Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 63

no heroics necessary

 (Mati Rose, Andrea, Me)
I've been working too much. Too hard. Too fast. I have a bad habit, sometimes, of getting too locked in without coming up for air.

John finally had enough, took matters into his own hands, and kicked me to the curb for a surprise four days in San Francisco with my friends. God bless him. God bless my friends. God bless rest. And sleeping in. And broken iphones which mean no way of plugging in. And cozy, early evenings of comfort food, good company, and hulu.com (watched my first episode of the shameless Gossip Girl - it's so good and I've been missing out all of these years!). And San Francisco energy, and sunshine, and big sobbing tears of release. Of release.

I needed that.


Also needed the fun, the art making, the food, the inspiration, the soulful conversations with my friends. Release, vulnerability, fun - all of it is so much better when shared.

Here's what I'm learning: That all we can do is the best we can do. That is it. No heroics necessary. No suffering necessary. Just show up, tell the truth, and do your best. That is more, MORE than enough.

XO

Sponsor Spotlights: Soul*Full eCourse, My Creative Classroom + Unravelling e-course

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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Your unique message is important forthe world.Join me and see for yourself!Soul*Full eCourse :: The Art of Transformation
Join award winning photographer Catherine Just in her Soul*Full eCourse for creative women who are ready to change.  Let go of fear and doubt and empower yourself to live your best life and share your gifts.
Learn the secrets of how personal growth can contribute more to your artistry than any fancy-schmancy lens ever could. Get exclusive access to Catherine's interviews with  Miguel Ruiz, Douglas Beasley, Andrea Scher, Beth Nicholls, Sheri Rosenthal, Aline Smithson and Susannah Conway.Re-learn how to "see" through your camera Connect with the universe to access joy at levels you've never before seenThis course gives you the ingredients for a life you thoughtwas beyond your reach.
Past Students have said:"... it's been by far the absolute BEST I've ever taken…It's been exactly what I needed…every week – totally spot-on. Catherine. I hope you seriously consider a SoulFull 2!" – Rachael F.

Spring Session starts April 16th

REGISTER NOW !

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My Creative Classroom has just begun our Spring semester.  With over 100 classes to offer this semester,we have lots of classes to choose from. Occasionally many of our instructors will gather and offer one class with loads of information.  This semester, they are offering 'All About Ribbon'.  All About Ribbon spotlights over 10 instructors with many different lessons in categories such as borders, flowers, bows and more!  Come on over and take a look, a class like this allows you to see many teachers in one class.

My Creative Classroom is pleased to announce that they are offering Early Enrollment specials.  For some repeat classes, weare offering $5 off the original price. Early Enrollment specials are highlighted in our newsletters.  There's a link to join our newsletter on our home page.

Lastly, My Creative Classroom is pleased to announce, we are now offering Lifetime Enrollment to all of our classes!  Pay for the class once and you can access that information anytime you'd like for as long as you'd like! See you soon!

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The Unravelling e-course is an 8-week online class designed to help you heal the way you see your self and your world, using photography and journalling to access hidden thoughts and dreams and encourage personal realisations, all in the safe space of a like-minded community.
Photographer and writer Susannah Conway is your guide through this process, sharing her insights and wisdom gleaned from her voyage through grief and healing. You don't need any previous photography experience to do this course - all you need is a camera (iPhones are perfect for unravelling!), a journal and pen and an open heart.
Registration for the spring Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self class opens on Saturday March 17th (class starts April 16th) — you can see what past participants have said about their Unravelling journeys over here (there are videos too :)
Give yourself permission to take a couple of hours out of your week to devote solely to YOU; this isn't self-indulgence, this is nurturing, nourishing soul time - come join us for some spring unravelling!
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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!

First it was me, then True, then John, and now roun...

 First it was me, then True, then John, and now round 2 for me. We're all stopped in our tracks at the moment until this nasty virus  passes. I'll be back here when it does...until then, I'm laying low.XO,Kelly Rae
ps: My spirits were lifted incredibly today when I got bill in the mail, but when I opened the bill, expecting to see a significant number, it instead said "no charge" - this particular person/persons/professional entity decided to gift me their time, instead of billing me their very high rate. An unexpected surprise that made me cry. I could hardly believe it.

Kindness really does change everything.

