The Creative Connection Event

It's been a long time since I've been to any kind of creative retreat or event, and so I was a little nervous about attending The Creative Connection Event - mainly nervous about leaving True,  about whether or not I would still feel the buzz of creative love and energy that often flows when a bunch of creative women get together, and of course, about what I would wear. But I'm so glad I went. It was FANTASTIC. I barely took any photos but I'll share what I have :)

I know that these kinds of events can be magic, that they have the capacity to transform lives. And that is exactly what this event did in the most unique of ways. I think of the TCC event as a perfect marriage between purely creative retreats and a conference for creative women entrepreneurs (at all levels). There were creative workshops mixed in with biz panels mixed in with pitch slams mixed in with a craft market mixed in with tutorials (cricut, here I come!) mixed in with shared meals and speakers and inspiring stories and good food and on and on. I LOVED the mix of women crafters of all levels hanging out, learning from one another, both in craft and in biz tips. My kind of place.

Me with Jinger, Michelle + Claudine, me + Flyer Liv, Karen + me

I also LOVED being surrounded by people who completely and utterly understand my lifestyle - the hopping in and out of biz world and mama world, the passion, the creativity, the lack of showers and general hygiene that comes with really FULL lives of family and business and creativity. There were shared laughs of understanding, big comforting hugs, and a lot of omg, that outfit is awesome between all who attended.

I'm reminded that wherever we are in our lives, there is a place for us. For me, back in 2006 I found my place at art retreats like Artfest. I soaked up all I could - these were experieces that changed my life and started me down a creative life path alongside an amazing community of people who were doing the same thing. A couple of years later, I found my place teaching at creative retreats - experiences that helped me grow professionally. And now as I continue to happily skip down the yellow brick road of being a creative biz woman, I found my place at TCC alongside many many other women experiencing similar hurdles and triumphs that come with strarting, owning, running, growing, building a life around creativity.

Quick self portrait in hotel room, Leigh + her mom laughing

Do you ever find yourself surprised by tears inside sacred moments? I'm not sure why, but sometimes I find myself tearful when I sit inside an empty church. Any church. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it's just a moment, a reflective few seconds of knowing that my little spirit is just one of many inside a remarkable path on this earth. The moment feels good, like a gentle but powerful confirmation that there is something greater, much greater than myself, and I'm just happy to be a part of the collective. In some ways it feels like the coziest and most comforting knowing that I am well taken care of and that something much bigger than me is holding me tightly and securely in love.

While listening to Jo speak one evening to the TCC attendees, I looked around and saw hundreds of women around me and I had that same similar feeling that I get sometimes when in a church. Just a knowing, an understanding that there was something special, something sacred happening in that space with all those women. I got goosebumps, and I got a little tearful.

(me, with 12 yr old Olivia, me with Becky Higgins, me with Flyers Leanne + Petra)

I often hear people say that they feel closest to god/spirit/source when they are doing what they love.  For some of us, it's out in nature when we are quiet and surrounded by the trees or in the water on a surfboard or on the top of a mountain. For some of us it's church. For some, it's when we are with our children. For me, it's when I'm creating or when I'm talking to women who are being brave with their lives. There is nothing more powerful than sharing our stories and our lives. And that is what TCC was about for me - an affirming experience that reminded me that I'm a part of something bigger, something sacred, something meaningful when I do what I love.

In addtion to all of that, it was FUN! So fun! I learned a ton, came home with enough inspiration to last a long, long while, made a lot of new friends, and met a few of my creative heros!

Me, Stacy Julian, Holly Becker, Leslie Shewring

Here are some highlights:
- Jo (who organized and created this amazing event!) said something that struck me. She said that so often our creative dreams are carried on the backs of our family and friends. So true and it made me pause for a moment of pure gratitude to those closest in my life who have carried so much of the weight of my dreams. It takes a village. 
- Spending some time with Lilla Rogers who I look up to so much.

Tim Holtz

- Meeting Tim Holtz. I'm pretty sure I made a fool out of myself but that's what happens when I get excited. I regress to junior high. Oh well...
- Meeting Becky Higgins. I'm a HUGE fan and have always wanted to try her project life. My goal is try it in 2012.

