Today is the day: I am auctioning off my FULL set of calendar prints in support of the Neilson Family that needs our help. For those of you who don’t know, Stephanie and Christian Neilson (parents of 4 children under the age of 5 and author of the ever popular blog: Nie Nie Dialogues) were in a tragic plane crash 2 weeks ago which killed the pilot, Doug Kennard, but left the couple with severe third degree burns covering most of their body (Stephanie 80% and Christian 30%). They leave behind these 4 children who will be living with extended family while Stephanie and Christian remain in critical condition,enduring months and months of treatments. They are currently in a chemically induced coma, and are expected to be for several months. Their medical bills are expected to be in the millions, and people all around the world are committing to help.

So in my efforts to help, I am auctioning off my FULL set of Calendar prints which will be for sale in my shop this weekend retailing at $200. If you are new to my blog and shop, I have been creating a new print every month since last October, and I have finally completed the set! The set included 12 prints, each portraying my dear little girl (who will remain un-named….you choose!) caught in a moment typical of the month she finds herself in. Each print is hand drawn and digitally colored by me, printed on archival fine art paper with archival inks, and lovingly signed by me. Many customers have designated a wall in their home for all 12, or have a single frame that they rotate a new one in every month. Each print features the month on the bottom left hand corner, but you are also welcome to purchase the prints with out the month.

So…

Here is how it works:

I will start the bid at a certain amount: $50.

Write your next bid in the comments section, and keep checking to see who is the highest bidder.

Only bid in increments of $1. No loose change folks.

If someone out bids you, keep adding your bid in the comments section until the Auction is closed and I will announce the highest bidder.

The auction will close Friday Night at midnight.

And remember, the retail price is $200 for all 12 prints…so let’s try and match that:)

Once you have won the bid, you will send the money to the Stephanie and Christian Neilson Fund.

Happy bidding! Good Luck!!!

Oh, and when you are done here, check out www.designmom.com for a $150 gift certificate to my shop as well as hundreds of other wonderful things for auction!!

Just kidding. This print has been on my mind for a while…and it was worth staying up to finish. I am liking the educational value here. Actually, the colors are my favorite. Be watching for a shop update soon…There is more where this came from.

The past week I have been so affected by the Nielson family, and the tragic situation they find themselves in. I am sure you have heard by now…but if you haven’t, Stephanie Nielson and her husband Christian were in a tragic plane crash last week in Arizona which killed the pilot and left Stephanie and Christian in critical condition at the Maricopa Burn Center. They are both in a chemical induced coma while Christian sustains third degree burns on 30% of his body, and Stephanie sustains burns on over 80%. They are likely to be in sedation for months, while their 4 children (all under the age of 5) are living with family in Utah. The expenses are expected to be in the millions, and it seems everyone in the blogosphere world is committed to contributing. Stephanie wrote an extremely poplular blog Nie Nie Dialogues” which I have to admit, I had never heard of until this accident. But I wish I had. Or I am glad I have now. She graciously invited people into her well dressed yet humble abode, expressing her love of life, creativitiy, children, and family. I just know that if I new her, we would be kindred spirits.

But until I do get to meet this awesome family, they need your help.

Design mom is posting a Gift certificate to my shop for the auction on Thursday (the formally declared Nie Nie Day) so visit there to bid on a generous gift certificate. But since I can’t hold back…I want to do a separate silent auction here.

This is how it will work:

I am auctioning off my FULL set of calender prints. I will start the Bid at say, $10. I will then let you all place your bid in the comments section of the post. Keep checking the last bid made in the comments section, and If someone bids higher than you, go ahead and place another and another, until Sunday at 9pm MST I will close the auction. The final bidder will pay the money to the Neilson Fund.

I don’t even know these people, but I can’t help but do something about it. One of my best friends went to school with Stephanie and her siblings, so I do know that Stephanie is only 2 years younger than I am and with 4 children…I just can’t even imagine the emotional costs going on. But the amazing thing, as I am reading her sister Jane’s account (who has taken all 4 children in her home and is documenting the families progress) their faith in Jesus Christ is so solid. They know that God is watching out for their family, and that their family has a divine plan. I am so relieved to know of their complete commitment to God and to each other.

So, come by on Thursday and bid! Check out Design Mom as well for another auction for my shop as well. And most of all…pray for their family. And pray for all families. Separation at any level is so challenging…and I am determined to stick by mine. See you Thursday!

