Dear Friends,

Thank you for a joyful time of painting and art.
I appreciate your support and emails and I'm thankful you like my art.

Over the past few years, there have been some big changes in my life. 

I lost my mom and dad. Then, I was diagnosed with cancer.

After a year of treatment, I’m doing ok. Though my prognosis is good, recovery is long. My new normal is an evasive ever changing ideal. Along with many physical limitations, my priorities have changed. I need to take time for family and friends.

Though I will always appreciate your prayers and good wishes, I am not returning emails or conversing. Thank you for respecting my privacy.

The gifts a serious illness brings are many. I am incredibly blessed and will forever be grateful to my amazing husband, family and friends. You gathered around and held my hand when my path was darkest. People brought fabulous meals, drove me to Chemo, prayed with me, sent cards and gifts. There were dozens of phone calls, visits, tears and laughter and Netflix marathons. I am forever grateful.

I grew even more spiritually, depending upon God for each step, each minute, each day. Though I don’t know what is next, I am optimistic.

Authenticity is important to me. Seeking a new direction will to take time, patience, persistence and failures. I’m not very active on Facebook, twitter, or social media because I’m working on “Being”. Many of you will understand.

During Chemo, my husband and I agreed to find something exciting to look forward to when I reached the end of this journey.

Recently, Trek entered our lives. Trek is a lively, ornery, busy puppy. He fills our days with laughter. Puppies are work but are incredibly therapeutic.
I've grown stronger with each walk and ball toss. Laughter is good medicine.

So, my friends, I don't know where this new path will lead. Or if, with practice, I'm able to paint again. But, it is exciting to dream of what new direction lay ahead.

As for art... I’m not the best artist. But, arguably, I’ve had the most joy in my career! I hope joy shines through my work. Art is therapy for me. I’ve traveled to distant places in my mind. "Trust, hold on and take the next step"

I regret I am not able to continue my shop, nor respond to emails.

Trek at 7 weeks

Becky and Trek 

Thank you, bye for now.

Becky Kelly

Becky Kelly Sabbatical Announcement

Becky Kelly is on an extended sabbatical. 
She is spending more time with family and friends in 2018.
The shops will not be open during the holidays and for an extended period.
We thank you for your interest in Becky's art work and for your support. 
Becky continues to work on new personal projects.

Thank you,
Becky Kelly Studio  

Shop Announcement

Hi!

Becky's online shop, Periwinkle Sky, is taking a little break.

We will be closed 

What do Mom's Want Most for Mother's Day?

What do Mom's Want Most for Mother's Day?

 I'm a Mom....    

Does that make me an expert?  

Well, according to teens everywhere 

the answer is a definite...

"NO!"

But, In my opinion...

What do Mom's want for Mother's Day? 

Your Time,
A Phone Call (if you are far away),
Something Thoughtful,
and/or Something Handmade...

like ....a handmade card  

(that's right! Put me out of business!)

and if that isn't an option you can always visit my shop, Periwinkle Sky

Order Mother's Day items soon, 

The Shop will close from May 4th - May 18th

Periwinkle Sky Shop

Moms, What do you want most? What was your favorite gift?

Please do tell!

Watercolor Peonies - learning and growing

Watercolor Flowers 

(day 1)

Last week, I accompanied my dad to the Hansford Center in St. Albans, WV.
A small group of dedicated artist gather each week to paint in watercolor.
It's really quite fun. 

I love to paint. The people in his group are interesting and inspirational.
Sometimes, I try my hand at realistic watercolor.
This is a watercolor peony from a friends photo.

While we painted, live Appalachian dulcimer music played in the room next door, beautiful.
It was almost heaven.


Dad is 91 and still painting.  In fact, his painting was just accepted into a WV juried art exhibit,
Aqueous 2017.                       I'll post more about his painting later.

Midway through my painting

I'm looking forward to finishing this watercolor Peonies painting

(Something to look forward to finishing on my next visit)

Peonies - Watercolor

Currently, I am stretching into other areas of art.  Learning and growing,  painting realistic flowers, fruit and landscapes.   It's quite a departure from fairies and children.

I'm also working on some Children's Book Art for my portfolio and have attended seminars, and lectures, plus reading everything I can find.  The SCBWI is a good resource for "how to's".
Going from greeting cards to books, not an easy transition.  It is an all new experience.
I've learned how much I need to learn.
  

