Free membership to Gather, my online class!

Hi friends! For all you locals, I'll be at the Mill St. Market this Saturday in downtown Springdale and have a fun offer for you I wanted to share!  See below and I hope to see you there! The market is from 8-1 and I'll be set up with original paintings, photo canvases, plenty of art prints, and even some fabric bunting for extra fun!  

Read more about Gather here!

hello summer SALE (40% off!)

 (8x10 art print in shop)

The girls have finished up preschool, the days are hot, the kiddie pool is filled, and the evenings long. This can only mean one thing-we've made it to my most favorite season of the year, SUMMER! 

  (8x10 art print in shop)

In celebration and in honor of the new prints and products coming to the shop in the next couple of weeks (think: BIG photo canvases!) I'm having a BIG sale on all existing products in the store! 

 The 8x10 art print colors really pop in a white frame! 

 This mini original stitched painting in a handmade cedar frame is available in the shop! 

 (8x10 art print in the shop)

I think this print would look lovely in a kitchen or dining room. 

 (8x10 art print in the shop)

And who doesn't need this reminder? I do, on a daily basis it seems. 

 (8x10 art print in the shop)

Yes and amen. 

 (8x10 art print in the shop)

I love this gentle reminder that even the fragile are so very loved. 

(8x10 art print in the shop)

This needs to be my summer mantra! 

This will be one of my biggest sales yet!! 

Use code "hellosummer40" for 40% off your entire purchase in the shop! 

Coupon code good for one week! (it expires May 20)

I also want you to jump in with both feet with your creativity this summer because it's such fun! What better way to do that than by signing up for Gather, my online art and photography class. 

 The class is all about praises, prayer, and photography and will take you on such a fun, creative journey! There are video tutorials galore, free downloads and printables, a craft room tour, and coloring page downloads, plus more!

The supply list for the class is kept quite simple because I don't think expensive supplies should keep anyone from being artistic.  In celebration of such a big sale, I have another! 

When you purchase Gather with the "buy now" button below you also get to sign a friend up for free!  Simply email me their email address and you can both take the class together, whether your friendship is near or far.  You could also split the cost with your friend, making it  about $17 for each. 

The ladies in the class are having such fun already and creating as a part of their daily and/or weekly routine.  

I hope to see you in class and happy shopping in the Etsy shop!

the GIVEAWAY winner is....

Sara Bolen, you are the winner of the Gather online class giveaway! Congrats! 

(our names are even spelled the same, lol)

Email me at sunshinebysara@hotmail.com to be added to our fun class list! 

Didn't win?   You can still save by signing up for class with the early-bird price of $25 until Monday! Once class starts, the price goes up to $35.  You can purchase through the "buy now" link on this post! We're going to have so much fun! 

Gather: Lesson Sneak Peek

I keep saying it but it keeps being true!  I am truly SO excited about Gather, my online class coming up in just a few short weeks.  In case you're still on the fence or don't know what I'm talking about, let me fill you in quickly. 

Gather is an online course written and recorded by me.  The focus is on "praise, prayer, and photography in your everyday life"....gathering each of these areas of our lives into an artful life.  The course is hosted on a blog you'll have access to once the class goes live which is Monday, April 18th.  

There will be a supply list, "extras" like a tour of my studio and free art downloads, and lessons/videos that include the following: 

*Art Journaling Techniques with video

*Photo Walk videos where we learn together what to capture and how. All camera types (yes, even phones!) welcome!

*A video photo tour of my own home...what to do with your photos once you take them! 

*Watercolor Canvas tutorial video

*Prayer flag tutorial video

There will also be a FB group where we can discuss and learn from each other and once you sign up for the class you have unlimited access!  No expiration date at all.

This class will require the use of basic art supplies that you can purchase at Wal-Mart or from any craft store like Hobby Lobby or Joann's.  Blick.com is also another great resource to order from!

(this is one of the free downloads as part of the class)

I think this class would be such a blast to take with a friend! 