Or at least that is what it feels like. Ironic, that my last Monthly print is finishing in September, just in time for school to start. Is she really done? Has she really been with me a year? So much has happened this year, and it is all coming to this dramatic finish for me. Well…I’m not finished, but this set is, and I am not really sure how I feel about it.

I have to be honest with you. My October in Polka-dot wellies was never intended to be more than just that. People just liked her so much, I got email after email saying “Are you going to make a whole Calendar set?” I am really honest when I tell you that I had no intention of making one! I just really love the month of October, and that just happened to be the month that I opened my shop. So, I answered back to all those emails saying, “Sure!” And I have loved the journey.

This series is so revealing of my journey as an artist this year as well. You will notice, that these girls aren’t exactly the same in each monthly print. Some have said that they don’t think they are all the same girl…and some say they are. I will leave that up to you. In some prints she seems taller, or her hair seems straighter, etc. But really, it is even more revealing of my favored technique at the time. There is a consistency, but there are a lot of inconsistencies as well, which I hope you find a bit endearing. I do.

So here we have “Month by Month” for girls. And because I am so sentimental over this parting, I will also announce, that I am making the very same set for BOYS!! Starting in October, of course. I am really excited, and I have a feeling there will be some really fun moments with this one as well.

So, now the entire year is up for sale in the shop. I have deliberated over the price for a while…I really believe in making all my work affordable. SO, it may seem like a lot to offer the whole set at $200, but it ends up being a savings of $88 total. And, for those of you who have been buying the monthly prints as they come (you know who you are!) I am reminding you that August and September’s prints are on me! (as well as a few extras:) If you haven’t contacted me about that, please send me off an email with your ETSY name and email, so I can look up your orders and address and I will send your prints on their way!!

And, coming soon…in a few days/weeks (or what ever my children allow) will be some really great stationery featuring this year’s set as well as a calendar!

And again, thanks to all of you for all your support! I will be writing more about my journey over the past year…this post isn’t intended for that. But I can’t place this last print up for sale without saying THANK YOU! Really…here is a e-hug from moi!

Happy Friday! Another great Inspirational sight for all: artist, designer, mother, child, vintage lover…if you haven’t been hanging around Junior Society Blog (Blog of the beloved Mahar Dry Goods founder Robert Mahar) you will be now. He is a scavenger hunter, and keeps you up do date on products and activities that will leave you thinking you are still living in the old-time-when. Have so much fun! Have a great friday! OH…and thanks for all the advice and well wishing with my no-napping Addie. She did have a nap yesterday and oh the joy!! We take what we can get here! Check back soon for new art work coming soon! (wink wink).

xoxo

sarah jane

I am convinced that she gets more free time at the end of the day.  But then again, she doesn’t look as good in heels…

I think this is it. I really hope not, but this might be the beginning of the end. Have you noticed how I haven’t had much new art work up lately? Yes, I have had family in town, and I have been busy with the shipping/packing side of things. But the biggest reason? Addie has decided she “doesn’t sleep in the day.” I spent the first half of the week panicking. This is MY only time in the day to really WORK, and I have been in denial that this day would come. She still needs a nap, and I really hope we can fit in a few per week before they dissipate completely. (I may sound really calm…but behind this computer screen, tears of agony are streaming down my face!)

So Friday comes around, and after 45 minutes of trying every creative way to sleep my toddler, we sit on the couch and read together. She picks up “Pottery Barn Kids” (which by the way, I am becoming more and more impressed with!) and after a few pages, spots an Owl Softie on a model bed, and says “Mommy, can we make this?”

As upset as I was that I was losing precious work time to my stubborn toddler, my heart melted! Don’t most kids say “Can I have this?” I am sure I did. The fact she knew that she could make something like that got me really excited. And since I am used to working hard and creatively during nap time anyways, I said “YES!”

So, I dusted off my sewing machine (literally!) and we got to work. Addie and I drew a pattern with green crayon, And she helped me cut it out, helped me pick the fabrics from my scraps, place the pins, and she proudly sat on my lap while I sewed it on the machine. (Oh, and yes, Addie is “wearing her skin” as she calls it. We cannot keep clothes on this child. She does however have a wicked tan line that could easily pass for a shirt!)

