Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 34

Around Here Lately

More feather finding. Every time I spot one, I think of their symbolism of awakening, spirit, lightness. A quick moment of pause, then I'm back into the fast paced life. But the pause, that pause is life infusing. 

Another little treasure found at the park. Love the messages from the universe! They. Are. Everywhere.  That, and I'm totally smitten with my partnership with John right now. I'm a lucky girl. 



Mati and I went for a quick trip down to CA to spend a couple of days with our dear friend, Myriam, who is about to give birth any second. All I know is that is one extremely lucky little spirit about to enter this world. Myriam is one of the most loving, astoundingly so, people I've ever known.  Friends, our little curbside garden has exploded! I can hardly believe we grew all of those strawberries and greens. Super fun. 

So, not too long ago, I asked my friend Viv, queen of cool eyewear, where I should shop for some cateye glasses? Her email response was so crazy full of good info, she turned it into one super informative blog post. I took her advice and shopped the Love brand over at Coastal.com and am super happy with my new specs! I am digging the fun, retro look.



Sometimes I am certain my heart is going to burst. The other day I came downstairs and he said, "Oh hello, pretty mama!" He's all boy - never stops moving and is currently obsessed with music, instruments and bossing us around in the sweetest of ways. 


My 38th was sweet, quiet, and perfect. John surprised me with a really cool pair of pink roller skates. Oh yes, this is so happening. I'm going to be one of those neighbors rolling down the sidewalk with her 2 year old on a scooter, and her husband on a skateboard. Man, I love our little family. 

We've been working really hard to get our new studio unpacked. Part of me can't believe they'll be four of us in this space! I'm loving having friends to co-work with. I'm loving all the space to create. I'm loving our plans for this space. I'm loving how easy it's been, how integrated, how lovely it is to come to work during the week.

More soon, friends. I've got some exciting stuff to share with you!
XO! 

Happy Announcements - Yeehaw!

Hello friends! I wanted to share some recent happy announcements with you guys! Things are moving quickly over here but I want to stop, pause, and throw out some celebratory high fives with you, because without you, none of this would happening! Go team! 

Recently, The Kelly Rae Roberts Collection with Demdaco was ranked #1 in the “sentiment” category in GiftBeat, and we were also given a “thumbs up” on the trending report. GiftBeat is an industry magazine that gathers data on how products are selling nationwide. To be ranked (esp #1!) in their polls is awesome news – thank you, retailers and buyers! Also, what an honor it is to be ranked alongside Willow Tree! 
Studio Open House! 
Soul Shine Studio - my new shared studio space with Flora, Pixie, and Lynx - will be celebrating its grand opening with an all day open house on Friday, 7/5 from 11ish - 6ish. We'll have wine and snacks and would love to have you stop by and say hello! More details to come but wanted to start getting the word out! 1306 NW Hoyt St #412, Portland OR!


Totally honored to have my art on the cover of New Connexion - Pacific NW's Journal of Conscious Living. Let It Go is one of my favorite pieces (available here as a signed/matted print and also available here as a substantial/large wooden wall art piece (the cage is 3D!). Thank you, New Connexion! You can read the entire issue here (some seriously great articles in there). 



We've made an important change to the way you guys can comment on blog posts! You can still comment the old way but now you also have the option of commenting using your FB login. Above is what it looks like. The nice thing about this feature is that you guys can find one another's FB pages (you can comment from your biz page or your regular/personal page), reply to one another, etc etc just as you would in a FB comment thread. I sort of love it. 


Beth Nicholls and I are thrilled to have our second article published in the amazing Where Women Create BUSINESS , summer issue out now (gorgeous cover featuring Anahata, no?). Our article is all about choosing your people, your WHO, before ever creating a product or service. We are in love with this concept and we're sure you'll find it a liberating way in which to approach business. 
In our first column, we explored the importance of unearthing and defining the “WHY” of your business — its unique soul mission.  The next step is defining your “WHO.” We realize that this is anon-traditional approach, as most businesses would first define their “WHAT” (their products or services) and then identify the target audience for those products and services. We’re suggesting another way — a more soulful way — that will create an incredible sense of freedom and lead to more innovative, purpose-driven products and services in the long run, which of course means more profit that you can be proud of.

You can purchase this magazine in bookstores nationwide or right here!
Thank you Where Women Create BUSINESS! Beth and I are honored to be a part of it!