Leigh + me

- Spending some good quality time with Leigh. Adore her. And her mom.
- Sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. Eating, eating, eating
- Working with Beth and launching Hello Soul, Hello Business while we were together.
- I want to move in with Stacy Julian, please. 
- Meeting so many flyers who have taken my ecourse or read the ebooks. There were so many of them and it was AWESOME to meet their sweet faces, hear their stories, and encourage them to keep flying.
- Meeting Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring and sharing a couple of meals with them. I am now a washi tape fan! Both are as lovely in person as they are on their blogs.
- Connecting with countless friends (new + old), sharing tips, resources and stories of family, biz, and creativity.

My heart is full. HUGE thanks to Jo and to Nancy (I cannot believe I don't have a single photo of them!) for birthing such an important event. They are both visionaries, both creative superheros, both incredibly talented in what they offer. I am so grateful to have been a part of something so truly remarkable and affirming!

five years into all of this!

(Kindness Changes Everything - new art....for all of you who have helped me along the way these last five years, thank you for your kindness. it has meant everything to me. ps: this painting was inspired by baby True's new wings!)

I wrote the following post almost exact five years ago (thank you, Pam, for reminding me of it!). I was just about to launch my etsy shop with a full + scared heart. I was 30 years old, working full time as a medical social worker and had recently fallen deeply in love with making art. I wanted to be a full time artist. I wanted to feel like an artist. I wanted to make art that mattered. I wanted to find my people, my tribe.

I wanted to be brave.

This post was written in the thick of my trying to figure it all out, a time when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I was sending out countless emails asking strangers for help - people who I admired and looked up to. I was completely overwhelmed, yet excited. And I was deeply curious about women who had creative businesses. I wanted to know their stories, how they did it, who they were.

Re-reading this old post, I'm reminded that I still feel exactly the same way. I still want to make art that matters. I still think about women, their art, and how they get their businesses up and running. I'm still inspired by those stories of triumph. I still get frustrated when people aren't helpful. I still want honest, daring stories.  And I still hope to always help others along the way with everything I've learned in my own creative biz journey as I understand (truly) how hard it can be.

I'm so happy to celebrate five years of running my creative biz! It was exactly this month, five years ago when everything changed.  Opening that etsy shop in 2006 changed my life (thank you, etsy). Figuring it all out as I went along changed my life (I still figure it out as I go!). Embracing the questions, searching for answers, finding my people - all of it - changed my life. I am so lucky and so grateful to be living this life as an artist. I'm an artist (!), full time (!), successful (!). Sometimes I simply cannot believe it.

In the spirit of celebrating beginnings and all the learning, frustration and changing of lives that happen because of it all, here is the post I wrote almost exactly five years ago on this blog documenting one part of my new beginning. I called it "women + art." For those of you new to this blog, check out the right sidebar for a list of blog posts that chronicle my journey into the creative life these last five years.

Written in Sept, 2006:
i've been thinking about women, their art, how they get their businesses up & running, and their personal journey along the way. how did they start? do they have any tricks? what were their hurdles, struggles, joys? how do they manage their finances, books, data? how have their endeavors changed their life, their relationships, with others, and within? and do they have any concrete tools or suggestions? and most importantly, do they have a spirit of encouragement when it comes to artists who are just beginning, and do they make themselves available to them? is that important? really, i just want to know their stories. the honest truth.

there's no doubt that i'm in the midst of that very journey right now. all the research. all the learning (macintosh, scanners, printers, marketing, photoshop, taxes, shipping options, to name a few). not to mention all of the searching, inward, and outward. i find myself looking for resources, communities, even blogs out there that specifically focus on women, their art, and the story of how they came to be. i want honest, daring, truthful stories.

i find it frustrating that for those women who are now successful, that some of them aren't very generous with what they've learned. what is that about? i've been lucky to have laini, alena, and DJ as huge supports to me. they are all wonderfully successful artists who have encouraged, inspired, and have challenged me to do it. to make my dreams actually happen. that yes, i can do it, and that i should do it! i've asked them all a million questions, and they have all been incredibly generous with what has worked for them, and what hasn't.

