Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 64

like christmas

photo credit: Tiffany Kirchner-DixonThere's been one huge blessing (a gift) as I recover from my big disappointment and lingering sickies. It is this:  I think I might be obsessed with Hello Soul, Hello Business. Class started a week or so ago and I cannot (cannot!) stop checking in on our students, emailing back and forth with Beth, getting excited, getting more excited, reading all the responses in the classroom, in the facebook group, and on and on.

It feels like Christmas. Like when you work on a special, secret gift for someone for a long long time and then the day arrives (Christmas) and they receive it and they not only love it, but they LOVE it and you just beam with pride and joy. Pride and joy...because there was so much love and thought and effort that went into making that gift special. Because you made it just for them. Because creating that gift was a heart + soul experience for yourself in many ways and their joy in receiving it, really really receiving it, is the greatest feeling ever.

So yes, that's where I'm at right now. I'm beaming. And feeling a bit like a mama bear, crazy proud of it all - the students, the course (Beth and I are proud parents of the content which is a baby that we birthed for a long, long time), and how it's all unfolding...for all of us. Just really grateful. Really, really grateful.

Sponsor Spotlights: Soul*Full eCourse, Life Book, Blogging from the Heart, Illuminating Words + 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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I believe you are valuable and your stories are importantPersonal Growth + Connection + Soul*Full Photos = TransformationYou deserve abundance in all areas of your life!Why wait?!Join me!Soul*Full eCourse
Join award winning photographer Catherine Just in this Soul*Full eCourse designed just for women.
Interviews with: Miguel Ruiz, Douglas Beasley, Andrea Scher, Beth Nicholls, Sheri Rosenthal, Aline Smithson and Susannah Conway.
We will dive into photography to help you re-learn how to "see"Writing exercises to move more toward gratitudeLearn new ways to trust that the universe supports youMix all that with some healthy recipes, pampering, rest and rejuvenation and you've got the ingredients for a more Soul*Filled Life! Join us!
What others are saying:"I have so much more to say to you about your lovely e-course – 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, oh fearless leader, I hope you seriously consider a SoulFull 2!" – Rachael F.
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"Life Book, a celebration and honouring of YOU", is a year-long mixed art class organised by Tamara Laporte from Willowing Arts. She is joined by 15 incredible art teachers who are all gearing up to share their mixed media techniques with YOU! Themed around self-development andhealing, you'll be creating a minimum of 2 loose mixed media art journal pages per month (through a minimum of 2 lessons a month) which by the end of the year you will bind into a glorious journal (a Life Book!). This gorgeous book will have chronicled your journey, artistic growth and personal development for the year! Come join the 950+ students who have already joined Life Book on an EPIC year-long mixed media art journey NOW! The course started on January 1st 2012, but can be joined at any time! (All videos and PDFs can be downloaded and kept – plus there are going to be many extra activities in addition to the 32 lessons you're already getting). Read the WEEKLY year schedule by CLICKING HERE. It's not too late to join! http://www.willowing.org/lifebook.html

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Introducing a brand new course for creative bloggers!
When I wrote my first blog post April 2006 I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Blogging gave me a reason to pick up my camera and helped me find my voice again. It rekindled my love of poetry and brought me friendships and support. And now here I am, blogging under my own name at SusannahConway.com, running a creative biz online and penning books — and all of this came from being brave and posting some words on the internet.

In short, blogging has changed my life.

In my new course Blogging from the Heart I'll teach you how to share your life and heart online as a way to express yourself creatively, dive deep and meet like-minded friends along the way. This five-week course includes in-depth lessons, tons of writing prompts, interviews with inspiring bloggers and absolutely everything I know about crafting a blog that truly reflects who you are.

Registration opens Sunday February 5th!

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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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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. 

************** 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!

what you're saying

"Just wanted to say thankyou. This has just opened up massive possibilities for me."

"I know this course is going to change my life and it's only Day 2"

"I have been so excited that I woke up one night and started working on stuff at 2am because you guys had my brain going, thank you!  :)  I am all smiles.  That night I designed new gift certificates and already sold $150 worth.....so it is working, thought you girls should know!"

"I am loving the whole basis and energy that this class emits.  It's an incredible amount of work that you  have put together for us, I can see that just after the first week.  I just love the energy and warmth that you both seem to manage so well to generate even over the net and also when we're on the topic of business.  It's refreshing, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable.  I am loving all the unearthing, learning, discovering, writing, drawing and all the while looking at this from such a different approach, one that makes so much sense though!  Thank you, words just don't come as perfectly as I'd like to say thank you for such an incredible online course!"

