Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 76
June 29, 2011
Giveaway winners!!!
Okay, you guys, this was so fun....below are the thirteen winners to last week's giveaways. All winners were chosen randomly by me except for the all expense paid trip. Because Demdaco is graciously sponsoring that trip, they did the honors of choosing a winner. They had a hard time choosing just one winner so they chose one winner for the trip and four other winners to receive a box of Kelly Rae products! Thank you, Demdaco, for your generosity!
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #1:
All expense paid trip with me + original painting : Jackie who said "Happy Birthday!! What an amazing giveaway. I would love a chance to hang out with you and do art! Passions are a funny thing, sometimes lost, but if they are truly in your heart they will emerge and grow. A few years ago I had my designs stolen from a licensing company, it crushed my passion, but through failure and hurt I have re-emerged and started creating again, even teaching, this would mean so much to me and be a testiment to follow your heart! Your a true inspiration, many wishes on your day today :) Smiles, Jackie"
Bonus winner #1 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Cindy DeLuz who said, "Oh my...Here goes: KRR has been an inspirational rae of light for me for nearly 5 years now. Soon after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2007, I unexpectedly came across a blog written by a sweet gal who had dancing eyes. This talented young woman exposed her tender heart with her beautifully written words and pastel colored images. She wrote about vulnerability, a boy named John, an airplane eared pooch, and dreams come true. She unknowingly brought new meaning to my life as she openly shared her world. It's almost impossible to put into words what winning this trip would mean to me. It would be a poignant piece for my rather upside-down life puzzle. It would also remind my 16 yr.old daughter that dreams do come true. I would love the opportunity to hug and thank Kelly Rae Roberts in person. It would be a highlight in my life, blissfully surreal. So in true KRR style, I continue to listen to my heart whispers while trusting in the journey."
Bonus winner #2 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Marcia who said, "Wow! That's a crazy giveaway! I'm an elementary art teacher and it would be sooo cool to travel to meet a successful working artists (you!) who might be able to give me tidbits of inspiration to share with my little students. Maybe one day some of them will decide to become an artist for their career. I would hope to video tape you creating art, and show the process of how your artwork becomes licensed products. It would be an amazing experience for me, but also I would be able to bring back the video to show my school. We would probably even be able to have a special assembly to show the video. Anyways, now I'm dreaming of possibilities!"
Bonus winner #3 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Cecelia who said, "Hello Kelly and Happy Birthday. I feel like I know you. I was first introduced to your products by my Demdaco Rep. and she also tolded me about your book. I emailed you to find out how to get copies to sell in my store. You emailed me right away Thank you. When reading your book I was sooo inspired I started to create myself. In 2010 I had to close my store but I'am following my dream to create and inspire other people that they can also follow there dreams. I would love to own an orginal of yours to add to my collections and would love love to meet you in person and fly to Demdaco. Thank you for all you do it gives me Hope. Cecelia"
Bonus winner #4 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Jquinn who said, "You're so stinkin cool: I need to win this opportunity! A registered art therapist, I have worked with adult oncology patients at the bedside 12 years. I witness and live the importance of putting life in my years. I strive to think outside the box. The internet provides a mesmerizing canvas to glimpse worldwide creative happenings: I often shout YES! There is enough room at the table. Art can come in the back door: can't draw a straight line, a crooked line is far more interesting. With art, you can learn to use images when words don't work: rock on!"
International bonus winner to receive an original painting by me: Kirsten who said, "Infinite goodness has such wide arms, and Your generosity this week just shows how deeply you are moved to share your happiness and truth with others. I am so lucky to know your art and would love to share it with the abused women I work with here in Uganda, who both ARE and NEED inspiration, all at once."
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #2 Original painting: Michel who said,"What an amazing week! I love these posts and that bike seat cover is adorable!! my summer will consist of as many canoe rides in the river as possible but I can never get enough of them."
$75 to spend in the online shop: She Uses Her Words who said, "Hi Kelly Rae, What jumped out at me in this post is you saying that the people in China choose beauty. A conscious decision right down to the small details. Awesome! What I am loving about this summer is that my husband just finished radiation treatment and he doesn't have to go back to work until August 1st. We are spending lots of time together just appreciating what we have and God's beauty that is all around us. We live in farm country so everything is just a luscious green! Thanks for offering your wonderful giveaways. If I win the $75 I will finally be able to get one of the girly-girls. They always make me smile! Take Care and Happy Creating! Karen
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #3
Original painting: Matty who said, "I'm 62 and my daughter urged me to blog, to see what it was all about I chose one blog to follow. Kelly Rae, that was yours. I followed you as if you were my own daughter, through yr. pregnancy, birth of baby True. I bought your book and loved, loved, loved it. Your willingness to share, (such as these Demdaco details) has been so helpful to me. I've been a "closet-artist" most of my life, somehow I just couldn't get out the words "I am an artist" and because of all I've learned from you and the many links and people your blog has turned me onto, I am creating and having more fun with my artwork than ever before. Thank You Kelly Rae!"
$100 to spend in the online shop: Kimberly Renee who said, "Thanks for doing this week of giveaways! the thrill and suspense of maybe being picked is so exciting! :) We are celebrating a beautiful life lived :: my husbuddy's grandma. She was so beautiful, Kelly. She wrote poetry and lived as if she was in the most perfect, joyful life, even when she was old and in a lot of pain. She loved me in such a real and meaningful way-even more than my own grandparents!(at least she showed it better) It was amazing how she just poured her heart and love and encouragement into me. She even loved my artwork more than any other family member :) {at least i like to think so, hee hee} Anyway, over the week of 4th of July, the family is getting together for a "Celebration of Grandma" week. It's going to be beautiful, so right now Husbuddy and I are trying to come up with something creative and beautiful to honor her. I pray that through this week we can find peace in her beautiful life even though she is gone. Thanks for this!"
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #4
Original painting: Shelly who said, "I want to celebrate " A Place Called Home" in Maple Grove, MN. I walked in there recently and saw "Kelly Rae Roberts" everywhere. I have to admit that I felt a tinge of pride that I have been following you for years and had already known that your awesome product would be coming to stores soon. Happy Birthday and Congrats on your amazing success!"
$50 to spend in the online shop : Janice Faye who said, "KRR, thank you so much for being such an inspiration and honest voice about your work! When my niece was born I went to the hospital to visit on her very first day alive. I went into the hospital gift shop to get some flowers and as soon as I walked in the door I noticed your products displayed throughout the store! I was so excited!! I had to buy a couple of things, of course. It was such an exciting day!!"
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #5
Original painting: Susan Ball who said, "I seriously want to thank you from the bottom of my very soul. You have brought to all of us hope, courage, the permission to dream, and the wings to soar through your lovely products and your blog. This week was such a treat. To read about your relationship with Demdaco was so inspirational. I love to see what goes on behind the scenes and learn how a product makes it from your studio to my home. Very cool. Thank you Kelly Rae, for being you and for teaching me to be true to myself."
THANK YOU SO MUCH!Your support means everything...
Winners, get in touch with me so we can coordinate! Please send an email to kellyraeroberts[at]gmail[dot]com so we can get this party started. Thank you! If we don't hear from you in 10 days, we'll pick another winner.