NEW Sponsor Spotlights: Casey Wiegan, Illuminate the Artist Within, Chrissie Grace, Wish Studio + Live it to the Full

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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Hi! My name is Casey Wiegand, I am a freelance artist, wife and mama. I also own an art studio for kiddos in Dallas! I love painting and sharing our life through my blog...where you can expect pieces of my perspective on life, faith, kids, marriage, with touches of art, creative inspiration, projects and things I love along the way.
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Are you looking to get away from it all, and take time to work your ownpersonal creative project? Do you tend to procrastinate, get overwhelmed, or experienceblocks when it comes to making your creative dreams reality? Would you like toreceive support on your inner creative process, and learn the secretsof an illuminated artist; how to stay inspired creatively despite any obstacle?
If your answer is a YES, this retreat is for you: Join Deb Chaney and a small group of a variety ofartists for an 'illuminated' retreat experience in support your self and yourinner artist. This is a retreat for YOU. Take time for yourself. Take time foryour art. Find out more: http://www.debchaney.com/debchaney/Retreat.html
Deb Chaney, SCA is a Contemporary AbstractArtist, Speaker, Writer and Workshop Facilitator. www.debchaney.com
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My name is Chrissie Grace and I am a mixed-media artist and author. My work is primarily faith-based… I have a passion for creating art that glorifies God and all things inspirational. I love color!...and that shows in everything I create! I sell original paintings, prints, custom inspirational pieces, and lots of lots of hand-sewn custom pillows!
Please join me over on my blog where I talk about faith, family, and art: www.chrissiegrace.blogspot.comVisit me over at my etsy shop, too: www.mixedmediamama.etsy.com
Please use KELLYROCKS20 to receive 20% off any order for the whole month of February!
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Have you heard the news?
Wishstudio has gone Co-op! In the effort to build smart and savvy community while making creativity affordable and an every day part of your life you can now join as a co-op member for FREE classes online at wishstudio.com or in-studio at our brand new Newburyport, MA studio.

WishBIG ecamp Winter 2012 is just one of our many fabulous offerings (take a peek at what else is coming up!), and it's almost time to gather round the creative fire once more. Be a part of our virtual retreat and enjoy classes from our inspiring Camp Counselors, Connie Hozvicka, Miranda Hersey, Chris Zydel, Vivienne McMaster, Jenna McGuiggan, Stacy De La Rosa, Rachel Awes, and Amy Plako who will help you wishBIG, createBIG and liveBIG! Camp begins on February 19th. For more details, stop by Wishstudio and check out what else is new. See you in the studio!

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Live it to the Full Announces February Courses
Live it to the Full is pleased to offer two courses in February 2012. Both begin on Monday, February 6.
Easy iPhoneographyOn the go photo capturing and nearly instant editing tools have made iPhones the best thing since point and shoot! The hard part is often deciding which apps to use and then how on earth to use them! Photo pros and iPhone junkies alike will take away all kinds of good information in this two-week course with Aimee Giese. Learn more and register today »

Walking WoundedThousands 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 »

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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!

link love and some happenings around here.

How are you guys doing out there? This weekend, I am planning on more time at my studio table - currently working on my first ever true blue holiday/Christmas line and I'm really thrilled to be challenged in this new direction.

(recent painting - in process)I wanted to share a few things that have caught my eye recently or things that I keep forgetting to tell you:

- Did I tell you I've been on the search for months to find the perfect skinny jean that hides/holds in my post baby muffin top? I asked for your recommendations on Facebook and I tried them all: Old Navy, Gap, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Paige, AG, and more. Thanks to those recommendations, I found THE skinny jeans that are the most comfortable jeans ever. Pricey, but worth every penny. It's been several weeks now and I've worn them a lot, washed them a lot, and I'm still loving them a lot. Best with boots...

- This article has been making the rounds, but just in case you are a mama who hasn't yet read it, it's a MUST MUST MUST read. This part just made me want to scream yes, yes, yes: "Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest."

- This commencement speech had me in tears.


- My dad has been building us doorway bookshelves in the dining room inspired by these. I am loving how they are turning out. More photos soon when I can sneak some time to fill them up with our book and globe collection!

- My art pal, Traci Bautista (she is so smart, so kind, so talented) has a new book out. I have a copy and I highly recommend it. It's perfect for us adult doodlers and teens as well. Very cool. Go Traci (and congrats!)

- Speaking of talented people, remember when I gushed and gushed about Amy Barickman's book, Vintage Notions? Well, friends, she is having an amazing design challenge and the winner wins $3000 worth of products, including sewing machines, fabric, patterns, and more. One of my dreams is to learn how to sew. It's a bit of a fantasy/pipe-dream at the moment and has been for years. Once, about 10 years ago, John and I took a sewing class together. By the end of our many weeks of classes, he had made me an outdoor vest with a zipper and everything. Me? I never made it passed the collar to a shirt! Ah well. One day, I'm gonna do it. But for all of you sewers out there, be sure to check out Amy's design challenge. I'm inspired!

- I agree and loved everything he said - a powerful video on how empathy informs the best kinds of innovation, creativity, and transformation.
Flora, image by Tara Morris Flora, image by Beth Nicholls- And last, but not least: My friend Flora's highly anticipated painting e-course is launching on Monday! I'm telling you. I have taken her workshops. I have talked with her for hours and hours about how the painting process intermingles with life's biggest blessings, lessons, and awakenings. She is a natural teacher, incredibly talented, and just crazy generous with all that she gives. You don't want to miss it. I can't wait for Monday to start!