"It works… It works… I have a mission forming!!"

"Stunning exercises."

"Am loving every minute of the course. The audios from Day 1 blew me away and the exercises today are fantastic."

"I ended writing until my hand hurt. What a great exercise!"

"I believe I'm at the right place here. I have been learning all about traditional ways of growing a business, but I always felt that something was missing. No one talked about the soul part. So, I felt alone, different and felt that my business will never grow, because I'm looking for the 'soul' part… Now I know it is possible!! Thank you!"

"Love, love, love this assignment. Answering the questions about my business's soul self gave me insight into the very reason I took the course! Amazing to get what I came for on day one!
I have been so moved by this first day that I can't stop writing in my journal."



We're closing registration TODAY at midnight PST. This is your chance. Come join us. It's astonishingly amazing, important! All the deets here.  

letting it go

 (self portrait last week in Atlanta, hours before getting super sick)
I'm not supposed to be here - at home, that is. I'm supposed to be in the gorgeous San Miguel on a painting retreat with several dear friends. A retreat that has been in the works and plans for months. A retreat that I used as my "light at the end of the tunnel" mantra for the past many crazy busy weeks. A retreat that I had a gut feeling would be a portal into some sort of important shift in life.

It wasn't meant to be, I suppose. I've been moping around the house the last couple of days trying not to feel sorry for myself. I had a few good cries. And they helped. But still, the disappointment lingers.

I'm not sure what it is about Januaries, but they literally make me sick. My pattern is one good sinus infection in the fall and then total wipe-out in January. Funny how that happens. I should have known! Ah well. I'm working hard on letting this one go in hopes and in faith that something else will be around the corner to usher me into community and sunshine. It's hard, though, letting this one go after so many months of planning and looking forward to it. Could be worse. This I know.

Here's what I've been doing to amuse myself in between sleeping marathons:
-Reading the stack of magazines that have been piling up since October. Country Living and O are my faves.
-Perusing pinterest. This sign made me chuckle out loud.
-Watching The Bachelor - I'm totally sucked in. 
-Catching up on blog reading which happens about once/month these days. Current current blog crush: Just Something I Made
-Wondering if I really need P90X to lose the twenty pounds I gained last year or if I should instead consider giving up the double stuffed oreos
-Loving on my family and letting them love on me
-Checking in on our students over at the Hello Soul Hello Business e-course. They're lit up, inspired, and so am I. The conversations and discussions are deep and I'm loving the aha's we're all having together. What I love about this course is that I'm learning in very big ways right along with everyone else. I'm a tough student so this is good news for me! 
-Sending myself emails and voice recordings from bed. Do you guys do that? Reminders, thoughts, ideas - all sent to myself via the trusty iphone.
-Avoiding my still packed luggage for Mexico.
-Watching the snow fall here in Portland - really quiet and beautiful.

to what you can do, there are....

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"Whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth. And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - Paulo Coelho

It's here!

   
 It has started, friends. And the anticipation has been worth it.It's amazing, thrilling, and I'm so excited to be a part of it. You don't want to miss this.It's extraordinary.Important.Life changing.
It's not too late to join in. Registration closes soon.

 PS: Had to share the above illustration of me and Beth. It's such a perfect representation of how we both feel as we launch this course - lessons, nerves, emotions, the journey of it, the worldwide community of it, the sisterhood of that community. This was a surprise gift from one of our amazing contributors, Hazel Burton, who will be illustrating a few lessons in the course. We are so thrilled and thankful to her for her talent, and her heart. 

living room re-do

The holiday decorations came down and that inspired us (me) to rearrange our living room quite a bit from the original set up. I thought I'd share with you how our main room looks these days. It's changed a bit now that True is running around and operation baby proof happened.

 We took out the old coffee table and replaced it with one that is safe for toddlers (Ikea).

We also got rid of our fireplace screen and simply cleaned out the fireplace and filled it with suitcases (a great toy storage area!).

I gave our chair a quick little facelift by tucking a favorite blanket on the seat cushion. LOVE the instant makeover and how the fabric coordinates with our yellow rug. I'm crazy in love with anything yellow these days especially if gray is nearby. The piece of furniture you see above is another great toy storage area.


We moved our couch up against the wall (more floor room for play!) and created an entire wall of birdie paintings....



Paintings are by me, Mati Rose, Amy Ruppel, Rachel Austin, and the birdcage project was detailed here with before + after photos. Love that thing.