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #1:
All expense paid trip with me + original painting : Jackie who said "Happy Birthday!! What an amazing giveaway. I would love a chance to hang out with you and do art! Passions are a funny thing, sometimes lost, but if they are truly in your heart they will emerge and grow. A few years ago I had my designs stolen from a licensing company, it crushed my passion, but through failure and hurt I have re-emerged and started creating again, even teaching, this would mean so much to me and be a testiment to follow your heart! Your a true inspiration, many wishes on your day today :) Smiles, Jackie"
Bonus winner #1 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Cindy DeLuz who said, "Oh my...Here goes: KRR has been an inspirational rae of light for me for nearly 5 years now. Soon after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2007, I unexpectedly came across a blog written by a sweet gal who had dancing eyes. This talented young woman exposed her tender heart with her beautifully written words and pastel colored images. She wrote about vulnerability, a boy named John, an airplane eared pooch, and dreams come true. She unknowingly brought new meaning to my life as she openly shared her world. It's almost impossible to put into words what winning this trip would mean to me. It would be a poignant piece for my rather upside-down life puzzle. It would also remind my 16 yr.old daughter that dreams do come true. I would love the opportunity to hug and thank Kelly Rae Roberts in person. It would be a highlight in my life, blissfully surreal. So in true KRR style, I continue to listen to my heart whispers while trusting in the journey."
Bonus winner #2 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Marcia who said, "Wow! That's a crazy giveaway! I'm an elementary art teacher and it would be sooo cool to travel to meet a successful working artists (you!) who might be able to give me tidbits of inspiration to share with my little students. Maybe one day some of them will decide to become an artist for their career. I would hope to video tape you creating art, and show the process of how your artwork becomes licensed products. It would be an amazing experience for me, but also I would be able to bring back the video to show my school. We would probably even be able to have a special assembly to show the video. Anyways, now I'm dreaming of possibilities!"
Bonus winner #3 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Cecelia who said, "Hello Kelly and Happy Birthday. I feel like I know you. I was first introduced to your products by my Demdaco Rep. and she also tolded me about your book. I emailed you to find out how to get copies to sell in my store. You emailed me right away Thank you. When reading your book I was sooo inspired I started to create myself. In 2010 I had to close my store but I'am following my dream to create and inspire other people that they can also follow there dreams. I would love to own an orginal of yours to add to my collections and would love love to meet you in person and fly to Demdaco. Thank you for all you do it gives me Hope. Cecelia"
Bonus winner #4 to receive a box of Kelly Rae product from Demdaco: Jquinn who said, "You're so stinkin cool: I need to win this opportunity! A registered art therapist, I have worked with adult oncology patients at the bedside 12 years. I witness and live the importance of putting life in my years. I strive to think outside the box. The internet provides a mesmerizing canvas to glimpse worldwide creative happenings: I often shout YES! There is enough room at the table. Art can come in the back door: can't draw a straight line, a crooked line is far more interesting. With art, you can learn to use images when words don't work: rock on!"
International bonus winner to receive an original painting by me: Kirsten who said, "Infinite goodness has such wide arms, and Your generosity this week just shows how deeply you are moved to share your happiness and truth with others. I am so lucky to know your art and would love to share it with the abused women I work with here in Uganda, who both ARE and NEED inspiration, all at once."
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #2 Original painting: Michel who said,"What an amazing week! I love these posts and that bike seat cover is adorable!! my summer will consist of as many canoe rides in the river as possible but I can never get enough of them."
$75 to spend in the online shop: She Uses Her Words who said, "Hi Kelly Rae, What jumped out at me in this post is you saying that the people in China choose beauty. A conscious decision right down to the small details. Awesome! What I am loving about this summer is that my husband just finished radiation treatment and he doesn't have to go back to work until August 1st. We are spending lots of time together just appreciating what we have and God's beauty that is all around us. We live in farm country so everything is just a luscious green! Thanks for offering your wonderful giveaways. If I win the $75 I will finally be able to get one of the girly-girls. They always make me smile! Take Care and Happy Creating! Karen
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #3
Original painting: Matty who said, "I'm 62 and my daughter urged me to blog, to see what it was all about I chose one blog to follow. Kelly Rae, that was yours. I followed you as if you were my own daughter, through yr. pregnancy, birth of baby True. I bought your book and loved, loved, loved it. Your willingness to share, (such as these Demdaco details) has been so helpful to me. I've been a "closet-artist" most of my life, somehow I just couldn't get out the words "I am an artist" and because of all I've learned from you and the many links and people your blog has turned me onto, I am creating and having more fun with my artwork than ever before. Thank You Kelly Rae!"
$100 to spend in the online shop: Kimberly Renee who said, "Thanks for doing this week of giveaways! the thrill and suspense of maybe being picked is so exciting! :) We are celebrating a beautiful life lived :: my husbuddy's grandma. She was so beautiful, Kelly. She wrote poetry and lived as if she was in the most perfect, joyful life, even when she was old and in a lot of pain. She loved me in such a real and meaningful way-even more than my own grandparents!(at least she showed it better) It was amazing how she just poured her heart and love and encouragement into me. She even loved my artwork more than any other family member :) {at least i like to think so, hee hee} Anyway, over the week of 4th of July, the family is getting together for a "Celebration of Grandma" week. It's going to be beautiful, so right now Husbuddy and I are trying to come up with something creative and beautiful to honor her. I pray that through this week we can find peace in her beautiful life even though she is gone. Thanks for this!"
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #4
Original painting: Shelly who said, "I want to celebrate " A Place Called Home" in Maple Grove, MN. I walked in there recently and saw "Kelly Rae Roberts" everywhere. I have to admit that I felt a tinge of pride that I have been following you for years and had already known that your awesome product would be coming to stores soon. Happy Birthday and Congrats on your amazing success!"
$50 to spend in the online shop : Janice Faye who said, "KRR, thank you so much for being such an inspiration and honest voice about your work! When my niece was born I went to the hospital to visit on her very first day alive. I went into the hospital gift shop to get some flowers and as soon as I walked in the door I noticed your products displayed throughout the store! I was so excited!! I had to buy a couple of things, of course. It was such an exciting day!!"
Winners from Demdaco Appreciation Week Day #5
Original painting: Susan Ball who said, "I seriously want to thank you from the bottom of my very soul. You have brought to all of us hope, courage, the permission to dream, and the wings to soar through your lovely products and your blog. This week was such a treat. To read about your relationship with Demdaco was so inspirational. I love to see what goes on behind the scenes and learn how a product makes it from your studio to my home. Very cool. Thank you Kelly Rae, for being you and for teaching me to be true to myself."
THANK YOU SO MUCH!Your support means everything...
Winners, get in touch with me so we can coordinate! Please send an email to kellyraeroberts[at]gmail[dot]com so we can get this party started. Thank you! If we don't hear from you in 10 days, we'll pick another winner.
here.
(butterfly shaped leaf, found on my neighbood sidewalk)I'm not sure if it's being a new mama or witnessing new life, both within myself or in baby True, or the poetic beauty of this recent find, but my hearts feels so wide open lately to how achingly beautiful and fragile our lives really are. One day we are here connecting and traveling and eating and worrying and making and doing and building and loving and breathing, and then one day we are gone. I like to think that maybe when we're no longer here on earth, we leave behind delicate messages like the butterfly shaped leaf above or heart shaped anything for those who are still here - guerrilla spiritual messages from one soul to another. After all, we're all just spiritual beings......traveling, intertwining, fluttering, and dancing with one another all along whether we have human suits, or not.
That's where my heart is. It's just open. And very very grateful to be here.
*****************************
PS: Hang tight...winners from last week's giveaways are coming soon (Demdaco and I are working through all the wonderful comments!)!
Retailers, you've been asking for a card displayer and it's here, just for you:
June 27, 2011
joy, life, silly
Hi friends,Just wanted to do a quick post to say THANK YOU so much for all the fun last week. Your comments, the giveaways, the sharing of Demdaco's culture, the videos, the behind the scenes of how products are made - all so fun and joyful for me! Comments have been closed and we'll be choosing winners this week so please stay tuned!