no matter where i am in my journey, i want to be that person who encourages, supports, is available, but most importantly, to be honest about the process. i know what it feels like now to have a million questions, a huge learning curve, and to be seeking information non-stop. and i also know how the ups & downs of transforming one's life can feel. it's exhilarating. it's scary. it's passionate. it's happiness. it's internal questions and examination. the questions come in and out, day to day. sometimes i think to myself, "who do you think you are?" "what the hell are you thinking?" "do you really think you can make a life as an artist?" "ha!"

it's all about the journey. i'm loving it. in the spirit of being helpful, i've added some resources to my sidebar for the inner entrepreneur in you. these are all sites i've either stumbled upon or learned about from other people. some are quite practical and others are pure inspiration.

hard to believe...

 

I'm home from an adventure. A big one. I've actually been home for several days but I'm just now getting back to life. Back to emails. Back to work. I am spinning in all the best ways and I have so much to tell you - and show you. Coming soon!

Right now all I can think about is how baby True is turning one later this week. It simply feels impossible and these posts getting ready for his arrival seem a million lifetimes ago yet also just like yesterday. The best, the hardest, the most remarkable year of our lives....what a rich, full, amazingly loved life.

Sponsor Spotlights: Word Cellar, Jenny Shih, Jeanne Oliver, Gwynnie B Studios + Experimental Art

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!

Now accepting new sponsorship reservations for the holiday season (Oct/Nov/Dec).

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Alchemy Daily is a 30-day workshop of writing prompts and inspiration. Each day you'll receive a bite-sized dose of tasty creative juju in your email. The prompts will be your jumping-off point, an invitation to write a few words, a few sentences, or even a few pages. No rules, just pure writing magic. This is all about giving yourself the freedom and permission to write. The workshop will get your creative juices flowing and help you to overcome what holds you back in your writing life.

Join Jenna McGuiggan of The Word Cellar this November for the next session of Alchemy Daily. For just $45 you'll receive the following:

* daily writing prompts * nuggets of inspiration * a private community forum * an e-booklet of all the prompts *

Alchemy Daily is for anyone who wants to write, whether you're new to the world of words or a longtime acquaintance of the page. See what past Alchemists say and register here.

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Put on Your Cape, It's Time to Save the World from Jenny Shih on Vimeo.

You’re changing the world. I’m here to help.

I’m Jenny Shih. I work with right-brained, solo entrepreneurs who have world-changing ideas that they need to get out into the world. My clients come to me spinning, stagnant, or confused about their business. There’s lots going on in their head but not much is actually happening. They’re looking to get moving on their ideas and make things happen in their business. They want to get clear, set a strategy, and know that they can do great things in their business. We plan, we scheme, and we make stuff happen. Then, the magic starts to happen.

Nothing should stop you if you want to change the world.

Find me online at http://jennyshih.com.  Get your free copy of the idea flight kit, everything you need to get your idea up and flying right here.

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My name is Jeanne. I am the owner and designer of Jeanne Oliver Designs. I have dreamed of designing fashion and accessories since I was a little girl. It is one of my biggest joys to be able to offer you my creations.

I grew up watching old movies. I was inspired by the styles and femininity of the past. Nothing seemed more glamourous to me than Vivien Leigh sweeping down a staircase, Grace Kelly wearing white gloves with a black cocktail dress or Audrey Hepburn outside of Tiffany's. Hours were spent designing my own creations and dreaming of wearing all the apparel my fingers could sketch. Today I have the honor of offering you collections of my clothing, bags, art, jewelry and vintage pieces that tell a story. Each piece full of attention to detail and design. My hope is that from the moment you receive an item from my shop that you know it is different from the attention to wrapping, fabrics, embellishments and vintage finds. Whether you are wearing one of my dresses, pieces of jewelry or carrying one of my bags ... I want you to feel beautiful and feminine. Welcome to my shop and I hope you enjoy your visit.