We're still working on making our house a home - I suppose that part never ends (in a good way). I love how our homes evolve right along with us so that the spaces become functional as our functions and needs change. Right now we're working on building an entire wall of bookshelves around our dining room entry way - seriously looking forward to how that turns out. I google image searched for ideas and was seriously inspired to begin. I'll keep you updated!

Sponsor Spotlights: Leah Creates, Jane Davenport, Cara Harjes, How to Build a Blog You Truly Love,

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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I make websites for creative entrepreneurs (artists, yoga teachers, coaches, etc). My designs are clean and professional, with a whimsical edge. I pride myself in making my clients' personalities truly shine in their web presence. I currently have three website offerings, ranging in price from $750 to $2,950. All are built on the Wordpress platform so that you can manage your content (including a blog!) on your own. I also specialize in e-shops built in Shopify. Additionally, I offer web presence consulting and content strategy so we can make your existing site truly work for you and your business. Come on over and say hello. Mention that you saw this ad on Kelly Rae's site for 10% off a consulting package or Starter Site. Visit me at leahcreates.com.
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i HEART drawing 5 week online class. Registration open now.My first job out of school was as a fashion illustrator. I went on to study at Fashion schools in London and Paris, and became a textile and fashion designer in my own right. In that time I developed my own drawing system to easily get my fashion croquis in proportion, create interesting shapes and dynamic end results. And now I am sharing my magic, heart-based drawing system with you!
My Super Power is teaching you draw beautiful faces, but my secret weapon is showing you just how easy it is to render a fashionable female figure that you can use in all sorts of illustrative ways, from journaling, to following your own fashion design dreams!
You will be creating both complex and simplistic figures with ease and confidence by class end!This class would also be a wonderful confidence-boosting gift anyone considering a career or study in the fashion industry. $155 with a special offer on my site!


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i am cara harjes. a few years ago, i left my life as a professional counselor to pursue my most creative parts. during that process, i began painting and learning a new way of life as an artist. my work looks very upbeat and joyful at first glance - and it is - but if you look past the colors and the content, you might see a little sadness and melancholy. to me, this is the best journey we can be on as humans - to find the light in the midst of darkness, but not to deny the darkness itself, for it has plenty to teach us. you can read more of my reflections on my blog www.caraharjes.wordpress.com and you can shop my paintings and prints at www.caraharjes.etsy.com. for the months of december and january, i am offering a special for kelly rae roberts readers! 15% OFF of all original pieces and FREE SHIPPING on all prints when you enter Kelly Rae in the comments section of your order!
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Here's your chance to finally shine online!
The How To Build a Blog You Truly Love eCourse is back by popular demand! Let Liv Lane – creative mentor, communications guru and veteran blogger – inspire and guide you through six weeks of soul-stirring, blog-boosting insights, exercises, all-star interviews and invaluable resources.
Learn from the best and brightest!
Soak up wisdom from 20 superstar contributors including Kelly Rae Roberts, SARK, Amanda Oaks {Kind Over Matter}, Jessica Swift {Jessica Swift}, and Maggie Whitley {Gussy Sews}.
Fall head over heels for your blog!
~ Realize your blog's true purpose and full potential.~ Joyfully write authentic, compelling posts – and NEVER run out of ideas again.~ Promote and prosper from your blog in ways that feel right to you.~ Connect with like-minded bloggers around the world and attract readers who adore your content!~ Lovingly leverage your blog to boost your business, book plan, art shop or other professional endeavors. 
DISCOUNT! Get 10% off the How To Build a Blog You Truly Love eCourse with the discount code KELLYRAE.
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Are you looking to get away from it all, and take time to work your own personal creative project? Do you tend to procrastinate, get overwhelmed, or experience blocks when it comes to making your creative dreams reality? Would you like to receive support on your inner creative process, and learn the secrets of 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 of artists for an 'illuminated' retreat experience in support your self and your inner artist. This is a retreat for YOU. Take time for yourself. Take time for your art. Find out more: http://www.debchaney.com/debchaney/Retreat.html
Deb Chaney, SCA is a Contemporary Abstract Artist, Speaker, Writer and Workshop Facilitator. www.debchaney.com**************

Can't get enough cuteness? Who can? Well, check out Lolo's Laboratory where we're cranking out cuteness by the barrel full. Our new Etsy store contains T shirts, accessories and paper goods that Lolo makes using her original surface designs and patterns. She is now debuting her line of characters called My Imaginary Friends. Her first 6 MIF characters are Diabolical, Hacker, Exhibitionist, Trouble Maker, Artsy-Fartsy and Brainiac. Bite sized, bug eyed beauties...  Get your cute on...
************** 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!

hello soul, hello biz contributors!