Still excited about teaching/speaking/leading at the upcoming Soul Sisters retreat right here in Oregon. All the details are here! 
Whew! That's the Happy Announcement Roundup. Thank you, endlessly, for supporting me. I so SEE you, appreciate you, and am grateful for you.
XO,Kelly Rae

Drum roll please... And the winners are!

Thank you so much for joining us + for sharing what you're celebrating! I am incredibly blown away by all the things you are celebrating in the comments. What a beautifully wise, gorgeous, gratitude-filled community. WOW! I felt so lifted reading through them! AND Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes! It was such a beautiful day!

All winners were chosen at random.
Drum roll please!!!! And the giveaways go to...

GIVEAWAY: 3 people will win a place in the Lilla Rogers' Global Talent Search.
WINNER 1: Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...
happy birthday!!i am celebrating (a little early) our wedding anniversary next week!
WINNER 2: Katherine Knox Horst I am celebrating the gift of friends to encourage me on my journey of creativity! -Kate
WINNER 3: Anokina S I am celebrating the fact that I've finally owned my writer/artist self and allowing her to come out and express herself creatively! Life opens up when we do :)

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive a place in the SoulSigh e-course.
WINNER: Shelly Eilrich said...Happy Birthday Kelly! I'm celebrating a sober life one day at a time......Thank you for sharing your journey and empowering woman to find themselves and express themselves.

GIVEAWAY: Five people will receive a laptop skin from DecalGirl.
WINNER 1: Sue Kennedy I am celebrating my decision, at the age of 53, to be a Possibilitarian, and make creating art my life!
WINNER 2: Shirley Matz said...I'm celebrating how beautiful this year has unfolded. I feel so aligned in my life.
WINNER 3: Wendy Watson Yippee! I'm celebrating that my summer school class is going well. I'm celebrating that the weather is beautiful in OH this time of year.
WINNER 4: Malaya K. said... I am celebrating my imperfections and the realization that I am a work in progress.
WINNER 5: Joyelle Brandt said...I'm celebrating the imminent arrival of lazy summer days filled with swimming and sunshine! Happy Birthday Kelly Rae, I am so glad you were born into this world!

GIVEAWAY: Three people will receive one print from Stunningly Strange.
WINNER 1: Beccsuperstar said...I'm celebrating and owning my story, my life, my messy beautiful life... Happy birthday Kelly Rae! thanks for your shiny happy inspiration.
WINNER 2: AR Neal Happy birthday, Kelly! And blessings for many more! I am celebrating new opportunities. I am nervous and excited about a new possibility that may come into fruition today and need all the prayers and extraordinariness I can get!
WINNER 3: Jenn H said...Happy Birthday! Today I am celebrating life as it is today. Enjoying what is and not worrying about what is to come. Enjoying what is in front of me at the moment and nothing more.

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive a $25 gift card from Belac Jewelry.
WINNER: Bettina Tawil said...I am celebrating Summer and artful awakenings!

GIVEAWAY: Two people will receive a place on the Renaissance Women's Toolbox e-course.
WINNER 1: Bee said... Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Hip hip hooray, have a awesome day :-) Am celebrating there's a give away :-) good luck everyone .....♥ bee from Australia
WINNER 2: Jamie V. said...I am celebrating following my dream by attending physical therapy school and am so excited to have a career I am passionate about. I love all of your artwork-I have several items from your collection! Happy birthday! :)

GIVEAWAY: Two people will receive a month of health coaching with Lacy Young.
WINNER 1: Jessi St. Claire said...Today I am celebrating that my body has healed itself after its first half marathon last Sunday!
WINNER 2: Angela Rice said...I am celebrating saying YES to life! I used to have a bad habit of saying no to many good things that came into my life because I didn't think I deserved them. Now, I choose YES...YES to fun, YES to adventure, YES to I can, YES to who I really am, YES to more and YES to me. YES!

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive a place in the Start a Foolish Project e-course.
WINNER: Leslie Connolly I am celebrating life with the decision to give up smoking after 20 years...loving the positive changes that come my way everyday. Happy Birthday and thanks for all your fun artwork : ).