It's been a crazy couple of up weeks around here, some of it tense and many moments of me holding my breath and letting it out again with a hopeful prayer. I was just cruising my photos and found the one above taken a couple of weeks ago of me, andrea, and jen - a photo that makes me smile wide. Years ago, I would have cringed at the site of me in this photo (it's not the most flattering, is it!) but nowadays all I see is JOY, and silly, and friendship, and life. It's such a simple reminder of the space I want to be in, the space I want to nurture as I come down from a crazy couple of weeks.....I wish the same for you!
xo, Kelly Rae
ps: Big thanks to Lesley Riley for our conversation which you can now hear right here. We talk about biz + motherhood, how I define success, how motherhood has changed my creativity, how balance is overrated, my current schedule, my most successful habits, my frustrating habits, the best advice I've been given lately, and where I see myself headed and so much more. I loved chatting with Lesley and could have kept going and going (thank you, Lesley!).
June 25, 2011
Sponsor Spotlights: Beth Quinn Designs, Susannah Conway, Experimental Art, Lisa Ferrante + Louise Gale
Big thanks to my sponsors...I'm really enjoying these weekly sponsor spotlights where their creative talents and businesses are featured. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email for further information!
***********
****************
Jewelry artist Beth Quinn is "a mom of two wonderful little boys, married to my best friend, and an artist who loves to create anything from paper, fabric, wood, paint and metal." Influenced by her late father's metal working and her grandmother's creativity, her jewelry is "full of her love for the old , worn and shiny ... she loves to combine texture to create jewelry that can be loved and cherished for years to come." Please head over to Beth's website where you can find her shop and her blog! Her new spring line is now available and includes a new line of children's jewelry.
***********
****************
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 & dreams and encourage personal realisations, all in the safe space of a like-minded community.
Photographer & writer Susannah Conway is your guide through this process, sharing her insights and wisdom gleaned from a four-year 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 & pen and an open heart. You can check out what past participants have said about their Unravelling journeys over here (there are videos too :)
The Summer Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self class is currently in session (enrollments for the Autumn class open August 20th), but do join the mailing list for course updates and the inspiring desktop wallpapers Susannah shares in her monthly newsletters!
***************************
the Summer 2011 experimental art e-course starts on Monday! (27th June 2011) for 6 weeks. Get ready to delve in as an online group to; painting, collage, photography, sculpting with paper and much more. Techniques and prompts are designed for both new artists and those artists who need fresh inspiration. Discover your passion, share ideas, and be in for a chance to win a free art book (on every course!) I share pdf, and web resources, and link to a wide range of artists. There are many tips and strategies for making unique pieces of art, and as a trained tutor and artist working in the UK, I will give feedback on all/any creations you share on the course. The world is our art oyster, so to start creating your individual and wonderful art ideas: enroll here, see what previous participants have said here and see links to my art and blog. There are a few places left, so I look forward to seeing you on board if you decide to join us :) Amelia.x
***************************
My name is Lisa Ferrante and I am a self taught mixed media artist. All my pieces are about love, maternal love, romantic love, self love and self empowerment. They are me exposed; each purges a powerful emotion, a profound realization, another step in my evolution as a woman. A customer recently wrote: "Lisa, your package brought me, my sister and my daughter to tears. Your generosity of spirit and kindness on top of the sheer beauty of the pieces filled us to overflowing with gratitude, love for art, artists and life! We all felt so aware that what we were celebrating was the supportive relationships between women and the amazing effects we can have on our worlds".
Kelly Rae readers receive a free gift with purchase just write in "message to seller" Kelly Rae sent me! Browse my shop at chloeandsofiasmom.etsy.com for beautiful and inspirational prints and reproductions pieces for you and every woman you love. Or check out my blog at LisaFerrante.com And please c
heck out the July/August issue of Somerset Studio Magazine to find out more about my life and art!
***************************
Looking for some inspiration?Do you believe in the universe? serendipity and synchronicity?Louise Gale is offering this FREE e-book from the "Stories from the Universe" seriesSign up here.
Hi everyone, I'm Louise Gale - Artist and Creative Living Energy Coach from "Dream-Inspire-Create"
I strongly believe that the universe sends us little messages constantly. For many years I didn't really listen until the summer of 2009. May 2011 saw my first year anniversary of being outof the corporate world and the launch of my new website.
To celebrate, I asked 11 amazing women who had inspired me on my journey so far to guest post, telling a story of Synchronicity, Serendipity andfollowing their Intuition. Thank you to all the inspiring souls who are part of this series and to my creative community who have supported and grown with me.
Please pop over to sign up to my list to get your e-book of 37 pages of stories, images and lovely inspiration.
Thank you Kelly Rae for also being part of this inspiring series.
***********
****************
Jewelry artist Beth Quinn is "a mom of two wonderful little boys, married to my best friend, and an artist who loves to create anything from paper, fabric, wood, paint and metal." Influenced by her late father's metal working and her grandmother's creativity, her jewelry is "full of her love for the old , worn and shiny ... she loves to combine texture to create jewelry that can be loved and cherished for years to come." Please head over to Beth's website where you can find her shop and her blog! Her new spring line is now available and includes a new line of children's jewelry.***********
****************
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 & dreams and encourage personal realisations, all in the safe space of a like-minded community.Photographer & writer Susannah Conway is your guide through this process, sharing her insights and wisdom gleaned from a four-year 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 & pen and an open heart. You can check out what past participants have said about their Unravelling journeys over here (there are videos too :)
The Summer Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self class is currently in session (enrollments for the Autumn class open August 20th), but do join the mailing list for course updates and the inspiring desktop wallpapers Susannah shares in her monthly newsletters!
***************************
the Summer 2011 experimental art e-course starts on Monday! (27th June 2011) for 6 weeks. Get ready to delve in as an online group to; painting, collage, photography, sculpting with paper and much more. Techniques and prompts are designed for both new artists and those artists who need fresh inspiration. Discover your passion, share ideas, and be in for a chance to win a free art book (on every course!) I share pdf, and web resources, and link to a wide range of artists. There are many tips and strategies for making unique pieces of art, and as a trained tutor and artist working in the UK, I will give feedback on all/any creations you share on the course. The world is our art oyster, so to start creating your individual and wonderful art ideas: enroll here, see what previous participants have said here and see links to my art and blog. There are a few places left, so I look forward to seeing you on board if you decide to join us :) Amelia.x
***************************
My name is Lisa Ferrante and I am a self taught mixed media artist. All my pieces are about love, maternal love, romantic love, self love and self empowerment. They are me exposed; each purges a powerful emotion, a profound realization, another step in my evolution as a woman. A customer recently wrote: "Lisa, your package brought me, my sister and my daughter to tears. Your generosity of spirit and kindness on top of the sheer beauty of the pieces filled us to overflowing with gratitude, love for art, artists and life! We all felt so aware that what we were celebrating was the supportive relationships between women and the amazing effects we can have on our worlds".Kelly Rae readers receive a free gift with purchase just write in "message to seller" Kelly Rae sent me! Browse my shop at chloeandsofiasmom.etsy.com for beautiful and inspirational prints and reproductions pieces for you and every woman you love. Or check out my blog at LisaFerrante.com And please c
heck out the July/August issue of Somerset Studio Magazine to find out more about my life and art!
***************************
Looking for some inspiration?Do you believe in the universe? serendipity and synchronicity?Louise Gale is offering this FREE e-book from the "Stories from the Universe" seriesSign up here.Hi everyone, I'm Louise Gale - Artist and Creative Living Energy Coach from "Dream-Inspire-Create"
I strongly believe that the universe sends us little messages constantly. For many years I didn't really listen until the summer of 2009. May 2011 saw my first year anniversary of being outof the corporate world and the launch of my new website.
To celebrate, I asked 11 amazing women who had inspired me on my journey so far to guest post, telling a story of Synchronicity, Serendipity andfollowing their Intuition. Thank you to all the inspiring souls who are part of this series and to my creative community who have supported and grown with me.