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The Autumn Equinox is upon us and here at the Gwynnie B Studio it's our favorite time of year. So to celebrate let's have a sale! Scattered throughout the shop are lots of pretty necklaces, earrings and bracelets at reduced prices. And to really celebrate there's also an extra 20 percent off on everything, sale items included! (Discount good until October 1, 2011) Just enter the code Kelly Rae at checkout to receive your discount. Maybe you'll find a pretty or two you'd like to bring home or give as a gift. So please stop by my shop to check things out! And be sure to also stop by my Beautiful heART blog for studio musings, and all things pretty, of course.

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The Autumn 2011 experimental art e-course started Monday 12th September. You can still sign up as this is the last tutored course I will run this year - as I launch into Year 2 of my Art MA - join the online group here & delve in to painting, collage, photography, paper-sculpting + more. Techniques and prompts are designed for new artists and those artists who need fresh inspiration. Discover your passion, share ideas, and be in for a chance to win an art book. I share pdf, and web resources, and link to a wide range of artists. Access many tips and strategies for making unique art. As a trained tutor and artist working in the UK, I give feedback on creations you share with us. The world is your 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. I look forward to seeing you on board if you decide to join us :) Amelia.

grace

Discovering grace.....a new painting. If you are stumbling, fumbling your way through - may grace be what you discover, even when it seems impossible.

For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, you may remember when we pulled together as a community to support Megan, a young woman battling her health insurance company to help cover her cancer treatment in 2009. It was remarkable - your support. With permission from one of Megan's dear friends (Clare, who is also one of my dearest friends), I wanted to let you know that Megan passed away earlier this month. The following note is from Clare.

Beautiful Megan

Dear Kelly, I wanted to write to you to let you know that I received word today that my friend, Megan, passed away today. You and your community were so kind, generous, gracious and encouraging to her that I thought you would want to know. She fought the cancer as hard as she could and always with a smile on her face and the most positive attitude you could imagine. She died quietly and peacefully with her long-time partner, Jon and her best friend, Sarah Jane, by her side. I will always remember her for her bright smile, vivacious laugh and her beautiful head of blond curls. Please thank your community for their tremendous generosity, both financially and spiritually. I know she felt it all. Love, Clare. 

Megan's friends and family held a memorial service that Clare says "matched her spirit of fun and enjoyment of life." Thank you so much for your support to her during a time in her life when kindness meant everything. I am proud to have been a part of something that helped lift and inspire her during her brave fight. I can't thank you enough....and am sending eons of comfort to her friends and family who must miss her dearly. What a remarkable soul she was...

Hello Soul, Hello Business

Beth + me

You guys. I have some news. Big big exciting I've-been-up-to-something news.

For the last many months I've been working on a collaborative project with the extraordinary Beth Nicholls of Do What You Love. In fact we are in a cafe together at this very moment (see photo above) working on the finishing touches! I don't typically collaborate on big projects, but I could not resist working on this particular project, with this particular woman, with this particular content. One of my biggest passions is talking about business. Not just the usual happenings of business, but what is possible in business when we approach it from a place of soul, a place of beauty.

Over the course of many months, Beth and I have been working together to really dig into the ideas of soulful businesses. What makes a soulful business? Why does it matter? Can profit and soul coexist?  We've examined, explored, discussed, researched, and have come up with something we think is pretty darned special.

We're calling it Hello Soul, Hello Business. It's a completely new way of approaching business - one that starts with soul, embraces beauty, and results in profit. We want to start a revolution. And we want you to be a part of it with our pioneering e-course called The Business Soul Sessions: Where Passion Meets Profit.

Please click over to our brand spakin' new website to learn all about it, what we've been up to, and how it can change your life, your business. We'd love love love it if you joined us. This has been a HUGE part of my life these last many months. I'm so excited to finally officially release it into the world!

YEE-HAW!

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!

Now accepting new sponsorship reservations for the holiday season (Oct/Nov/Dec).


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Join Andrea Scher for this fall’s session of Superhero Photo!