Beth and I are thrilled to announce the amazing people who will be contributing to The Business Soul Sessions e-course (Starts soon!). They are highly influential business and thought leaders, but most importantly they're just real people running successful businesses that are thriving both in soul and profit. Each contributor offers invaluable insights and advice in the e-course by way of juicy audio discussions, interviews, and contributions to mini masterclasses on effective strategies when it comes all things thoughtful (creative thinking, innovation, personal soul missions, business culture, and more) AND practical (marketing, PR, money, pricing, time management, income streams, longevity, and more).

I have been blown away by their contributions and CANNOT wait to share with our students their wisdom, their insights, their knowledge and their humor.  Take a look at who's in (pinch me!):

Jo Packham , publisher of Where Women Create

Jo Packham, the creator/Editor-in-Chief of Where Women Create, has been a leading innovator in the handmade publishing market for more than 30 years. A successful entrepreneur with her own publishing company, WWC PRESS (an imprint of Sterling Publishing), she is currently partnering with Stampington & Company to produce the best selling magazines: Where Women Create — Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women, and Where Women Cook, The Heart & Soul of Cooking. Jo has personally authored more than 40 titles, including her best selling titles: Where Women Create, Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration, Where Women Cook: Celebrations which features 25 of the country's top chefs, and soon to be released, Where Women Create: Book of Organization. Jo is co-founder of The Creative Connection Event.

Stacy Julian, founder of Big Picture Classes

Stacy Julian is life enthusiast, a recognized leader in the scrapbooking industry and the visionary founder of Big Picture Classes. The author of several books and the founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (2002 - 2009), Stacy is a passionate and sought-after speaker and trainer, presenting across the nation and abroad. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University and is a certified professional teacher with the Craft and Hobby Association. Stacy is married to Geoff and together they are the parents of five children. They are at home in Spokane, Washington. Visit stacyjulian.com to learn more about Stacy's crazy life.

Tim Jahnigen, founder of One World Futbol, inventor, music producer, lyricist

One World Futbol co-inventor Tim Jahnigen has a long track record as a creative problem solver. He has created and developed systems and technologies with patents pending in a diverse range of industries, from construction and banking to science and medicine. Recently, Tim created, co-developed, and pioneered the first infrared warming and therapy systems for animals for scientific and surgical applications as well as for the home. This award-winning technology is being used in labs, universities, hospitals, and homes from Singapore to Paris, at the National Institutes for Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. military to improve procedures, outcomes, and humane practices. Tim, an award-winning lyricist and music producer, is one of the producers of Sting's bi-annual Concert for the Rain Forest at Carnegie Hall. For the last nine years, he has also been a songwriting partner to multi-Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter, and musician Narada Michael Walden.

Dave  Kiersznowski, Co-founder/owner of DEMDACO

Dave is founder and co-owner (with his wife, Demi) of DEMDACO, a wholesale gift company founded in 1997, headquartered just outside Kansas City, and best known for its Willow Tree line of inspirational sculptures. After receiving a bachelor's in manufacturing engineering from Boston University, Dave earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. His more than 20 years of involvement in the gift industry includes experience in wholesale, direct selling, and Asia-based sourcing and production. He and Demi, parents of three, serve on the boards of various arts and educational organizations.

Lilla Rogers, founder of Lilla Rogers Studio

Lilla Rogers steers the ship at Lilla Rogers Studio, an international art agency representing 38 artists in textile, apparel, gift, housewares, editorial, children's books, advertising, etc.  Clients include Crate & Barrel, Blue Q, Poketo, IKEA, Target, Warner Bros., New York Times, Levi's, Godiva, Barneys New York, and hundreds of others. She has lectured internationally at venues such as ICON: the Illustration Conference, Printsource NY, the Creative Connection Event, colleges and corporations, and is frequently interviewed for her expertise as an agent, trendsetter, and artist. She has just launched her newest business:  Ruby Violet by Lilla Rogers, a 100-sku craft line for Prima Marketing which consists of a delightful colorfest of vintage-kooky jewelry kits, rubberstamps, scrapbooking papers, cuffs, and amazing embellishments.

