing.

New art! Signed, matted print available here.
I'm learning that when we release whatever needs releasing, we allow more space and room for something else, something more relevant, something that can better serve our highest good. Our heart spaces get crowded. It gets dark in its pockets, lots of stuffing, holding on, and little room for breath or light. It's like hoarding. And our hearts are no place for hoarding things like fear, regret, impossible expectations, and anger. 

The moment we release, we soar. There is light and lightness again. Releasing doesn't have to be an intense letting go. It can be a simple blessing to send something on its way. A silent prayer of gratitude for whatever it was, whatever it served, whatever good it brought. And then a whispering, a gentle sending it off on the wings of grace.
To me, that's what release is. It is a gift of letting something that has served its purpose go. It is a blessing. A moment of gratitude. An awakening.  And an invitation to let something else in - perhaps joy, creativity, breath. 

Kitchen wall of crate boxes.

So. I've been really inspired by the look of apple crate walls. Have you guys seen these around? If not, you gotta check them out - here's a quick glance. Pretty cool, right?
In our old home, we had lots of built-ins in our dining room, plus glass doors in our kitchen cabinets to display our collections. In our new home, we don't have either of those, and we were a little stumped about how we'd display our goodies. We considered a kitchen hutch for the large wall we have to work with, but we just couldn't find the right one. Enter apple crates. I was in a sweet little store in Aurora, OR and they had a ton of crates for $10/crate. Everywhere else, these crates were $30 or more. And so, I couldn't pass them up! I brought home several crates, and started playing with the idea. 



Originally, I was thinking we'd cover the whole wall in a puzzle of crates, but as we started diving in, I sort of loved the whimsy and the visual relief of not covering the entire wall. I was also thinking of putting some plates to the right of the crates (And I asked you guys what you thought -you had awesome suggestions), but eventually decided that I sort of loved the white space to the right. 


And so this is where we're currently at with this wall. I am LOVING the crates. Loving the white walls with the pops of color and wood. I usually run and paint every wall a color, so this is a true experiment living with white walls, and I'm sort of diggin' it. I also edited down our dinnerware/vase collection, displaying only white, green, yellow, and teal pieces so that there was a bit of cohesion between the colors. Loving the large lamp to the right that will hold clips of personal photos and other treasures. I see more personal touches coming soon to this wall - plants, little tiny paintings and photos - but overall loving the direction. 
Getting there. This was our first big project in Operation Make It Our Own, and eager to do more! I deeply believe in creating home spaces that inspire us, that lift us up, that remind us of who we are and the life we're building. Hello soul, hello space!

PS:
I'm having a Pop-Up Postcard Pack Sale! Perfect for framing or sending a bit of snail mail love! Get yours here!

Let It Go to Nourish Your Soul

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. 

Three reminders to Let It Go all for $15 or less!

Sometimes the most graceful thing we can do is Let It Go. Get your clip here. And see the entire line of magnetic clips right over here. 

Be sure to pay close attention to the part that reads, "and be gentle on yourself." So important. Get your 6x6 canvas here. See our full line of 6x6 canvases here. They are perfect for creating an art wall!

I adore these double-sided, sturdy industrial tags for gift giving, using as bookmarks, and hanging on door knobs. The flip side of this one reads Slow down. Breathe. Take it all in. Trust. 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. 

New Art :: Shine Bright

(New art! Signed, matted print available here.)

I so loved painting this piece. There are those moments, sometimes, in the creative process, when you lose time and it's the best thing ever. This piece was created in that flow. Reminded me that I need more flow in my life! It's where the deepest, most saturated joy lives. And we all need more of it. 
I did something I've never done before. I signed up for coaching. You know how people yo-yo diet? I don't yo-yo diet, but I yo-yo manage my life. I've have long stretches where I do quite well managing all the different areas (mama, wife, business owner, creative, food, exercise, etc). And then invariably I fall off the wagon, and get terribly overwhelmed and caught up in the hamster wheel of life. It's not fun. It's not in the flow. It's not joyful.  I then diligently and very thoughtfully create a more realistic and doable schedule that nourishes all aspects of life and soul. And I start again. And then I stop. And then the yo-yo management of living begins to take its toll. I'm a little worn out over here, giving myself lots of permission to simply feel it. Moving to this new home has felt equal parts stressful but equal parts full of possibility to redesign a new life that is a bit more balanced. I love beginnings.