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive the Mermaids & Motorcycles Boxy Wall Art Piece from Curly Girl Design
WINNER: Gretchen McPherson said...I am celebrating being able to redirect my design career at the age of 46 - new beginnings, new chapters, new possibilities :)

GIVEAWAY:One person will receive a Celebrate apron. One person will receive two tea towels, one Shine + one Celebrate. One person will receive a signed canvas of Embracing the Journey from Me, Kelly Rae Roberts
WINNER 1 (Celebrate apron): Martha Russell I am celebrating my son coming home on leave from the navy!!!!!
WINNER 2 (tea towels): Rambling said...I am celebrating choosing a new job!
WINNER 3 (signed canvas): Heather said...happy birthday! i turn 38 this year too! :) i am celebrating summer! hopefully this year it will include lots of trips to the beach, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of time spent with friends and family.

Congratulations, friends! If you see your name above please email us at hello@kellyraeroberts.com with your contact information + what you won.

I'm celebrating ALL of you today!

Warmly,
Kelly Rae

My Birthday Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party- 22 WINNERS!

image credit: Andrea Jenkins/ Etsy
It's party time, friends! I am so happy to host this monthly Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway extravaganza. Today's party is extra special because it's my birthday! I hope you're wearing something sparkly because it's about to get crazy good. We've got major party favors, just for you - everything from spots in THE global talent search to original art to free spots in some the most popular (and life changing) e-courses offered, coaching sessions, art, exquisite jewelry and so much more.

With over 22 prizes up for grabs, there are lots of chances to win some really beautiful offerings. Did I mention I'm throwing in a few goodies as well (ahem... a signed canvas, the cutest tea towels ever and our Celebrate apron!)? 

HOW THIS WORKS: Read through all that is being given away (major goodness). Then simply leave a comment at the end of this post to enter the drawing (22 winners!). Tell us what you're celebrating (it is a party, after all!). Please enter just one comment. If you comment as 'Anonymous' please sign your name so that it's easier to identify it was you. Comments will be closed Friday morning. We'll randomly select the 22 winners and announce them Friday afternoon.

Let's get started! Also, please be sure to read all about our sponsors below- not only are they offering amazing giveaways today, but many of them are offering specific discount codes, just for YOU!



PARTY QUEEN: Lilla Rogers' Global Talent Search

GIVEAWAY: 3 people will win a place in the Lilla Rogers' Global Talent Search, an international competition to find the outstanding new artists. Each prize is valued at around $25. The overall winner of the Global Talent Search will win two years' representation from Lilla Rogers Studio and a host of licensing deals!

ABOUT:Are you the next big thing? Are you ready to have your work shared with the world? Do you want to take your art career to the next level? If so, listen up. This is for you. Lilla Rogers Studio is on the lookout for new talent and has launched a Global Talent Search to find the next big thing.

The winner will be represented by Lilla Rogers Studio for two years internationally and win a host of licensing deals. This would be a turning point in your career.

Somebody has to win, and it might just be you! We are giving away three places in the Global Talent Search (valued at $25 each). Before entering the giveaway please check out the competition, and its terms and conditions, here.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER


PARTY QUEEN: Denise Andrade-Kroon and Hilary Rain are offering a gorgeous, healing e-course this summer. They have poured their hearts into this soulful lovechild :: Soulsigh ~ A Sacred Blessingway

GIVEAWAY: It is with deep joy that Denise and Hilary are offering one luminous spot in their e-course.

ABOUT: This course is designed to offer an intimate Blessingway abounding with loving rituals of gentleness, tenderness, wildness, nurture, connection to earth, and adornment to honor our re(birth) and coming h(om)e to ourselves, and to share this journey within a safe cocoon of sisters. Both Denise and Hillary come from a story of not being able to conceive a child (yet) the way their bodies were designed to, and what emerged from their healing and being drawn to one another is honoring their bodies as capable of birthing. Birthing ideas, dreams and even their selves + souls over and over again as they move throughout life. They then had an epiphany that all women could benefit from such compassion for their souls + bodies, and ritual through the process could be a gentle way to honor it.

All creativity is birth, whether it is a creative lovechild or your own soul-awakening. In this course they honor the creative feminine and invite her to thrive, joyful and abundant within our hearts.

This course is not only for women that have gone through an (in)fertility journey but is designed to bring all women into a loving relationship with their body and spirit through deep nurture and tenderness in preparation for re(birth).

CONNECT: WEB | DENISE ANDRADE-KROON | HILARY RAIN



PARTY QUEEN: DecalGirl
GIVEAWAY: Five people will receive a FREE full color laptop skin, valued at $19.99 each and featuring the artwork and designs of Kelly Rae Roberts.