 Learning and growing is the best part of living.   

 Just ask my dad.  Age 91 and still growing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

When I was little, dad would take my brother, sister and me on long walks in the forests near our home. Tall cliffs of rocks with deep emerald green moss and vines created a beautiful woodland playground. We had to be very quiet when hiking past the "Devil's Tea Table", an enchanted place for sure. 

Peeking through parted leaves and wildflowers we scanned the area, searching for signs of fairies.

This is the inspiration for my illustration

"fairy and bug" Sleeping on a mushroom

Sometimes we found something! ... like an acorn top..."no doubt it was a fairy teacup!" or little red berries scattered on the ground, "signs of a party the night before" we were sure! 

One of my favorite places in West Virginia is Bear Town. 
I even love the name- "Bear Town".

Visit this link - for beautiful photos, or Google Bear Town in northern Greenbrier. Enchanting! This one of my favorite places ever. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beartown_State_Park

from wikipedia

Happy St. Patrick's Day!    

(photos taken with my iphone  ... it is that beautiful!)

yes      It is beautiful

Periwinkle Sky Shop is Open!

Hi Friends! My Periwinkle Sky Shop is OPEN!

friends of my site. 

Use Coupon Code   TAKE10   for 10% off!

The Periwinkle Sky Shop is now open!   

In order to create new artwork and still keep the shop open, we've made a few changes.

Sadly, shipping packages and being organized just isn't my gift!  

(just ask anyone who knows me)

We've loved conversing, offering acid free mats, show kits and other freebies...  but it is too expensive to maintain without raising your costs.  In an effort to reduce cost,  we are shipping direct from the printer!  We offer lower prices on shipping, faster service, plus better packaging and protection for your print.  We even offer a few new sizes. 

Check out the shop.  

We are offering postcards and greeting cards in a variety of quantities with lower shipping.    

A free postcard with every purchase over $25.00 - **except for prints coming to you directly from the printer** 

Shipping.   

We are still working out details of shipping

We refund excess shipping if it's $2.00 over our actual cost, including shipping overseas.

If shipping seems way off, please let me know.  We will make every effort to make it correct, 

we are adjusting to the new system. 

Stop by and take ten....Use Coupon Code "TAKE10" for 10% off!

See you soon!

your friends at Becky's online shop,
Periwinkle Sky.

 

The Periwinkle Sky shop is

closed from Dec. 22 through the holidays.

 www.periwinklesky.etsy.com

MERRY MERRY Christmas!

Use Coupon code MERRYMERRY for 20 % off 

at the PeriwinkleSky shop

PeriwinkleSky Etsy Shop

My Periwinkle Sky Etsy Shop is open for a short time . 

Stop by

 

*** OH NO!    shipping seems to have a glitch.   We are working on making our shipping pricing more reasonable.  Let me know if your shipping cost was too high and I will try to fix it ASAP   We have refunded overages  ***

Free Gratitude Journal- craft to share with friends!

I am so Thankful for you!

PRINT OUT BOOKLET HERE  

if video doesn't show 

click on this link

to view on a 

YOUTUBE VIDEO 

Free Craft

Make your own
"Mini Gratitude Journal"
(note **pictures vary year to year)

Free Adobe Reader Needed For Downloads

Thankful Journal
(with a Hedgehog image)
Download 1 page of art

if needed:   Download Adobe Reader Here
                     Free

4) download art   
5) Print Art -  on best setting  .   nice paper is best   * Choose Borderless Printing *
6) Fold as in video
(there should be 8 panels, with one slit ( use scissors) in the middle)
7) Fold to make a book

fold long-wise

fold in half

clip to center as shown

fold both ends in, then fold longwise again.

push both ends toward middle (a kiss!)

make an X,  fold so cover is on top.

Voila!   Your booklet.

 Copyright Becky Kelly
 Please respect copyright.  For personal use only,  please do not resale.
**let me know what you think!

My heart, my prayers go out to those in need, devastated by the flooding in West Virginia.  

It is such a beautiful inspirational place with beautiful souls.   

People have lost their homes and some, their loved ones.  

Want to help?  
To help, please pray.
God hears our prayers. 
We are stronger together.   

To contribute or volunteer, go to The Red Cross       

 Thank you!