Have a great weekend, friends. See you next week....

Kindness Misson #2

 
Remember our first kindness mission? I am still putting up Take What You Need signs everywhere and I've been inspired to do more like it, but with different messages. Please know that when I post these signs, they'll always be free, pdf downloads so that we can all print them out and then post at our local coffee shops, or in our office lunchrooms, or by the local atm machine, or at the playground, or grocery store bulletin board. Or perhaps it will inspire you to make your own...

(A more family friendly version)This particular sign was inspired by Michelle (aka When I Grow Up Coach) who is an inspiring soul in our blogging community and who is in the fight of her life. She has so bravely shared her story, and her courage is a huge inspiration to me. I want people like Michelle (and their family + friends) to stumble upon signs like these out in the world - a strong, powerful surprise, a message from the universe, a small token of synchronistic confirmation that they aren't alone - that there are people in the world who are thinking of them and sending out messages of hope.
True and I are going to head out and put these signs up all over our neighborhood. My goal? For survivors, and people in the center of their fight (and their friends + family), to pull one of the tabs and quietly store it in their pocket and to continue on with their quiet, brave strength but perhaps with a bit of feistiness in their step.
These signs were made for you to download and print. Click here to download the "bum" pdf and here for the "ass" pdf. Then just hit print and off you go!

Kindness changes everything....
XO

back at the table

  (Walked around the block from my new studio space and stumbled upon the grand opening of my all time favorite art store (Blick) - could not believe it and I got very giddy. My favorite art store just around the corner from my new studio! I wandered in and snapped this shot. Art IS a gift. To all of us - a complete and full gift.)
Cropped and in progress....
I've been back at the studio table. It feels wonderful. I can sense that I have a lot to get out, creatively. I can sense that a lot has transpired internally these last few months and now it just wants to be released. And I can sense a flowing, a pouring out, a fast and furious compulsion to create. I love it when this happens. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, I love the sense of adventure it brings to my life.

Still cropped and in progress...

 I have so much to tell you. Back soon!

Sponsor Spotlights: Andrea Scher, Alchemy Inspiration, Sleep and Her Sisters, The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, + Seek Your Course

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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Join Andrea Scher for  her brand new course Elevate the Ordinary! Superhero Photo: Elevate the Ordinary
Achieve extraordinary with even more fun photo prompts and activities aimed at showcasing your world in a whole new way. New and returning students are welcome, but previous enrollment in The Basics course is suggested for the best experience.
This brand-new six-week fall class begins February 13th, 2012 and costs $99USD. Register Today!
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What holds you back from writing? Fear? Shyness? Feeling stuck? Finding time? Not knowing what to write? Wondering if you have anything worth putting into words?
Me, too! But I've learned some ways to move past, around, and through these creative roadblocks.

Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing begins February 6. This 4-week ecourse in The Word Cellar is a fun, easy-going, and accessible way to overcome your writing blocks. It's perfect for people who want to start writing for the first time or the first time in a long time.
Give yourself time, space, and permission to write.Find the stories around and within you.Uncover and use your writing voice(s).Explore your creative process.Connect with other writers.We'll explore the writing process, open ourselves to inspiration, and give ourselves time, space, and permission to write. You'll choose what to write, but if you have no idea where to start, fret not! That's what this course is all about: getting started. Register here. {Use code KELLYRAE for 10% discount!}

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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 live with my two children, 18 year old Hannah, 6 year old Ben and our 11 year old cat... Holly. I work from my kitchen table at our 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... characters that I hope will one day feature in a book. I also love to collect things. My favourite colour is a soft, pale, antique sort of blue.
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The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design featuring Rachael Taylor Module 2: Creating your professional identity
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 become a professional surface pattern designer including:
How to start your own labelHow to develop your signature lookHow to build your brand image and get people talking about you the way you want them toHow to understand and predict trendsHow to put a collection togetherHow to get noticed and get pressHow to market yourselfHow to protect your workHow to create technical repeatsHow to create static and rotating blog adsHow to turn elements of a mixed media painting into a pattern and mock up products (featuring the work of Kelly Rae Roberts)Class begins January 30. Find out more and register here.
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Do you want to live a creative life but don't know where to start?Do you live a creative life but need help staying in-the-know?Do you teach creative living and want to promote yourself?
Seek Your Course makes all that possible.
Seek Your Course  is a database and online hub for connecting people with creative learning opportunities online and around the world. Through the Listings you can find ecourses, retreats and conferences with an art focus. Through Instructor and Retreat/Conference Profiles you can meet the artists and learn more about the events. Through the SYC Blog you can be inspired by interviews, book recommendations, guest posts and much more! Listings on many topics including: painting, drawing, blogging, entrepreneurship, encaustics, life coaching, photography, personal growth, and writing. Come check it out: website | twitter | facebook
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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!

studio tour through the years and a big decsion..