SPECIAL OFFER: For Kelly Rae Roberts faithful fans and followers are are offering a special 20% off discount using code KELLY20 that can be used to make a purchase of your fav's skin designs! Can not be used with any other discount codes. Good until July 30th, 2013.

ABOUT: DecalGirl is the original USA made, vinyl skins provider. DecalGirl has over 2,000 licensed images in our galleries and we support over 500 assorted, small and large electronic devices. In Kelly Rae Roberts' Gallery we are featuring 10 unique, fan favorite images.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | GOOGLE+



GUEST OF HONOR: Kaitlin Phillips Goodey, the artist behind Stunningly Strange.

GIVEAWAY: Three people will win one of the three prints shown above.

SPECIAL OFFER: Enter coupon code KellyRaeMay for 10% your purchase in the Stunningly Strange Etsy shop!

ABOUT: Kaitlin Phillips Goodey, the artist behind Stunningly Strange, strives to create art that inspires a creative and playful lifestyle through imaginative art. Whether it’s paint or pen she likes to get her hands dirty creating new characters. Kaitlin loves having an openness to her art work, so the viewer can create their own personal story and connection. She is constantly creating new pieces of art wherever she can, and loves to share them with everyone.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ETSY


GUEST OF HONOR: Belac Jewelry by Carrie Ruiz

GIVEAWAY:One person will win a $25 gift card to my website. It will be $25 off a $28 or more one-time purchase. They may use the $25 towards any piece or pieces of jewelry.

ABOUT: My name is Carrie Ruiz and I am the founder of Belac Jewelry. I absolutely love the look of turquoise, silver, natural gemstones and unique glass in my pieces. My inspiration comes from my two boys here on Earth and my beautiful Caleb watching over us from Heaven.

I hope you enjoy spending a little of your time perusing my unique handmade jewelry. I am giving away one $25 gift card to my website. You may use that towards any one-time purchase of $28 or more!

Please feel free to visit my Etsy site or my Facebook page.

CONNECT: ETSY | FACEBOOK 


GUEST OF HONOR: Claire O’Connor, The Sweet Spot: A community-of-practice for creative souls. Online programs, destination retreats, and a vibrant virtual neighborhood of kindreds.

GIVEAWAY: 2 lucky winners will each receive a full scholarship to The Renaissance Woman’s Toolbox e-Course this summer!

SPECIAL OFFER: Choose "Alumni" discount at checkout to get $30 off this e-course!

ABOUT: Are you fascinated by something new every week?
Have you been trying to squeeze yourself into society’s mold -- with mixed results?

If so, chances are you’re a modern-day Renaissance Woman, genetically wired to explore and pursue many passions.

Click HERE to learn if you belong to the Renaissance Woman tribe!

Instead of a character flaw, you actually have an exceptional gift. Learn to use your multi-talented brain the way it was meant to be used. Discover how to be truly happy as you design the rich, varied, creative life you’ll most love.

Join in with other delightful women in a powerful, interactive 7-week facilitated e-course this summer! You’ll gather a whole toolbox and implement step-by-step plans for putting all your interests into action.

Click HERE to learn more!

The Renaissance Woman’s Toolbox: A Live, Interactive e-Course and Book Study Group for Expansive Explorers Everywhere

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST 


GUEST OF HONOR: Lacy Young, Health Coach + Creator of Campaign for Confidence

GIVEAWAY: Two people will receive a month of coaching (two sessions) with Lacy.

SPECIAL OFFER: Half off select coaching packages this weekend only! A first time ever offering + crazy excited about it! More details here.

ABOUT: I grew up a mac + cheese eating, steak + potato loving, Betty Crocker cake baking kid! I loved every second of it. Fruit appeared in the form of fruit roll ups. And veggies? Well, I would eat a salad every once in a while if it were properly blanketed in ranch dressing!

My journey to health began as many do after profound sickness and adding fifty extra pounds to my body. Ugh! I literally started at square one. What's a green? Why do I care? How do I make it NOT taste like fresh mowed grass?

The magic of health coaching is that it's about meeting you wherever you are and offering gentle, loving support, accountability + tools to reach your goals. 

Do you want to lose weight? Lower cholesterol? Get off blood pressure meds?
Curious what all the fuss is about over juicing + green smoothies?

I'd love to support you on your journey to health!

