Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 38

Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party- 44 WINNERS!

image credit: Andrea Jenkins/ Etsy
It's party time, friends! I am so happy to host this monthly Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway extravaganza. 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 original art to free spots in some the most popular (and life changing) e-courses offered on the net to exquisite jewelry, gift products, and so much more.

With over 44 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? 

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 (44 winners!). Tell us what you're celebrating (it is a party, after all!). Please enter just one comment. Comments will be closed Friday morning. We'll randomly select the 44 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: ZOE + PIPER... jewelry with a conscience

GIVEAWAY: Two people will receive our Crystal Gemstone Suncatcher.

SPECIAL OFFER: enter code: KellyRaeApril and receive 10% off your order through the end of May

ABOUT: Zoe and Piper… jewelry with a conscience. Specializing in unique jewelry, featuring beautiful gemstones, crystals and spiritual offerings. By using a combination of sterling silver, gold and bronze, we are able to create jewelry with a message and unique beauty. We are proud to donate a portion of our proceeds to select animal sanctuaries and animal advocacy groups.

Add some cheerful light and color to any space with our gemstone crystal prism! Turquoise, amethyst and citrine are blended for a great color combination to accent the teardrop shaped prism. Faceted crystal balls or prisms split beams of light and radiate the light to all areas of the space, bringing harmony and peace into your life. Prisms are also a very popular contemporary feng shui cure. Held up to a sunny window or other light source, a multitude of tiny "rainbows" will fill the room. Each little rainbow contains all the colors of the visible spectrum, bringing both vitality and balance to the room. Beautiful!

Visit our website for a large selection of jewelry, sure to excite your appreciation for individuality.

***Use discount code KellyRaeApril and receive 10% off your order through our website or etsy shop. Good through May.***

We are always adding new designs and welcome your feedback.

CONNECT: WEB |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ETSY | PH: 480.654.3700 


PARTY QUEEN: Kandy Myny Mixed Media Artist, Bit O' Whimsey Design Studio

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive this inspirational print "Let Your Soul Shine" a 12x18 print mounted on wood read to hang! My hope is that my art inspires you and brings a little bit of whimsy into your home! Good luck and I hope you win!

SPECIAL OFFER: Use code: KRR20 for 20% off towards any purchase in my etsy shop. Good until May 31, 2013.

ABOUT: Hi, my name is Kandy and I am a self taught mixed media artist. Creating fun whimsical art is a passion of mine. I love using found papers, paint, charcoal, and ink to create unique pieces of art full of color and whimsical images all created out of my home studio in Shelby Township, Michigan.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | ETSY 

PARTY QUEEN: Kim Schofield of eclectic Paperie

GIVEAWAY: One person will win a bountiful kit of mixed media products, including supplies from Dylusions, Canvas Corp., Prima, The Crafter’s Workshop, Dine Wakley, Claudine Hellmuth, and more! Retail value of over $50.00!

SPECIAL OFFER: eclectic Paperie is offering Kelly Rae’s visitors a one-time $5.00 shopping coupon on all orders over $10.00! Just use code KELLY5 when checking out. Coupon expires on May 25, 2013.

ABOUT: eclectic Paperie is a different breed of craft store, conceived as more than just a place where you can purchase supplies, we believe in the strength of collaboration, in coming together and sharing with like-minded crafters. Our goal is to offer a mixed media marketplace where a generation of artists can congregate, explore, imagine, and inspire one another.

We create and craft because we're seeking to express ourselves, to capture some of that inner fire and put it out into the world, and through that expression we unite with others. The spirit of eclectic Paperie grows out of this principle; we’re committed to not only delivering a wide range of paper crafting products for mixed media, stamping, and scrapbooking but we support and encourage the greater importance of providing education, inspiration, and creative growth. Even though we can deliver the highest quality products available, our job isn't finished if our customers aren't excited and energized through every step of the creative and shopping experience.

Acquiring your craft materials from us becomes just another flowing step in the process of creation - we want to not only supply the raw materials of your creativity but to actually encourage and participate in sharing your creative acts. We view you not only as a customer, but as a partner.

