Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 60

NEW sponsor spotlights: Alma Stoller of STITCHED, The Wright Stuff Communications, + Cotton Candy Girls On-line Workshop

Proud to introduce you to my NEW sponsors! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!
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Alma Stoller: STITCHED open call
I am getting ready for 2013 by gathering artists to teach in my annual online video workshop called STITCHED.

STITCHED is a collection of 20 online video workshops by 20 fabric and mixed media artists.
STITCHED is about sewing, mixed media, handmade jewelry, embroidery, art quilts,
giveaways, sharing, community and a driven passion for learning and artistic growth.
STITCHED 2012 is going strong and it's a fun creative haven.

For STITCHED 2013, I would like to include more mixed media fabric art, more jewelry and a hodge podge of painted fabric work.
Because of STITCHED, I have come to know of many artists that I otherwise wouldn't have known of.
Artists that are "THE BOMB" at what they do. Purely open, authentic and committed to their specific artistry.
When I launched STITCHED in January 2012, I had no idea how it was going to be received.
Registration exceeded my expectation and I received countless supportive emails from artists.
Artists that wanted to teach via STITCHED.
Frankly, I was not prepared for the love...thank you all for that.



So this time around, I am leaving it up to you.
I may not know of you....yes YOU....but you now know about STITCHED.
If you are interested in becoming a STITCHED instructor, I'd love to see your work.

e-mail me at:
almastoller@yahoo.com with your name, website/blog or flickr address

Thank you so much for the love. **************************************
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The Wright Brain eCourse is part inspiration, part creativity, part community and a whole lot of fun – for artists, writers, bloggers, poets, photographers – it's for anyone looking for more creative inspiration! 

Through an 8 week course we'll dive into inspiring prompts and play with words and pictures. We'll create art, photography, poetry and stories in any or all combinations.

I'll be encouraging you to share your creations with a community of like-minded souls so we can really question and explore each other's work and gain an understanding of where our own inspiration leads us.

Alongside lessons and points for discussion we'll enjoy some creative tips and tricks and I'll share my own techniques in both writing and art.

It's soul food – why not try something new and see if it tickles your taste buds. 

Course starts on 14th May 2012 

It's the price of a coffee and cake each week – just £42 (approx. US$67).I'm also running a free book group – we're getting messy with Keri Smith's Manual of Accidents and Mistakes.
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Cotton Candy Girls On-line Workshop by Natasha MayI will show you how to draw and paint Cotton Candy Girls on different surfaces and with different supplies. These pretty faces with quirky hairdos are quick and easy to draw and you can use them in your art journals or as an individual painting. You will get to finish one painting a week plus I have a bonus video ready for you.:)
Here is a weekly schedule:

Week 1: drawing and painting a Cotton Candy girl's face front facing on canvas, shading her face with india ink pens and mixed media background
 
Week 2: drawing and painting a Cotton Candy girl's face slightly turned and tilted on a book cover, shading of the face with acrylics only and lots of yummy layers in the background
Week 3: drawing and painting a Cotton Candy girl's face 3/4 turned with her body turned sideways in an art journal, shading with india ink pens
 
Week 4: a painted Cotton Candy girl's face on canvas with acrylics on a rainbow background
 
Week 5: full figure Cotton Candy girl on paper with watercolor shading
 
Bonus video: a boys face on paper with watercolor pencils Registration is open now - the class starts on May 7, 2012.

************************************** Big thanks to my sponsors! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!

the benefits and pitfalls of an online life

It happend again. Just now. Just a minute ago. I'm glancing at my google reader list of unread blogs - it's been months since I've caught up on my blog reading. And just like that, I click to read a blog post of a dear someone I follow, and I'm all back in. All back in.

To the comparison game.
To the man, why didn't i think of that game.
To the life is so much cooler over there game.

