For the love of Design.

How cool is this: A place for bloggers who love art, design, photography, illustration and lifestyle to come together, connect and share ideas and information about all things design.  Yippee! This will be a fantastic weekend to connect, network and get inspired.

And crazy folks: I am going to be speaking.

It's a little intimidating (OK, a LOT) when the other speakers are bloggers whom I completely admire: Design sponge, Oh JOY, Simple Lovely, Steph Modo just to name a few.

It's going to be a party!

So mark your calendars for January 21-23, 2010 at the Grand America in Salt Lake City.

But hurry, and sign up. The early bird registration ends tomorrow!

This is the first EVER blogging event for people like you and I who just really like the visual aspects of blogging...and well, the visual aspects of most things. It will be completely inspiring.

Register here.

See the full list of speakers here.

Thank you Kirtsy for putting all this together, and Design Mom for inviting me to participate. See in in January!

Giveaway.

{pic from Soule Mama}

Pssssst....there is a GREAT giveaway over at Soule Mama's blog today. I am a huge fan of her site, and have been sponsoring her shop for quite a while now. Head on over...you won't be dissappointed:) there is something for everyone if you look closely...not just the winners!

But hurry...it ends on Sunday.

xo

happy weekend!

New & Improved.

The shop is updated with LOTS of new goodies for gifting this year. It's been a bit of a whirlwind getting it all ready, but I am so thrilled about them! It's not that long now until Christmas (can you believe? Where does time go?) and I hope I'm not too late to share with you some fun new additions to the shop!

This new print is making me happy these days. I sat down to sketch out some new Christmas designs, and I wanted to create something REALLY joyful. This is what ended running off my pencil. Well, dancing off my pencil. They honestly make me smile. There is so much JOY to be had.

Item #2...(insert giddy squeal)... This is what I have been secretly so excited about! I love books. I love journals. I love blank journals. I love blank journals with the kind of character you'd never find at the office supply store. And so here they are: My version of the perfect blank notebook.

These are 96 pages long (you could write 1/2  a novel folks!) and 5x7 inches. They make the perfect stocking stuffer this year. AND....drum roll please...they are completely GREEN. They are printed on 100% recycled paper, printed with soy based inks, and printed with zero chlorine in the printing process. They are just so wonderful! I want to keep them all for myself!

I am reminded of the first journal I ever received. I was eight. Ok...so to an 8 year old, it was a "dairy." It even had a lock and key. My aunt gave it to me, and that is what started my long love affair with journal writing. I don't think you are ever too young to own a journal. I love looking back at the things that intrigued me about my 8 year old world. Third grade was a hoot.

OK....This print is another indulgence....created very much from my magical memories of being snowed in and cozy during Massachusetts' winters. Well, truth is, I just really want to live in this house. The only problem with this print is that the house doesn't have a "For Sale" sign in front of it. I know...a big fat REMAX sign would make it pretty tacky and non-holiday-ish. But really...it would make me very, very happy. So go ahead...pretend YOU live there. But me? I'm going to pretend I live there. Hope the owner's don't mind.

The inspiration for this print comes from a favorite Christmas Carol: In the Bleak Midwinter. Haven't heard it? Listen to this version and this version (and this new favorite version.)  You'll want to curl up with a candle and Hot Cocoa. It's just gorgeous, and one of my favorite lines is:

Snow had fallen,

Snow on snow, snow on snow.

This little cottage is having happy memories inside with the "snow on snow" outside. Peppermint sticks anyone?

I have also brought back a dear favorite of mine...."Wellesley and Winslow Christmas Post." We'll be getting a few more cards in the shop next week...more on that later.

I know. You've seen enough paper dolls lately. But I had to let you know that now you can get them mailed to you so you don't have to print them out yourself! New clothing designs still coming...but you can get them as they come in the shop.

And more bookplates: there are three designs now...and this is a new one. I didn't make the connection when I drew this, but it's now called "Bike Reader," as apposed to "Bike Rider". She can read and ride! Get it? Your CUE: dry laughter. I know. I'm really funny.

And I won't spend too much time here about all the new gift labels in the shop, but there are lots, and more coming. Both in printed form and PDF downloads (which also include flat card printables too!)

Whew! That's a long list! All this talk of Christmas is really making me wish I had the energy to stay up and make cinnamon rolls tonight. That'll have to wait...

So enjoy!

And don't forget: Free christmas cards are hiding in all orders through the holidays!

xo

sarah jane

Calendar Time.

NEW IN THE SHOP!