Please pop over to sign up to my list to get your e-book of 37 pages of stories, images and lovely inspiration.
Thank you Kelly Rae for also being part of this inspiring series.
June 24, 2011
Last Day of Demdaco Appreciation Week!
I'd like to end Demdaco Appreciation Week with one final giveaway (see below) and a sneak peek of brand spankin new products that are releasing NOW!
This is likely one of my favorite product releases yet....let me show you!
We've got several large mirrors coming out but this one if my FAVE. Notice the hook on the right and shabby knob on the bottom and the little hope note on the bottom left that reads lovely you? Swoon! Yes, yes, this is a home-run for me - can't wait to put this up in our house! It's big - 18x24
We've got several canvas wall pieces hang from wooden rulers (so cool) and velvet ribbon. Love these to pieces!
Frames. Frames! Here are just two of my faves but there are many more where these came from!
Travel mugs to brighten up your morning commute - we all need a bit of artsy love in the morning, right?
We've got a few of these awesome large magnet boards - perfect for creative spaces, office spaces, home spaces. LOVE!
While we were dreaming up magnet boards, we fell in love with the idea of creating girlie shaped magnet boards so that's what we did. SO FUN!
More magnet fun with magnet sets....
We've added a few girlies to the decoratvie girlie collection. I am in love with these two. One is about Soul Sisters and the other is for all the Mama's out there.
We love these intention candles - each poses a question (what is calling you? what can you let go? what can you invite in? what are you celebrating?). These were inspired by the idea that when we take a moment to light a candle, we can take a moment to reflect, celebrate, let go....whatever it is your heart may need in the moment.
And finally, we've got some pretty awesome boxy wall art for you with artsy thick sides. Love these so much - they can hang on the wall or sit all pretty by themselves.
All of these new Demdaco products are making their debut THIS week, starting at the Dallas Market. I'll have many of these items for sale in the online shop in the coming weeks (stay tuned!).
Thank you for celebrating Demdaco with me this week! Thank you, Demdaco, for allowing me to celebrate you! Huge thanks to Dave K for the interview (I think he started a biz revolution!) and to Anne for skyping with me and helping me pull this together! Thank you to Jonathan Jones for all the tech help! Thank you to everyone at Demdaco (everyone) for sending in your photos, your retail stories, your people stories and for all the incredible work you to do to make it all happen. It does not go unnoticed.
Huge thanks to everyone out there who support the products, who buy the products, who spread the word! Thank you for all your lovely and kind comments about Demdaco and the products! We are so grateful for you!
To end Demdaco Appreciation Week, we've got one last giveaway for you! Feel free to enter each day's giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. Tell us what ANYTHING you want. What you're wearing, what you're eating, what you're crafting, what you're loving, what you're learning. Anything goes!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We'll announce the winners soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We're offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
Giveaway #3: original painting + $100 to spend on products
Giveaway #4: original painting + $50 to spend on products
This is likely one of my favorite product releases yet....let me show you!
We've got several large mirrors coming out but this one if my FAVE. Notice the hook on the right and shabby knob on the bottom and the little hope note on the bottom left that reads lovely you? Swoon! Yes, yes, this is a home-run for me - can't wait to put this up in our house! It's big - 18x24 We've got several canvas wall pieces hang from wooden rulers (so cool) and velvet ribbon. Love these to pieces! Frames. Frames! Here are just two of my faves but there are many more where these came from! Travel mugs to brighten up your morning commute - we all need a bit of artsy love in the morning, right? We've got a few of these awesome large magnet boards - perfect for creative spaces, office spaces, home spaces. LOVE! While we were dreaming up magnet boards, we fell in love with the idea of creating girlie shaped magnet boards so that's what we did. SO FUN! More magnet fun with magnet sets....
We've added a few girlies to the decoratvie girlie collection. I am in love with these two. One is about Soul Sisters and the other is for all the Mama's out there.
We love these intention candles - each poses a question (what is calling you? what can you let go? what can you invite in? what are you celebrating?). These were inspired by the idea that when we take a moment to light a candle, we can take a moment to reflect, celebrate, let go....whatever it is your heart may need in the moment.
And finally, we've got some pretty awesome boxy wall art for you with artsy thick sides. Love these so much - they can hang on the wall or sit all pretty by themselves.
All of these new Demdaco products are making their debut THIS week, starting at the Dallas Market. I'll have many of these items for sale in the online shop in the coming weeks (stay tuned!).
Thank you for celebrating Demdaco with me this week! Thank you, Demdaco, for allowing me to celebrate you! Huge thanks to Dave K for the interview (I think he started a biz revolution!) and to Anne for skyping with me and helping me pull this together! Thank you to Jonathan Jones for all the tech help! Thank you to everyone at Demdaco (everyone) for sending in your photos, your retail stories, your people stories and for all the incredible work you to do to make it all happen. It does not go unnoticed.
Huge thanks to everyone out there who support the products, who buy the products, who spread the word! Thank you for all your lovely and kind comments about Demdaco and the products! We are so grateful for you!
To end Demdaco Appreciation Week, we've got one last giveaway for you! Feel free to enter each day's giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. Tell us what ANYTHING you want. What you're wearing, what you're eating, what you're crafting, what you're loving, what you're learning. Anything goes!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We'll announce the winners soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We're offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
Giveaway #3: original painting + $100 to spend on products
Giveaway #4: original painting + $50 to spend on products
June 23, 2011
Day #4 of Demdaco Appreciation Week!
(found in China)Demdaco Appreciation Week continues with another giveaway (see below!). Today I'd like to celebrate the account executives (the sales force - the people who sell the product to retailers) and the retailers. Both are super key to the success of the products and I'm incredibly grateful to them for their passion about the KRR line.
Demdaco has about 100 account executives throughout the US who sell the product to retailers all over the country (they are employees of Demdaco and sell all of the Demdaco product lines). Without their passion and commitment to the KRR line, it would be a bust. They have embraced the products and have sold it with much passion and success these last couple of years. I am incredibly grateful to them.
(They like to have fun, a few of the account execs with me on the right)I've met many of them and let me just say that they are a group of people who know how to work hard, but they also play hard, too. They are hilarious! They connect with their retailers, they help with displays, they problem solve, and provide the very best customer service to their clients. These are passionate people that I feel lucky to have on my Demdaco team.
They are also so, so kind. Above is Lee, one of the account exes/sales force. He made me cry when we met - he told me a touching story of how selling the line to his retailers has boosted his own personal/family abundance. He thanked me. I thanked him. It was a lovefest for a few moments there. I think of him often. He reminds me that the people selling the line believe in it, they celebrate it, they market and sell and talk about it. Without their commitment, without their work, the products would simply not be in boutiques and stores. Super powerful....seriously grateful. It makes me think of the mutuality that is such a big part of Demdaco's culture and mission. Huge HUGE appreciation for all that they do!
Isn't this a fantastic retail display? Thank you to the SQUARE NEST in Salt Lake City, UT!!!At the same time, without retailers buying the line from the sales force, the line would be a flop. I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of the retailers who have supported the line with their fantastic displays. I've often highlighted many retail displays as you send them to me (you send them to me on facebook, on twitter, to my email - love!) and I'd like to share a bit more today as we continue to celebrate Demdaco and the team that make all of this possible. Our retailers are very much a part of that team! The photo above and the one directly below are from the SQUARE NEST in Salt Lake City, UT - I love love the way they've styled displayed the products!
More creativity from the SQUARE NEST in Salt Lake City, UT. I love retailers. I love that their boutiques and stores are often their big dream, their leap into what is possible. I love that they have so much to choose from and they are choosing the KRR products. I love that they take pride in displaying the products in fun, artistic ways. I love that they get into it!