(2006 - my first "studio" was my dining room table in our OR apt)

So, I took a leap. A big BIG leap.
Since starting this creative biz, I've always worked from home. Except for a brief stint when I shared a studio with a friend in CA, my studio has always been either in a spare bedroom, the basement, or even on the dining room table (as you will see in these photos!). My office area, if not in the same room with all the paints, has always been on my lap (with my laptop), at a cafe with wifi, or in a closet.

(2007 studio - spare bedroom in our apt in CA)
Before having baby True, this all worked out perfectly for me. Since having True, I've been seriously struggling on the working from home front. Work hours are way too flexible, work/life boundaries are blurred, and I find I can't get anything done with a super sweet and cute baby boy running around the house. For the first year of True's life I resisted the idea of leaving him - I preferred to stay at home and piece together work hours while he was napping, sleeping, or during chunks of time that John had him. This was the only way I could see it and it was the only way I wanted it to be. And I'm just incredibly grateful that I was here, in this house, full time, with True for his first year of life - even if it meant I couldn't give my work a ton of attention.

(2008 studio/office in spare bedroom of our Seattle house, eventually became just the office)
But now that it's been 15 months into this routine, I can see and feel how exhausted I am over having blurred boundaries between work and home life, which means I'm either always with True or I'm somewhat frantically squeezing in an hour or two of work.  I can see now how all of that squeezing in of work isn't quality time (or quality work). And I can see how all that time with True is no longer the best quality either as I'm often worried about how I'll squeeze in a hour for work here or there when I'm with him. My goal for True's first year of life was to simply maintain my business - no big changes, no big projects - so that I could simply focus on becoming a new mama and being in that space with him as a baby. But now I'm  finally feeling ready to let myself break away a bit - to find a happy medium between home life and work life. And to give my work life (my creative life - the stuff that makes me come alive) a place of its own where I can go from simply maintaining it to innovating (my word for the year!) it.

 (2009 studio in our dining room of Seattle house)
And so, the dreaming began. The dream? A large studio space (MUCH larger than a bedroom or dining room!) that would allow me to move my entire growing business out of the house - my office, my files, my computer, my books/printers/faxes, my inventory, my studio, paints, canvases, ALL of it. The space would be what I've always envisioned: a loft or large space inside a historic building. There would be exposed brick, huge ceilings, windows, and cafes and inspiration all around it. It would have tons of room for my office, an employee (or two) office, studio space, creative space for True, an area to stretch, sit back and relax either alone or with friends - a beautiful gathering space. It would be a place that would inspire me to get up, put on a cute outfit and head out to work a few days a week. A place where True could come spend creative hours with me, where I could savor and focus and hold meetings and open houses and lounge and work and host workshops and on and on.

(current studio space in our home)
One of my superpowers is the combination of intuition and zero hesitation. When something feels right, I move, and I move quickly. And that's what happened. Within a day or two of feeling the intuition of needing this kind of move, I found the perfect place.

(home of my new studio/office!)
It's gorgeous. In the heart of Portland's Pearl District inside a restored building that houses many independent businesses. Wood floors, exposed wooden beams, exposed brick walls, high ceilings, the works. I'm going for it - expensive rent and all. It feels like an important investment, one that will welcome in abundance in all ways (creatively, financially). Already, I feel more energized about my work, about what I want to continue doing, about my mission/vision, and so much more. I feel alive, so excited, and just ready for the opportunity to create a gorgeous workspace. Also really ready to create reasonable work hours that will continue to allow for ample time with family. Home will become home again: a place to relax, and be with family vs a place that held a lot of pressure to work and be mom.

 (fresh canvas - I have many ideas for this space...it's over 600 square feet)
I am so excited. I move into the place in three weeks. OMG. O. M. G.

Charming + Safe: DIY baby gates

Not too long ago it dawned on me that we could use half doors instead of baby gates. Afterall, we already have a dutch door in our kitchen, so why not continue the obsession with half doors throughout the house instead of baby gates?

So, my dad got to work using a door we found at a garage sale for $5. He cut the door in half, installed the first half at the bottom of the stairs leading up to our attic (master bedroom), and used the other half at the top of the stairs leading down into our basement (family room, etc).
 
Take a look:

The result? Charming, safe, and love at first sight! When True gets a bit taller, we'll have to secure the knobs, but I'm loving how this has turned out!

Speaking of baby True, he's...

   pure joy, into everything, and has us counting our lucky stars each and every day for him. Hard to believe he's already 15 months. Feels just like yesterday that he was born. It's been 15 months with him, 15 months with a new (widely open + exposed heart), and 15 months of discovery each and every day (for him and for us). Bliss, bliss...