Nancy Soriano, editorial strategist

Nancy Soriano is an editorial strategist who has worked in media and publishing for 20 years. A sought-out expert, speaker, and consultant, Nancy embodies the female American consumer and how she lives her life. Nancy was the editor in chief of Country Living Magazine for 10 years, with a monthly circulation of 1.6 million readers, where she built the magazine into a multi-platform brand to include branded books, the Country Living Fair, licensed home furnishings, special interest publications, Country Living broadcast specials with A+E, DIY Network and the Style Network, and digital. She then went on to co-found, The Creative Connection Event, a 3-day crafting and social media extravaganza. Recently, Nancy was Community Leader|Publishing Director for Craft @ F+W Media where she acquired new talent for books while transforming a traditional book business and experience into online communities of ecommerce, flash sale site, online learning and communities, events, and ebooks. She is a frequent guest on Good Morning America and Martha Stewart Sirius Radio as well as a speaker at Etsy and VK Live where she outlines the process of launching a creative business based on your passion and how to take that business to the next level. Today, Nancy consults on content creation, editorial strategy, community building, business and product development, social media marketing and e-commerce for media and design companies. An avid home cook who can usually be found baking in her kitchen weekend mornings and preparing for Sunday night dinner with family and friends, Nancy lives with her husband, son, and dog Violet in a 1924 Tudor Cottage.

Jennifer Louden, author

Jen Louden is a personal growth pioneer who help launch the self-care movement with her first book The Woman's Comfort Book. She's the author of five more books on well-being and personal wisdom that have inspired more than a million women in 9 languages. Jen has been a regular columnist for Body & Soul magazine, a radio show host on Martha Stewart's network, and a spokeswoman for companies like Real Networks and SC Johnson, and sat on Orpah's couch.  She mentors creative people who want to change the world to get on with it. She believes self-love + world-love = wholeness for all. Visit Jen at http://JenniferLouden.com.



Tracey Clark, photographer, author, teacher, and the founder of Shutter Sisters

Tracey Clark is a photographer, author, teacher, and the founder of Shutter Sisters, the online collaborative photo blog for women who love taking pictures. With a creative career spanning 20 years, Tracey brings her experience, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to everything she does; from shooting to writing to speaking and teaching. Tracey guides women on their own photographic journeys through her many classes at Big Picture Classes and has written three books; Expressive Photography: A Shutter Sisters Guide to Shooting From the Heart (Focal Press), Waiting for Baby , and Baby of Mine (Chronicle Books). Her fourth title Elevate the Everyday, a Photographic Guide to Picturing Motherhood (Focal Press) is due out in Spring 2012. Discover more at www.traceyclark.com.



Ingrid Liss, Creative Director for Demdaco

Ingrid Liss is currently the Creative Director for Demdaco, a leading wholesale company specializing in giftware, holiday and home décor.  With an emphasis on 'lifting the spirit', the Demdaco everyday giftware and Silvestri holiday brands bring unique artistry and meaningful products to market.  Ingrid directs the combined efforts of leading independent licensed artists as well as a talented in-house staff of designers and product developers. Working in partnership with craftsmen and factories overseas, Ingrid helps facilitate the interpretation of artists' designs for manufacture and importing.   Formerly the Vice President of Design and Trend for Midwest of Cannon Falls, Ingrid brings over 20 years of industry experience in product development to her position. Ingrid is also the busy mom of two beautiful teenage girls who keep her laughing and on her toes.

Willo O'Brien, founder of WilloToons

Willo O'Brien has made a career out of creativity. As an artist, entrepreneur, social supercollider, and self-described geek for over a decade, Willo has a passion for empowering fellow creatives. Willo shares her expertise advising startups, coaching creative small business owners and speaking at events around the country. In 2011, she premiered WilloToons Connect, a video series featuring fellow successful artists whose craft has evolved into a business. With an emphasis on self-care at every stage, the goal is to empower people to find and follow their passion, while creating the business of their dreams and successfully balancing the two.

Melody Ross, Co-Founder of Brave Girls Club, instructor of SOUL RESTORATION online courses

Melody Ross is one of the most well-known names in the art and design community. From her original company, Chatterbox, to her current endeavors with Brave Girls Club, Melody has always been known for her unique, soulful art; her positivity in the face of adversity; her hard-earned wisdom; and her loving, free spirit. In 1997, at the age of 25 started a worldwide product design & publishing business called Chatterbox, where she authored and published 15 books, manufactured and sold thousands of products that have become collectors items, and won countless awards for product innovation. In 2009, Melody stepped away from Chatterbox to start Brave Girls Club, a worldwide organization that combines art with life skills to help women create the lives they want to live.  Melody also now licenses several product lines in arts and crafts, books and now home decor including an extensive gift line with Demdaco and a new fabric line with Blend.