Big thanks to the ladies at Joyworks in Snohomish, WA for their continueed support from the beginning. I LOVE how they accent the products with paintbrushes strung together (so clever!)!
Another creative display from Joyworks - love this idea. I love that retailers are the last stop for the products - the place where the products finally land and hopefully enter the heart of another, a customer looking for that perfect gift, either for themselves or another.
Amanda, co-owner of Creekside Gifts in Winchester, VA not only sells the products in her store but she decorates the walls of her home with them! I love that they sometimes get so excited that they decorate their homes with the products! The photo above is a gorgeous display of family photos, and art on the wall. I heart lept when I saw this - so cool.
Amanda and her Creekside Gifts team also do a great job at displaying the products. Thank you, Creekside Gifts! This display creates such an impact!
Northwest Art Frame in Seattle, thank you for the awesomeness of your store display! Holy smokes!What I also love about retailers is that they often keep up with things as they unfold, both in their lives in and in mine - while babies are born, while new art is made, while new product is introduced, while life shifts up and down for all of us. There is a meaningful community that forms when you start to feel like you are supporting (and being supported by) people and businesses that get you and embrace you as a friend.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the retail team at Garden Gallery Iron Works in Woodburn, OR. I met their family, their customers, talked with their staff, spoke of the meaning behind my work, and hugged many many dear people who I knew understood me because they understood my art. And that feels really special across all retailers - they are a HUGE part of the Demdaco team I can't thank them enough.
We're giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter each day's giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win $50 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*Another lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. We're celebrating the good folks who sell the products and retail stores today, so tell us your favorite retail store in your area! Or not...tell us anything - we're easy peasy!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We'll announce the winners soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We're offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting $75 to spend on products
Giveaway #3: original painting $100 to spend on products
June 22, 2011
Day #3 of Demdaco Appreciation Week!
Demdaco Appreciation Week continues (hope you guys are finding this fun and interesting) today with another giveaway (see below!) and a conversation with Anne, a product developer who I work super closely with at Demdaco.
There have been some good questions coming my way about all of this that I think are important to address. In the absolute celebration of being honest, here are my answers + thoughts!
Q: It seems like you and Demdaco are still in the honeymoon phase. Who came up with the idea for Demdaco Appreciation Week?
A: I came up with this idea, asked them if they would agree and they graciously said yes. I sometimes wish we were still in the honeymoon phase (working together three years) but we are not. Just like ANY relationship (friendship, marriage, business collaboration, etc), I believe that working relationships require nurturing and open, honest communication. My relationship with Demdaco is no different. We've had our ups and downs and misunderstandings and miscommunication which is inevitable when working so closely on something meaningful/important to both parties. So yes, we have our hurdles but we work through them while remaining committed to the same thing: doing the right thing while celebrating our partnership while negotiating tricky pieces while being firm while remaining open while staying honest while respecting the other while problem solving while moving forward.
Q: Are you not concerned about offending other companies + artists?
A: I am not concerned about offending the other companies that I work with - many of whom are brand new partnerships off to exciting starts that have also been highlighted here on the blog (Calpyso Cards for cards! Creative Co-op for home decor!). This week is about celebrating the licensing partner that started it all for me, the one that I've had the longest relationship with, the one who has paved the way for me to continue to grow both personally and professionally. I'm confident the other companies I partner with are celebrating right along with me because what is successful for one partnership is successful for all. As for other artists, I hope in sharing a bit about Demdaco and how they work with their artists, I'm encouraging my fellow artist friends to find their right partners, to celebrate those partnerships, to dream big inside the licensing world (if that's what they want), and to gain some inspiration from the videos and photos. And when it comes to other Demdaco artists, you'll hear how I feel about them (nothing but love!) in the video today - they are an amazing group. I operate from the place that we're all supporting and encouraging one another. My success is theirs, and vice versa.
(Me, Anne, 2009)
Okay, back to it.....there are people who come into our lives and change everything. Anne has been one of those people for me ever since asking me to license my work with Demdaco. We started working together in 2008 and met one another in 2009 shortly after the KRR Collection entered the retail market. Above is a photo of the two of us meeting one another for the first time.
Since then, we've worked closely together, working on the KRR products. I generally make the art and Anne (and her amazing team) do all of the hard stuff when it comes to all the technical and intricate pieces of product development. But together, Anne and I brainstorm ideas, we choose which art goes on which format, we see each other once or twice a year, we skype, we email, we text, we talk, constantly going back and forth about whatever products the team is currently working on sourcing, developing, sampling, and more.
(at the national sales meeting, 2009)
You know how when you talk to people and it's clearly evident how much they love their job? That's Anne. She loves her job and it shows with her knowledge of the industry, her design talent, and her creative enthusiasm. Once, Dave K (co-owner of Demdaco) told me he always knows when Anne's product samples have arrived because he can hear her joyful screams all the way down the office hallway. And that's so true. She has a way of getting super excited and LOUD when she's happy and/or inspired and it's quite contagious to the lucky people around her.
(that's us at the National Sales Meeting in 2009. See/read more here.)
During this interview with Anne, you'll hear how the KRR line came to be (and what a risk it was for both of us), how Demdaco finds their artists (you'll be surprised), how they try and honor the indie/handmade movement, how they've come to embrace the mixed media art community (with successful partnerships with many mixed media artists), how the product development process works, what she thinks is the key to creating successful products, and so much more, including a surprise guest!
Also, if you've ever wondered why my paintings always have figures with tilted heads, the answer is in this video! One more thing....what is hilarious to me about this video is that we're on our best behavior...usually we're a bit more giggly and silly and ALL OVER THE PLACE with our chatter and ideas, but after a disastrous first attempt at our video (due to all the above), we decided to try again with a more grown-up/reserved approach :)
I just rewatched this video and really love our conversation...enjoy! The sneak peek of the summer product that I mentioned in the video will happen later this week!
Important: For those of you who might be interested in licensing your work in the gift industry, I, along with Ingrid Liss (Demdaco's creative director that Anne mentioned a couple of times in the video) and a few other super talented peeps in the gift industry will be participating in The Creative Connection's pitch slams - a chance for you to pitch your ideas, meet key players, and get valuable advice. We'd love to see you! More info here!
Big thanks to Jonathan Jones at Demdaco for editing our skype conversation!
We're giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter ALL of the giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*We're giving one lucky commenter $100 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*I'm giving another lucky commenter an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post! Tell us something funny, tell us a meaningful story, tell us what you're celebrating, WHO you're celebrating today....anything goes!
* Just one comment per person, please. International commenters welcome!
* I'll announce the winner soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We're offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
There have been some good questions coming my way about all of this that I think are important to address. In the absolute celebration of being honest, here are my answers + thoughts!Q: It seems like you and Demdaco are still in the honeymoon phase. Who came up with the idea for Demdaco Appreciation Week?
A: I came up with this idea, asked them if they would agree and they graciously said yes. I sometimes wish we were still in the honeymoon phase (working together three years) but we are not. Just like ANY relationship (friendship, marriage, business collaboration, etc), I believe that working relationships require nurturing and open, honest communication. My relationship with Demdaco is no different. We've had our ups and downs and misunderstandings and miscommunication which is inevitable when working so closely on something meaningful/important to both parties. So yes, we have our hurdles but we work through them while remaining committed to the same thing: doing the right thing while celebrating our partnership while negotiating tricky pieces while being firm while remaining open while staying honest while respecting the other while problem solving while moving forward.
Q: Are you not concerned about offending other companies + artists?