CONNECT:  WEB |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER




GUEST OF HONOR: Galia Alena

GIVEAWAY: One person will win a place on "Of the Heart: The Making of an Heirloom" mixed media workshop. The juicy details.

ABOUT: This is an online mixed media workshop, making a special book to gift, a love letter from the heart and soul, a testament to one you love. Together we will be making a treasured keepsake with lots of writing prompts, poetry, and lots and lots of ideas about what to include. Hands and hearts aligned.

CONNECT: WEB |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER


GUEST OF HONOR: WORDS to MOVE YOU

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive 1 standard 16x20 fine art print of your choice {no custom art} valued at $55 {domestic shipping only}

SPECIAL OFFER: FREE SHIPPING through May 4 on any purchase with coupon code KellyRaeShips

ABOUT: As a book designer and artist, I have combined those skills into creating works of art by illustrating typography. Utilizing layers of rich textures combined with powerful quotes, I have named my line “Words to Move You” as it is my hope that they do exactly that: move your heart to motivate you to live your life to the fullest.

Do you have a favorite quote, poem, verse or lyric you want to daily be reminded of? Custom art is available! You choose your color while creating your art.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK




PARTY GUEST: Laurie Copps, Young Living Independent Distributor

GIVEAWAY: Five people will win one Therapeutic grade lemon essential oil.

ABOUT: Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from aromatic plants. When grown, harvested and distilled properly, essential oils can have a wide variety of uses and tremendous health benefits*. Essential oils can be chemical-free replacements for items you use every day. Please visit my website for suggested favorites, review the product line, or browse other menu options. Thank you.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

CONNECT: WEB 


PARTY GUEST: Cherie Burchach: Author, Poet, Artist, Geek

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive a copy of Yes, You. It is my hope that these poems inspire you to create beautiful art, to recognize your value as a woman, and to give you confidence to realize your dreams.

ABOUT: Yes, you are worthy! That’s the message of my latest book of poetry, Yes, You. You are special and important, and you deserved to be loved and treated well. Yes, You offers poems of hope and inspiration, ranging in topic from life and faith to honoring other women.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER


PARTY GUEST: Catherine Williamson of Catherine's Colors

GIVEAWAY: One person will win an Acrylic Original (shown above). Two people will win a set of flower notecards. Two people will win a set of autumn leaves notecards.

SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off any purchase over $10 for the rest of April. Use coupon code: FlyingHigh

ABOUT: Welcome to Catherine's Colors and my Etsy shop. I love to paint watercolors, multi-media collage and acrylics. My style is sophisticated, casual, humorous and serious. I constantly learn new techniques and use new materials. Enjoy my gifts of flower notecards and autumn leaves notecards as well as an original acrylic painting. I am in absolute awe of God's creation and it inspires me every day!

CONNECT: ETSY | FACEBOOK 


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

GIVEAWAY: One person will win the two 8”x10” prints pictured above titled “Feeling Foxy” and “Deep in the Woods.”

ABOUT: Kaitlin Phillips Goodey, the artist behind Stunningly Strange, strives to create art that inspires a creative and playful lifestyle through imaginative art. She is constantly creating new pieces of art, and loves to share them with everyone.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ETSY


Party Guest: Shawn Petite of A Journey of Art and Inspiration

GIVEAWAY: Two people will win a signed print titled "She Believed She Could So She Did."

SPECIAL OFFER: For the month of April buy one print get a second of equal or lesser value for 50% off. Use coupon code HipHipHooray

ABOUT: Life is a journey... one of change, joy, sorrow, wonder, and pain, and we are meant to share this journey with those that will encourage us along the path. So share the journey with me, let me encourage and inspire you with tender words and insight from my art. Sign up for my newsletter on my web site and get another free gift! I look forward to sharing life with you. Big smile, Shawn Petite

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

PARTY GUEST: Gutsy Girl by Sharyn Holmes

GIVEAWAY: One person will receive a Pewter Fairy Door Locket & Earring Set. One person will receive Black Shell Pearl Earrings.

SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off your 1st order! Just mention Kelly Rae in the comments field when ordering from my etsy shop.

ABOUT: The Gutsy Girl mantra is ‘Handmade with Heart’ with a focus on jewelry made with 100% eco-friendly recycled Sterling Silver. The range includes gemstone, healing crystal & vintage inspired jewelry, polymer clay accessories and mixed media art.

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ETSY


PARTY GUEST: Miriam Schulman, SchulmanArt

GIVEAWAY: Ten people will receive signed 4x6" copies of The Summer Day, the mixed media grasshopper painting shown in ad inspired by the Mary Oliver Poem....Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' ~Mary Oliver

SPECIAL OFFER: Want to shop in my etsy store for art or online classes? Kelly Rae party guests get FREE shipping in the store with coupon code 'THANKSKELLY'  expires May 5, 2013 .

ABOUT: The "Inspiration Place" is a free online artist community for artsy souls to learn from each other, explore new mediums, promote your art and get inspired by creativity. We also offer professional online art and art business workshops to make your creative dreams come true. Membership is free and online classes are affordable and flexible because we know just how hard it is to find time to do what you love!

CONTACT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | SHOP


PARTY GUEST: Catherine Just 

GIVEAWAY: Two people will win a spot in The Deepening, eCourse.

ABOUT: This is your invitation to The Deepening -- an eCourse from award-winning photographer Catherine Just.

Through this 4-week process, you will discover the sacred in the everyday, as you decide to deepen … everything. Friendships, partnerships, convictions & connections. Your work, your art, your faith, your message.

Through a subtle shift in perception, you will connect with the moments that matter, and loosen your grip on the minutia that … doesn’t.

The Deepening begins on May 5th. Dive in...

CONNECT: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER


PARTY GUEST: Superhero Life

GIVEAWAY: Two people will win a spot in the Superhero Photo e-course.

SPECIAL OFFER: Use coupon code KELLYRAE20 to get $20 off any upcoming Superhero or Mondo Beyondo e-course!

ABOUT: Photography is more than a hobby — it’s a way of seeing the world. And it’s not about technical skill, or having the latest lenses + gadgets — it’s about chasing light, capturing delight, and shifting our perspectives — literally and artistically. With Superhero Photo, we'll transform the way we take photos + the way we see our world. Class begins Monday, June 24th, 2013! Register now! I’m also giving away 3 spots in the upcoming session!

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 15% off an order from the 25th to the 30th!

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: Four people will win a wristlet, a 6x6 signed canvas and a magnetic clip. One person will win 2 signed 6x6 canvases. One person will win a signed Dear You canvas from the latest 2013 release. One person will win a Radiate Possibility messenger bag from Kelly Rae's new bag collection! Holy smokes, that's a lot of goodness. *domestic shipping only*


44 chances to win!Please enter just one comment. Comments will be closed Friday morning. We'll randomly select the 44 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.

Hello Faith Hello Courage

A few weeks ago I randomly - with my eyes closed, like I was making a wish - picked a rock from my rock bowl. The rocks are a part of my home decor collection with Creative Co-op - they says things like "grace", "hope", "tenderness", "courage", etc. They are hard to find online (expensive to ship heavy rocks) but perhaps you've seen them in a boutique! 

Anyway, I closed my eyes and picked out a rock, knowing that I would choose just the rock my heart most needed to see. That's how faith/serendipity/magic works, right? 
I got the faith rock. Hmmm. I have been thinking about it ever since - how it's been in my life, how it hasn't been in my life, how it's not been a religious piece for me, but rather a spiritual thing for me, how I've often dismissed it yet how I've clung to it, how I - up until I pulled it out of the rock bowl with my eyes squeezed shut - hadn't realized how strongly I've needed to cultivate it in my life. One of the things that came up for me was how I seem to have a lot of faith in myself but how I often don't allow myself to fully have faith in other people (yikes). I'm learning....always. 
Signed/matted prints available here.