The Superhero Photo course is all about creating a new way into joy, gratitude, and appreciation. Andrea will guide you through 6 weeks of lessons, photo prompts and activities that will help you become a better photographer and to see your life through a different lens. We will hone our technical skills while opening our eyes to the beauty all around us.

In this course we will find ourselves in that sweet spot where creativity, play and aliveness intersect. I believe that when we are living in this rich space– where we are truly awake– we have more access to joy.

The Superhero Photo Fall Session begins Monday, September 19th. Register today with the coupon code KELLYRAE and you will get a little discount!

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Mixed media artist and children's illustrator, Angela Traunig has a penchant for all things whimsical and silly. Wife and mother to a 2 year old little man, Angie somehow still finds time to create original works of art, prints, jewelry, greeting cards, bookmarks and a myriad of other things featuring her trademark 'knobby knee' Ferntree Studio characters. You can find her artwork here, and her lovely paper flowers here.

In her Ferntree Studio world, you will find humor, love, honesty and the 'Joy of an Art Filled Life.' Angela hopes to inspire other fledgling artists with her tenacity, creativity and belief that if "You put good things out into the world and just leave all the doors and windows open, sometimes something fantastic will slip back in."

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The Unravelling e-course is an 8-week online class designed to help you heal the way you see your self and your world, using photography and journalling to access hidden thoughts & 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 Autumn Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self class is about to start (enrollments for the Winter 2012 class open in December), but do join the mailing list for course updates and the inspiring desktop wallpapers Susannah shares in her monthly newsletters!

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My name is Katherine Quinn and I am the New Zealand artist behind Sleep And Her Sisters. I sell my original works to 9 galleries around New Zealand and have three online shops where I also sell originals, prints and other goodies. I live with my two children, 18 year old Hannah, 6 year old Ben and our 11 year old cat... Holly. I work from my kitchen table at our home in the sunny Hawke's Bay where I love to create with paint, chalk pastels, graphite, paper and also dabble in making a little bit of jewellery. At the moment I am working on a project to create 7 sisters... characters that I hope will one day feature in a book. I also love to collect things. My favourite colour is a soft, pale, antique sort of blue.

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You want the jewelry you wear to be meaningful and expressive. Affordable, but not mass produced. 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 story.

At Sacred Cake you will find affordable heirloom quality vintage assemblage jewelry combined with timeless appeal. Whether it is for your wedding, graduation, first date, a gift, or for your everyday victories; look to Sacred Cake for personal service that you can always rely on to exceed your expectations and make you feel as special and as singular as you are.

There is only one you. There is only one Sacred Cake. Every piece tells a story. What will your story be?

*Kelly Rae readers receive free shipping & a special gift. Visit my etsy shop and enter the code “ONEOFAKIND” to receive your free shipping and your gift. I’d love for you to visit my blog for more simple projects, stories and inspiration.

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Greetings, my name is Lindy Gruger Hanson and I'm a peace loving and joyful hearted artist living in the high desert of Central Oregon. I'm sweet on nature, birds, travel, shining the light and making acrylic paintings! I hope my art can lift your spirit. My aim is to create art that can inspire people, make a house a home, and bring joy and positive energy into the world. I love creating colorful, whimsical prints and cards for sale in my Etsy Shop and I invite you to come see my original paintings located on my website. For all Kelly Rae readers, please use discount code kellyrae2011 to receive a 10% discount with purchase in my Etsy Shop.  Good through Oct. 31st. And I hope you'll come by my blog and say hi.

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Nato Botto Art is "creations from the heart" by artist Natalie Kelsey. Her art inspires through whimsy, beauty, peace, faith, and tenacious optimism! With equal measure of kindness, patience, gratitude and creativity, she urges all of us to trust the process that leads to the joyful life we are each destined to create for ourselves. Above all, Natalie encourages all of us to nurture the artist within, and to trust that your heart is your compass, follow it!

Visit her etsy shop to find unique, playful, jewelry, accessories, and inspirational works of art--creations from the heart!! Be sure to mention that Kelly Rae sent you and receive a free gift with any purchase. Each item from Nato Botto Art is made purely from joy and arrives to you all packaged up snazzy and ready to give as a gift. For shop news, heart warming stories, and giggles please visit: http:/www.natobottoart.blogspot.com

Inspiration comes from the most peculiar places...What inspires you?