I digress. Please people…don’t look close here! I am a sloppy sewer, and with a very impatient and very wiggly three year old on my lap (”Mommy, let’s make her wings now!! Now!!”) I was in no mood for perfection. By bed time, she was all but stuffed, but Addie still slept with her anyways! We stuffed her this morning, and they haven’t parted since! For a girl who dreams of princesses, mermaids and sparkely jewels, I was tickled that she would be so attracted to Owls (very trendy girl, eh?). She did, however, name her Owl Ariel.

So, here we have Ariel, the nocturnal (wink wink), motherly, orange and pink bird who seems to me to have quite a sense of humor! She must since she is so tolerant of her big over-sized beak, crooked head, floppy legs, button eyes I stole from a sweater, and the fact that we made her pregnant…or motherly…depending on the location of the baby owl in her poscket. We sure love her though! She fits my Addie to a T. And though I am in no way celebrating a napless afternoon, I am celebrating that Addie is learning that good things don’t grow on trees. Somebody had to make that toy, or doll, or car or brownie. She is so interested in sewing, and though I am not a proficient seamstress, I am just glad that her 3 year old eyes can’t tell! And now, I may just be back to getting up before the crack of dawn to get my work done…but at least Addie has nocturnal friend to stay up with when she should be sleeping!

Today I start the weekend with an incredible illustrator with products you’ll want a passport for. Shinzi Katoh is one of the most famous illustrators/artists in Japan, and has a fabulous company sporting everything from bags to lunch boxes, stationery and fabric . His site is very protected from downloading, so there is lots more at the site you will love to see. I glean so much inspiration from this style…and though my own personal style is a little different, I learn so much from his color, hand printed look and composition. Not to mention that I REALLY want one of those tote bags! Have fun looking around, and have a great weekend!

xoxo

sarah jane

We have some new friends that have kept us very very busy as of late. We don’t answer the phones. If there is a knock at the door, we gladly ignore it. We have nearly forgotten to eat! Last week we went on a family outing to the toy store and picked up a bucket of THESE. They have demanded our full attention and it is no wonder that they have been around since 1913. They have been around for 95 years for a reason! I am sure we are the last family on earth to finally have them in our home, but seriously, they are the greatest toy invented! And best thing yet…Addie and Ian have been so busy and so happy all week! Toys that have never ending possibilities for play are my favorite! And for the first time in a while, I actually don’t mind the constant mess on the floor. Well…almost. Let’s rephrase that..I don’t mind the happy toddlers I have had this week!

My little brother (well, he isn’t so little any more) is leaving to serve a mission for our church in Geneva Switzerland tomorrow. He will be in Switerland for 2 years teaching and giving service and I couldn’t be more proud of him. I am the oldest of five kids (this pic was our last siblings picture taken at the beach where we all crammed into this massive hole the Christopher dug…Christopher is the second from the right) and I love my family so much! We are a bunch of weirdos, but we sure have a lot of fun! We will miss you terribly Christopher, but we love you and can’t wait to hear about your amazing experiences!

One of my favorite stores just declared that they are shutting down their retail store, and focussing on their online selection. Well, to give you some background, this company supports international artisans providing handmade clothing for a fraction of the cost. At the same time, they are supporting individuals and families (in Africa and elsewhere) by bringing their goods to the states. So with clearance of 50-70% off right now, you can’t beat this! I just got Addie and Ian’s church outfits for the fall, each being $16!! Have fun!!

www.oneitystore.com

I am a dreamer. I have always been a dreamer. But I find that as I am getting older, reality sets in, and I find myself more bound by time, money, and physical limitations. There is something that happens between childhood and adulthood that keeps us from thinking we can do anything. Well, I catch myself in these dull boring moments of reality (cause that is what they are…dull and boring!) and I have to remember, that life is meant to be lived to the fullest…not for settling into what we can’t do. Last night, my husband very profoundly stated:

Anything great ever done in this world, happened because somebody was dreaming.

Isn’t that so true? James Madison dreamt of a new government. The Wright brothers dreamt of a flying machine. Edison dreamt of an electric light. We all have so many dreams, and I think that as adults, we have to try even harder to keep those dreams alive! Real life has a way of telling us we can’t do things, and I am sick of listening to that stream of thinking sometimes. My children have the biggest imaginations, and I am constantly being reminded that my daughter is a mermaid and my son is a tiger. So, in the spirit of the Olympics this week, keep dreaming. Keep thinking you can. That is my determination this week…to live the visions I have inside. The only person who can stop us from doing what we REALLY want to do is ourselves. Think about that.

