Reflections of 2010

So as the year comes to an end, I took a little time to reflect on this year's events.

  

I have much to be grateful for....

  My hard work and creative strides have resulted in some large accomplishments. 

Transitioning my focus from functional ceramics back to art and design has been quite an undertaking. 

And yes, stressful on my family. 

Always a "half full"  kind of girl...I see the light!  And yes, the new year looks bright. 

Finding a focus through my camera again and journaling this year has been a such a gift!  

I have always said my children are my true "masterpieces". 

Capturing their moments this year has been a treasure.  

Capturing a wonderful moment in South Haven, Michigan this summer



So I celebrate them in every holiday card I create.  I am excited to share this years design! 

Ta Da!  

5 x 7 Holiday Card by Darla Kirchner Designs 

Thank you to my children, my supportive husband and family. 

It is because of your support that I can be a creative soul and follow my passion.  

Happy Holidays and here's to a bright new year filled with promise and possibilities! 

Darla

Creative Stocking ideas

Some Creative Stationery for

your stockings!

Stationery card sets of 4



"McHaley's Garden" Note card set of 4 assorted $4.95
Set of 8 assorted cards $7.95



Stationery Card set of 8

"Courage" Note card set of 4 assorted $4.95
Set of 8 assorted $7.95

Stationery Card Gift set w/pen



Mon Petite Amie Girlfriend Stationery Gift Set of 4 cards/pen $7.95 



Notepad sets



Boho Notepad (50 sheets) with pen set $7.95

Art Cards



"Be True" Art Card fits a standard 5 x 7 frame!  $4.95 each

Hurry while supplies last!

(Supplies are limited) 

Stock up on creative stocking stuffers, Teacher gifts, hostess gifts and more. 

 

Email us today to place your order at sales@darlakirchner.com. 

We accept Visa and Master Card.  Shipping throughout the USA, or local pick up available.

Feel free to contact the studio at sales@darlakirchner.com for available stock.  

Happy shopping!  

Darla 

The Holiday party isn't over...just beginning!

So my annual Holiday Studio Party was over the weekend...sigh.

  Such sweat and time energy goes into preparing for these events.  It is a little crazy beforehand, but so worth it!  The gallery was hung with all our new collections.  The studio filled with friends, clients and guests. 
Seasonal yummy treats, beverages and holiday music set the tone nicely.  

My fabulous clients!



View from the new gallery!



Couldn't come, no worries!  The studio is open by appointment and on Saturdays

from 9:00-1:00pm now through December 18th. 

Contact us for details and times.   



New Courage Collection, perfect inspirational gifts for any of life's challenges




Admirers of new Jewelry Art samples.  



So now I am happily working on holiday orders.  Since I have shifted my focus from hand painted ceramics to mixed medium, paintings and creative gifts I can extend my holiday order dates.  Yippee! 



New "Wisdom" Collection original mixed medium available in Canvas, Art Panels, Prints and Stationery





Ever popular...Our "Wine about It" Collection is sure to be on your seasonal gift giving list!
Wine stationery makes great hostess gifts! 



 The studio is filled with creative gifts for all your seasonal gift giving.  Many ready to go in adorable packaging too!  The Mistletoe Market area has great deals on remaining ceramics, gift items, ornaments and stationery too.  Stock up while supplies last!

New "Mon petite amie" Girlfriend Collection, great creative gifts for all the girls in your life!



New "Bohemian Spirit" Collection of fresh art.  Great for the happy inspirations for
your youthful side.  Personalization available 

 

Named after my daughter, McHaley's Garden collection is fresh, fun and just happy.  Like her!



Contact the studio for your seasonal, personalized and custom gifts today!

513.777.ARTS (2787) or sales@darlakirchner.com

I am so THANKFUL to be able to share my passion... 

Creating art and creative gifts to define you is what we do! 

Happy Turkey day everyone!

Darla

Preparing for the Holiday's, Open Studio

Amazing how it seems that it is Halloween then it jumps to the holidays? 

I feel like we just hit the fast forward button and it is here!  Since that never changes, I am hustling to prepare for my Holiday Open House this weekend.  

You are invited!

 

Contact studio for details and directions at 513. 777.2787



Our Mistletoe Market will be open for all your holiday gift giving!  Hurry while supplies last! 