(loving these magnets - available in packs here)
I know this is life. That we try and we keep trying and life happens and we find our way. But something tells me I'm missing an important piece around managing it all and I'm hoping coaching will help (a friend with similar circumstances as mine referred me to her coach whom she loves) figure it out. I want to get back to a place where my spirit shines bright, even during times of overwhelm and cray cray. 
In other news, I'm loving decorating. Loving our new hood - went for an hour long walk this morning exploring. Loving the newness of it all, the feeling of possibility in the air, the collision of this new beginning with the emergence of Spring. 
More soon!

Has it been three weeks?

Whoa. It's been a wild three weeks. Let me give you a quick update.........

Right after we moved to our new digs, and precisely just as John was getting over a nasty virus and I was recovering from a wicked kinked neck, I somehow injured my hip region. Major pain. Pain med pain for about 6 days. I was out. Unable to move, extremely frustrated, and totally disappointed as I deeply wanted to dive into getting settled in the new place.
Interestingly, everyone kept telling me that big life transitions can flare up body pain in our hips. Who knew? I sort of love that our bodies are in tune in this way, but in this particular instance, I wished it was on a milder degree. It was intense. 
Luckily, I wound up in the hands of a very skilled acupuncturist who also did a full body adjustment once it became clear my hips were misaligned and likely creating pressure on a nerve, etc etc. Within 24 hours of seeing him, my pain was just about gone. And I felt as if I had a new lease on life. 

He has officially been added to my list of heros, and my compassion for those living with chronic pain has deepened. There's just nothing worse than being unable to engage/participate in life without pain. Live in PDX and need an awesome healer? Andy Swanson from Urban Wellness is your guy. 
Thanks to those of you who sent out your love, good vibes, energy, prayers and light during that particular week on Facebook and Insta! 
All is well now, and I'm just really grateful to be through it. 



As soon as I recovered, I was deep into art deadlines alivelines over at Soul Shine Studio for new upcoming product releases. Made several new paintings and I just so loved the time to create.




I'll share the new paintings soon! I relished the time in my studio during this particular week. The solitude, the quite, the creative expression. It was another healer for me. The majority of our house was in boxes (still is!), chaos at every turn (so hard!), so the creative time was incredibly calming to my nerves. Which, let's be honest, have been 100% over-stimulated! I'm finding lately that I can barely tolerate any music. I'm craving total silence when I'm alone. 


Speaking of creativity, how cute is this? I asked my dad if he could make a star from reclaimed wood (he's been making X's & O's from the wood, and they're so cute too!), and this is what he came up with. Gasp! He and my mom are on a roll, and have their Etsy shop busy as bees with reclaimed stars, birds, and letters. Had to share.



So, yes, back to the house. So. Much. To. Do. For those of you following me on social media, you know we just started to make a bit of progress and we're just now starting to settle in and decorate, which makes my soul so very happy (the joy that comes with decorating has been so welcomed!). John and I have been talking a lot lately about all the ways that our soul work arrives. For us, for me, living in transition these last many weeks with quite slow progress when every ounce of me has wanted to get er' done as fast as possible (without sickness and work and life getting in the way), has been quite a learning experience. We teach what we most need to learn, they say. For me, the themes of embracing change, surrendering, and trusting the process have been my companions. I am all in. Hello, lessons.

The more I'm in our new space, the deeper I fall in love. I love this house, our new hood, our neighbors (one of which, it turns out, is a dear friend of a dear friend of mine who lives in California - SMALL world!). Something tells me we're going to love it here. Already do.

More soon!
xo

Nourish Your Soul with our NEW figures!

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. 

Introducing our NEW Figures!


Meet our new Kindness Changes Everything figure! I love love love her details, the sweet blue flowers on her dress and flowers in her hair. She's gorgeous, friends. Get yours here. It's important to note that for some reason, she has a blue tone in these images but in real life, she's cream toned, not blue :)


Love Always Wins. Of all the new figures, she's my favorite. It's the flower in her hair, the birdie, her dress, the message… ok all of it! You can get yours here. 


This is our new Unleash Your Joy figure. I love the process of seeing these girls come alive. I especially love the sweet greens and pinks in this one. You can see + purchase her online here.
We have a full collection of figures! See them all here. And if you like these you'll love our hanging angels. A collection full of meaningful sentiments that can be hung or displayed on a stand. 


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. 

Nourish Your Soul with our NEW Tray + Ribbon!

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. 

Introducing our NEW Tray + Ribbon!


My mission is to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty and function. This new tray feels like a big resounding mission accomplished!  We had it in our dining room holding treasures in our last home. Can't wait to find the perfect place for it in our new home. Love, love, love! You can get yours right here.  Or, check out all of our trays (we love a good tray). 

Friends, this ribbon is new to the line and making me super happy! I simply can't get enough of it and I betcha you're going to love it too! It's a best seller, so get it before it's gone! You can find it 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.