And so, to end my post and to start my week, I leave you with the words of one of my favorite dreamers:

If you can dream it, you can do it.~ Walt Disney

That is so true. I am a singer and spent most of my highschool and college years in voice lessons. One my favorite teachers of all time said, “If you can squeak it, you can sing it.” Meaning, if you have it in you to even just squeak that high note, you have it in you (with a whole lot of practice and hard work) to sing it beautifully some day. If there is a glimpse of it, keep working at it and the dream will become reality.

Can you tell what is on my mind today? I am determined to overcome this pesty habit of letting reality dampen my curiosities and dreams. So, with that, happy dreaming everyone!

xoxo

sarah jane

I don’t usually post on world events, or stuff you can read about any where else…but considering that my jaw didn’t close for nearly 4 hours straight…I have to mention this. This left me in tears by the end, and I have to say that it was the most incredible performance I have ever seen, EVER! (And I have seen some incredible shows). Click here for incredible photos. I really don’t know how they did it. Ancient Chinese secrets I guess.

I really am speechless, and that is saying a lot! Wow. Wow. Wow. Talk about making a statement to the world. Let the games begin!

If you are like me, you go to FLICKR and find great photography and get sucked in. If I let it, time just flies by and I don’t even know it because the photography takes me somewhere. My two cousins (Liz and Jesse) are super duper talented and I honestly don’t know how they do it! But, I am learning, and I am so happy to be related to these two amazing photographers. (We share the same Grandpa Knell and in fact, most of the models above are my cousins too!). So, if you are like me and like to travel on Fridays (or wish you could) take a little trip of your own and visit Jesse or Liz and you will be refreshed and inspired.

Happy Weekend everyone! Happy 08-08-08!!

xoxo

sarah jane

Ya. Famous last words after her affair with a purple crayon.

That isn’t the crayon in her mouth…it’s a straw. But this is the “I’m gonna be funny” face that she thinks can get her out of trouble:) Why do kids have to be so cute even when they destroy furniture?

Happy monday everyone! I have to first say…WOW! What a weekend I’ve had! I was featured on ETSY’s homepage, and I will tell you, I have made so many great friends and met so many incredible people because of it! I heart ETSY!!! It’s like this amazing art gallery shop full of incredible products, but even more, really cool people! I love that ETSY encourages so much communication between artists for support, advice, etc. So, thanks to all of you who popped in to say hello! I have loved looking at your shops, and hearing your experiences! I have tried to reply to most all of you, but if I haven’t replied, I will be soon. In the mean time…know I have loved meeting all of you this weekend! I love the internet, but honestly, I would much rather throw a BBQ and meet all you in person:) You are all an inspiration!

Speaking of inspiration, I have been thinking “what made me want to become an artist.” There is never one single answer to this, and the one that I gave in the interview is the most true to experience. I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t an artist. But there are always supports a long the way, and I wanted to share one of mine (there are many).

My Grandpa Knell was an artist. He was an architect professionally, but I think that a lot of architects start out as artists. He loved design and the functionality of design. But he also had a big imagination. He died almost 3 years ago, but he instilled in me a great love of drawing and somehow gave me the confindence to pursue my talents. I often remember him at the kitchen table sketching out designs with his sons, or drawing with the grandkids. This weekend, we had a family reunion and my aunt had brought some drawings grandpa had made on paper lunch bags who knows how many years ago. How precious! Not only because he is gone now, but also because they are doodles on lunch bags which to me represents that a true artist will draw on just about ANYTHING!! His caricatures were always so artsy/funky. I love it!!

My grandfather was one of my many inspirations, but something about being his grandaughter gave me permission to live my dreams.

So, I would like to know…who has inspired you to do what you love? Family? Fellow artist?

click here. I am blushing again.

And if you are visiting from ETSY, Hello! Bonjour! Hej! Guten Tag! Aloha! Ciào! konnichi wa! Glad to have you, and pull up a chair! See you around!

xoxo,

sarah jane

She’s here.

OKee dokee. One more left, and this year’s set will come to an end. Can you believe it?

So, here is the deal:

There are a lot of you who have been faithful and wonderful and have bought each month as they have come out. You know who you are. I know who you are! If you have been buying all along, or have all 10, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER ARE FREE!!!!

