Thursday, November 30, 2017

Passages: A Year End Workshop of Beginnings



I am so excited to make this offering!  I am hosting a workshop that is a bit yoga and mindfulness, a bit art and creativity, and a bit ritual, goal setting, journaling and visioning the future in a gentle space with friends old and new.  Basically all of my favorites!

We will say farewell to the past year, and prepare to greet the new year with optimistic hope and a plan for be our best selves.

We will accomplish these goals by. . .

relaxing with some breathing, gentle stretching, and visualizing
decorating a journal
writing to a few prompts and webbing a plan
sipping tea and munching some treats
enjoying a warm space with open minded friends old and new

Does this sound like something for you?  Would you like to attend and gift the experience to a friend?  (This makes a great holiday or new year gift!!)

Here is how pricing works;

I want everyone who feels a tug toward this experience to be able to attend!

I suggest paying $30 for this lovely evening (which is such a bargain!)
You can register and pay here:


Passages Workshop

Or register yourself and a friend together for just $45
You can register here:


Passages Workshop

Or if you can't afford the price, but you want to attend, pay what you can by making a donation here:




Here is what to bring to maximize your experience:

Wear comfy clothes
Yoga mat + blanket, pillow for knees, etc
A mug for tea
Any particular food or beverage that you may want
A friend (if possible)


Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Fairy Realm Gift Basket is Today's Offering


Who can't use some more magic and whimsy in their life?  This gift basket is perfect for doing just that!  It's filled with handmade pieces that invite all of us to be young at heart and to believe that life can be a bit more magical.


Girl flower fairy has pail green petal skirts and bright green hair


The fairy house has detailing with moss on the roof, small rocks around the base, and pebbles framing the entrance.


This boy forest fairy is ready to take off on an adventure with his silk leaf wings and felt pouch with small acorn and rock inside.


Handmade paper wishing star.  "Make a wish and hang the star where moonbeams shine."


The set also includes a handcrafted Dragonfly Magic Wand and a rock painted with a heart--just a small bit of my heart


The set is in a long woven basket, wrapped in cellophane, and a gold flower accent.

This basket is one of a kind!  It's the only one, and it can be yours if your the first person to email or send me a message on FB.  Shipping can be arranged for an appropriate fee.



Saturday, November 25, 2017

Small Business Saturday and Barberton Winter Wonderland

winter wonderland, acrylic on canvas with paper words, 4x12, $38
lots of other paintings with words are available this evening



I am a small business woman.  I create and teach.  That is how I make a living and a life.  Today is the day to share our small business offerings with the world.  Now it's your turn.  You get to purchase from a real person who makes real things to fill the world with beauty and inspiration and courage.

This evening I will be at my studio at Summit Artspace on Tusc as part of Barberton Winter Wonderland, 5-8 p.m.  You can see the offering live and in person, and you can purchase art, classes, and workshops.  Then I get to pay my bills.  Easy-peasy.  Win-win

Thank you for supporting artists, especially for your generosity toward me!


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Avoid the Crowds and Join Me to Make Gifts



I have a great idea! Instead of dealing with stressed and tired crowds searching for parking spaces and the most unbelievable deals on Thursday or Friday, join me Friday evening for the first of four Open Studio Gift Making Workshops!

We will enjoy Christmas music, warm tea or cocoa, and you can create unique and amazing gifts.  I provide the materials and space and gentle encouragement and instruction.

I'm also running a special deal for anyone who signs up for the first workshop!  Choose one project at full price and choose another project for 1/2 price.  You can return to any of the other Open Studio Workshops to finish your projects, just pay now.

IMPORTANT:  Pay for your first project from the pull down menu, and then in "Note to Seller"  tell me what your second project will be!  You will pay for the second project with cash, check, or credit, when you join me on Friday!  The deal only applies to projects purchased at the first studio workshop, but return as often as you like to complete your project



Gift Making at Open Studio

Here is the menu:

  • Abstract Painted Notecard Set of 8 Greeting Cards   $12
  • Magic Wand    $15
  • Flower Fairy    $15
  • Handmade paper books or gift tags  $15    (paper requires a minimum of 2 sessions--one to make paper and one to use paper!)
  • Inspiration Kit    $25
  • Acrylic Painting on Canvas  $ 20 - $35 (depending on size)

Gift Making at Open Studio


Monday, November 13, 2017

Small Pieces of Original Art


Today's offering is small pieces of original paintings.  I know it's hard to find room on your walls for big pieces of art, but the pieces I'm offering today are small-- 4 x 4 and 4 x 12.  I'm currently selling the longer canvases for $40 and the small canvases for $18.  I'm making a great combo offering.  You can get the combos you see below for $50.  {I think these make a great gift for yourself or someone else!  Or keep one and give the other.}

The story behind the boxes. . .