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

quick catch up!

Hello! It's been a bit nuts over here. I've holed myself up in the studio for the last week or so which means SO MUCH FUN but it all means nothing gets done (emails, to-do lists, housekeeping, sleep, blogging, and so much more). Ahhhh!

I have so much to tell you (True took his first steps!) and so much to show you (a lot of new paintings!). More coming soon from MN where I'll be attending the creative connection event (excited). If you'll be there, come up and say hello - would love to meet you. I'll also be signing books at the book signing party, participating in pitch slams, panel discussions, and generally soaking up all the creative energy and meeting a few of my creative heros. Also really looking forward to going to the junk bonanza!

For those of you getting a head start on your 2012 calendar shopping, I've got signed 2012 calendars plus this new handy/functional calendar. They're flying out the door. Get them while you can - we won't be getting anymore after these sell out. Thank you! 

More soon from MN!!!
Xo

Sponsor Spotlights: The Birth Story Project, Dream Tending, Do What You Love, Teahouse Studio, Big Dreams. Small Wonders. + The Twenty5 Project

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!

Now accepting new sponsorship reservations for the holiday season (Oct/Nov/Dec).

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After I gave birth to my daughter, I felt lost. I needed to process the most beautiful and traumatic event I’d ever been through. I wanted to find the secret coven of mothers who would usher me in and perform some rites(involving red paint and Jack Daniels, perhaps) that would help me make senseof all this new power and purpose and pain.

I kept waiting forthe Wise Women to show up, but guess what? We’re it. So I created avirtual ‘campfire’ for women to tell their deepest tales of this potent transformation.

Excerpt from my love letter to mothers:
I know the fullness of late summer, mybreasts and belly
ripe and bulging, fecund with life and nourishment;
and I know the barrenness of winter, whensnow is the only gentle comfort
for my ravaged emptiness
and it seems that my juice and my heatwill never return.
I have been through the ring offire. I have passed through it and lived.

Please share your story. http://thebirthstoryproject.com

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Life is full – of weddings and births, new jobs, new opportunities, and new beginnings. Other transitions are far more painful, requiring more emotional energy to navigate. We are faced with death and loss – of friends and loved ones, the death of relationships, the death of dreams we’d formed our lives around, the loss of a job, the loss of a role we’re familiar playing.

No matter where you are, where you’ve been, or where you’re heading, we invite you to spend 4 weeks in September with us, building your Dream Tending skills and participating in creative activities that will help you explore and refocus on your dreams.

Join us in September 2011 for Dream Tending, a four-week, online workshop led by Kelly Barton, Michelle Ensminger & Mishelle Lane.

Class price is $49 and includes daily posts (Monday through Friday) and weekly activities in multimedia art, storytelling and photography to tend your own dreams in times of transition. In addition, there will be a creative toolkit section included in each week’s lessons. Class begins September 5.

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This is your last chance this year to set out on your journey towards discovering your true passion, and making it a greater part of your everyday life - in the Do What You Love e-course.
In six weeks you will expand your comfort zone, nurture your playful spirit and use this to feed your creative soul. It has been described by former participants as 'life-changing', 'awe-inspiring' and 'transformational'.

You will travel this path with a community of like-minded people from across the world, sharing your stories, forging new connections, and inspiring each other.

This will be like no other class you have ever taken. Can you afford not to join us?

The Do What You Love e-course begins on September 26 and will not run again until next year so register now and get ready for an adventure!
[Image: handmade book by Rachel Hazell]

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 Are you a dreamer who is seeking a safe space to play, get messy and learn about art? Do you dream of finding a community of your own, full of support from other people who also long to find their wings?

Born out of the dreams of Mati Rose, Stefanie Renee, and Tiffany Moore, Teahouse Studio IS that safe space you've been seeking. With our lineup of classes, you'll find something to awaken you to your true creative spirit.

