Have a great holiday everyone! I'll be back at it in January.
Part of the Handmade Holiday Collection. Contact me for further info. Copyright Khristian A. Howell
Khristian A. Howell blog archive. Find all those copyrighting and art licensing posts here! Then visit our new home at www.khristianahowell.com!
22.12.10
happy holidays!
Part of the Handmade Holiday Collection. Contact me for further info. Copyright Khristian A. Howell
SURTEX Conference Program - and me!...
I am so excited to finally be able to tell you! I will be speaking at the SURTEX Conference Program during the show this May! I am so very thrilled and honored to have been invited! The session I will be participating in is called Core Basics III - Marketing and Presentation. Guess who I will be speaking with...TARA REED!!! I'm pumped! Make sure you make time to take advantage of all the fantastic seminars!
21.12.10
good memories, and new shoes?...
I just could not resist reposting this post from my best friend Mary Beth over at Pink Light Design! We used to spend nearly every waking minute together when I was living in Seattle. I miss her dearly, but luckily I get to see hear a few times a year at the shows!
Post from Pink Happy Thoughts AlwaysI think these gorgeous Kate Spade heels might be my Happy New Year gift to myself! I have the perfect pair of black and white polka dot shoes that remind me of these that are almost shredded because I love them so much! Miss Khristian Howell and I have the same pair and we used to heat up the salsa dance floor in them. They need replacing and we need to dance again! ;)
Here are the old "dots". We both have a pair, and I even got married in them! Then the took their rightful place as our hot salsa shoes!
14.12.10
new obsession - john robshaw textiles...
Hi all! I am officially back! No more crazy cold for me. I finally feel like me again!! Ahhh.... So let's jump right back into some goodies! I stumbled upon this designer a few weeks back, and now I think I am obsessed! 
Strange enough, I am not usually one for pattern on bedding for myself. I usually like clean fresh whites, or creamy neutrals. I think it is the warm, earthy, organic goodness from John Robshaw that has entranced me. Everything is hand dyed and block printed in India, and it just has that close to the land feeling. These would be amazing in any guest room.
Strange enough, I am not usually one for pattern on bedding for myself. I usually like clean fresh whites, or creamy neutrals. I think it is the warm, earthy, organic goodness from John Robshaw that has entranced me. Everything is hand dyed and block printed in India, and it just has that close to the land feeling. These would be amazing in any guest room.
11.12.10
a creative odyssey blog hop - 2011 goals...
Sorry to have been away, something really awful got hold of me and wouldn't let go all week. I am still on the mend, but at least I am back moving around in the world! Jess over at Epheriell Designs has invited a handfull of blogs to participate in a little year end hop. Topic: Creative Goals and Dreams for 2011.
I thought this would be a really easy thing to write about. I know EXACTLY what I want out of my business, right? Well, turns out it is a bit more tricky than first thought. I have never been a good long term planner. My husband and I think we are the best team in the world because he does the long term, and I am the daily tasks master who can make the small, add up to the big. If you have picked up any of my ebooks, you have likely already caught on to this little tidbit about me. However, today and more deeply at the end of the month, I am going to challenge myself to take a look at the 2011 landscape as a whole. My heart will beat a little faster. I will be inclined to say, 'oh I don't have to worry about that now'. Yet, I am going to move forward, because that is what a grown up business owner does, right?? Ok, I know the answer is yes! :) I am excited about seeing my life and business through a wider lens. I have some deep digging to do on this topic yet, but here are a few highlights.
1. Make every decision asking myself "Is this right for my brand"?
2. Get the books in order. I am ready to face that I can't do EVERYTHING all the time. I am so ready to outsource the bookeeping.
3. Allow myself the time to explore different creative outlets. I want, need, am dying to paint. So why don't I just do it already?!
That kicks off the list. At the end of the year, I will asses fully, and come back to you with the highlights. I hope you will do the same! Be sure to stop by Trish Alan Designs today as well for her 2011 goals!
I thought this would be a really easy thing to write about. I know EXACTLY what I want out of my business, right? Well, turns out it is a bit more tricky than first thought. I have never been a good long term planner. My husband and I think we are the best team in the world because he does the long term, and I am the daily tasks master who can make the small, add up to the big. If you have picked up any of my ebooks, you have likely already caught on to this little tidbit about me. However, today and more deeply at the end of the month, I am going to challenge myself to take a look at the 2011 landscape as a whole. My heart will beat a little faster. I will be inclined to say, 'oh I don't have to worry about that now'. Yet, I am going to move forward, because that is what a grown up business owner does, right?? Ok, I know the answer is yes! :) I am excited about seeing my life and business through a wider lens. I have some deep digging to do on this topic yet, but here are a few highlights.1. Make every decision asking myself "Is this right for my brand"?
