My dear friend, Joyelle Brandt is a singer/songwriter, artist and now she can add published author and illustrator to her resume.  Over the last year we have gotten together several times and while sitting in a coffee shop chatted about our creative work.  We marvel at our creations and we encourage and support each others visions.  On those days when one of us feels like crap, we sit there and bitch and vent until we are laughing.  As we sip our coffees and pick away at our sweet treats we are each other's creative sounding board.  The ideas bounce and fizzle and spring to life.  Regarding Joyelle's newest endeavour...this book, I have heard about these monsters from the letter A to the letter Z.   This book was birthed by sheer love and a vision.

The monsters Joyelle created needed to be born.  They needed to be drawn, coloured and named. Their personalities were born in the mind of someone who has drawn the monster inside her in several different ways. Their personalities mindfully painted. 

We live in a time where there is so much being tossed at our young kids and I feel monsters form in a child's mind a lot earlier than when I was a kid.  Pressure to be this and to do that and to wear this comes from every direction all the time especially for our young girls. There is no escaping sometimes except to your imagination.  Even that can get foggy at times.  The wish to wear one green sock and one red sock with stripes and a plaid shirt with your hair in a ponytail on the side of your head when all the other girls have their hair straightened and their clothes all matchy matchy often never materializes in real life for fear of being made fun of.   All kids should know that being scared, feeling uneasy, different and maybe a little crazy is all totally ok and we all feel that way at times.  I love that Joyelle has left a spot in the book for readers to create their own princess monster; how they envision their monster self to look like.  I bet some of those creations are going to look amazing!  

When I asked Joyelle what she hoped this book would bring young girls she wrote this:

Had you told me 10 years ago that I would be launching my first calendar I never would have believed you.  It's baffling to me and yet so right, all at the same time.  This journey of paint and paper, the splashes of colour, the thoughts, the dreams ~ I never knew this is what was waiting for me when I walked away from the legal community 14 years ago.  I am so glad I didn't look backwards and kept moving and listening to the whispers that nagged at me.  When I look back on these last few years I see a transformation not only through my art but in myself.  I see a person who has a far better idea of who she is and all that she wants to be.  I see a bright future with loads of colour and satisfaction.  I love all that art has brought to me and instilled within me.  So for me, when I see this calendar in its final form it represents more than just the months of the year.  It represents a lot of emotion, a lot of courage and a lot of me on every page.  Here is a perfectly imperfect video to introduce my 2015 Kathleen Tennant Art Calendar. 

** I will be doing pre-sales starting in October. ** 

Many people ask me if my cards have writing on the inside and my answer is, of course, no. All my cards are blank on the inside and waiting for YOU to write your own personal message inside them.  When sending a card to someone it is so easy to hit the dollar store and purchase one of their cheap cards.  Or use one of those e-services.  Then, since the message is already written for you all you really have to do is sign your name or in the case of the e-cards, don't sign your name because that is printed too.  That card, unless the person is really sentimental will often get tossed in the recycling bin as all it has on it is a pre-printed message and someone's signature.  Yes the message is likely beautiful and heartwarming but a zillion other people can receive that very same message.

When you really take the time to choose a card and sit down and write a personal message it means sooo much more.  The recipient whether friend, family or business associate can automatically tell that you have taken the time just for them.  Not only did you choose the outer image but you thought out the inner message.  Immediately, it is no longer just a card but a meaningful gift instead.  Often people will tell me their handwriting isn't legible.  My answer, type out the message and stick it on with glue or tape or I will be a tad cheeky and say it will be good to practice handwriting or printing again.   I don't know about you, but I have never judged someone's handwriting when reading a card.  I am always thrilled to be getting such a personal message.  Since we are living in a time of digital messages and how in an instant we can deliver a message by text or email the personal touch of a handwritten card has become far more meaningful and cherished.  Meaningful personal connection is lost via text or email.  Your personal touch is missing.  Re-connect with old friends or make someone's day, send a card!  If you have a few cards around that aren't defined by an occasion, it makes it a little easier to stay connected the old fashioned way. 

Here are a few examples of why you should have a few all occasion cards kick'n around.  When you choose a card that doesn't have an pre-designated occasion that card can stay up on a mantle (or put on a fridge) for a longer period of time and rarely sees the inside of the recycle bin.  It's the gift that keeps on giving. An art card is simply just that art!  Think of it as reducing your carbon footprint and really, let's face it they add a touch of colour on a grey day.  Many of the cards in my "all occasion" section can be framed and given as gifts on their own.  Two gifts in one, I love it when my customers tell me they have done this for their friends and family.  All my cards are 5"x7" in size and therefore fit perfectly in a frame ~ no cutting involved.  Here are some examples of my all occasion cards framed.  Ooooh so lovely, dontcha think?

So.... the next time you are needing a card, think outside the big boxed store or the e-card store and scoop up some lovely art cards from a local artist...or, since you are here on my website...ME. 

Growing up my we called my Grandpa, Papa.  Do you know how hard it is finding a card that is specifically for "Papa"?  Whether you call your Dad or Grandfather "Papa" finding a card with that specific word on it can be a challenge.  Soooo, I made sure that in my collection of cards there are a few specifically for the Papa's of the world.  

I just got back from having some R&R with my kids in the interior of British Columbia.  It was so nice to get away especially when the weather was amazing.  Being self employed you can never truly "tune out" so I did have some work time in there as well.  It wasn't too bad though, sitting beside a lake staring at its beauty while editing new ad photos under the shade of an umbrella. I felt rather lucky and it got me thinking I should do more work on my back deck in the summer months.  Getting outside while the weather is nice is so important, especially in the land where it can be grey for long periods of time.

It's back to full on business now and I am raring to go!

There are a couple new shops you will soon find my cards and/or notebooks in.  

If you live in or near Alpharetta, Georgia you can find several of my notebooks at the Inner Quest Church.  If you live in or near Santa Monica, California you will find my cards and notebooks at Arts & Letters on Main Street.  It's always fun sharing my art with the world.  I am grateful for every opportunity.  

If your store would like to carry my line of greeting cards and/or notebooks, feel free to fill out my wholesale account form and we can get the ball rolling!

Here are a couple NEW things that are exciting me... stay tuned for....