2010 Calendars are the same popular design from last year, featuring the "Her Month by Month" prints. Can you believe it's the end of the year already? Where does time go.

The calendars are in my shop, but they won't be shipped out until the 15th of November. I'm giving you a head start though...so come on over!

And a reminder: free christmas card with all purchases made through December 1st!

Enjoy!

art for kids

This month I'm participating in Paper n Stitch's shop front: I love her stuff....clean, cosy, handmade and fresh. This is the place to hang out while deciding on Christmas gifts! My shop items are the same, but i love the way her shop looks!

And here's news for you!

Come shopping at Sarah Jane Studios, and receive a free christmas card in your purchase! You'll love it!

Good through Dec. 1st

Enjoy,

sarah jane

winner!

#191 Catherine who said: Congratulations and happy birthday! I am so happy to have your lovely artwork as a part of my children’s lives–I know they will have happy memories of the prints hanging on their walls. Thank you!

Thanks to all of you who entered! I read all the comments, and you are all so lovely. Thank you so much! If you haven't had your fill of giveaways, head over to Bloesom for this darling offer.

Can you resist the cuteness?

Thanks again, all. I'm off do get some Christmas items ready for the shop! There's a lot of creating going on in these parts lately...so I will keep you posted when I get some holiday updates.

xo

sarah jane

Birthday Party Giveaway

Two years ago today, I took a really, really big leap of faith: I started selling my art work. I had no idea my art would be accepted or interesting, but I did it anyways because I had to. Part of being an artist includes a need to share, give and express. Opening my ETSY shop 2 years ago filled that need.

And it's been 2 years! What started from a corner computer desk in our small apartment bedroom has grown to a 4 person operation. I have met some incredible people, made valuable connections and have grown so much as an artist since that day. I am so glad I made big leap: it was scary, but oh so worth it. It's been an incredible journey for myself as well as for my family, and I want to thank you for your support! It has meant so much!

*You must indulge me for a second while I take a couple lines to thank the person who is responsible for why I am still here: my incredible side-kick and better half. My husband has been so generous with his efforts: countless dinners made, laundry done, floors vacuumed and children tended to so that I could squeeze in "just one more hour" of time to my passion. Without him, I would have burned out long ago. But he believes in me and has encouraged me the whole way. When I have wanted to just give up (and there have been a few sleep-deprived moments of "why am I doing this" kind of talk) he has been my cheerleader. And somehow through it all, we have had time still to be together as a family, run a small business, have a third baby and manage normal (and magical) family living. We have been truly blessed. He is my best friend.

Ok! Now for the fun stuff:

Every Party needs party favors...and this is a good one!

The Giveaway includes:

Gifts from my shop as well as Warm Biscuit Bedding Company: a wonderful online store...one of the first in the market to offer personalized and custom gifts and decor for children. My products have been in their online retail store for a while now and I have just loved their company. You are just going to love these:

A set of Matruoshka dolls

and 3 darling suitcases. You can't pass this up!

a Personalized Family Tree and

and a set of 10 Halloween Cards from Yours Truly.

• All you need to do is enter a comment below (just say "Hi", smile and wave...offer a suggestion...or just say "Happy Birthday")
• Thursday, I will present the winner here on the blog. Make sure to include your email address in your comment.
• Entries are valid through Wednesday at Midnight (EST)

But of course, we can't all win this one. So....

THIS WEEK ONLY:

FREE shipping atWarm Biscuit Bedding Companywhen you make a purchase and mention: Sarah Jane as your coupon code

and...

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE in my shop!

• Purchase TWO items in my shop.
• At the time of purchase, MENTION the FREE item you would like in the message to seller box.
• FREE items can only be equal to or LESS than the other items purchased.
• There is a cap of TWO free items for the entire order.

But remember: every good party comes to an end: Wednesday October 7th at midnight (EST) is your last chance!

Have fun everyone. And thanks so much for all your wonderful support and e-friendship (is that a word? well, it is now...and it's meant so much to me!)

Spread the word, and have fun at the party!

xo

sarah jane

New for fall.

Whew! Lots of new things getting added today...and happily...mostly for boys! Horray!

Items will be added all day today, so thanks for your patience. There are a few more things you need to watch for...like the full paper doll set, and a couple of other things. But for now, this is it! And yes, there is a dinosaur in the studio. Can you believe? We must have dinosaurs for the boys. It's a must. And don't you love that dress at the top of the post? If I could sew a dress for Addie, that would be it I think. I am just really into felt flowers at the moment.

I hope you enjoy! See you in the shop.

xo

sarah jane