Our October workshops feature favorites such as Get Your Paint On with Mati Rose & Lisa Congdon, Product Photography with Alessandra Cave, Exploring Encaustic Painting with Meredith Hamilton, PaperStories: Artistic Play and Writing Exploration with  Maya Stein & Christine Mason Miller, and The Joy of Intention: A Painting and Play workshop with Alena Hennessy.

Workshops at Teahouse offer more that just a class: they’re your chance to truly connect with a teacher in an intimate setting.

Won’t you join us in the fun? (10% off to KRR readers, use discount code ILOVETEA at checkout)

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Do you know how beautiful you truly are? Are you ready to discover the star in you and live your dream life?

“Big Dreams.Small Wonders” starts in just 2 weeks

Join Louise to explore and identify your true self, purpose and passion and start living the life you were born to live.

Together we will: explore,discover,create a hand-made journal full of creative dreams and uncover the star you are!!  All designed to help you live your dream life. The e-course is full of: inspiring posts, stories, worksheets, audio and creative exercises!!

You will leave the 6 weeks with a journal full of creative exploration, a clear idea of who you truly are, where you want to go and a roadmap to help you get there.

Discover and be the shining star you are! Registration for the Autumn session of “Big Dreams. Small Wonders” is open. The journey starts on September 19th and space is limited, so sign up today to take the first step to follow your dreams. You can live the life you were born to live! This is the last class of 2011 so register here

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With a desire to create designs, make them affordable and accessible for everyone, and support charities, I asked 'what can I do?' from my home on the south coast of Australia, with small resources but bundles of enthusiasm. The Twenty5 Project is the answer to that question.

Basically, one print costs one dollar. 25 cents from each one dollar will be donated to a charity that supports our Troops.

These prints do not arrive by post. Once purchased, they are INSTANTLY sent to your email inbox. You may then print them as you like, frame & display them, pin them to your inspiration board, stick them to the fridge or even the bathroom mirror.

Everyone wants something nice to put up in their home. My wish and intention is to provide new and fresh artwork that everyone can afford, and can afford to change every few months or whenever you please. And makes you feel good too! I am just starting – more prints with varied themes are on their way. :) – Melissa Jaine.

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

apprentice!

Big thanks to Somerset Apprentice for asking me to write a how-to article for the current issue! If you want to learn how to create a painting without using one single paintbrush, then this article is for you. Available now in bookstores! Big congrats to friend and fellow art mama pal, Sarah, for having her artwork on the cover (love her work). And again, giant gratitude to everyone at Somerset, including Jana + Christen!

ps: Counting down the days until The Creative Connection Event. I've been obsessing about what to wear considering I still can't fit into most of my clothes post baby! 

studio time!

Wallpaper rolls in the studio

I am spending most of my working hours this week in the studio - working on some deadlines and a new way of seeing things, creatively. So far, it's so interesting to see what comes out when I force myself to try new things. It's hard, but good to to push up against a creative edge and see what happens.

I'm the rare girl who works better, much better, in a tidy creative space. It gets super messy with each painting, but then I clean it all up before starting the next piece. I generally work on one piece at a time. I didn't used to do work that way, but now I want the immediate gratification of completion.

True loves coming into the studio and climbing, and exploring. That baby is on the move, big time. I look forward to the days when he can create alongside me, but for now I love his sweet little visits when I'm working.

See you guys on the flipside of all this creativity - might be a few days before I'm back!

ps: This post by Leigh is seriously getting me all excited about attending The Creative Connection Event next week. Are you guys going? I'll be there - more details here.
pps: Thanks you so much for all the sales. Loving that you guys love all the new stuff in the shop!

10 years, a love with wings

Then, 2001

We celebrated 10 years of marriage this weekend. Ten years. We celebrated by spending the night out, having long long meals + walks together, and enjoying a long precious night of sleep. It was awesome. We also spent time pouring over our early scrapbooks where we saved everything having to do with our early years: every little love note and card we wrote to one another, photos, lists of dreams, wedding plans, and so much more. We found our original vows we wrote on little scraps of paper (in case we got nervous and forgot them during the wedding), and re-read them with much tenderness. We reminisced about all the saving we did back in 2001 to cover most of the expenses of our modest wedding (approx $2000 according to the scribbled notes we found in our planning binder!) and how the day remains one of our most blessed, favorite days.