2. Get the books in order. I am ready to face that I can't do EVERYTHING all the time. I am so ready to outsource the bookeeping.
3. Allow myself the time to explore different creative outlets. I want, need, am dying to paint. So why don't I just do it already?!
That kicks off the list. At the end of the year, I will asses fully, and come back to you with the highlights. I hope you will do the same! Be sure to stop by Trish Alan Designs today as well for her 2011 goals!
6.12.10
free printable gift tags!...
Happy Monday all! How about some free printable gift tags to start the week? Hope you love them! Just click here or on the image to download. (Just for you. Not for resell. Don't be a meanie during the holidays!)
new community for artists!
The amazing Tara Reed has done it again! Not only does she inspire, guide, and excite artists who are interested in licensing. She also offers an incredible range of tools to help you from beginning to end! I mean I thought she really covered it all! Well now she really has! She has created an online community called Inner Circle just for artists like you and me. Here's what you get!
INNER CIRCLE artists...
… want to know HOW to license their art. What steps to take to get from thinking about it to actually doing it.
… want to better understand what manufacturers are looking for.
… want to learn how to create licensable art and how to connect with the companies and license their art.
… want regular resources and advice that is specific to the art licensing industry today.
… want access to support and advice for their particular questions.
Inner Circle Artists receive private benefits, practical help and exclusive discounts that are designed to give both your business and life a serious advantage. It's a one-of-a-kind online coaching club designed to support artists on every level. Just think, what could you accomplish if you were given access to the inner workings of the art licensing industry?
Sounds amazing right? When you are looking for more than an ebook and a little less than private coaching, which can be costly, the Inner Circle provides the perfect middle ground!
INNER CIRCLE artists...
… want to know HOW to license their art. What steps to take to get from thinking about it to actually doing it.
… want to better understand what manufacturers are looking for.
… want to learn how to create licensable art and how to connect with the companies and license their art.
… want regular resources and advice that is specific to the art licensing industry today.
… want access to support and advice for their particular questions.
Inner Circle Artists receive private benefits, practical help and exclusive discounts that are designed to give both your business and life a serious advantage. It's a one-of-a-kind online coaching club designed to support artists on every level. Just think, what could you accomplish if you were given access to the inner workings of the art licensing industry?
Sounds amazing right? When you are looking for more than an ebook and a little less than private coaching, which can be costly, the Inner Circle provides the perfect middle ground!
In other news... Tara is running a fantastic special on all the Paul Brent audio from the Ask Calls. You can get the whole bundle for 25% off thru December 30th! I've listened live to a few of the calls, and let me tell you, they are FULL of awesome information that only comes with experience. They all contain super valuable advice from someone who has had a very long and successful career licensing art. So, you're still here? Go check it out already! :0)
3.12.10
high society giveaway!...
Happy Friday everyone! I'm giving away a FQ of High Society in Hannah! This giveaway if for the FB CROWD ONLY (hey, why not shake things up a bit?) So head over and check it out already! :) Leave your comment under the three pics of the fabric on the FB PAGE! Have a great weekend all!
high society goodies...
Thank you so much to everyone who is creating with High Society fabrics! I want to share with you some of the lovelies that have popped up in the flickr pool! Please join the pool if you are having fun with the fabrics too!
1.12.10
trend alert - disco baby!...
Ok. Love it or hate it...its happening. Disco is creeping its way back into our lives. Ok, well for some of us, this will be the first go 'round at it.
I know some of you may be holding yourselves back from gagging right now, but I gotta tell you...I think I am into it! What is making me go over the top?? One guess...the color! It's like a fruit salad ran away with a bunch pomegranates, and picked up some eggplant along the way for good measure. (I know that didn't make any sense...) I also love the idea of pairing them down with a range of camels. AND, really, who can do over-the-top, yet wearable better than Marc Jacobs?
It's fun, it's girly, and vampy all at the same time. I love how last season is was all about the 50's and those plunging bustlines. It's like it's ok to a WOMAN again! It all really feels like a party! Of course I am on board with anything that has a sense of joie de vivre about it! You can really pull some amazing color palettes from this trend and play with lots of color blocking....hmmm....
photos. Marc Jacobs Spring 11 from style.com and snaps from Dec 2010 Vogue.