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOG | PINTEREST


PARTY GUEST: Superhero Life

GIVEAWAY: One person will win a spot in the Start a Foolish Project course.

SPECIAL OFFER:  Use coupon code KELLYRAE20 to get $20 off any of my upcoming courses!

ABOUT: Andrea Scher, creator of Superhero Journal + Mondo Beyondo invites you to join in her brand new e-course- Start a Foolish Project!

Foolish projects are the things we do just for the delight. They are things like creating a wish tree or hosting a Storybowl. They might be organizing a bubble flash mob in the park or a book club for people who only like self-help. A foolish project might be buying that pink ukulele that caught your eye and learning to play it. A foolish project is putting your dining table outside and inviting all the neighbors over for dinner.

Foolish projects are doorways towards greater joy + possibility. Join in and discover the foolish project inside of you! - See more details here.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER



PARTY GUEST: Curly Girl Design

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive our adorable Mermaids & Motorcycles Boxy Wall Art Piece!

SPECIAL OFFER: Use code KRRLOVE for 10% off an order from the 20th - 27th of June.

ABOUT: From stationary to home goods to personal accessories, Curly Girl Designis all about fabulous products for imperfectly delightful living! We love adorning our walls with happy, inspirational, & beautiful things, which is why we are giving away our  Mermaids & Motorcycles Boxy Wall Art Piece! We hope you love it as much as we do!

Check out our website for a slew of lovely gift ideas and home decor at curlygirldesign.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest for even more wholesome goodness!

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOG | PINTEREST




AND YOUR HOST! Me, Kelly Rae Roberts

GIVEAWAY*: One person will receive a Celebrate apron. One person will receive two tea towels, one Shine + one Celebrate. One person will receive a signed canvas of Embracing the Journey.  *domestic shipping only




22 chances to win! Please enter just one comment. Comments will be closed Friday morning. We'll randomly select the 22 winners and announce them Friday afternoon. Please be sure to check back (or get blog posts delivered to your inbox) so that you don't miss the announcement.



Whew! That was FUN. Thank you sponsors for your extraordinary offerings. Want to be a sponsor at our next giveaway (once per month)? We'd love to have you.

On turning 38.

(I've always loved this piece. Signed/matted prints are available right here)
I turn 38 years young tomorrow. 38! Been thinking so much about all the events that lead to here, how it all feels like a beautiful orchestra with resounding celebratory highs, and delicate strong lows. Lately, I've been noticing and seeing it all so clearly, those tiny micro steps that all lead to the more magnificent picture. I like to weave it all in. It all matters and it all shapes us. 
I'm so glad, just glad glad glad to have made it here, to 38.
It all makes me hope that no matter how old I become, no matter what gets thrown my way, no matter the obstacles or the inevitable fears, or the really high highs or the really low lows, I hope that I continue to fully participate in this life. To see the beauty everywhere. To be brave in sadness, and brave in love. To notice when I'm grateful, and to put energy toward what is working and what is right, but to also see the blessings and lessons in what doesn't feel right. To look to faith and courage as steady beacons that never fail. To always feel the full breath of possibility no matter how lovely or how bleak my life seems. To thank those who have made a difference in my life, to give back in a way that feels meaningful. To manifest and create and celebrate the unfolding of a life in progress, to acknowledge the preciousness of this day, of this gift. 
Sending love to each of you who have become a big part of my journey. I believe everything shapes us and no doubt you've been a beautiful shape in the puzzle of my life. 
Wild with gratitude,Kelly Rae



PS: I am hosting my monthly HUGE Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party here in this space tomorrow, on my birthday! One day only. Major prizes and party favors. All free. All awesome. And YOU are invited. Put on your party dress, friends. And I'll see you here tomorrow

True Lately, 2.5 years old

His bowl cut kills me, in all the best ways. His gentle presence feels like the best gift I've ever been given. "Mama, a heart rock! A heart rock!" Oh man, he's a keeper.

He and John have a sweet relationship. I love watching Papa John teach and show him everything. An intuitive/medium told me a little over a year ago that True and John had travelled many times together, that True has a strong connection to John's side of the family. She said he was quite persistent in joining him for this lifetime, that it would be their best. I think of that often. They do seem to have travelled together before. Really sweet. Really easy. 







Whenever I ask him to "pose for a picture", this is what he does. Hands on his tummy, looking adorable. Toddlers are like the sweetest, cutest, funniest little creatures. Love. 