To sign up, simply use the "Buy Now" button below and you'll be directed to PayPal! 

The early-bird price is $25 which is an amazing deal for such a video/photo rich course! 

(Once class starts the price goes up to $35)

Sign-up today and I'll see you in class soon! 

We're going to have so much fun!

Offer your story

Some of the best words in the world are "me too."

Last week at church I met a family for the first time and as the mom and I exchanged small talk, adoption came up.  I've noticed as I introduce my family these days I say that we have two daughters and are adopting our third sweet child.  It feels strange not to mention our next baby, whom we feel so deeply connected with already even if we haven't met them yet.   The other mom quickly told me she had adopted children also. As she shared her story of long ago, waiting by the computer for an adoption email to come through and how hard it is to put that season into words, I found myself saying "me too."   

The truth is every time I bring up our adoption I try to gloss quickly over it so I don't tear up. One thing I learned very early on in this process is that it triggers tears in me I didn't know were even there.  Usually happy ones.  Sometimes hard ones.  So this Sunday I could have easily kept the talk very small and the other mom could have too.  No harm would have been done.  But what relief and strength comes when we share our stories.  I don't mean we have to go around unloading our personal lives on social media or even with those in our circles.  But I do mean being real with others and offering a window into our hearts and who we are is healing.  Our stories can encourage others, lead others to Christ, and banish the misguided stories of loneliness and discouragement.  So often the devil has tried to trick my mind into thinking I am completely and utterly alone.  That no one would ever understand my thoughts or even if I tried to explain them, they'd leave.  

It's been through sharing my story with people both very close to home and far, far away that I've learned the value in praying those thoughts away and then talking to someone about it.  No use in living a shut up, dark life with the doors closed.  Instead, let the light in.  I can think of numerous times my best friend down the road has listened  patiently to me and then quoted scripture back when I've needed it most.  The same goes for my twin sister.    All because they also see the value of opening the window of their lives and minds and sharing their gifts. 

Today, let the light in and share your story. 

Gather (an online class) early-bird sign-ups!

 The day is finally here! 

Early-bird sign-ups begin today for Gather, my online class coming next month!
The early-bird price is $25 and once class starts the price goes up to $35.

Starting Monday, April 18th, we'll start class together!  This online course is written and hosted by yours truly and focuses on praises, prayer, and photographs.  It is all about infusing art into the practices of your everyday life and having so much fun while doing so! 

Here are the details of what the online class will be like: 

*No expiration date.  You have lifetime access to class!

*Videos galore!  Between art journaling, prayer flags, watercolor canvases, painted flower pots, photography walks, and more, there will be plenty of video tutorials teaching you how to practice your creativity and have fun while doing so! 

*Class will also include plenty of extras like free downloadable art, a FB discussion group, a discount code for my shop, and a video tour of my studio!

"Gather: praises, prayer, and photographs into everyday art"

sign-ups start below! Once you are signed up you're enrolled in class instantly! You'll receive your login information the day class starts, Monday, April 18th! 

Invite your friends, 

sign-up below with the early-bird rate of $25,

and I look forward to seeing you in class! 

New photographs in shop!

here

here

Morning friends! I added two new photographs in the shop this morning!  I hope they remind you of the beauty that can be found in the small moments of ordinary life. 

A few reminders for your Thursday-

you can use this listing to save on two art prints when you purchase them together! 

Sign-ups for Gather, my new online class coming next month start tomorrow! 

The early-bird price is $25 with tons of video tutorials, photos, "extras" like downloads and a studio tour and lifetime access to class! 

Tell your friends and see you tomorrow! 

Spring Bucket List (a free download)

Mornin' everyone! I sure have had a lot to say in my last few posts, huh.  I think it's because I write these in the quietest part of the day-the early morning.  The house is quiet and my thoughts have time to come alive.  I thank-you for joining me each and every time here, long-winded days and all! 