It's been about six weeks since I pulled the faith rock. And what I can tell you is this. 
Faith lives inside the pauses between progress, between acceptance, between healing. It securely, without fail, holds the divide between those long, sometimes deep, sometimes painful pauses. And while Grace gifts us all the time we need to figure it all out, to grieve, to ignite possibility, to find our way, faith is what holds us all the while. It is enduring, always there, and it will never fail us. It is letting go, knowing it will be the bridge from one season of our lives to the next. It is trusting the process as we embrace change and surrender our fears. It is believing, with tremendous courage, that all the lessons, the work, the leaps, the falls, the struggles, the celebrations is for a purpose much larger than we can fathom - an ultimately good, beautiful, worth it purpose.  
My faith is growing. I'm seeing now all the ways that I deeply depend on it, how it has held the divide for me, time and time again. Without it, nothing would be possible. And one thing is for sure:

Courage does not exist without an existence of faith. And faith does not exist without the courage to believe. 

They go together. Like love, and .... love.





PS: I am hosting a HUGE Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party here in this space on Thursday. 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 on Thursday!
XXO, Kelly Rae

Books I'm Reading Lately

I've been devouring books lately. From parenting to marriage to art to memoirs. Here's a peek at what I've been reading...

My childhood BFF who is a seasoned mama and therapist recommended this book when True was just over two years old (currently 2 and 1/2) and it was becoming clear that we would need to start curbing some behaviors while promoting other behaviors. I can't recommend this book enough. There are a couple of parenting books that have saved us - and this is one of them. Using the super clear and loving approaches recited in this book, we've learned to stop certain behaviors and start all kinds of awesome behaviors that our little guys is proud of. You can read all about it  here. 
** The other books that saved us were The Happiest Baby On The Block, Colic Solved, and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. These books worked like a charm for Mr. True and for us. GRATEFUL! 

Friends, if you're married or in any sort of long term partnership, I can't recommend this book enough. A therapist friend (I know - I seem to have lots of therapist friends which makes me a lucky, grateful girl) recommended this book to me about a year ago when John and I were going through a growth spurt. It was not only incredibly insightful, but it's opened up a really important, vulnerable dialogue between us that guided us through our sometimes tough, but ultimately beautiful growth spurt. You can read more about this book here. 
** Also, for anyone who is parenting a male, who is married to a male, or has any significant relationship with males, I highly recommend Terrance Real's other book, I Don't Want To Talk About It. It will open your eyes to all the ways that we as a society/parents/teachers/etc socialize our boys to mask their feelings of vulnerability which then leads to all sorts of unexpressed emotions, ultimately leading to unhealthy patterns including covert, low level yet pervasive depression. As a parent to a young boy, I found this book incredibly enlightening and helpful - especially because True's at the age where we're definitely teaching him about all feelings and emotions and doing our best to give him lots of permission to feel them, put words to them, etc. 

Ahhhh. I love daily meditation books. I always have. Simple Abundance remains my all time favorite, but The Book Of Awakenings has me smitten. Slowly, I'm getting back to my daily practice of reading a passage, a poem, an essay - anything that inspires - and this book has been my re-entry back.

I picked this up at the airport last month. Completely mesmerizing, it left me thinking about it for weeks. For those of you like me who are interested in all things afterlife (whether you call it heaven or not), this is a truly fascinating story. You can learn more about it here.

What books are you guys reading? I'd love to know!

PS: Speaking of books, I clicked over to my book's Amazon page the other day (something I almost never do - maybe once a year?) and was delighted to see that we have nearly 150 reviews. Friends, that's a big big deal - thank you to those of you who have left reviews. I'm mighty proud that all of those reviews, minus about 30, are five star reviews. Can you believe it's been almost five years since its release. Wowzers, time flies! Taking Flight, I am so grateful for you!

Laptop skins, mugs, prize ribbons and more!

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.  
(That's Lacy with one of the skins!)
Some days I feel like my computer is literally a part of me! I figure that it might as well have a cute dress, (aka laptop skin)! Get a skin for your phone or laptop here or here.




