Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 45

Original painting sale TODAY, friends!

Hello you!
Just a speedy little reminder that starting today, I'll have about 12 original paintings for sale in my shop!

IMPORTANT: To get to the sale, head over to my shop and then click on "originals" in the shop menu bar, or you can click right here.
Originals generally sell out quickly so please be sure to scoop one up if you fall in love. I can't thank you enough, and I will see you there. (I will be the one behind the virtual counter squealing with delight each time a painting is sold.).

If the original you wanted has sold, don't dismay! You can order it as a print which will arrive signed by me, matted, and ready to frame.

International customers, we love you! Please email me and I'd be happy to connect you with online vendors that ship worldwide.

PS:

Hello Inspiration

Totally inspired by my growing collection of vintage oil floral paintings. They feel serene. Delicate. Pretty. We bought this old buffet for the dining room....the more storage space for our little bungalow, the better. 

I'm so inspired by True's little creative corner, also in the dining room. And loving the washi tape for taping stuff onto the walls. Doesn't rip up the paint and it also looks pretty. Win, win. 

I'm smitten and inspired by all things Rachel Awes. I think we should call her Rachel AwesOME, because it is true. She sent me her book way back before it was a book and when it was one really long, gorgeous PDF. I could hardly believe my senses then and I can hardly believe them now that the long gorgeous PDF is now a gorgeous book. Friends, if you are looking for a book to pick up once a day for a few minutes of profound inspiration, this is your book.

I loved it so much, I wrote a blurb of endorsement for it's back cover:

"I was so moved by this lovely and honest book by rachel awes. I found myself returning to its pages day after day for a daily dose of meaningful inspiration. Rachel's gift for pairing her unique illustrations with touching, often profound, wisdom spoke to my most tender pieces of what it means to live bravely, love deeply, and pay attention to the beauty that exists in our everyday lives. "all i did was listen" truly inspired me to lean into my life a bit closer, and take a closer listen for all big and small ways it teaches, uplifts, and heals."

I'm thinking it would make awesome gifts this holiday season. Go Rachel! So proud of you and your book!

(True flying his first kite)
Still completely, utterly in love and inspired by Instagram. Hands down, my favorite connector of all social media. No marketing, nobody trying to sell you anything - just everyday photos from everyday people. LOVE. Come join me! 


Inspired by my neighborhood community who continues to support our little free library in our front yard. Even in the rain. I heart you, Portland!

In between rearranging furniture and rooms (yes, it continues..), I am doing things like finding major inspiration in long showers, furiously recording voice memos on my phone the second I'm toweled off so that I don't forget a thing.
I'm watching one PBS American Masters documentary after the next while all cozied up in bed. Did you watch the one about David Geffen? Fascinating. I love documentaries about creative people. Inventors, musicians, writers, artists. Sabrina Ward Harrison recently posted this video of the lead singer of Wilco talking about the creative process. Loved every second of it and found it refreshing to hear so much truth about how vulnerability and freedom lead to great art. 

Some other inspiration....
* Loving that Mati + Willow are offering the Holiday Edition of this awesome course. We need all the extra support we can muster during these next several weeks.

* You have to stop whatever you may be doing and listen to this. Makes my heart so happy. So happy.
* Loving that my sister recently celebrated a new gorgeous jewelry launch with Creative Co-op. I wear my sister's creations every day. She is mega talented, she is. 
* The second issue of Moyo is out, friends. And it's eye candy with every turn. Wow! 

Sending Monday inspiration wishes to you today! What's inspiring you? Any fun links to share? Please do!
PS: Don't forget. Original paintings go on sale tomorrow! All the details here. 

Original painting sale and more

It's been a long long time since I've offered up some originals for sale (I've been giving them away, sometimes surprising an unsuspecting someone which is always major fun for me).
I'm ready to offer up this next batch to YOU!Here are the details:I will be listing about 12 original paintings for sale in my shop on Tuesday, 12/4/12 at 10am, PST.

Please, mark your calendars. Originals generally sell out quickly - anywhere from 8 minutes to 24 hours.

I can't thank you enough and I will see you there (I will be the one behind the virtual counter squealing with delight each time a painting is sold).