So come and join me for some holiday cheer, shopping and see our new introductions too!

I am too excited to show you are 

NEW Jewelry Art Collection!

As always, thank you for choosing us for your creative gift needs!  

Darla

P.S. ~ Remember we ship anywhere in the USA!

My 11 year old masterpiece

My baby, McHaley turned 11 years old the other day. 

Hard to imagine that she came into the world premature and only weighing 4 pounds.

 

Now she is beautiful, almost as tall as I and an amazing person. 

Our little princess

Oh and did I mention her heart? Okay, I will stop bragging.

She is a joy and I cherish every second we spend cuddling or playing pretend beauty day.



Created for my Mother's day gift to myself

Happy Birthday to my youngest "Masterpiece".  You know how much I love you.

Always,

Mom 

What a Spooktackular weekend!

Happy Post-Halloween!

I hope yours was "boo-tifull". It was most a perfect weekend here in Ohio.  

Crisp and clear days filled with an abundance of treats   

 The weekend began Friday downtown with my dear friend Pattie. 

 We sat up our show for "Final Friday" in her studio at the Pendleton Art Center. 

After delivering our "Pimp out your Pumpkin" for their contest we headed to the Art Museum for some creative girlfriend time. 
Shared a delightful lunch and toured the Thomas Gainsborough and the Modern Woman Until 01/02/11Rouchenburg
AND the Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns Until 01/30/11 exhibits. 

Both truly amazing exhibits and a blissful way to "research".   

Some of the creative pumpkin's we saw...

Title: "Thanks, Mr. C".  Tom Bosley, Happy Days TV dad passed on October 19, 2010
after battling lung.  Pearl is the color for Lung Cancer.  Ironic that my dad is living with the same disease. 
I dedicate this pumpkin in honor of his courage.   



Patties Pumpkin theme "the volcano eruption in Iceland". 
Ah to be stranded in Paris...

 

The Reds new mascots



 

How Pumpkin pie is made...hilarious!



Tricker treaters eager to receive their goodies



Pieces with Pattie's beautiful sculpture 



Hanging of Wine Collection as a guest artist in Pattie Byron Studio's

  I want to thank Pattie for allowing me to be a guest artist in her studio.  If you are looking for amazing sculpture for yourself or as a gift I highly recommend her pieces! 

For more information go to http://www.pattiebyron.com

I hope your Halloween was warm and wonderful!

~ Darla



Courage

Webster's defines "Courage" as:

Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. 


"Courage"  Mixed acrylic piece. 
Available in print, canvas and stationery.  E-mail us for details

I know courage well...my parents and dear friends are "Courage"s defined.

This month we know as breast cancer awareness.
 
My mom was diagnosed with "it" over five years ago.  We celebrate as she is in remission. 
Though it has taught my sister and I to take it seriously and get regular testing.  

"Heart" mixed acrylic piece. 
 Available in pint, canvas and stationery.  Email us for details

Both my parents were smokers. 
It looked so glamours when we were kids to watch them or the beautiful actors on the TV. 
I remember my sister and I pretending one day in the cold morning air with candy imitations.  One of the neighbors saw us and told my mom.  It's a memory, but I remember knowing then that I would never smoke. 
I saw it's ugly hold on them and am thankful when they finally broke free of it's steel like grip.

When my Dad was diagnosed in the spring of 2009 with stage 4 lung cancer, we were all heart broken.  Dad was a baker working with flour everyday for most of his career.  Combined with smoking had developed CPOD and has been living with it for many years. 



"Learn"  Mixed acrylic piece.
Available in print, canvas and stationery.  E-mail us for details.

 As with my family and dear 'Couragous" friends, we cherish each day. 

It has breathed renewed life into our commitments and priorities. 
I find my passion to express and relate is by creating. 
All of my works and collections are apart of me and "Courage" is the dearest. 
The colors chosen in this initial works represent the different cancers that affect my family and friends today. 
The words, quotes and art were carefully choosen to inspire all living with "it" to remember their strength, grace and wisdom.    



"My friend"  Mixed acrylic piece.
Available in print, canvas and stationery.  E-mail us for details!

 Pink:  Breast, Black:  Melanoma, White/pearl:  Lung and Lavender for all cancers. 