There's something about a great coffee mug. And these, my friends, are awesome. There are six in the collection....go get em. Awesome gifts.



Swooooooon! I L.O.V.E these new pins. Inspired by prize ribbons, they each have a sentiment that speaks right to the heart. Wouldn't these be awesome gifts for the birthday girl, or the friend that needs a lift, or the co-worker who is rocking it at work? We've got six in the collection available here.  (CRAZY affordable, btw - just $5!)

Just in time for Spring, we've got these adorable new bird houses!  I like these, friends. I like them a lot. Cute shape, cute for gifts, cute cute cute. I put them both in our backyard. Adorbs. 

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!

You guys, we sold our 1974 Orange Crush VW Bus. Letting it go was a little bittersweet...so many adventures in it (like this one) but practicality won out on this one and we hated that it wasn't getting as much love as it used to. We're upgrading to a 21st century Eurovan! In the meantime, we sold our beloved bus to none other than Katie Daisy who I'm pretty sure met her car soul mate in the Orange Crush. I adore her, her art, and all the ways she's going to adventure it up in this bus. Thank you, Orange Crush, for the memories!





Our neighborhood has sprung, and boy is it gorgeous. We've been taking these really long walks, all three of us, in the mornings. Feels like we're rediscovering our neighborhood with each walk. LOVE! Also just loving the groove that we're falling into now that John is a stay at home papa. Endlessly grateful for it. 

That's True standing next to his tree that we planted the year he was born. Don't get me started on the haircut. I am still cutting his hair hence the bowl cut, and the wonky unevenness. I'm hoping one day soon he'll agree to someone else cutting his hair (he's just not ready). In the meantime, we'll continue to create some hilarious moments and memories. 


I love being his mom. People are often amazed at three things when it comes to True: his physical agility (bouncing basketballs, hula hooping, speeding down the sidewalk in scooters and balance bikes - this kid rarely stops moving), his calm demeanor when it comes to just about everything (he's very agreeable for a two year old - hoping this continues!), and his love of learning songs and singing them from start to finish (God Bless America, Hey Jude, You are my sunshine, Let it Be...and his latest is Rolling Stones "Satisfaction")

We stared a new Gratitude list on the refrigerator. I'm finding that having it front and center in our kitchen is the only way I'm certain to use it. My heart rests knowing that it's holding all the tiny moments that I want to remember (but often don't make it to a journal or scrapbook) - mostly around whatever funny/sweet thing True did that day or some tiny exchange between me and John - it's the littlest things, no? These gratitude lists/sheets are becoming my way to quickly journal our days. We rolled up our last one and put it in the memory box. LOVE! 
Sending gratitude out to each of you!xxo

It's going to be a okay - a new manifesto

(Signed/matted prints available here)

This manifesto is for anyone who has ever traveled through brokenness which, of course, is all of us. May it provide even the tiniest bit of comfort on your journey toward peace.

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
ps: I want to say a beautiful thank you for all the lovely comments on my post last week about the power of our voices. It's experiences/life lessons such as that one that continue to fill up my heart.

Big Boy Bed!

We made it a family affair. True helped break down his crib with his tools (he's obsessed with his tools).


He then helped put together his new big boy bed with more tools. We didn't focus so much on saying goodbye to his crib, but instead made a really big deal out of welcoming in the new big boy bed. There were lots of conversations, dance parties, blowing out candles, songs. All of that, plus involving him in the process of breaking down the crib and building the new bed seemed to do the trick, because the transition was seamless. Nothing but pure joy. 
We were sure there might be some attempts of his getting out of his bed, but it's been a few weeks now, and he's yet to get out of bed! I think the nifty bed rail that holds some books is the trick - they entertain him without his having to get out. Also, perhaps because the new mattress is more cozy than his crib mattress, he sleeps much later than his usual 7am. Friends, it's been a big change around here. No more being jolted awake by hearing "Papa! Mama! I'm awwaakkkee!" at 6:50am. He doesn't even call out for us now. Instead, he has these really slow wake ups where he's wakes up, then, just like his mama, he cozies back into the covers for a little longer, then back to awake around 7:45. We can hardly believe it! 