Four summers ago Sam and I were able to spend the summer at Lakeside.  I even got to paint one day a week while I worked!  I didn't know what I was doing, but I bought a packages of little canvases and started to paint.  A woman saw me painting, and asked if I would add her granddaughters name to the piece.  I sure did!  And voila--the world of little canvases began for me.  Since then I have sold about 75 of these little babies.  Lots have had words attached to them, and others have had seasonal themes like gardens and sailboats.

I like the longer canvases because they allow for more of a scene to be painted--a whole mood, rather than a wee feeling!

Top 10 ideas for displaying them:
  • Wall art for a small space
  • Wall art along with several other pieces
  • An art addition to a bookshelf or other display shelf
  • A piece of art added to a small altar 
  • Art on your desk or other work location
  • Art in the car--have art, will travel
  • Bathroom or kitchen counter art
  • Original art on the mantle as part of a larger display
  • Surrounded by candles for a cozy feel on cold nights
  • Bedside table art
Here they are. . .
Lighthouse and Love
Lighthouse and Sailboats Under a Full Moon & Heart Rock and Shell from Lake Erie Beach

Purchase Now & Free Shipping

Small Art Sets

Under the Same Moon
Lighthouse as Twilight Falls on the Lake and Sailboat a Few Hours Later

Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}

Small Art Sets
Live, Laugh, Love
Tall Canvas and Little Abstract

Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}
Small Art Sets
 
Love Wins
{Nothing else needed!}

Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}
Small Art Sets
 
Hope Grows Here & Garden

Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}


Small Art Sets
Wish and Sailboats
{This little box is one of my all time favorites}
Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}

Small Art Sets
Hope is my Superpower & Bloom
Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}

Small Art Sets
Joy is my Superpower & Blossoms
Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}

Small Art Sets
Peace & The Lilly Pond

Purchase Now & Free Shipping
{Pull down menu to find this set}

Small Art Sets


And again a big thank you for making my creative life possible.  When you buy art you are making it possible for me to live and support my sweet boy, while being true to my most authentic self!

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Coconut Macaroons -- They're Back!



Back by popular demand!
Holiday season coconut macaroons!
Get them before they are gone!

Why macaroons?

Most of my income streams dry up between mid December and mid January, but the bills keep coming.  So I was thinking about food I make that people think is super delicious, and I'm going with my coconut macaroons.  People LOVE them!  Even some people who don't think they like coconut like these.  These are gluten free, but they are not vegan.

So here is what I'm doing:

  • For the next month I am baking and selling my super delicious coconut macaroons packaged in a large Chinese food container with some colorful tissue paper.  
  • The price is $10 for a baker's dozen.  
  • I will deliver macaroons to Spring Garden Waldorf School, and both Summit Artspace Locations.  If you're local we can arrange pick up or delivery.
  • I will ship anywhere in the continental U.S. for $4 a box.  
  • If you're local I will deliver orders of 5 or more boxes to you for FREE.

ORDER NOW and leave a note about what day you want delivery or a shipping address
Thank you!


Coconut Macaroons


You might already be overflowing with ideas for these amazing treats, but here are a few suggestions:

  • Hostess gift
  • Secret Santa
  • Holiday party
  • Teacher gift
  • Cookie exchange
  • Great with tea
  • Family gathering
  • New Year's Eve Party
  • New Year's Dinner
  • Just because
  • Coworker gifts
  • Neighbor gifts
  • Every member of your family

 I have a lofty goal:
By selling 150+ boxes by New Year's Day, and I will be able to pay my two largest monthly bills!

Place your orders now, so that you are not left out of this yummy win-win opportunity.  



Coconut Macaroons

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Today's Offerings: Make Gifts At My Studio


Handmade gifts are always amazing, but it's even more amazing when the giver made the gift.  If you don't feel particularly creative or you don't want a big mess at your house, my offering is perfect for you!  I would love to provide the space and time to make you a gift making rockstar this year!

I will be hosting 4 Open Studio Gift Making Workshops!

Open Studio
Gift Making Workshops

Friday, Nov. 24, Dec. 1,8,15
4 - 8 p.m.

Choose a gift to make from the menu, and I will invite you into my studio, provide all the supplies and time to create one or more beautiful handmade gifts.


Gift Making Menu

Abstract Painted Notecard Sets $12
     Create an abstract watercolor or acrylic painting, cut it up, and make notecards

Magic Wands $15
     Who couldn't use a little magic?  I'll show you how to add special powers and packaging

Flower Fairies $15
     Sweetest little dolls for favorite boys and girls or grown up fairy enthusiasts

Scrap Fabric Garland $15
     Look through my bags of fabric for favorite color combos to hang from mantles, doorways, and          favorite gathering spaces

Handmade paper mini books or gift tags $15
     This project requires 2 sessions--1 to make paper and 1 to make booklets or gift tags

Inspiration Kit $25
     Watercolor and add favorite words or quotes to your cards.  Small easel and led candle included

Acrylic Painting on Canvas $20 - $35
      Find a painting that you like or set yourself free to create an abstract--either way I will offer                 words of encouragement!

