Welcome and thank you for visiting. I hope you are warm, well, and able to enjoy nature’s blessings. I’ve put together a short video from the small wildlife sanctuary I call home to share with you. Thank you for any and all support that you’ve given over the years. In addition to helping nourish a family of four, it also helps us to plant seeds and trees and pay property taxes (which have nearly tripled over the past 15 years) to protect nine acres of woodlands bordering a creek in the Blue Ridge mountains. Many similar areas have been cleared for vacation homes and developments in recent years and I’m very grateful to be able to tend and care for this land. As you may know, my family was impacted by tech layoffs earlier this year. Thus, support for my creative offerings is more helpful than ever as we adjust to having significantly less income from that position for now. I hope you’ll enjoy the video. You can see several ways to continue providing support, even if not financially, below the video.
Thank you so very much for
- sharing my art with business owners who may feature it in lobbies, waiting rooms, guest rooms, restaurants, galleries, or other public spaces (I always appreciate introductions or sharing a link to my digital portfolio)
- sharing my books with teachers and coaches who may utilize them
- sharing my mixed-media art, handmade creations, or books with shop owners who can help more people enjoy the options while also benefitting
- sharing my art with magazine editors, art directors, or publishers who may use it for covers or interior illustrations
- sharing my art with licensing professionals or small businesses who might need art for products (like wine labels, holiday cards, or marketing gifts)
- donating art, books. or card decks to schools, youth centers, medical waiting rooms, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation programs or women’s shelters
- commenting on or sharing my social media or blog posts and tagging me
- sharing my work with influencers and reviewers
- liking and sharing any of my youtube videos
- taking or gifting an online creative class
- providing reviews on books or socials
- sharing by word of mouth and testimonials with kindred spirits
- interviewing me or introducing me to others who host podcasts
- recommending me as a guest presenter to hosts for collaborative courses
- any purchase from my online shops (my website, etsy, spoonflower, or redbubble) or books (affiliate link: Amazon and Indie Bound) or local gift shops and galleries that carry my handmade ornaments, fabric journals, clay creations, books, and art
All of the above help me network in mutually beneficent ways, pay bills, tend gardens, and preserve wild woodland areas here in the Blue Ridge Mountains that have inspired my first coloring book! Thank YOU!
It is available to pre-order on my site now and will be available on Amazon very soon. It should be added to my author page list of books by December 2nd. I’m hoping more small shops throughout the Appalachian Mountains will choose to offer it in the future as well. I’d be glad to send a PDF with more information if you know anyone that may like to do so. You can always reply to me via email with any questions or suggestions. Bulk discounts are available for any orders of 6 or more.
As the seasons shift from harvesting peaches, pears, and apples to spending more time by a fire in the woodstove, I’ve been testing various supplies on coloring pages, sewing fabric journal covers, and making ornaments. Canning lids did their part to preserve apple butter, blackberry jam, salsa or pickled vegetables. Now, they’re ready to nourish in other ways. They’ve been upcycled into festive well wishes to add a bit of sparkle and shine to the darkest part of the year. Which is your favorite?
While I struggle with the emphasis typically placed on sales and shopping this time of year, I am offering a significant discount on my inspiration card decks. They’re great for stocking stuffers, hostesses, art collectors, artists and writers that might use them as prompts for creating and as gifts of encouragement. Many items in my shop are on sale now if you’re looking for unique gifts and wish to support an indie solopreneur. I’m in the process of uploading more art, cards, prints, and clay creations.
And, the next email give-away will take place around the December Solstice (you are automatically entered as long as you remain an email subscriber).
Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
Love,
Jules
PS. You can help spread the gladness by sharing this post with any creative friends who might enjoy it (there are sharing buttons down below the end of this post). Thanks!
Jules Ostara is a homeschool mother, painter, poet, and survivalist turned thrivivalist. She greets a blank canvas as both a playground and a temple. Her work inspires people to grow and glow while exploring their own wisdom and wonder in the process. Making art helped to mend her heart after her mom died from ovarian cancer. She’s carrying on a legacy of love and zest for life.
Jules is the author of “The Girl Who Dances With Delight” and “Born to Bloom Bright.” Jules also created the “Heart of Life” and “Soul Songs” oracle card decks. She lives in the Blue Ridge mountains with twin boys, a guitar man, and a few feisty cats.