XO,
Kelly Rae

And now for today's regularly scheduled weekly post......

I like to think that it's not just a piece of wall art, or mug, or necklace, but rather an invitation to see and celebrate the real story behind our lives. Most of my products are inspired by the rich conversations I have both in my inner life, and my outer life. My goal, with any product, is to communicate the soul of those conversations into the products so that each piece creates a sense of belonging + community.
This weekly blog series is a place where I celebrate and honor specific products that have made their way out into the world with genuine purpose. May you be inspired (and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul)! Links will be provided to an online vendor that carries the products.

Click here to see all the posts in this series. 

One of my favorite decor products, this is a mirror with wings. The wings are large, sculpted metal wings that hinge onto the mirror.  I have it sitting on my mantel with my vintage mirror collection. LOVE! Available here.

The decorative, artful girls are some of our best sellers, and they've always resonated with me from the moment I saw them (Imagine me opening up a box of samples and there they were, the first prototypes. It was love at first site). They either stand alone with the display stand (sold here) or they hang (each comes with a ribbon attached to the back). They've become collectable - we introduce about three new ones a year. The ones above are the soul sister and mama. But the latest to release are my favorites. They are dreamer, dear world, and true north. 

These are miniature framed wall canvases! They are so well done and look exactly like the wall canvases, but smaller (and framed!). Pair them with an easel and you've got a perfectly sized, artful gift! Four designs:

PS: All of my products featured above (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop that carries my lines both online and in their retail shop), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop. 
PPS: International customers, we love you! Please email me at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com and we can point you in the direction of online retailers that ship internationally!

art in motion: living

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





Grow(ing), Learn(ing), Feel(ing), Laugh(ing), loving, choosing......living.
A little different for me - good to switch things up a bit. The original will be available soon, but the signed/matted print is available right here in our newly updated shop.
Happy Saturday, you guys and happy art making!


I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art  (with descriptions) over here or if it's easier, I've put some easy links below for you :)
Tabletop Easel Canvas Boards Golden Fluid Acrylics Spray Bottle Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics Brayer Gel Medium (Gloss) Stabilo Pencils (Black) Gesso Shiva Oil Paintstiks Alphabet Stamps Face Color Pitt Pens White Sharpie Paint Pin (fine tip) Black Pitt Pens Ott light Heat Gun My Book (Taking Flight)InLinkz.com

Follow The Whispers

(Print available here. Originals coming soon)
Dear creative inspiration, I love you, I love you, I love you. Thank you for coming to visit me this last week and finally untangling all the angst I've had these last many months about which direction is next for me. The clarity is here now. The inspiration is here now. And now I can simply show up and get to work. 
Thank you. I'm so glad I've been listening and following your whispers. I hear you now. 
And thanks for choosing me to be your human deliverer of this particular inspiration. I know you know this, but our dreams don't actually belong to us. They belong to the world. 
It's going to be so good. So good.XO

How cute is that: plate wall arrangement

How Cute Is That? is my mom’s favorite expression — and our ongoing home decor & DIY series. From aprons to attics to alternative offices, we’re breathing new life into anything old, sharing inspired ideas,  and spinning mismatched scraps into charming decor. And YES, you can try this at home!
Click here to see all the posts in this ongoing project series.


I am still rearranging furniture, wall arrangements, and more. Loving every second of it. I switched up our kitchen wall a bit for the arrangement above. I love it. I'm into plates. Some are old, some are new...

I didn't really have a plan. Just started hammering and to see what would unfold, not unlike the painting process, really! By the way, the runner you see above is several vintage hankies all sewn together (saw the idea in a magazine) by my mom - super great idea. And I altered the otherwise plain white lampshade by gluing some vintage yo-yos around the base.
How cute is that?

Meanwhile, I snapped what would be a delightful shot of True only to find when I went to download it, that it shows papa checking his diaper for a poo.
This is my life, friends.
Full of surprises. And wall rearranging. And lots of How Cute Is That moments. 
XO
ps: Many of you have asked where to get the "Kindness Changes Everything" wall piece that is in the photos above. Good news. You can get it here. Or, if you prefer, the smaller print is right here.

Happy Cyber Monday, friends! Plus, two signing events this week!