Liv Lane, founder of Choosing Beauty, Inc

Liv Lane uses her creative superpowers to illuminate the good in every day while helping women ignite their passions and purpose. Liv believes we were all born to shine; with a unique combination of business expertise and uncanny intuition, she lovingly mentors women who long to light up their lives. Emerging from a three-year struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe postpartum depression, Liv started her Choosing Beauty blog in 2006. Orginally created as a personal healing project, it quickly gained a global following, generating enough opportunities and creative adrenaline to catapult Liv out of her comfy corporate PR gig and into the full-time, soul-stirring adventure of crafting an artful life – working as a blogger, speaker, mixed media artist, broadcaster and creative consultant for crazy-cool clients ranging from blossoming bloggers to behemoth brands. Liv also has extensive expertise in radio; she spent nearly 10 years on-air {both locally and nationally} and created a successful radio promotions company in 2003 that continues to serve hundreds of radio stations and major U.S. consumer brands. In early 2011, she launched the How To Build a Blog You Truly Love e-course. Liv lives in Minnesota with her husband Brad, their two young boys, one crazy dog and an army of invisible angels.



Jessica Swift, artist + designer

Jessica Swift is a full-time artist and surface pattern designer (a one-woman show!) who believes that our childhood dreams and obsessions are the key to knowing the work we're meant to do as adults.  She remembers creating posters as a kid, filling large bubble letters with vibrant, hand-drawn patterns and decorating every surface she could get her hands on. Twenty some years later, Jessica's childhood fascination with color and pattern continues. From licensed products to objects made in her own studio, Jessica's eponymous brand of surface designs and vibrant gift/home products is centered around her daring use of color and quirky & fun pattern sense. Her aim? To elicit happiness, play, and light-heartedness in the world through her work. Jessica grew up in Boulder, Colorado, earned a BFA from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and 2 cats. Her work can be seen on her website: http://www.jessicaswift.com, in her etsy shop: http://www.jessgonacha.etsy.com, and on her blog: http://www.jessicaswift.com/treasuring/.



Susannah Conway, photographer, writer and the creator of the Unravelling e-courses. 

Susannah Conway is a photographer, writer and the creator of the wildly popular Unravelling e-courses. She holds a HND in photography and a first-class degree in journalism, and spent many years in London working as a journalist before her world shattered with the sudden death of her partner in 2005. Returning to the south coast to heal in solitude, Susannah rediscovered her true calling though her passion for photography and writing; setting up her own photography business in 2007 she began teaching self-awareness workshops locally that used the camera as a tool for healing, drawing on everything she'd learned on her grief journey. That class evolved into the Unravelling e-course — launched in January 2009 — soon followed by a sequel, Living in My World in 2010 and her newest offering, Photo Meditations, in 2011. To date her courses have attracted over 3,000 participants from 40 countries around the world. A Polaroid addict and very proud aunt, her first book, This I Know: Notes on Unraveling the Heart (Globe Pequot Press), launches in June 2012. Co-author of Instant Love: How to Make Magic and Memories with Polaroids (Chronicle Books, 2012), she helps women reconnect to their true selves, using photography as the key to open the door. You can read more about her shenanigans on her blog at SusannahConway.com.

Rachael Taylor, designer, textile artist, and founder of Rachael Taylor Designs

Rachael Taylor is an internationally-acclaimed surface pattern designer and textile artist, she has a large number of prestigious clients around the globe along with securing a number of licensed ranges sold worldwide. She also runs and manufactures her own successful product label in the UK. Her works decorates the world and you can find her work products areas such as stationery through to home-wares and fashion. Rachael creates 'patterns to make you happy' her zest for life & colour really comes through in her designs and brand. In 2009 she was awarded the title of 'The Happiest person in Britain'. Her patterns are spontaneous as Rachael loves to draw with her right & left hand and sometimes even with her eyes closed. This way her patterns are unique & full of energy, she takes inspiration from everything around her & a lot of her motifs come from her own mood & personality. Her designs are regularly featured in the press and has been featured on television; along with with being published in six design books in the past two years. Rachael is also the co founder of the brand new e-course 'The Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design' which has attracted an international audience and a number of esteemed contributors. In the course Rachael shares her design expertise and industry insider knowledge and experience to help others get into and succeed in the exciting world of surface pattern design. The young designer has achieved so much in such a short time span after graduating from The University of Leeds in 2005. Rachael is originally from the Wirral, Merseyside; she now lives and in Leeds, UK with her partner and husky dog Alfie. Her design studio is also based in Leeds, where she connects with her international clients via the web. Her work can be seen on her website: http://www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk/, and on her blog: http://rachaeltaylordesigns.blogspot.com/. Her ecourse can be found here:http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/pattern/

