Friday, May 21, 2010

Free Cards Friday ~ Do It Day ~ Something to Ponder

We are spiritual beings having a human experience...

...this is what was printed on the tag of my 5:40am cup of super green tea... this gives me warm and curious ponderisms ;)


Today is DO-IT Day at my house again. Cleaning out the coat/canvas closet, sorting through clothes, doing laundry, dishes and toy managing.

I have a painting I'm itching to work on and finish this weekend ~ and two more to ship, the studio is busy. But there are times when it hits me that I cannot move forward until I do some space-clearing - and this is one of those days.

I summoned my most delighted voice when telling my boys it was Do-it Day today (! yay, smile, cool!) They helped me for about 15 minutes and are now DOing a whole lot of happy playing in their bedrooms. This works for me, too :)

Do you ever feel this way? Where you can't physically, emotionally or professionally move forward until you have a bodacious cleaning and clutter flinging session?



It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

BELOW: the 4 available 10x10s in The Forty Minis Collection


Time Well Spent


Day Dream


Honesty


Early Rise




You can find these while available in the Online Etsy Shop.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Free Cards Friday ~ Early Bird Gets the Worm?

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.


Whisper, 24x30, acrylic on canvas, $495


The last couple days I have risen early to get some work done before little voices and bouncy feet shatter the silence ~ it has worked well for me (surprisingly) and requires an earlier bedtime which is also nice.

I have noticed a lot of emails and responses (especially on yesterday's 10x10 Early Rise) that come in early in the morning from my mama friends and collectors ~ and I am wondering if I have discovered a well-known Mother's Secret... does the early bird get the worm, for real?
I think so.


Have a GORGEOUS day, it is supposed to be a true Summer-looking day here in Vancouver, Washington - so I'm looking forward to the warmth.


Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Monday, May 10, 2010

Free Cards Winner ~ Flood Clothing, Portland Oregon

I must sing the praises of a young woman in Portland who inspires, loves and creates beautiful clothing: Nicole Flood of Flood Clothing.

Let me tell you: I met Nicole 1 year and a half ago when my mom, sister and I meandered through the Portland Saturday Market on a Sunday afternoon.

What struck me instantly about Nicole was her warmth, caring and creativity. She touches you, both physically and spiritually as you enter her booth. And she is a young mother fulfilling her passion to create engaging and amazing clothing out of recycled materials!



"My clothing line represents the infinite creative possibilities that exist in the world around us. The foundation of my clothing line will always be defined by 100% recycled materials. Each time I collect a piece of clothing at a second hand shop, I immediately get a feeling from that garment of what its next form will be. I love the inspiration each garment presents. There is always a jumping point; a graphic, a style line, some kind of clue as to what the garment is to become." Nicole Flood




My mom bought my sister a hat that day for her birthday, and I was enamored by the 16 hat designs Flood Clothing offered, and she was happy to help visitors decide between (She now offers 30 hat styles, see women's styles here ).


Ever since, I have wanted to own one of Flood Clothing's beautiful hats, and I am not the purchase-making type.

I have always wanted to be a "hat-wearer" because I love the option of completely covering up my hair, but I have NEVER found one that suits me, feels like me, or gives me genuine confidence. I even purchased one from Whole Foods Market once, proud of the deal I got, but then took it back the next day when I read "Made in China" on the tag.

Flood Clothing hats are made just across the state from me.


3 times since then I have been back to the Portland Saturday Market and have missed the Flood Clothing booth.


On Mother's Day, however, my mom and sister and I were back bumbling around the market and there it was. As soon as I walked in I was again taken aback by the love, honesty, spirit of giving, and confidence of this woman.


She helped me to pick out my beautiful hat! (someday I will have a photo of me wearing it, most likely during the English Estate Winery Art Fair in July) And despite the fact that I waffled between two, and some told me the second one was cuter, Nicole helped me to realize why I couldn't help but be drawn to a simple green hat with the words "I Like Watching" printed comfortably across the top. I am a serious watcher (isn't every artist?) and these words fit me to a T!


I invite you and encourage you to view the Flood Clothing website to experience the inspiration and heart - many items are available online, and I can't imagine you to be less than satisfied with the creations of Nicole.


above image: Believe




The Free Cards Winner for last week is: Faerwillow! Yay ~ and thank you all for playing!



Have a wonderful week,

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Monday, May 3, 2010

Free Card Winner ~ Grand Opening at Barbara Hill Photography & Lake Shore Design Studio

Good evening! I am honored to be a part of this upcoming event! I will be there with prints, cards and charms - and look forward to enjoying visiting with you if you can make it.
OH! And I will be introducing the finished painting
Sharing The Gift that evening, I am in love with it.


Friday, May 7, 6-9pm ~ Studio Grand Opening


Barbara Hill Photography & Lake Shore Design Studio
Felida, Washington
12216 NW 36th Ave.Vancouver, WA, 98685

Join us for art, food & fun! Families welcome!



Barbara Hill (right) of Barbara Hill Photography and Suzanne Simon of Lake Shore (Interior) Design Studio are two of the most talented women I have met.

Passionate about what they do, open, accessible and loving.

I can't wait to share the evening with them.


The Free Cards Winner for last week is: Ashley! Yay Ashley - and thank you all for playing!