CYBER MONDAY SALE(TODAY ONLY!!!)
We are so excited....
Prints: If you're looking for signed, matted, and ready to frame prints, head over to my online shop. Lots of variety, goodness, and meaning. Discount: FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders (today only) with promo code "cyber." Go get em'!
A SAMPLING OF WHAT'S AVAILABLE IN THE PRINT SHOP: _____________________

Everything else: If you're looking for anything else (calendars, canvases, pillows, bookmarks + other stocking stuffers, cuff bracelets, figures, mugs + teacups, those cool fabric lanterns, and so much more), then head over to  Garden Gallery's online shop.
Discount: FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders today only. No promo code, just shop away and you will not be charged shipping, TODAY ONLY! Go, go, go!

A SAMPLING OF WHAT'S AVAILABLE: 

WOOHOO!!!!

Thank you, friends, for your support. It's been amazing and it makes me happy to think of so many people getting artful, meaningful gifts during the holidays. Our mission is to makes stuff that blends art with meaning, function with beauty - products with soul.

Thank you (truly). More soon!

PS: International customers, we love you! Please email me at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com and I can help connect you with a couple online vendors that ship worldwide! XO!


Event signings this week!I almost forgot to tell you that I'm doing two event signings this week on Saturday, Dec 1st. If you are in the Portland area, please come on out. I'd love to see you!
Details:The first one will be at Cindy’s Hallmark in Tualatin, OR from 11-1pm (Address: 8705 Southwest Tualatin Sherwood Road, Tualatin, OR 97062). The second one will be at Garden Gallery from 2-5 (Address: 2967 Industrial Ave, Hubbard OR 97032). Please come on out and say hello!

Embrace the chaos. Keep your heart open. And keep on truckin'

Feeling incredibly grateful for my recent travels to Kansas where Demdaco is headquartered. I was there to celebrate the launch of my brand new handbag and jewelry collection (photos coming very soon - quick sneak peek here! Retailers, get in touch with your sales rep to see the new gorgeous tote bags and jewelry lines plus the new gift products - major goodness). I always, always love being around the people who work for Demdaco. They are such good people. Major spirit. Major talent. Major dedication toward their mission to lift the spirit. We've been partnering together for five years. FIVE years. I can hardly believe my good fortune. I can't wait to show you all the new goodies. Totally, utterly, in love. 
While I was there I had lovely chats and visits with fellow Demdaco artists Melody Ross and Leigh Standley (aka Curly Girl). That's us up there standing with Dave K, Demdaco's incredible co-owner/founder. Remember way back when I interviewed Dave K here in this blog space? During that same incredible week (I called it Demdaco Appreciation Week), Demdaco gifted a lovely winner (via big giveaways) with an all expense paid trip to their headquarters to hang out with me and the product development team, take a creative workshop with me, and get a behind the scenes peek into the world of product development. It all finally happened last week and there I am up there with the amazing Jackie and her AMAZING daughter, Alexis whose bravery astounded me. We ate, talked, created, and did happy dances with a big overstuffed penguin named Petey. Jackie is an amazing mom and I walked away incredibly touched by her strength as a mama. And I'm pretty sure ten year old Alexis is the coolest kid ever. Loved meeting and spending time with them. Thank you, Demdaco, for your generosity and for making big dreams come true!


Meanwhile, back at home, there is work and play and True's is growing impossibly fast. 
And then there are feathers. I keep encountering them on my walks, by the sea, in my dreams, and on her instagram feed. Everywhere. During my visit to KC, the lovely Katy (who owns this amazing shop) came toward me while I was looking at shirts and put the above feather necklace around my neck. It felt like a declaration. A sign. I bought the necklace (gorgeous!), came home and googled "feather symbolism" and this is what it said:
higher thought, spiritual progression, divinity, light heartedness, heightened awareness
Yes, yes. Confirmation that the soul restoration that feels so relevant in my life these days is taking root, or maybe I should say Taking Flight. I seriously love how the universe works.

True is painting beautiful paintings. The one above was without any direction, any suggestion. He just simply, and quickly created it. I want to frame it and marvel at it daily. Love how toddlers paint!