Alessandra Cave, photographer + film producer

Alessandra Cave is a photographer and film producer, who has worked in arts and entertainment for over 20 years. Originally from Brazil, she moved abroad when she was only 17 years old to build the life of her dreams. She studied dance, photography, illustration, film and advertising, and after gaining an MA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she embarked on a successful career of over 10 years, producing visual effects for commercials and motion pictures. Her projects have been widely acclaimed and awarded, and she worked on well known titles such as: The Matrix, Hellboy, Charlotte's Web, Spiderwick Chronicles, A Christmas Carol and the Twilight series. In that exciting yet very demanding job, Alessandra lead crews of 200+ artists, worked on sets and locations overseas, managed multi-million dollar budgets and collaborated with some really amazing directors. But after making a few too many effects-driven movies, Alessandra's need to express her own vision grew stronger, and in 2009, she started her own photography business, offering both her producing and artistic skills to her clients. Inspired by the way her images created a real sense of growth and opportunity for small and indie businesses, she also began teaching product photography workshops to help crafters and artists improve their exposure and sales. Alessandra is passionate about empowering others to follow their creative passion. Her highly anticipated e-course "Shoot your Craft" will launch in 2012. She is also the creator of the popular wanderlust blog Gypsy Girl's Guide, and she is a regular contributor at Shutter Sisters, an inspiring community of women photographers.

Tara Reed, artist and founder of ArtLicensingInfo.com

Tara Reed is an artist and serial entrepreneur who never tires of learning and trying new things.  Starting her art career designing in the scrapbooking industry, she branched out into the wider world of art licensing in 2004.  Tara's company, Tara Reed Designs, Inc. has art featured on a variety of products worldwide - from quilting fabric to garden flags, dishes, kitchen textiles, craft supplies and more.   Armed with a degree in Marketing from Penn State University, sales experience and a passion for art, she learned the business of licensing through trial and error.  She now shares what she has learned through her blog and eProducts at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com.   Tara is on the advisory board of SURTEX - the premier art licensing industry trade show and speaks and teaches about art licensing on a regular basis. Tara is also the author of two eBooks for any artist in business:  "How to Be a Press Friendly Artist" helps creative minds of all kinds learn the ins and outs of getting free publicity - from how to write a press release to who to send them to and publishing them online.  In addition, she created a goal setting system for artists and creative minds - The Goal Wheel for Artists.  Based on the color wheel it helps artists focus and move their creative businesses forward while leaving plenty of time to work from inspiration. Tara Reed lives in Portland, Oregon with her son Kyle.  When not creating art for licensing or blogging about the business, she can be found renovating a 1923 Craftsman home with her soon-to-be husband Craig.  Tara firmly believes that if you can see it, you can create it - follow your dreams and amazing things will happen!

Amy Barickman, Author of Vintage Notions, Founder/Owner of  Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop, Creative Arts Entrepreneur

Amy Barickman, founder and owner of Indygo Junction and  The Vintage Workshop is a leader in the sewing, needle arts and retail crafting industry. Her recent endeavors include Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun (September 2010) and Hankie Style (2009). Amy founded Indygo Junction in 1990 to publish and market sewing books and patterns and to showcase the work of leading sewing and craft designers. Amy's knack for anticipating popular trends has led her to discover more than 35 innovative artists and designers. Through Indygo Junction, Amy has published nearly 1000 pattern titles, sold over two-million pattern titles, licensed craft kits and fabric lines with top fabric, fashion & novelty companies, published 80 books that have sold at stores throughout the U.S. and internationally. Amy also founded The Vintage Workshop in 2002 to create products that allow crafters online access to timeless vintage artwork, which may be printed on fabrics. Her digitized vintage designs are available to download from her website at www.thevintageworkshop.com and on CD. Amy's book, Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun, was the logical next step for her, as she continues her quest to provide women with imaginative and inventive ideas that show them how to use their talents and skills in the best way possible. Amy and her work have received much acclaim in the news media, including on home and fashion shows and in magazines and industry periodicals. In addition, Amy had the recent honor of being named one of Country Living magazine's prestigious Creative Women Entrepreneurs. She has made television appearances on HGTV's"The Carol Duvall Show," and Public Television's "America Quilts" and is a regular guest on the PBS series "Sewing with Nancy."