I pray for a cure for all families and people living with cancer and hope this
collection will help remind them along the jouney that they are not alone.  

I love you Mom & Dad with all my heart.  
Thanks to my dear friend, Ms. P. for asking me to share. 
I am humbled by all their courage.  

xoxo, Darla

           

My habit of being

I must admit I have let my old habits pull me recently. 

There is comfort in old non effective patterns.  Not all the best intentions and methods are time well spent.  I am listening to LOUD hints for change.   I am a BIG believer of constant improvement and see this is one of the first steps.

I also believe you learn from your mistakes, they make you wiser.



"Autumn Leaves" Photo Art available in Print, Canvas, Art Panels & Stationery.  Please contact Studio for details.



I choose to make new & improved habits both personally and professionally. 

Continuing to listen to the whispers in my soul and conversations from friends and foe alike. 

I will make me a better being. 

So today I am writing + creating again. 

Something is directing me "loudly" to share.  

As an artist, I will create because I have meaningful art to offer. 

Live in the moment and put what is most important to me first.  

"Leaves Change" Photo Art available in Print, Canvas, Stationery, Art Panel.  Contact our studio for details.

I will grow wiser and continue to learn.  And practice better habits...of being.  

~ Committely Yours, Darla    

Autumn Blaze

I love the change of season...fall is one of my personal favs! 

The weather is crisp for snuggly sweaters.  

Apples ripe for ciders and pumpkins at doors ready for carving.  

And all the leaves turn to burnt orange, ochre yellow, red and browns.
  


"Fall's flora" available in Canvas, Prints, Stationery.  Contact Studio for details 

      
In celebration of this wonderful warm season I am adding some new additions to my  collections. 

I hope you like them.
 

"Autumn Blaze" Available in Canvas, Prints, Stationery.  Contact Studio for details.

I am working on some new holiday designs for all your holiday gift giving.

Tis' the season!
 

Enjoy this lovely fall weather. 

Don't miss each day as the colors change and the leaves fall.  

Warm fall wishes, ~Darla

Daddy's little girl

This post will be short and very sweet, like my dad. 

Today is his birthday. 

He is kind, honest and loving as the day is long.

Everyday with him is a blessing,

Photo provided by Foreverly Photography www.foreverlyphotography.com

     

Because of you Dad, I searched and found my soul mate.

So my children will know the love of a wonderful father...like you.

Happy 73rd Birthday Dad,

I love you with all my heart ~ Dar

D

Something about Simplicity

Simplicity...by definition is the state, quality, or an instance of being simple. 

 The freedom from complexity.

As I grow  from inside I am adding simplicity into my life. 

Into my home, into my business and into my art.  Cleaning house, studio and brain! 

It feels good, clean and honest.  So I started with my heart.

Being fearless is a big focus.

I think this is going to be some inspiration or used somewhere...watch for it!

Which is leading to my house... 

The before image of the kids bathroom (crazy!)          After the makeover...so nice, clean and did I mention clean?

One room down, 10+ to go!

 Which is is leading to my art + design...

Ta Da!  My most recent mixed medium collection.  A four part piece.

Okay perhaps not so simple but it is focused!  I needed to have something remind me to be better.  A better person, mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister.  I am re-reading the "Four Agreements".  I highly recommend it and receive daily inspirations from author Don Miguel Ruiz. 

 This new 4 part piece is what's to come.  Look closely, you will see words for self wisdom.   

I see prints, art panels, canvas...oh and stationery too!  What do you think?  Imagine what you can do when you do a little house/brain cleaning and establish some simplicity into your life.  

Now to name it...any suggestions, I am open to a few "simple" name options!

Fearlessly yours, Darla

Something borrowed, something blue

I love weddings!  Anniversaries and special birthdays too!  A fresh new chapter to celebrate.  I have been blessed to create custom wall art to capture a those very special moments.

So a client calls for to have a piece commissioned.  We set up a design consultation.  Typically they take 30-45 minutes.  The customer brings their invitation for inspiration.  We discuss options , size mediums.  Such as canvas, prints, framing and art panels, stationery, etc.  Colors are important, where it will go in the house, are we matching the invite or the recipients favorite colors?  And anything else special or meaningful to the recipient(s).   