Advanced registration is necessary to be sure I have all the supplies waiting for you!
Register by Wednesday evening of the week you want to start by emailing or texting me (330-848-9459).

You can return as many times as you need to complete your project.  I set up and clean up and offer gentle guidance.  All ages are welcome to join the gift making magic.  Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult!

Come and go as your schedule permits!

P. S.  You can also head over to the Brave Inspiration Etsy Shop {https://www.etsy.com/shop/BraveInspiration}  to buy prints and cards from me or stop in my studio to buy original handmade one of a kind art, too!


Friday, November 3, 2017

It Always Seems Impossible



I am sharing a bit of art most days over the next few weeks, along with the background behind my creative process.  I will be sharing pieces that I think would make particularly good gifts for the gift giving season.  Everything I create is infused with some form of whimsy or inspiration.  That makes them particularly unique.

I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you with even more gratitude than you can imagine for supporting this little old artist by buying art and creative experiences.  This is my livelihood.  This is how I pay my bills, provide for my son, and earn a living.  People like you make this possible.  {{THANK YOU!}}

Today's Offering. . .

Inspiration Rising Print with Neslon Mandela Quote

"It always seems impossible until it's done."  {Nelson Mandela}

I have always been drawn to books about the life of Nelson Mandela.  I have learned so much from him about perseverance and forgiveness and leading from a place of humility.  When I think about lives that manifest inspiration rising, Nelson Mandela is near the top of the list.  I love the simplicity and depth of this specific quote.

The artwork is a textured light purple background with grasses in greens and blues and a single stem of blue bells.  I feel that the simplicity of the artwork highlights the powerful words of the quote.

This print is 8x10 and arrives in a matte and backboard ready for the 11 x 14 frame of your choosing.  In addition to making a lovely and inspiring holiday gift, this piece of art is ideal for graduates, congratulations for a new job or life adventure, and someone in the midst of difficulties. 

Are you ready to purchase?  Your investment is $25.  
You can order it and have it shipped anywhere from my etsy shop--Brave Inspiration. 
If you're local feel free to order via email to avoid the shipping expense.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Today's Offering: Winter Peace Greeting Cards


I am sharing a bit of art most days over the next few weeks, along with the background behind my creative process.  I will be sharing pieces that I think would make particularly good gifts for the gift giving season.  Everything I create is infused with some form of whimsy or inspiration.  That makes them particularly unique.

I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you with even more gratitude than you can imagine for supporting this little old artist by buying art and creative experiences.  This is my livelihood.  This is how I pay my bills, provide for my son, and earn a living.  People like you make this possible.  {{THANK YOU!}}

Today's Offering. . .

Winter Peace Greeting Cards

During the Fall of 2015,  I created a sweet little painting of a little red bird resting in pine boughs on a snowy day.  I thought it was a sweet piece, but I really liked the feeling of peace i had when I looked at the finished painting.  You know that feeling when the ground is covered with fresh snow and everything is quiet and calm.  I feel like that imagery conveys are great sentiment to put on a greeting card, and that's just what I did.




The cards are a traditional size greeting card.  The front of the card is about 5 x 7 inches.  This card makes and exceptional invitation for winter and holiday gatherings.  It also makes a great thank you card, New Year card, and Christmas card.  The cards are blank inside, so you can write any sentiment within.  This would also make a lovely gift when matted and framed--a whimsical bit of winter decor.

I'm offering an amazing deal!  They are available in sets of 10 for $18.  There is a limited quantity of cards, so don't delay and place your order now.  Email me to arrange your order!

Here's hoping your winter will be filled with peace!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

New Month + New Art Focus

It's a new month, and I am choosing a new art focus for this month.  I am going to share a piece of art most days over the next few weeks, along with the background behind my creative process.  I will be sharing pieces that I think would make particularly good gifts for the gift giving season.  Everything I create is infused with some form of whimsy or inspiration.  That makes them particularly unique.

I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you with even more gratitude than you can imagine for supporting this little old artist by buying art and creative experiences.  This is my livelihood.  This is how I pay my bills, provide for my son, and earn a living.  People like you make this possible.  {{THANK YOU!}}

Today's Offering. . .

Customized Magic Wands



You have probably seen my unique magic wands here before, but did you know that you can customize them?

A name or other words can be added to the basic brown wands with metallic accents.  Names are added by hand in metallic paint.  They arrive in a paper sleeve of my creation.  During this season these are just $10 each.




Super powered wands can be created in the colors of your choosing and infused with the power of your choosing.  These wands arrived attached to a hand watercolored card with handwriting title and power descriptions.  During this season these are $15 each (some very special orders may be slightly more!)









A set of wands can be created that are similar in styling and color for your favorite group, social club, department at work, sports team, family members, or group of friends.

This sort of gift is ideal for unifying a group of people.

I am able to accept custom orders for Christmas, through November 18.

Email me to place your order or to discuss your wishes.  Anything is possible with magic wand in your hand!

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