A: I am not concerned about offending the other companies that I work with - many of whom are brand new partnerships off to exciting starts that have also been highlighted here on the blog (Calpyso Cards for cards! Creative Co-op for home decor!). This week is about celebrating the licensing partner that started it all for me, the one that I've had the longest relationship with, the one who has paved the way for me to continue to grow both personally and professionally. I'm confident the other companies I partner with are celebrating right along with me because what is successful for one partnership is successful for all. As for other artists, I hope in sharing a bit about Demdaco and how they work with their artists, I'm encouraging my fellow artist friends to find their right partners, to celebrate those partnerships, to dream big inside the licensing world (if that's what they want), and to gain some inspiration from the videos and photos. And when it comes to other Demdaco artists, you'll hear how I feel about them (nothing but love!) in the video today - they are an amazing group. I operate from the place that we're all supporting and encouraging one another. My success is theirs, and vice versa.
(Me, Anne, 2009)Okay, back to it.....there are people who come into our lives and change everything. Anne has been one of those people for me ever since asking me to license my work with Demdaco. We started working together in 2008 and met one another in 2009 shortly after the KRR Collection entered the retail market. Above is a photo of the two of us meeting one another for the first time.
Since then, we've worked closely together, working on the KRR products. I generally make the art and Anne (and her amazing team) do all of the hard stuff when it comes to all the technical and intricate pieces of product development. But together, Anne and I brainstorm ideas, we choose which art goes on which format, we see each other once or twice a year, we skype, we email, we text, we talk, constantly going back and forth about whatever products the team is currently working on sourcing, developing, sampling, and more.
(at the national sales meeting, 2009)
You know how when you talk to people and it's clearly evident how much they love their job? That's Anne. She loves her job and it shows with her knowledge of the industry, her design talent, and her creative enthusiasm. Once, Dave K (co-owner of Demdaco) told me he always knows when Anne's product samples have arrived because he can hear her joyful screams all the way down the office hallway. And that's so true. She has a way of getting super excited and LOUD when she's happy and/or inspired and it's quite contagious to the lucky people around her.
(that's us at the National Sales Meeting in 2009. See/read more here.)During this interview with Anne, you'll hear how the KRR line came to be (and what a risk it was for both of us), how Demdaco finds their artists (you'll be surprised), how they try and honor the indie/handmade movement, how they've come to embrace the mixed media art community (with successful partnerships with many mixed media artists), how the product development process works, what she thinks is the key to creating successful products, and so much more, including a surprise guest!
Also, if you've ever wondered why my paintings always have figures with tilted heads, the answer is in this video! One more thing....what is hilarious to me about this video is that we're on our best behavior...usually we're a bit more giggly and silly and ALL OVER THE PLACE with our chatter and ideas, but after a disastrous first attempt at our video (due to all the above), we decided to try again with a more grown-up/reserved approach :)
I just rewatched this video and really love our conversation...enjoy! The sneak peek of the summer product that I mentioned in the video will happen later this week!
Important: For those of you who might be interested in licensing your work in the gift industry, I, along with Ingrid Liss (Demdaco's creative director that Anne mentioned a couple of times in the video) and a few other super talented peeps in the gift industry will be participating in The Creative Connection's pitch slams - a chance for you to pitch your ideas, meet key players, and get valuable advice. We'd love to see you! More info here!
Big thanks to Jonathan Jones at Demdaco for editing our skype conversation!
We're giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter ALL of the giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*We're giving one lucky commenter $100 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*I'm giving another lucky commenter an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post! Tell us something funny, tell us a meaningful story, tell us what you're celebrating, WHO you're celebrating today....anything goes!
* Just one comment per person, please. International commenters welcome!
* I'll announce the winner soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven't already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We're offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
June 21, 2011
Day #2 of Demdaco Appreciation Week!
(me + Anne in Hong Kong)Holy smokes, you guys! Thanks so much for all the lovely comments yesterday about Dave K's video (isn't he incredibly inspiring?) and for all the great feedback about the products. We love that you have embraced them and cannot thank you enough for the ongoing support! If you haven't already entered the ginormous giveaway from yesterday, please do - we're not choosing winners until next week! Big thanks to the folks at Demdaco for coming up with the idea for the giveaway and for offering it. It's a HUGE deal and can't wait to meet one of you!
Demdaco Appreciation Week continues today with another giveaway (see below!) and a rare behind the scenes peek at both the design process as well as how + where products are made, including lots of photos from my recent trip to China with Anne (the the product developer I work very closely with). We traveled to China to do some design work for a brand new artisan jewelry line to debut next year (it's going to be so great!) but while we were there we visited the artisan factories that make much of the KRR products. We traveled to Hong Kong and all over mainland China....a trip of a lifetime. Loved China.
(wishes hung on a line, Hong Kong)
Before I begin, I want to respectfully say this: From our ipods to house decor to the clothes we wear to our favorite stationery, so much of what we buy, wear, use, and celebrate in our everyday lives comes directly from China. I know there is concern out there about China's export industry. For those of you who may have strong opinions, I want to say that this post is not a discussion/endorsement on either side of the broader issues. This post is simply my personal story/experience of having products made in China after having traveled there and witnessed the process and the people hand making the products. Please refrain from leaving harsh/critical/judgmental comments. This is not a post for that kind of discussion. Thank you!
I love what Dave K. (Demdaco's co- founder who you met yesterday) says about Demdaco's relationship with their China partners:
"I love China and her people. I view that our industry is a truly global one, and our hearts and affections are with all who are part of our global supply chain. From the artists who conceive of and design the products, to the manufacturers who produce it, to the logistics companies who transport it, to my colleagues at DEMDACO who help distribute it, to the retailers who present it, and to the consumers who purchase and (hopefully) delight in it. All of these folks play an important part in the chain, and all deserve our respect and thanks.
For Demi and I as owners, we actually started our company as a buying agent, living in Hong Kong. So we view ourselves as much a "Chinese" company as an "American (USA)" one. In fact, without our amazing partners in China, we would not exist as a company, and the (hopefully) lovely products that we bring to market could not lift the spirits they do. I know the people who work in these factories; they are wonderful mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and they lead good full lives. And the places they work help them to do that. And, they are really, really good at what they do. So I'm beyond grateful to them, and I respect them immensely.
The word that probably sums it up for us is the word mutuality. We hope, at DEMDACO, to promote mutuality, which is to say that we hope to honor all those involved in the life of a product from concept all the way through to consumer purchase (and hopefully enjoyment!)."
(Cammy [Demdaco employee] + me with our praying sticks, Hong Kong)
Demdaco has many employees on the ground in China who visit the factories on a regular basis, overseeing all production/quality/etc. I met many of these employees and loved loved loved seeing all that they do to help in the development of product! They are a seriously motivated and talented bunch - very much a family to one another. You will see a couple of them in today's photos.
(girlie figures in process: hand sculpted, molded, and painted in artisan Chinese factories)
When it comes to the KRR Demdaco products, "made in China" could easily be "hand-made in China." This is something I really want to bring into focus and celebrate. I can say this because I had the amazing opportunity to visit the artisan factories where the products are made. I met the owners of the factories, the employees, and watched for myself how the products are literally hand made by skilled and talented artisans.
It was mind blowing. Seeing my artwork reproduced to such quality, among such talented people who work so, so hard to do it well and with integrity...it was eye opening, humbling, and made me feel even more like I was just one small part of a village that makes all of this happen.
That is something that China deeply instilled in me: that the Demdaco KRR products are doing more than offering meaningful gift products in the industry, but they're creating an impact among the global village that help make it all happen. From the people here in the US (the designers, the sales force, the retailers, etc) to the people a world away in China (the factory artisans, the Demdaco employees, etc) and all the places in between (transport, shipping, gift giving), these products travel miles and miles from concept to final product and then hopefully into the heart of a buyer/receiver. It takes a global village to make all of that happen. I want to celebrate that.