There is so much to this design thing than most are aware of! 

Here is an example:        

A customer's invitation for a wedding 

  

The design created to capture their special day

A close up of the mounted art on a custom designed background. 

Details in the flower designs. 

Every custom is signed of course, because it is an original.  Just like them!

11 x 14 Framed mixed medium Custom on archival paper $95.00

The completed piece framed and ready for it's new home.  

Let me know if you have a special occasion coming up. 
I would be happy to create a treasured piece for you!

TTFN, Darla  

Something about art class

I love to learn.  Really, I do.  My kids roll their eyes, but I am geeky that way.  Especially anything about ART!  So when a dear friend asked if her talented daughter could come to the studio to see and possibly play, I happily accepted. 

We had so much fun!  All the kids came and my daughter too!  So we had a little class.  I prepped for it (but not too much).  Because I have an idea.....I will share I promise.  I just received a message from my friend saying her beautiful little girl wants to know when she is coming back to Ms. Darla's for art class.  What a warm feeling! 

Now that I am listening to my heart more, I see what I have been missing. 

So watch for more to come!

Have a colorful day! ~ Darla  

Small Business...BIG Dreams

Melissa is my friend, mentor and client.  She has owned different business' in her entrepreneurial career. 

We have been business colleagues for years.  

Girlfriends Coffee Design by Darla Kirchner Designs, LLC

She owns La Crema Coffee & Roasting Company in West Chester, Ohio near IKEA.  Only the best coffee ever!  The aromas are amazing!  My favorites are ALL the chocolates (of course).  

If you are in the area, visit her shop. Not local visit her online shop at http://lacremacoffeecompany.com/

Small business BIG Dreams logo by Darla Kirchner Designs, LLC

Melissa is a wealth of business knowledge and is passionate for helping other small business owners.  If you have a business or an idea for your business, I invite you to listen to her new radio show.  All the information is on the logo or go to her website http://www.smallbusinessbigdreams.com/ 

I am excited to be a tiny part of her BIG dream.  

I so appreciate having her in my life!

PS.  After Melissa's big first show she called me.  We had a fun discussion about it all and celebrated in our excitement.  Now that I have a "famous friend" I shamelessly asked if she would allow me to interview her.  To pick her incredible brain so I could share it with you.  I know there are some who are already have their business, some planning and some with a dream.  I am honestly delighted to share my friend experience and passion with you.


Talk soon,

Darla

Such a glamorous Artist life I lead

Sometimes I think people have the perception that all artist have a glamorous life. 
We get up, take long walks to be inspired.  Then wonder into our gorgeous two story studios which are drenched in natural light.  All to paint and create beautiful pieces.  Sigh...wouldn't that be wonderful!  Many customers have said, "wow you are so talented, it must be wonderful to be an artist and your own boss". 
It is...and it's hard and demanding with long hours. And still I love what I do, it is who I am! 

Last weekend my husband Joe and I packed our SUV and headed up to Yellow Springs, Ohio to participate in their Village Artisans Show.  At 7:00am it looked like we were going to be a nice day.  By 10:00 am it was 90 degrees and by 10:30 we were dripping.  Literally.  

I was not feeling very glamours then! 

  

Since I am focused on being positive and seeing all the good things in life, I have to share them too!  Yellow Springs is a wonderful Hippie, bohemian town.  A flash back to the 60's Y.S. is very laid back and artsy.  My kind of small town!  The people were so friendly and helpful and the artist works amazing.  We will come back, dear Yellow Springs!

Wall mural in Yellow Springs

And when the big black clouds came rumbling in, with streaks of lightning bolts,  I must confess I did a little happy dance in my head.  The temperature dropped about 15 degrees, the wind was a welcome fan and every artist around did not rush to dismantle their wares.  Quite simply I believe we all were enjoying the cool rain.  And it did come down...

I think I saw a few cats and dogs too :)

Joe and I took our time packing.  We happily got into our SUV wet and drove home all the way in the pouring rain.  And to think my husband actually said, "when do you want to do it again?" Perhaps the Sunflower Show in September will be a bit more captivating. 

At least it should be fun and I hope cooler by then! 

Ah the alluring life of an artist....unpacking, repacking...on with the show! 

I hope you have a wonderful and dry weekend!  ~ Darla