It's not always easy or simple or fun, but it's a privilege to be his mom. I adore him, our sweet little family, and all the adventures we're on. There is something about being a mom that is a continuous practice in keeping my heart open and vulnerable. Sometimes I think my heart is going to explode with all the sweetness and it's a practice to keep it there, on the edge of explosion vs retreating back. I hope it never ends. 

Creative Awakening in Bali

In Bali there was personal transformation in the form of allowing and awakening and new discoveries. But there was also a creative expansion that I experienced while painting alongside Flora's guidance for five days. 
Sometimes I feel a certain kind of pressure to creatively stay within the realm that has become the Kelly Rae Roberts brand. There is a funny thing that happens as a commercial artist. You want to keep producing the work that you're not only passionate about - the work that sells and reaches your audience - but you also want to branch out, evolve, and grow creatively, which sometimes means creating work outside of the commercially branded box that you've created. It's a tricky thing, and if you're not careful, it can lead to a certain kind of creative stifling, a certain kind of rut.
Of course, I can do both! I can create and evolve my commercial work, which really is my heart and soul, but I can also create work that doesn't necessarily need to land inside the Kelly Rae Roberts branded box. Or perhaps the two can blend. 
I don't really  know. 
I just know that I've needed to create in a place where I wasn't "Kelly Rae Roberts" and where I had the freedom to step out of the box and create work that wasn't for the KRR brand. Bali proved to be that place. I am crazy grateful. And I definitely feel inspired to keep evolving creatively inside my own process now that I'm home. 
Let me share the Bali painting workshop scene with you! Friends, we painted outside every single day from 8ish to noonish. Heaven. Here I am inside of what BLISS looks like: Balinese flower in hair, bathing suit + tunic, painting apron, canvas, Balinese banana pancakes, pure pineapple juice, and a painting palette with an unexpected heart. Hello renewal!


Flora is an excellent teacher. We watched her demos and then she sent us out into our gorgeous surroundings to paint it up. 
For the first two days I was totally in a groove of making marks on the canvas, all pretty unconscious. Flora calls these marks "opportunities" for shapes/icons/life later on in the painting process. This was hugely valuable to me and it gave purpose to all of the unconscious mark-making I was doing. And it made it super fun to just put layer upon layer upon layer of backgrounds while worrying about what it would "become" later. 


On the third day I had the above canvas with lots and lots of layers, but I had reached my edge. I was grumpy, uninspired and had no idea what to do with it. We all have these moments, in painting and in life, when we've taken something as far as we can go and then we reach a standstill. In this instance, I let myself acknowledge all that I was feeling both to myself and to my sweet new roomie friend who was painting next to me (Hi Lynx!). Lynx gave me permission to start inserting myself into this painting. Use your collage papers! Paint a girl! Combine what's comfortable with what's not comfortable! 

And so I began to do just that. First, I added some blocks of colors that were calling me all over the canvas. Then, I loosely painted a girl form. I could feel myself transitioning through that edge and over into a place of flow and ease. 

Once I began to collage in some of my beloved papers, something clicked and the painting began to emerge. RELIEF. There's nothing as satisfying as pushing through a new edge. Reminds me of this post I wrote way back when. New shapes emerged for me (flower-ish shapes), new colors, new girl - all inspired by my workshop with Flora and Bali too. This painting feels like me, but an expanded version. She is a sweet reminder to me of awakening, allowing, expanding, and staying true.  

Can you believe this scene? It was incredibly hot in Bali so we'd take a dip, then paint some more. Take a dip, paint some more. I can hardly believe it myself.


My next painting was another practice in allowing, in taking risks, in doing something comfortable with something uncomfortable and new. The result is a painting that I love and that feels like an expanded version of me. Another edge passed.

Of course it's not all about painting. I went to Bali for a painting retreat, but as with any meaningful experience, it's never just about the obvious. In this case, the exercise of painting in Bali was a portal into a whole myriad of things that came up for me. It was about facing a fear that I was somehow losing my creative voice to a beloved brand that I cherished and created. It was about allowing myself to be who I was when I wasn't "Kelly Rae Roberts" or a mom or a wife or a business owner. What would shine through, what would present itself on the canvas and in my heart when I wasn't any of those things? Who would emerge and be rediscovered? How would I face the inevitable fears that came with leaving my family behind for a week, traveling across the world, and allowing myself to learn from someone else? Who would I be there? How would I tend to her, nourish her, and allow her to emerge once I got home?