(new print! - signed, matted, and available here)
Since becoming a mom, since moving my biz out of my home, since stepping away from working such long hours, since creating some online boundaries for myself (like not reading blogs much anymore, distancing myself from online everything, etc), my focus has been clearer, more mindful, and my time is either spent relishing the time with myself or my family or happily working. I've grown to liking the feeling of being oblivious to the internets, to the chatter. There was a time, though, when I very much relied on it - the inspiration, the motivation, the community. It was a game changer for me in finding my voice, growing my business, discovering my tribe, and I will always be crazy grateful for that. But like every relationship needs from time to time, I'm re-evaluating my relationship with the internet. I suppose I'm trying to grow into the next phase, the next layer of how I can use it to better myself, and not the opposite.

Such a tricky walk to walk. It occurred to me the other day that I've been online in some form or another (blogging, website, social media, ecourses, etc etc) since 2005! That's SEVEN years. Holy smokes - so much to celebrate, so much abundance, but also a bumby ride from time to time negotiating the benefits vs the pitfalls of an online life. Because that's what it is - a life, a sort of alive thing that represents your offline life in snippets here and there. And just like in real life, I want my online life - what I choose to read on it, create for it, etc etc - to make me feel alive. 

For now, I suppose that means I'll keep doing my thing, working it out, and trusting that a new rhythm will emerge that feels comfortable and right.

thoughts on 18 years of being on my own vs now

True, 18 months today! He is often described as relaxed, good eater, even better sleeper, and hilarious. Love this kid.I was thinking the other day that it's been many many MANY years since I've had an everyday life that revolved around family. I left for college just after turning 18 years old and ever since (minus short internships in my hometown), I've lived in other cities, away from my parents and sibling and nieces and nephews. For most of those years, I've lived 3000 miles away, learning to create a sense of family through circles of friends. I've always had close friends - a family of intention.
Of course, there was always John, but it's just been the two of us - all of these years. And then there came True 11 years after getting married, and then came my parents (8 months after True's birth) all the way from FL. And just like that, I've got family, right here, in my home, in my neighborhood, in my everyday life. My parents now live about a mile from us. I see them everyday. They play and watch True, eat meals with us, help us with projects. Mom and I go shopping, chit chat, and spend time working together (she is my new studio asst, but we call her studio mom).

It occurred to me the other day that this must be what having family nearby feels like: integrated, and just really really nice. After almost 18 years of being on my own without family nearby, it's feels really special - like a sense of peace that I'm no longer far flung out into the world, but rather grounded and enclosed by this family circle.

I just love it. This is a new print, available matted and signed by me right here. It's also a long 8x24 canvas reproduction that recently released from my line with Demdaco and is available here for purchase.


PS: I just feeling called to say a big giant thank you to everyone who reads this blog, who has supported my work through the years. As my bio reads, I am unendingly grateful for the spirits of the women who walk with me, in flesh or in paint, on my incredible journey into art, love and life.

finding our way with an open heart

(new print, available here.)
I believe that it's never too late.And that when open, our hearts find their way home. 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS: Sleep and Her Sisters; Illuminating Words; The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design

I like to think of my sponsorship program as a way of playing matchmaker. These weekly sponsor spotlight posts allow me to do just that - play matchmaker between you and some really amazing people who are providing unique and well crafted offerings. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!
**************** My name is Katherine Quinn and I am the New Zealand artist behind Sleep And Her Sisters. I sell my original works to 9 galleries around New Zealand and have three online shops where I also sell originals, prints and other goodies.

I work part time from my kitchen table at my home in the sunny Hawke's Bay where I love to create with paint, chalk pastels, graphite, paper and also dabble in making a little bit of jewellery.  At the moment I am working on a project to create 7 sisters {and a couple of cousins}.  My wish is to give people something to believe in, a hero of identify with, find hope in and bring a little bit of pretty and joy to people's lives and their homes.