My mom handmade all the wedding programs which read, "Today our love is given wings." And indeed, it was the day our love was given wings. I am so thankful.

Now, 2011

The time together this weekend felt precious, like a good dose of perspective about all that we are so thankful for, a re-evaluation of where we're at, how we're doing, and what our dreams our for the next 10 years. In some ways, I've missed having hours and hours and hours of time just with John, lounging about, dreaming, wandering, eating out (a lot), movie watching, shopping together, traveling together, sleeping in together. Oh how I miss those times! So yes, this weekend was pure bliss to have a bit of that together, just like old times. And then, of course, we missed baby like crazy and ran home to see him before bedtime. Ahh, parenthood! Togetherness! Family! It really is love with wings.

NEW Sponsor Spotlights: Catherine Just, Karlfeldt Healing Retreats, The Declaration of You, Stacy Kathryn Art, Beth Nadler + Helena C Studios

Today, I'd like to offer a warm welcome to my newest 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 at kellyraeroberts@gmail.com for further information!
 Now accepting new sponsorship reservations for the holiday season (Oct/Nov/Dec).

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"The Declaration of You encourages you to discover, embrace and declare what makes you truly unique. It’s time to shed your “shoulds”, learn who you are and give yourself permission to step powerfully into your own passionate life. Through a series of colorful exercises, engaging discussions, whimsical illustrations, made-up words, and maybe even a few songs (and by “maybe” we mean “definitely”) we help you get out from behind all the excuses (y’know, the “I-don’t-know”s, the “I-don’t-deserve”s, the “I-don’t-have-time”s) that you put in front of finding who you are and what you’re here to do. It’s time to find a new perspective to embrace that’s based on your thoughts, your ideas, your values and your opinions.Let Jess Swift (professional artist and pattern designer!), Michelle Ward (The When I Grow Up Coach!) and Pierre François Frédéric (a colorful Frenchman!) take you on a journey to find The Declaration of You. Registration is open for our September e-course. Come join us!"

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Hi, my name is Stacy Kathryn and I am an artist and illustrator! Creating art has been something I’ve gravitated towards my entire life. My dream is that my works find their place in this world, and help others create their own views of the world in the movement of the brush strokes, the vivid colors, and the concepts of life as only art can reflect.

I’ve recently started creating magnets, cards, and one-of-a-kind art pendant necklaces that are now available in my shop. This path is an adventure, and I’d love for you to join me on it. Check out my blog and website for more art and inspiration.

I've been a huge fan of Kelly Rae for the last four years, and love being part of this community. So I'm offering a special discount to Kelly Rae readers. Just enter the code ‘POSSIBLE’ at checkout and receive 20% off your order.

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Beth Nadler has been drawing and painting ever since she could remember. After having a wholesale business in the home décor industry for many years called, the MacBeth Collection, Beth decided to be brave and dive into her true passion and become a full-time artist and designer. Her work has appeared in many home and decorating magazines throughout the years and she’s done custom design work for Dylan’s CandyBar, Shabby Chic, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s, and Free Spirit Fabric. Several of Beth’s paintings can be seen on the new hit TV show, The Nin Lives of Chloe King. Beth has two on-line shops at http://BethNadler.Etsy.com and http://MyPinkPorch.etsy.com. She also has a blog: http://BethNadlerArt.blogspot.com where she shares her thoughts and images on life and the creative process. She would love for you to come and join her on her creative journey through life!

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Whether she is covered in wood chips and paint working on her latest carving, or covered in dirt surrounded by plants and flowers, Helena is happiest at home with her husband, 3 kids and her rescue critters, working on her latest creations.

After moving up and down the east coast as a Marine Corps family, they now call Beaufort, a historic little town by the sea home and Helena's biggest source of inspiration.

On Helena's sites, you will find carved Santas and gnomes, folk art birds, and coastal inspired jewelry, art and home decor.