(do you recognize what this is?)I also want to celebrate that for every single person inside that global village that helps create the product, an impact is made. Demdaco and I have received countless emails from people who have been touched by a product they received as a gift or something they bought for themselves in a store. But at the same time, these products are also creating jobs and boosting incomes, intimately creating abundance (big + small) for the people who make it all happen globally, and locally. It really is astounding. And I'm happy happy happy to be a part of it. The stories and the smiles from the men + women hand making the products in China was confirmation for me that these products are making a difference in ways I could have never imagined. Inspiring, humbling, and something I want to be a a part of. And something I want to celebrate.
That's why we're celebrating Demdaco this week. They are the village leader that is making it all happen, changing lives, and doing business the way it ought to be done.
I'm not sure what I expected when it came to the factories, but I was happily surprised to find that they looked surprisingly like an artists studio....artsy messes were everywhere with lots and lots of glue, paint, scrap materials and more.
(decorative art girlies, hand-made in China))
Totally surprised to find A LOT of men creating these super girlie products!
(she's creating one of the girlie display pieces)
There were young men + women (as in twenty something year olds) sitting around large tables literally constructing, gluing, and painting the products inside big rooms that held all the supplies a typical working studio would hold: drying racks, stacks of materials, paint, trinkets, etc. They were chatting with one another just like you or I would when crafting.
Here I am being shown how to glue a piece of a decorative girlie together by one of the skilled crafters.
And here I am giving it a try! I loved seeing actual glue sticks and supplies everywhere I looked.
Here I am helping to create one of the girlie display stands among watchful eyes - I totally messed it up which generated some friendly laughter. I loved jumping into the process - so cool.
It was such a joy meeting the men + women who work so hard on the products. I loved seeing where they work, and how they work together as a team to make it all happen. This is something I want to celebrate.
(The wall canvases are completely hand-made in China. Love the precision of how they are stacked)
I was AMAZED to see all the care given to the wall canvases. They are hand-made in China, down to the tiniest of details: precisely gluing the canvas to the hand constructed frame, hand painting the creases of the canvas sides black, and on and on.
It's important to note that many of the original samples of the products are made by very skilled artisans, talented people who create hand-made molds (like the one above), sculpts and amazing things from raw materials. It's so impressive and they are compensated accordingly. I saw a few talented artists creating these. It's detailed, artistic work...I want to celebrate their work.
While we were there, we proofed several of the new canvases that will come out next year by approving color and so on. They do such an amazing job matching the color, I can hardly stand it. LOVE!
(Here we are working on jewelry design. That's Freddy to the right, a Demdaco employee)
The main reason for going to China in the first place was to work on the upcoming KRR artisan jewelry line that Demdaco is releasing early next year. This has been in the works for well over a year and we went to China to work out the final stages of design.
It was like being a kid in a jewelry shop, constructing necklaces, bracelets and more. SO FUN. It was hard work though, with long days, and a ton of consideration and thought (a years worth) prior to the actual trip to China.
We traveled to several "showrooms" and literally designed jewelry pieces from the gems + stones + materials available to us in that particular vendor's showroom. It was utterly fascinating to work like this. It was speedy, super inspiring, and required quick creative thinking.
We had our trusted GIANT notebook filled with a years worth of research, ideas, sketches, and more, including artwork to inspire color combinations and such...
(me + Zoyee)
And we had Zoyee (in photo above), one of Demdaco's valuable employees in China who helped translate, resource materials, keep track of all the design details, and make sure we were where we were supposed to be here and there and everywhere else (we were literally on a plane, boat, or very long car ride just about every day we were there). Loved working with her - she and her co-workers are critical to the success of the products.
A love story, these two sweethearts met because of the KRR line! She (Lena) worked at one of the factories in mainland China that creates the KRR products and he (Freddy) is a Demdaco employee who works closely with the factory. They met at the factory, fell in love, and got married while I was visiting! How's that for awesome? LOVE!!!!!
One more thing before I go. One of the things I really loved about China in general was the way in which they choose beauty. It's everywhere inside the tiniest of tiny details (including their packaging of medicine boxes!). One day we were leaving one of the factories and I noticed something out of the corner of my eye along the long row of bikes (bikes are a major mode of transport). There it was, bright and pink: a scrap piece of my art converted into a pretty bike seat cover. I couldn't believe it! Not only are they helping me produce my work, they actually like it, too. I loved this more than I can say.
Fort those of you interested in seeing more photos of our trip to China, head on over here.
We're giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter each day's giveaways! We'll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday's post to enter that giveaway)!
For today's giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win $75 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*Another lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. Tell us what you are most enjoying about your summer (for me, it's porch time in the afternoons with my family). Tell us if anything jumped out at you in this post - was it interesting. Did you learn something? We'd love to know!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We'll announce the winner soon.
* Go!
June 20, 2011
DEMDACO Appreciation Week + the big deal giveaways (every day this week)!
I'm so excited about this week I can hardly stand it. It's been in the works and in my heart for a long time and I'm thrilled to kick it off TODAY which happens to also be my 36th birthday. There will be daily giveaways (big ones, including the one today - more information below), fun stories, videos, but more importantly this week is all about celebrating DEMDACO, my licensing partner responsible for all the awesome products that have entered the gift market these last couple of years. This week I'll share the story of our partnership and I'll introduce you to a few key players who I work closely with. You'll get an inside glimpse of how it all works, the people involved, the process. I'll take you behind the scenes to show you how + where the products are actually made, and so much more. If you're an artist who is interested in licensing your work, or if you're just a fan of the products, you'll learn a ton and be inspired by the stories that weave in and out throughout the culture of DEMDACO, the process of product development, and more.
I AM SO EXCITED! I want this week to celebrate their company and all of the good work they do celebrating artists and changing lives.
The story of how we came to partner is a great story and one that celebrates the idea of taking big risks - more about that later this week. Today, I want you to know how I feel about this company because in a world where we often hear about the greed and the unethical ways of so many big companies, DEMDACO stands out to me personally and to so many others as an example of how I want to grow + conduct my own small business and my actual life. As you will see, they are all about heart, soul, doing the right thing, and offering up products to the retail market that align with their mission: to lift the spirit. They even have a full-time employee with the job title of "Cultural Conversation Leader" - that's how seriously intentioned they are to uphold the remarkable culture of their company.
I had the great opportunity to have a conversation with Dave Kiersznowski (you can call him Dave K), the founder and co-owner (with his bride, Demi) of DEMDACO. We talked about many things including the breakfast we had together a couple of years ago that completely and totally changed my life (I wrote a tiny bit about it here), how DEMDACO was founded on the groundbreaking view that business is "a human endeavor and not a financial endeavor" and so much more. Our conversation is about 30 minutes long - listen to it while doing the dishes, folding the laundry and be prepared to be INSPIRED.
Their company culture and Dave K's thoughts/views will astound you. It will inspire you. It will make you think about your own small businesses (and your life) and how all the micro and big decisions you make throughout the day can lead to a soulfully fulfilling mission. Whether you're offering pot holders or meaningful art, you can instill a culture within your business/life that speaks to the heart of all that is good. My goal with this video is for you to feel how I felt after having breakfast with him: inspired with endless possibilities, and uplifted.
Big thanks to Jonathan Jones at Demdaco for editing our skype conversation!
OMG! To kick off "DEMDACO appreciation week" here on the blog, the good peeps at DEMDACO offered something pretty amazing: a mondo beyondo giveaway. They are offering one lucky commenter (comments are open, friends) a chance to win an ALL EXPENSE PAID ADVENTURE to the DEMDACO headquarters with me!!!!!! The trip includes airline fees, all meals, a semi-private workshop with me, and more. With me by your side every step of the way, you'll get a personal tour of DEMDACO, a sneak peek of behind the scenes and never before seen upcoming Kelly Rae products, an intimate (just a few of us, just for FUN) workshop led by me where we'll get our hands messy with glue and paint, an original painting by me, and more.