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I am Helen Lewis, the artist and owner of Illuminating Words. I bring my love of letters and words -- both the visual aspect of their shape, and the beauty and impact of their meaning -- to my calligraphy, mixed-media collage, encaustic, and design work. I am fascinated with the curve of an E, the elegance of old script, the crisp look of type marching across a page. I love the stirring in my heart as I read a meaningful quotation or line from a poem.
In my pieces, I combine my own lettering and painting with various ephemera, including snippets from old books and dusty hymnals, treasured correspondence from earlier centuries, pieces of vintage sheet music or wallpaper, and character-filled faces from old photographs. Recently, I am particularly focused on the luminous qualities that the encaustic medium brings to the surface as these elements are layered and fused together.
Please stop by my shop or my blog to see samples of my artwork. Email me to inquire about commissioned pieces incorporating your favorite quotes or family photos.
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The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design featuring Rachael TaylorModule 3: Monetising your designs
If you have ever dreamt of seeing your designs on stationery, fabric, homewares or other products, sharing your art through pattern, and monetising your designs this groundbreaking course is for you! 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design' is the definitive guide to becoming a surface pattern designer.

In this module you will learn everything you need to know to monetise your designs including:
How to identify multiple streams of income for your designs
How to sell and license your designs
The ins and outs of freelancing
How to get into manufacturing your own product

plus
How to create a pattern portfolio to show to potential clients
How to apply patterns to mock up product templates and room sets
How to turn a placement print into a technical repeat for wallpaper or fabric

and
A little black book of industry contacts!

Class begins April 16. Find out more and register here

**************Big thanks to my sponsors! It takes a lot of courage to create a business from dreams, and I'm honored to highlight their bravery + and their offerings. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!

New home decor + stationery products!

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a few of my favorite new items that have released with my partnership with Demdaco. Today, I'd like to share a few of the new products that released in January through my home decor line with Creative Co-op.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to show you! Also, please pardon the low quality photos - definitely not the best, but you'll get the idea!
 
Above are a few photos of the displays in the Creative Co-op showroom at the Atlanta gift show back in January. It was super hard to get decent photos, but they did an amazing job with the displays. Super creative, colorful, whimsical in some ways, and overflowing with joy.
We launched our first collection last summer and this was our second release, which included the couch, photo frames, mirrors, sitting stools, lots of functional and/or dimensional wall pieces, buckets, clocks, containers, and so much more. Let me show you some favorites:
Fabric lanterns! This photo shows just one of them, but there are several in many sizes and they're all SUPER affordable. Love, love!!!!

Birdies on a stick - man, I heart these so much. Simple, creative, meaningful.
Teacups! They're heavy - as in really good quality. I use mine daily at the office. LOVE these.
Likely my favorite from the new releases, these are a part of a large frame-on-a-stick collection (photo shows three of six). What's awesome about these is that you can change out the art for a favorite photo AND you can adjust the telescope poles to various lengths. Awesome. These are really cool metal patchwork hearts for the wall. They curve out a bit so there is some nice dimension to the feel and look. 
 A lovely magazine rack to hold your magazines. Magazines are pure inspiration to me...love this.
Super creative luggage! Because who doesn't want to walk around with an artful carry-on - especially if in route to a creative conference/gathering or get together with girlfriends? These are both carry-on size and bring a smile (and a fun little chuckle) to my face every time I lay my eyes on them. FUN.
Because funky boot planters are AWESOME!

Awesome large paneled wall piece with dimensional cage and wings. Seriously cool.

Another large paneled wall piece, but this one has a real working clock. I have this one hanging behind my desk. SO COOL.
These are John's favorite of the new releases - oversized metal wall flowers. We've put one outside on our garage by our soon to be deck. These would be great indoors as well (of course!).
 
 What I love about this wall collage is that you can change the art for family photos. How fun is this?
 Here's another photo showing the wall flowers on the wall as well as the boot planters, magazine rack, and more. And yes, the couch! The couch! The couch, by the way, is pictured in the current issue of People magazine - Jessica Simpson is sitting on it :)
There are a couple new large mirrors - this hello love one is my fave.