I am still rearranging furniture, rooms, all of it. I'm currently obsessed with vintage oil floral paintings. This dining room buffet is creative central in our house, holding supplies for kid and adult creative projects.

Life feels full. Beautiful. Moving too quickly. The other day I wrote a note to myself. It said:
Embrace the chaos. Keep your heart open. And keep on truckin'
Yes, that's it exactly.
**Sending out many thanks of gratitude to each of you during this Thanksgiving week. Feeling incredibly fortunate to part of such a rich, deeply loved, deeply loving, community. XO!



PS: Big news....

A dream come true....I am a contributor in the latest issue of Spirituality + Health , one of my favorite magazines. A contributor!

My friend Brene Brown, whose NYT best selling book Daring Greatly is a must read, wrote the amazing article and I contributed the art to go with her words. My contributor bio describes the intersection of our friendship beautifully: 
Six years ago Kelly Rae dared greatly and left her practical career to pursue her impractical dream of becoming an accomplished artist. She met Brene Brown shortly thereafter, and together they’ve walked side by side to bring awareness to what it means to be brave with our lives. Today Kelly Rae is a best selling author, highly successful artist, and Possibilitarian.
Crazy grateful....xxo

Art in Motion: Come back to center

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


These process photos aren't the best, but you'll get the idea. I started with the ever intimidating blank canvas. I prefer to use the the canvas boards (link below) because they're nice and hard for stamping onto and such.

Major fun when paint and spray bottles get together. Fluid acrylics are better to use for this technique than heavy bodied paints.

And even more fun with papers come to join the party. I'm working really fast and intuitively at this stage. The messier, the better. 

Super quick rough outline using my favorite black Stabilo pencil (link below).

Using gesso and oil paintstiks, she starts to get a rough form (links below). Also added in some heavy bodied acrylics to the mix.

More paint layers...

And she emerges...

Add in some more collage elements and facial definitions...




Add in some words (the words in this piece were inspired by my cleaning out my closet - so much bigger than getting rid of some clothes), some more paint (using the brayer). 
Signed/matted prints of this piece are available right over here in our nifty shop!)

I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art  (with descriptions) over here or if it's easier, I've put some easy links below for you :)
Tabletop Easel Canvas Boards Golden Fluid Acrylics Spray Bottle Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics Brayer Gel Medium (Gloss) Stabilo Pencils (Black) Gesso Shiva Oil Paintstiks Alphabet Stamps Face Color Pitt Pens White Sharpie Paint Pin (fine tip) Black Pitt Pens Ott light Heat Gun My Book (Taking Flight)InLinkz.com

Nourish Your Soul: Products with meaning + purpose

I like to think that it's not just a piece of wall art, or mug, or necklace, but rather an invitation to see and celebrate the real story behind our lives. Most of my products are inspired by the rich conversations I have both in my inner life, and my outer life. My goal, with any product, is to communicate the soul of those conversations into the products so that each piece creates a sense of belonging + community.

This weekly blog series is a place where I celebrate and honor specific products that have made their way out into the world with genuine purpose. May you be inspired (and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul)!

Click here to see all the posts in this series. 



I've had the fortune of creating products for five years and this, friends, is my all time favorite product ever to be released. Ever. These gorgeous cuff bracelets make awesome gifts for ourselves and for those we love. 


There are several designs, all available for online purchase here. 

These oversized bookmarks also make great, affordable gifts. I love the ribbon and word charms that decorate each one (each comes with it's own unique word charm). There are many designs to choose from, all available here. Great stocking stuffers too! 

I have this large (24x24") wall piece in our dining room. The sculpted metal wings are gorgeous and add such cool dimension to the piece. It reads "Kindness Changes Everything." This piece is available here (Ladies, send this link to your sweeties as a hint for gift-giving ideas!).
You can read the story behind these signs over here. I love that these are now available for purchase. Wouldn't these make lovely additions to office walls, conference rooms, kitchens, and more? LOVE! There are two versions available: One and two. 


Thanks, friends. Would love to hear your suggestions about what kinds of products and messages you'd like for us to consider - we're always open to new ideas! Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. All ideas welcome!
Click here to see all the posts in this series. 
Warmly,
Kelly Rae