Grandpa built this bed based off a photo I saw over on Pinterest of a really cool, simple bed made from pallets. We took it a step further and added drawers (awesome storage) and we also added a bed rail that holds books. 

Grandpa also made him a big whale (securely screwed into the wall for safety) to go with his new bed. The whale was inspired by something similar in a Pottery Barn catalog. The painting next to the whale is a sailboat/ocean painting by Mati Rose.

And just like that, he's in a big boy bed. So bittersweet, our little guy is growing so fast. So fast, but my heart leaps for his joy and all the little ways he is becoming his own. Gosh, life is so cool. Thank you, Grandpa, for crafting a bed that will be in our family a long time!


PS: Our monthly Hip Hip Hooray Giveaway Party is coming up next week. It was a huge hit last month with nearly 1800 friends/commenters attending the virtual party and over 12K views. If you would like to sponsor the party with a giveaway, please get in touch asap and we'll send you all the details! You can email us at sponsorships@kellyraeroberts.com

Nourish Your Soul: Introducing Bags, Bags, and more Bags!

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, 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.   The Weekender Bag:
We had a lovely time designing this bag. It's called the "Follow Your True North" weekender. It's artful, roomy, and meaningful - and a best seller.

I love how the text beautifully, subtly blends in with the design yet its message is profound. It reads: In our best moments we understand that our vulnerabilities are what connect us, that we can step into the power that is uniquely ours, play hard, love bravely, offer comfort to our younger, broken selves, and soar. Always soar on the brightness of being alive. Follow your true north. 

You can find all the details about it's construction and purchase it right here.

Bonus giveaway! Garden Gallery Iron Works is hosting a Facebook Giveaway for this bag right over here. All you have to do is "like" their page and enter a comment on this Facebook post to win!
Messenger Bags: (Follow Your True North messenger bag is available here. )
Loving how these messenger bags turned out. Honestly, I love the idea of standing in line at the store with one of these crossed over my body - like a little hope note for whoever is standing in line behind me or beside me. 
This bag reads Radiate Possibility (dream bigger) messenger bag is available here. 
Wouldn't this be an awesome bag for teachers + educators? Love the size, love the artfulness of them, love the brown canvas and faux leather (I've always preferred brown over black). 
(Trust The Journey messenger bag is available here)
Gosh, I hope you guys love them as much as I do. Casual and adorable - yes? Yes! Wristlets:
Swoon! These are large enough for most phones, a few cards + money. Five wristlets in the collection to choose from. Love that they're good to go on their own or toss them in a bigger bag. A great gift if I do say so myself!

Totes:


One of my favorite bags from the entire new bag collection. The fabric flower attachment, the birdie, the sentiments, the feather....all of it. Get yours here!

This is one of my favorite wall canvases turned into a tote! I think this one, in particular, would be awesome for travelers (her face is a map). Get yours here. 

I especially love the muted tones of the this bag. I've been using the Create tote to carry some art supplies back and forth from the studio, but I have to say I think they're all awesome. 
Structured Totes:
The structured totes have a bit more, well, structure. More faux leather, and a bit boxier, which I love. We've got two of these darlings. The one above is Unleash Your Joy - a top seller across all the bags. I am smitten with it, too. I get lots of comments when I'm out and about with it (I never tell anyone I made it - funny, right? SHY!). Available here. 



Wouldn't this bag be a great conversation starter at the workplace? Or anywhere, really? It's hard to see in this photo, but toward the bottom, in between the wings, it reads "nurture your passion" and it is available here. 
That's all of our bags - our FIRST ever bag collection. I have to say: I'm proud to offer up a truly unique, meaningful, artful collection! We hope you love it just as much as we do! 