So, please just email me making sure to include your name and your ETSY ID name, and I will send you the rest of the year free of charge…mostly to say “you are awesome, I love you, and thanks!!”

For the rest of you who may be new, once the set is complete, there will be a discount for buying all 12 at a time. And, a calendar is in the works, so be watching!

Anyways, can you believe it is AUGUST already?

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Does your brain ever feel like this:

“Foldthelaundrymakebreakfastfinishthedishescleanupbreakfastcallthedentistgotothelibrary

getgasinthecarpickupperscriptionpickuptoysgothepostofficebuystampscatchuponemailpaybills

vacuumfigureoutwhatinthehecktomakefordinnerfinsighaugustandseptemberprintssortthroughmail

takethekidstothepoolsendbirthdaycardblahblahblahblah!!!!!!”

Ok. So how do you snap out of stress-crazy-mommy-brain? Do tell.

Today my therapy was crazy monkeys and stationery.

Me: Ian, time to wake up!

Ian: Opens his big puppy dog eyes, looks me in the eyes, and says “Hi Guys!”

Addie: “OH mommy! We love our chudders!”

(For a girl with a bright vocabulary, I just love that she still mispronounces “each other”)

Oh, and one more. Before dinner, Addie comes up to me, and in a British accent says:

“Mother, may I have a spot of cheese?”

Just melt me now!

What else to do when my brain is on overload?

I instinctively create really simple art. It’s not planned, it just comes. And I have to do something about it, or my brain stays fried.

OK…so here we have NEW stationary!!! Horray!! I have only been selling postcards really, and as much as I love postcards, I am a sucker for hand printed paper! This paper is lovely. It has a similar feel to my art prints: almost watercolor paper. Slightly textured, and soft. Love it. I just can’t get over how cute these cards are! These animal pairs really come to life on these printed cards.

I also have another addition to the shop: Grace is in card size now. Perfect for pinning up, or sending.And since we are talking about updates: My AUGUST print is coming! Late, but for good reasons:)

Ahhhh…so the brain is feeling better now. Now to sneak that Key lime pie Kenneth made today (baking it was his therapy). I love my life.

Ahhhhh….we’re back! Hello! How are you! I have missed catching up with all y’all. Ok, yes, I spent a week in the South….and LOVED it!!! I grew up in Maryland, right outside of DC, and my family is still there which means I don’t get to see them much (boo hoo cry) but even worse, my parents don’t get to see their grandkids much (boo hoo CRY!!!!!). So, we just had the best week EVER! Instead of hanging around my parents’ house, we decided to hang around our favorite East coast beach location: Corolla, NC. Any of you OBX people? OBX= Outer Banks. There is a strip of sand (ok…land) off the coast of North Carolina that is at some points no more than a few hundred yards wide. One side is the ocean, the other side is called the “sound.” So essentially, you are never more then a few steps away from water anywhere you go. HEAVEN!!!

Here are a few favorite pics:

kisses all three

my surfer babe husband

by surfer BABE

Addie in a rainstorm that took the power out

My sister, Mom and I

View of the Corolla light house

yummy fresh seafood

Oh, and that picture of the crab has a story: Kenneth and I picked up some live crab at a fish market down the street and steamed up crab for a lovely dinner. My whole family sat around the table cracking away. Addie, who had never seen any one EAT a crab (they had been playing with toy crabs at the beach) saw Kenneth devouring this thing. “Daddy! Why are you cracking that crab’s head!!!!” She panicked. Oh, that was a hard moment:)

Virginia is for lovers!

Reading prose as dusk.

On the way home from NC, Kenneth and I took the kids for an afternoon in Williamsburg. Gorgeous. With the kids, we couldn’t do much more than walk around outside, talk with the locals (actors in period costumes) and douse ourselves in ice cream (Virgina+July= HOT!) But, oh we had a blast. My kids were so reluctant to say goodbye to Nani and Papa! As was I. Oh, and did I mention I had no cell phone reception and very little internet reception? It takes being without to realize how much you spend your day WITH!! I highly recommend going on a internet diet every now and again. Seriously, after a week without, and then going to Colonial Williamsburg, I am seriously thinking about moving to Amish country. Ok, I think I like my computer too much! But oh it was nice!!

Well, I can’t wait to catch up with you all, and sorry for any delayed emails! I am back and rolling!

xoxo, sarah jane