So, in some ways, the paintings were just the icing on the cake of all that I was learning. The universe must have really wanted me to get this lesson because guess what? I traveled all that way to make paintings only to accidentally leave my paintings behind in Bali! Now if that's not a message, I'm not sure what is.


Thank you, dear Flora. You are a gifted teacher and I'm so lucky (in a million life changing ways) you said yes! And thank you Bali, for being the place where I felt more peaceful than perhaps ever before. You are here with me, peace-filled in my everyday life.

Sending wishes to each of you that you push your edges and come through to the other side with more clarity and peace.

XO,
Kelly Rae
PS: you can read all the Bali posts here.
PPS: If you can, don't miss one of Flora's workshops and/or her book.

Nourish Your GRADUATE'S Soul!

          THE GRADUATE EDITION! 
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. 
PS: All of the products featured below (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. 

PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them  at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.  


Love the idea of these magnetic clips being used to present gift money to our favorite grads. Cute no?I especially love the sweet Dream Big magnetic clip - perfect for any post highschool fridge! See all the magnetic clips here. 

6x6 canvas with a pop frame! This wall canvas shares the perfect reminder to Shine Brightly! See all the 6x6 wall art canvases here.  We're also really loving Become a Possibilitarian + Practice Courage for grads.


Perfect for new grads and old souls....the Dream Big pillow! Get the pillow here.  We also love the Hello Possibility pillow for grads too!

And of course, we can't not mention this best seller as an awesome gift idea. Give your graduate wings to Believe In Possibilities! 

Whatever their post highschool plans may be, let's encourage them to follow their true north! What better reminder than the Follow Your True North messenger bag! Check out the weekender here too.

Stylish, beautiful, artful! We love the Be Brave cuff for all the girls venturing out into this big ole world! See the full collection of cuffs here! And all our jewelry here.

You guys, totally love these metal patchwork heart wall pieces. A little bit industrial. A lot a bit happy. This is a wish heart to send your grad out into the world with eons of wishes for brightness and success. 


And we gotta celebrate all the graduating goodness! This frame is darling! Get it here. And see our line of frames 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:  DecalGirl is offering 10% off though the weekend with discount code DECAL10. Perfect timing to get a laptop or phone skin for your grad!

moving studios! again? yes, again!

So, remember early last year when I moved into a brand new studio? It was my first full studio (creative space and office space) outside of my home and having that division between work and home seemed to be a golden, beautiful ticket for me when it came to balance and really being present either at home, or at work. But here's the thing. After a year of working in that space, I got a little lonely, especially during the rainy months (all 6-8 months of them!). I was alone in a not-so-sunny studio about 25-30 hours/week.

Because I deeply believe nothing is permanent and we can create what we most need (even if, say, we've barely broken in a new space!), I began to create a new vision for my work life that involved less loneliness and more natural light. I put out a call. To my heart. To the universe. To my circle of friends. It took about 6 months to manifest and come together, but I'm happy to report that I am in the midst of moving studios! It's in the same building as my last one, but up on the top floor in a huge space with a big window facing West and big beautiful skylight that shines light in all day long.

More natural light? Check. Next up: loneliness.

I have always carried a dream of working with other creative women under one roof. I love the idea of having co-workers who not only understand the unique challenges that come with being an artist, but also the unique challenges that come with raising a business while raising a family. I'm a tribe minded kind of girl, after all. And so it will be that I will be sharing this big, gorgeous, sun-filled space with three other creative women.

There will be workshops, gatherings, open houses, art openings, and lots of community building in this space. It's a space to grow in, create in, write in, gathering in, work in, live in. I'm deeply excited and it all feels just right.

(sneak peek of the skylight area)
More soon! For now, we are unpacking and beautifying the space. Wish us luck, friends! For more photos as it all unfolds, come on over to FB or instagram! 

Hearts Everywhere

I've added all of these recent finds to the collection.  I totally adore this long held practice of pausing to notice, to capture, to exhale inside a moment of simply being present. I think of them as being little tiny micro signs from the universe saying "hey, dear girl, your path will always be lit in love." Ahhh, I so love this world. And hello, have you seen this stunning collection of hearts found everywhere (WOW).
Sending out lots of wishes for each of you today....that you find those hearts (because they're everywhere) and when you do, exhale the fears/worries and inhale the love/light!
X to the O