Jennifer Lee, founder of Artizen Coaching and author of The Right-Brain Business Plan

Jennifer Lee is the founder of Artizen Coaching and author of  The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success  (New World Library, 2011). Her bestselling book has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world grow their businesses authentically and creatively.Before pursuing her own passions full-time, she consulted for ten years for companies such as Gap Inc., Accenture, Sony, and HP, helping leaders and organizations manage change. She grew her coaching business in her spare time, and in 2006 Jennifer made the leap from corporate America to entrepreneurship after realizing she needed to stop living her own dream on the side. Jennifer has been featured in Whole Living, Entrepreneur, Family Circle, Cloth Paper Scissors Studios, and Choice magazines. She received her coaching certification and leadership training through the prestigious Coaches Training Institute and is a certified yoga instructor and a certified Expressive Arts Facilitator. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her creative, rather left-brain husband and their adorable beagle mix.


Hazel Burton, illustrator and entrepreneur

Hazel Burton, is enthusiastically ready for life part 3 !  After drawing horses and ponies for the last seven years as the creator/designer of Sugar Cubes Ponies, an online gift company for girls who love ponies, she's ready for a change. Post-divorce and creatively re-inspired she's enjoying an indulgent journey of discovery. Loving the freedom of photoshop and getting messy with real paints and paper Hazel would like to pursue a career in Illustration. Hazel is about to launch an exciting new company with her sister Shelagh based in the French Alps. 'do something daring' will be especially for women who want to wake up their sense of adventure, get out of their comfort zones and do something 'that scares them so much they'll realise just how powerful they really are.' Hazel lives in an old, rented farmhouse with her 3 teenagers, and a bunch of pets, including chickens in the beautiful Shropshire countryside. She spends as much time as possible on a dance floor and will one day make it to Argentina to practice her Tango properly.  Hazel has provided all the beautiful illustrations for this course. See more of her work here.


Celeste Shaw, founder of Chaps restaurant + bakery

Celeste Shaw is a Spokane, Washington businesswoman, entrepreneur, and contributing writer for several magazines. Her highly successful restaurant CHAPS, opened in 2006 to immediate critical acclaim, garnering the region's "Top Table Award" in only its second year of operation. CHAPS annually receives acknowledgement from the food industry and voting patrons as "Best" in breakfast and family restaurant categories. Not simply content with the success of CHAPS, Celeste expanded it adding her bakery called "Cake" to complement the restaurant. CHAPS is now considered a  "must visit" destination for the area, as underscored and featured on the Food Network's "Diners Drive Inns and Dives"© in November 2010. Celeste also opened a boutique shop "PINK" a salvage, architectural, antique shop with dear friends in Spokane Washington. Ralph Lauren, Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom are just a few many shoppers who frequent the eclectic store. Celeste is extremely proud of her country girl, Montana roots and heritage, where as a teenager she excelled in track, being selected as one of the youngest members of the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympics Team before the Games were boycotted. By education and training, she has a Degree in nursing, specializing as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse, having been voted "Nurse of The Year," and traveling worldwide with pediatric surgical trauma teams. She is the proud mother of boys.
Celeste's architectural, artistic, culinary, and decorating talents are not only on display at CHAPS, but have been featured nationally in several publications and books. Take a peek into her delicious restaurant here, or connect on Facebook here.



Leigh Standley, artist and founder of Curly Girl Design


Kari Chapin, author of The Handmade Marketplace


Arina Isaacson, master storyteller and professional theatrical clown



Rachael Hibbert, artist and bookkeeper


 Now is your time.Come join us and be a part of something remarkable!It all starts 1/16.

new logo!

I got a new logo! I really love it. It was designed by Jessica Swift, who is a total force. Have you seen her rainboots? Cute!

It's been a long time since I've created any sort of biz stationery, so I got busy with the new logo and here's what I designed using the oh so useful Vista Print (I use them for biz cards, postcards, etc etc):

Mailing labels!
Postcards! 
New business cards!
 
I'm feeling invigorated these days - inspired to make things feel more creative + handmade. Looking forward to using the above for all sorts of reasons, including inside packages when the shop re-opens with prints! I'm also loving playing with photoshop a bit more. John bought me a wacom for Christmas and it has TOTALLY inspired me to play.
Thank you, new logo, creative play, and new biz stationery!

 ps: We'll be talking about very specific ways you too can beautify your business (with contributor Jessica Swift who designed my logo!) during the upcoming ecourse, The Business Soul Sessions: Where Passion Meets Profit. Come join us for the soul stirring experience!


I revised the "I read..." button - feel free to grab it for your sidebars and such (thank you!)