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

on the power of our voices

I can see it now. How I've gave away pieces of my voice these last couple of years. Subtle, over time, a little here, and a little there. You know how we don't realize what we had until it's gone or until it returns? Yes, it feels like that. Earlier this year, when I could feel my confidence coming back, I recognized my voice again - a lovely, most welcomed thankyoujesus gift. Oh, there you are: there's your spark, your funny, your wise, calm self. How nice to see you again. I. Have. Missed. You.

I don't believe we lose our voices, but rather we give them away. 

And I can see now - the very exact, specific moment when I began to give mine away.

It was a birth that confused my spirit - a hard reconciliation of being the day my beautiful son was born, but also a day that prompted a post traumatic response which then prompted the unraveling of my voice. Strange - beautifully strange - how our greatest teachers are often single, heart aching, slow-motion moments where we begin the dance of either losing (giving away) ourselves or finding ourselves. I could write an entire book about that pivotal moment during the birth that weakened a foundation from which I stood confident with a voice that, up until that moment, I was fierce not to betray.

We all have those pivotal moments, don't we? They are the moments that break us open. They are our greatest teachers.

After the birth, I fell in love with my son, fell into new motherhood, fell further into the depths of the brith-prompted breaking open. Add in the intense demands of a business growing exponentially around me, and I I made the mistake (one of my best mistakes for all it has turned out to teach me) of simply not giving myself the time I needed to recover my voice and confidence that was shaken.

Instead, I just kept going, like a machine.

Managing deadlines. Growing my biz. Being a mom and spending as much possible time with my baby. When I wasn't working, I was with my family. When I wasn't with my family, I was working. I left no space for much else. For awhile there, I was just getting by in my work, in my marriage, in my friendships. During those months, the only thing that got my absolute full attention was my son. And just like that, little by little, my already shaken voice and sense of self began to slip further and further. Without knowing it, I was choosing, in small ways and in big ones, to carelessly give it away. That choice meant sacrificing my relationship not just to myself, but to others - there's a real price I was beginning to pay.


I have learned a really hard, necessary, beautiful, universal lesson that most of us already know but often neglect to fiercely hold onto: 

We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we choose not to stand in our power. We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we choose not to protect our boundaries and carry someone else's shame/anger/etc that doesn't belong to us. We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we choose to sacrifice self-care over other-care. We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we choose not to shine. We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we become other-esteemed and not self-esteemed. We give away our voice in the micro/everyday moments when we don't challenge the shame/gremlin/self-defeating stories we tell ourselves, all day long.

And perhaps most importantly, we give away our voices in the micro/everyday moments when we choose not to bravely show up inside our beautifully messy, often complicated lives. We must honor, and tell our stories, all along the way. It's how we speak our truth and know our voice.


The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
I've been reclaiming my voice for awhile now. To the girl who says no more often, who speaks up when she has a question, who takes a couple hours out of everyday to do anything that nurtures her soul, who firmly stands up for herself and her work, who is astonishingly sensing, who makes choices that are best for her family and disregards the judgments of others, who claims her courage as honesty, who owns her significance, who celebrates her quirks + her superpowers, who loves flowers and being outside, who loves music and art and silence, who has something to say.

Our voices are precious. Beautiful. Important. And they change the world.

May you be careful with yours. Be fierce around protecting it, nurturing it, and celebrating it, always.

XO
Kelly Rae

around here lately

Friends, I can hardly stand the cuteness. I mean, seriously.
It's been hands down gorgeous in Portland. Soaking in the sunshine, for sure. Working on allowing more downtime in my life. Feels like work at the moment - resting, that is. But trusting it will feel natural soon enough!

Loving our neighborhood for view like this. Awesome. John and I and True have been taking hour long walks every single morning - BLISS.

Our wall garden is finally growing through the chicken wire. YES!

We're busting out one of our kitchen walls! More soon - big project around here.



I took a super quick, 48 hour trip to CA to see some friends. Much needed. My heart and soul have been properly love bombed :)




Oh hello spring and yellow and chirps and sunshine. Hello full heart, daydreaming, and longer days. Hello new routine and new dreams and rest and falling into ease! I like you. So, so much.xxo