HOW COOL IS THAT?
Okay, here's how you can win the ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP + ORIGINAL PAINTING:
1. You must be 21 or over
2. You must live within the continental US (international peeps, we love you so be sure to keep reading on how you can win something too!)
3. You gotta be willing to travel to Kansas City sometime within the next few months (we're flexible!)
4. You have to leave a comment in this post telling us why a trip like this would be valuable to you. Anything goes! Do you need fun? Totally fine. Do you want the semi-private art lesson? Totally cool. Are you just curious? That's fine too. Just be honest and tell us what you'd like to get out of it. We'd love if you could tell us in 100 words or less :)
5. Just one comment per person, please.
6. Go! Go! Go!
And just for fun, I'm also going to give away an additional original painting to one lucky commenter who may not qualify because you don't live within the continental US. International friends, I'm so grateful for you! Please be sure to comment and I'll pick an additional lucky commenter to receive the additional original painting up for grabs - my treat to you! Go, Go, GO!
Up tomorrow: Demdaco Appreciation Week continues with more giveaway fun!
June 18, 2011
Sponsor Spotlights: Word Cellar, Jenny Shih, Gwynnie B, Sacred Cake, Project Play + Lindy Gruger Hanson
Big thanks to my sponsors...I'm really enjoying these weekly sponsor spotlights where their creative talents and businesses are featured. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor (includes your ad on the sidebar + ongoing spotlights), please send me an email for further information!
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Calling all writers and "wish-to-be" writers to The Word Cellar. Would you like gentle, useful feedback on your writing? What about personalized creative coaching? Let me (Jenna McGuiggan) be a supportive and honest guide along your writing journey. Here's how it works: You'll email me your work, I'll review it and then send you written comments on what's working, what could be improved, and suggestions on how to move forward. As your writing coach, I'll help you to follow your dreams and find creative clarity by asking questions, listening, and recommending books, resources, and creative practices. We'll meet via phone or Skype and can discuss anything related to writing or creativity. I'll serve as your sounding board, cheerleader, nurturer, and brainstorming partner. Whether you need one session or ongoing monthly support, let me know how I can help – and I'll design a custom package just for you and your writing wishes. Learn more or contact me.
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Get your free copy of the idea flight kit right here.
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Happy Summer Solstice! And with the new season comes new pretties at the Gwynnie B Studio. Handcrafted pewter gifts and whimsical plaster bowls have been making their debut with flying colors!! Each pewter piece was sculpted by me and then cast in lead-free pewter with a gorgeous luster finish. The bowls are too cute and will happily hold all of your fabulous treasures and groovy little trinkets! Please stop by my shop to check things out and please be sure to also stop by my Beautiful heART blog for studio musings and all things pretty.
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Creating meaningful vintage assemblage jewelry with heirloom quality and a unique French flair is what my work is all about. I often use antique rosaries and religious medallions, mid-century French rhinestones, lacy filigree, lovely vintage glass beads and authentic Art Nouveau elements. I love to create custom work if you have a particular color in mind for your wedding or special occasion jewelry. You may have seen me recently in Jewelry Affaire, Somerset Life, Artful Blogging or Bel Armoire Jewelry magazines where I've shared articles, projects and tips. Look for my projects and articles in the upcoming issues of Somerset Home and Jewelry Affaire!
All Kelly Rae readers will receive free shipping and a special gift (I promise you won't be disappointed)! Visit my etsy shop and enter the code "JuneFree" at checkout to receive your discount and your gift. Please visit my blog for more simple projects, stories and inspiration. Merci!
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Hi, my name is Lindy Gruger Hanson and I work out of my home studio in Bend, Oregon. I love to create colorful, whimsical paintings! Vivid color is always one of the most important elements in my work; this is followed by the liberal use of flowing, swirling line-work and textural pattern and shapes. My aim is to create paintings with the belief that art can inspire people, make a house a home, and bring joy and positive energy into the world. I hope you'll stop by my Etsy shop to purchase colorful prints and greeting cards and you can see my original acrylic paintings at www.lgruger.com.
********************************************
Calling all writers and "wish-to-be" writers to The Word Cellar. Would you like gentle, useful feedback on your writing? What about personalized creative coaching? Let me (Jenna McGuiggan) be a supportive and honest guide along your writing journey. Here's how it works: You'll email me your work, I'll review it and then send you written comments on what's working, what could be improved, and suggestions on how to move forward. As your writing coach, I'll help you to follow your dreams and find creative clarity by asking questions, listening, and recommending books, resources, and creative practices. We'll meet via phone or Skype and can discuss anything related to writing or creativity. I'll serve as your sounding board, cheerleader, nurturer, and brainstorming partner. Whether you need one session or ongoing monthly support, let me know how I can help – and I'll design a custom package just for you and your writing wishes. Learn more or contact me.********************************************
Are you ready to change the world with your great ideas?
Do you need a little help getting your ideas off the ground?
Get a FREE copy of the idea flight kit to get your ideas up and flying.
You're changing the world. This kit will help. Get yours now.
Get your free copy of the idea flight kit right here.
********************************************
Happy Summer Solstice! And with the new season comes new pretties at the Gwynnie B Studio. Handcrafted pewter gifts and whimsical plaster bowls have been making their debut with flying colors!! Each pewter piece was sculpted by me and then cast in lead-free pewter with a gorgeous luster finish. The bowls are too cute and will happily hold all of your fabulous treasures and groovy little trinkets! Please stop by my shop to check things out and please be sure to also stop by my Beautiful heART blog for studio musings and all things pretty.********************************************
Creating meaningful vintage assemblage jewelry with heirloom quality and a unique French flair is what my work is all about. I often use antique rosaries and religious medallions, mid-century French rhinestones, lacy filigree, lovely vintage glass beads and authentic Art Nouveau elements. I love to create custom work if you have a particular color in mind for your wedding or special occasion jewelry. You may have seen me recently in Jewelry Affaire, Somerset Life, Artful Blogging or Bel Armoire Jewelry magazines where I've shared articles, projects and tips. Look for my projects and articles in the upcoming issues of Somerset Home and Jewelry Affaire!All Kelly Rae readers will receive free shipping and a special gift (I promise you won't be disappointed)! Visit my etsy shop and enter the code "JuneFree" at checkout to receive your discount and your gift. Please visit my blog for more simple projects, stories and inspiration. Merci!
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With Kristen Robinson
Embark with well known Artist, Author and Instructor Kristen Robinson on an (online) adventure of a lifetime! Imagine a bit of time to play; time in your creative space with no boundaries and absolutely no rules. The objective is to HAVE FUN and revisit the child in you - the one who use to create for no other reason than fun.
As children we see the world in such a different scope. Coloring books and drawing pads were viewed as a playground of creativity. As we get older we tend to forget the nature of play and the fulfillment it brought us. It is Kristen's goal to reignite that fire that once drove us all to create. A bit of time out of of your day is all you will need to participate in the fun we are going to have.
Come along as we journal, create, aspire and DO! Play along as Kristen shares her tips and tricks that she uses to get the creative ideas flowing!
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Hi, my name is Lindy Gruger Hanson and I work out of my home studio in Bend, Oregon. I love to create colorful, whimsical paintings! Vivid color is always one of the most important elements in my work; this is followed by the liberal use of flowing, swirling line-work and textural pattern and shapes. My aim is to create paintings with the belief that art can inspire people, make a house a home, and bring joy and positive energy into the world. I hope you'll stop by my Etsy shop to purchase colorful prints and greeting cards and you can see my original acrylic paintings at www.lgruger.com.
Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog
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