I know some of you may be holding yourselves back from gagging right now, but I gotta tell you...I think I am into it! What is making me go over the top?? One guess...the color! It's like a fruit salad ran away with a bunch pomegranates, and picked up some eggplant along the way for good measure. (I know that didn't make any sense...) I also love the idea of pairing them down with a range of camels. AND, really, who can do over-the-top, yet wearable better than Marc Jacobs?It's fun, it's girly, and vampy all at the same time. I love how last season is was all about the 50's and those plunging bustlines. It's like it's ok to a WOMAN again! It all really feels like a party! Of course I am on board with anything that has a sense of joie de vivre about it! You can really pull some amazing color palettes from this trend and play with lots of color blocking....hmmm....
photos. Marc Jacobs Spring 11 from style.com and snaps from Dec 2010 Vogue.
30.11.10
an adventure with Kristin the intern...O' Oriole Mill, how I love thee...
Happy holidays everyone. I'm just dropping in from my little adventures.....
This week I visited the Oriole Mill in North Carolina, tomorrow who knows? I went with my program to this Jacquard Weaving Center after having a long semester of learning how to assign weaves in Jacquad. The looms were humongous and I was surrounding by a thousand spools of thread. It was pretty much any Textile Major's dream come true. Initially when finding out alot of my semester was going to be spent weaving a grandma blanket---I was not too pleased nor excited. However, I found a way to make mine cute and modern and I think now its my proudest work ! (And plus I learned the basis of how designs are woven in the industry.) Thanks professor!
The process went by so quick, my blankets were done in minutes! Each heddle moving up and down so fast and powerful it could slice a carrot.
I did two blankets and I am so happy I did because I learned so much between the two. The striped floral goes along with my portfolio collection, found. The second one was my first experiment, a baroque inspired design with light bulbs. 
My favorite!
That's me and my classmates with our woven masterpieces!
This week I visited the Oriole Mill in North Carolina, tomorrow who knows? I went with my program to this Jacquard Weaving Center after having a long semester of learning how to assign weaves in Jacquad. The looms were humongous and I was surrounding by a thousand spools of thread. It was pretty much any Textile Major's dream come true. Initially when finding out alot of my semester was going to be spent weaving a grandma blanket---I was not too pleased nor excited. However, I found a way to make mine cute and modern and I think now its my proudest work ! (And plus I learned the basis of how designs are woven in the industry.) Thanks professor!
The process went by so quick, my blankets were done in minutes! Each heddle moving up and down so fast and powerful it could slice a carrot.
I did two blankets and I am so happy I did because I learned so much between the two. The striped floral goes along with my portfolio collection, found. The second one was my first experiment, a baroque inspired design with light bulbs. My favorite!That's me and my classmates with our woven masterpieces!
29.11.10
new obsession - pinterest...
Hi! Hope everyone state side had a great holiday! Now, back to it for a few more weeks! So...I don't think I've told you about my new OBSESSION! It's called pinterest, and it's a m a z i n g!
You know all those drool worthy images you come across all day long? Well the smarties at Pinterest have created a great way to catalog all that wonderful visual goodness. Aside from keeping up with all the great inspiration you encounter, you can also follow other people's "pins". I've discovered some really interesting new corners of the web from the people I am following. It is so fun, immensely useful, and highly addictive, but in a good way! Have fun, and give me follow!
In other news...I just noticed my blog is listed in the latest issue of the SURTEX newsletter On the Surface as one of three great blogs to check out! Check it out in the resources to remember section. Hooray!
You know all those drool worthy images you come across all day long? Well the smarties at Pinterest have created a great way to catalog all that wonderful visual goodness. Aside from keeping up with all the great inspiration you encounter, you can also follow other people's "pins". I've discovered some really interesting new corners of the web from the people I am following. It is so fun, immensely useful, and highly addictive, but in a good way! Have fun, and give me follow!In other news...I just noticed my blog is listed in the latest issue of the SURTEX newsletter On the Surface as one of three great blogs to check out! Check it out in the resources to remember section. Hooray!
26.11.10
new shop and a sale!!
Have you guys checked out my new shop yet? I will be adding all sorts of fresh new goodies before the year is over. As usual photos prints and stretched canvas are available, and I've just added HIGH SOCIETY 2011 calendars! Hooray! Everyone loved the fabric collection, so I decided keep the love fest going all year long! 
Soooo....what's Thanksgiving without a SALE??
Everything in the shop is 15% off until the end of November. Use the coupon code CARPEDIEM for the calendars, and PECANPIE for photo prints and canvas.
Head here for the scoop on the SHOWSTOPPER sale.
Happy shopping!
SHOWSTOPPER SALE!!
As you recover from the feast, the family, and the crazy shopping scene, remember that this time of year is a great time for reflection. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to remember all the people and gifts that are most important to us. In the craziness of the season, don't forget that a new year is right around the corner. Remember to take sometime for yourself to nurture your creative spirit, and really think about your business goals for the coming year. That said, I am offering the pre-launch rate for SHOWSTOPPER through the entire weekend! I hope this will give you the little nudge you need to take the plunge and really transform you business! Here are the details!
Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season.
See you at the shows!
***SPECIAL RATES WILL END November 28TH @ 9:00pm EST***
I'm ready to rock! - $70 ($97 after special)
Email series, ebook, and the awesome videos.
use discount code = LETSROCK
Ready to rock + Confessions. - $80 ($112 after special)
Email series, ebook, and the awesome videos, AND Confessions for just $10.
use discount code = LETSROCK5478
***(ebook alone without the videos is also available for $45)***
Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season.
See you at the shows!
BONUS!!! Don't miss the wonderful sales TARA REED is running too!
22.11.10
peek of the process - color...
Finally! I am committing myself to creating new work! Let me tell you I am so excited about it! This is why I love fall. I just want to make some tea and draw, draw, draw! I know everyone wants a bit more of the scoop on my process, so I thought I would begin at the beginning!
Truly for me it all starts with color. Before I think about themes, motifs, anything at all, I have to see and feel the color story. In fact it is the color that really creates the story as a whole for me. Color creates a story of India, or Provence, or a playful summer day... When I start to create a color palette I like to pull images that really speak to me - and the story just takes off. There are so many places I can go within this palette! Um...yum! Really!
1. via papersnitch 2. via design sponge 3. holly knitlightly via papersnitch 4. via from the right bank 5. via wise acre (flickr) 6. via roger gordon (flickr) 7. via rudolf_schuba (flickr)
Truly for me it all starts with color. Before I think about themes, motifs, anything at all, I have to see and feel the color story. In fact it is the color that really creates the story as a whole for me. Color creates a story of India, or Provence, or a playful summer day... When I start to create a color palette I like to pull images that really speak to me - and the story just takes off. There are so many places I can go within this palette! Um...yum! Really!
1. via papersnitch 2. via design sponge 3. holly knitlightly via papersnitch 4. via from the right bank 5. via wise acre (flickr) 6. via roger gordon (flickr) 7. via rudolf_schuba (flickr)
21.11.10
print inspiration - envirosax...
Happy Monday all! I'm back after my little bloggy break last week, with lots of yummy eye candy! I gotta tell you, I LOVE this long ride we have been on with the ethnic prints. The trend is still going strong, and being reinvented daily. I can't get enough of the warm earth tones, and the tribal influences from all parts of the globe.
The "Nomad Pouch" from Envirosax has a great range of prints on a really great product. Have you heard about them?? The group is based out of Australia are are committed to not only providing consumers with an alternative to plastic bags, but they are also deeply committed to educating the public on environmental issues. I love the message, look the look, and will soon love the bags! (They been added to my Christmas wishlist!)
The "Nomad Pouch" from Envirosax has a great range of prints on a really great product. Have you heard about them?? The group is based out of Australia are are committed to not only providing consumers with an alternative to plastic bags, but they are also deeply committed to educating the public on environmental issues. I love the message, look the look, and will soon love the bags! (They been added to my Christmas wishlist!)
13.11.10
Kristin the intern's new collection
Hi guys! Just got my new fabric collection found in from Spoonflower that I am using for my exiting show in December. Yeah that's right this little intern will be graduating in less than a month!
The collection I created is called found because I feel I have finally found who I am as an artist, but also because the design motifs are taken from found inspiration. I drew from things like insects, woodgrain, roses, stitches and the holes from my wall piece from last semester. For me, it was all about having fun, being free and creating something that really spoke to who I am. I think that's what it's all about after all!
I will be upholstering a chair with 3 of the fabrics all together. Then I will cover the chair backs and saw them so they can hang on the gallery wall. I am an upholsterer's daughter so I want to include this skill in my installation. Don't worry more photos sure to come! Wish me luck everyone!
The collection I created is called found because I feel I have finally found who I am as an artist, but also because the design motifs are taken from found inspiration. I drew from things like insects, woodgrain, roses, stitches and the holes from my wall piece from last semester. For me, it was all about having fun, being free and creating something that really spoke to who I am. I think that's what it's all about after all!
I will be upholstering a chair with 3 of the fabrics all together. Then I will cover the chair backs and saw them so they can hang on the gallery wall. I am an upholsterer's daughter so I want to include this skill in my installation. Don't worry more photos sure to come! Wish me luck everyone!
11.11.10
more fabric from robert kaufman!!...
I've got goodies to share! More yummy fabric arrived on my doorstep yesterday! I am so happy to share with you my latest collection for Robert Kaufman. It's called Ivory Coast and it is full of rich color and ethnic inspired prints (of course with a modern twist)! Hope you love it like I do!
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