I've got several projects up my sleeve that are putting an extra pep in my step.  Come back Friday for the date announcement for Gather, my online class coming up NEXT month!  I'll share more details in Friday's post about what projects we'll be doing, how many video tutorials there will be, and more!  You can also go ahead and get signed up with the early-bird rate of $25 on Friday's post.  I so look forward to having you!  

Download here

For today, I hope you enjoy this spring bucket list! There are so many adventures to be had this time of year, aren't there?  To print, simply click the "download here" link and then click "download" in the upper right corner on the Dropbox page.  Hint: sometimes it takes a few seconds for the word "download" to appear!  

Print anywhere you like, frame it, clip it to a clipboard, or tape it to your wall.

However you do it, enjoy this spring! 

I'll see you Friday for Gather sign-ups! 

Gather: details and early-bird rate

(this is an extra download that comes with the course!)

If you haven't heard yet, I'm hosting my first online class later this spring, called Gather!  I adore art and making it part of my everyday life and that's exactly what the course is all about.  Praises, prayer, and photography into everyday art.  

Let's take a closer look at what that means and what the course will entail.  Each section of the course will focus on one of the following areas: praises, prayer, and photography.  With each course section we'll be creating, painting, and reflecting on how we can foster our creativity right where we are, in the midst of our stories.  This isn't a class that will require hours of each day or an expensive supply list.  Instead, I'll share many video tutorials filled with creative projects and painting that you can easily use as tools to minister to those around you and infuse praise and gratitude into your life, no matter the story. 

There will be art video tutorials galore, 

extra downloads (like the art above), color pages, and more,

plenty of inspirational videos, such as a tour of my craft room and my favorite gratitude moments, 

and more! 

We'll also have a FB page where you can join in on the discussion about all things art!  

The early-bird rate for the class is $25 and after that the rate goes up to $35.

Early-bird sign-ups will begin next week and I'll announce the class starting date then too! 

I hope you'll join me! 

painting spring and Gather (a new online course)

(here)

Good morning Rosy Life friends! After reading your lovely comments yesterday can I just say how truly wonderful it is to have friends near and far all connected through blogging? I know social media gets a bad reputation sometimes but it can also be used to make connections we would otherwise miss completely.  I like that.  Sounds like a grand adventure to me! Now if only I could figure out how to road trip and have Rosy Life meet-ups along the way....wouldn't that be fabulous? 

A girl can dream, right? I always do. It seems as if winter has given us the cold shoulder this year and decided simply not to snow.  So here we are, spring not just "right around the corner", but knocking loudly.  Warm temperatures, digging in the garden, meals outside, and the bluest sky with the puffiest of clouds all have me dreaming and painting my way into spring. 

(here)

In fact, I added two new paintings to the shop this week!  

Just a friendly reminder, you can also save by purchasing two 8x10 art prints using this listing!

Or if you're really feeling bold, you can also save by purchasing three 8x10 art prints using this listing!

Since collages make my heart go pitter-patter, here's a sample of what you can find in the shop! Most of these are 8x10, high-quality art prints and a few are originals! They are printed with archival ink so they won't fade over time and on Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster.  They are shipped in a clear, cellophane bag and inserted into a sturdy cardboard mailer.  And I always like to include a little something extra for my sweet customers.  

My shop address can be found using the page above on my blog, or you can go here: 

etsy.com/shop/TheRosyLife

In other artful news, remember how I mentioned I was going to host my own online class?  Well, I admittedly put that announcement out there so I wouldn't talk myself out of it! It is a bigger project than I've ever taken on before but one I feel deeply about.  I've been working on ideas and am getting ready to start filming for the class this week.  I would expect to make the class live later this spring, possibly in May.  I finished up the graphic for the class last night and thought I'd share a peek.

Gather will be all about praises, prayer, and photographs.  It will teach you how to make art in your everyday life!  We'll be diving into art journaling, watercolors, table styling, and photography. I'll share plenty of videos (a lot actually), downloads, and a way for all of us to connect.  I look forward to sharing more with you and hope you'll join me for this class!