 I'm using both of these in my studio to hold and organize ephemera, but they'd be awesome silverware organizers, office supply organizers, and more. Seriously awesome. Love. these.
OMG! There are several in the collection of switch plates, but this shine brightly one is my favorite. These are so fun. 
This is a large (2'x2') assemblage wall art piece that was replicated almost exactly from the original that John and I made together a couple of years ago. Old wood scraps, buttons, old keys - all of it - all replicated from the original. Super special and cool piece - there are a couple of these in the collection - different artwork but same patchwork of wood pieces and such. 
Lots and lots of banners. There are several more that are less colorful as well. Really affordable, fun way to spruce up a space. 
So, these are two mats, as in floor mats, but I'm using one of them as a pad for my keyboard and mouse - works perfectly because the mat is made of the same material that a mouse pad is made from - INSTANT color and love to your desk.


There you have it - a few favorites from the latest release! Huge thanks to Creative Co-op for their partnership and creative vision. And HUGE thanks to you for scooping them up at stores! I love these home decor pieces and can't wait to show you what's next (late this summer!). If you are a retailer looking to wholesale the home decor line, please get in touch with Creative Co-op and they'll  hook you up.

I no longer sell any of my licensed items in my online shop (just matted prints and cards). I am working with a local boutique that will soon have a fully stocked online Kelly Rae store - they'll be selling ALL the products from ALL collections (gift, home, stationery, garden) which is super thrilling. When they have that up and running, I'll let you know! In the meantime, you can find these products either in your local boutiques or online by doing a quick internet search for "Kelly Rae Roberts figurines", "Kelly Rae Roberts wall canvases" and so on. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing exactly where to find the products as Creative Co-op handles all distribution. I'm so sorry! You can always contact Creative Co-op directly at and ask where the products are sold in your area - tell them you are looking for the Kelly Rae Roberts products which are in the collection called "What Makes Your Heart Flutter."

XO,
Kelly Rae


ps: LOTS of new stationery goodies are now available online and wholesale through CR Gibson and Lang - notecard sets, writing sets, photo albums, brag books, gift bags, eco totes, and all sorts of goodness. Check out what's available for sale online right here and here.

And if you are looking for everyday greeting cards, you can find them in my online shop.

Thanks, everyone!

Oh, hello sunshine.

New painting! The print is available right here.
Things are changing around here. It's all I can think about. It feels like we're coming out of hibernation - a long one that has a bit to do with the weather, a bit to do with lifestyle, and a bit to do with perspective.


It rains a lot in Portland. Like, a lot, especially from Nov - Mar. When it's not raining, it's cloudy and we can go weeks without seeing the sun. So when the sun does finally appear after a couple of long months without it, it just feels radically joyful, like your mood is skipping and bursting with aliveness.

 And then you realize just how much you've been affected by the lack of that sunshine. Sometimes Jan and Feb feel like one long day that you are dragging yourself through. Of course, it's totally worth the trade off of living in a city like Portland, though. We love it here.
So anyway, the arrival of a bit more sunshine around here has collided with the arrival of completely new life now that I leave the house and work somewhere else. I know I keep talking about it, but man, this has seriously changed my entire life. I am out and about, going to the cafe in the morning, walking here and there, breathing, commuting, and generally out in the world. It. Is. Awesome.
I have so much to tell you. But for now, I just want to say Hello, Spring. Hello, Sunshine. Hello, Aliveness.
Back very soon.

Sponsor Spotlights: Word Cellar, Live it to the Full, Sacred Cake

I like to think of my sponsorship program as a way of playing matchmaker. These weekly sponsor spotlight posts allow me to do just that - play matchmaker between you and some really amazing people who are providing unique and well crafted offerings. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!
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Alchemy: The Art and Craft of Writing is a six-week online course to help you take your writing to the next level. Next session: April 2 – May 11.
Learn writing techniques to create beautiful, meaningful stories that connect with readers.
Discover tips and tricks to overcome your writing challenges.
Embrace the creative life and enliven your writing.
Connect with other writers in a private community.

Alchemy is packed with writing lessons and exercises, fabulous guests, oodles of inspiration, and community. You'll learn techniques to deepen and w i d e n your writing. Each week we'll focus on a particular craft topic and how to apply it. You'll choose the kind of writing you want to do – blog posts, essays, articles, poetry, maybe even a book! It's up to you. Bring whatever stories are clamoring to be told. I'll also provide prompts and nudges to help you find topics and embrace inspiration if you need some guidance. Learn more here, and save 10% on registration with code KELLYRAE.

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Live it to the Full Announces April Courses

Live it to the Full is pleased to offer two online courses in April 2012.

Mining for a Heart of Gold
How do we walk in the world and sift through the rubble to find golden moments? How can we mine our days with gratitude for all of these important shiny days that we may miss if we do not open ourselves up and soften to the life we most want to live? Explore how in this four-week course led by Amy Turn Sharp, Mishelle Lane, and Lucrecer Braxton. Learn more and register today »


Walking Wounded
Thousands of honest, sincere people are finding themselves on the outside of a faith system they once held dear. If you are feeling lost, disillusioned or hurt as a result of a shift in your faith or by a negative church (or other faith community) experience, this four-week course led by Kathy Escobar and Phyllis Mathis just might be for you. Learn more and register today »

**************** Assemblage Jewelry by Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake
You want the jewelry you wear to be meaningful and expressive. Not the latest fad. Not mass produced. Affordable. You want your jewelry to be like you…timeless and memorable. One of a kind.
How about something a bit different? Something with a history. Something with a special story…jewelry with a past, yet relevant to the present.
At Sacred Cake you will find affordable heirloom quality vintage assemblage jewelry combined with timeless appeal. Whether it is for your wedding, graduation, promotion, a gift, or for your everyday victories; look to me for personal service that you can always rely on to exceed your expectations and make you feel as special and as singular as you are.
There is only one you. There is only one Sacred Cake. Every piece tells a story. What will your story be?
*Kelly Rae readers receive free shipping + a special gift. Visit my etsy shop and enter the code "ONEOFAKIND" to receive your free shipping and your gift.  I'd love for you to visit my blog for more simple projects, stories and inspiration. 
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Big thanks to my sponsors! It takes a lot of courage to create a business from dreams, and I'm honored to highlight their bravery + and their offerings. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!

huge heart

I'm pretty sure it's heaven on earth when your baby starts to run toward you with "mama!" and big hugs. 
My heart has never felt so huge.[image error]

confession: it's hard work!

  (Studio view: wish birdie on a stick - one of my new items in my home decor line with Creative Co-op)
Confession. Writing is hard. Making art is hard. Content building for e-courses and books is hard. Licensing is hard. Some days are easier than others, but overall, they're all quite challenging. I love it. Yes, yes I do, but this work has been kicking my arse for appoximately, oh I don't know, six years? I suppose that's when you know that you REALLY do love what you do - when  you're more than willing to face the constant streams of fears and challenges and good ol' fashioned hard work. I love what I do!
We're in Session 7 over in the Hello Soul, Hello Business e-course. I can't tell you how much this course makes me beam. The students, the contributors, the endless skype sessions with Beth as we build content and mentor a few of the students. Teaching this course has had me taking a really deep, soulful look at my own business. I feel like I've dissected every ounce of my creative biz these last many months just as we've asked our students to do. None of them (including Beth and I) realized the level of emotional/soul work that would be needed to get through the content. We weren't kidding when we said, "We believe that just as our individual lives become soulful when we infuse purpose and passion into their existence, we believe businesses are also living, breathing things which thrive when infused with purpose and passion," but it's some seriously soul stirring work to potentially deconstruct your business and reconstruct it from an entirely different place from which it was initially born. It's all a really good thing, but still hard work.  I'm crazy proud of our students for taking the journey with us. Like them, my mind and my heart feel like they've been inside an amazing stretching/expansion experience.
I'm so glad for it. But now that things are winding down, I can feel myself coming up for air. Air! It feels like I'm breathing inside a new rhythm. New perspective on business. New studio. New assistant. New childcare routine. New artwork. New working hours (Hello, balance. I love you so). New hours for John, too. 
Breath. I'm just crazy grateful for it. [image error]