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May 08, 2018

Tea and Cake with Gracie featuring Roben-Marie Smith

By Gracie  |   in artist interviews  | Tags: Roben-Marie Smith , giveaway , Tea & Cake with Gracie  

Hello Friends! Welcome to a series we run on the blog called: Tea & Cake with Gracie :) Gracie interviews inspiring artists and posts the interviews (including some free offers not published elsewhere before) here on the blog every 2 months or so. I love to create art and bring amazing artists & people together in my classes, in person and on social media. I want to help bring more exposure to some of the amazing artists out there! Today Gracie’s interviewing Roben-Marie Smith. Make sure you check out Roben-Marie’s workshop giveaway, video tutorial and art paper freebie below. Roben-Marie’s giving away one spot on her new workshop: SALVAGED: A Layered Pieces Journal! Tam xoxo

Read previous Tea and Cake with Gracie Artist Interviews by clicking on artist’s name: Jeanne-Marie Webb | Kathy Glynn | Donna Mulholland | Wendy Brightbill | Whitney Freya | Violette Clark | Melissa Dinwiddie | Tascha Parkinson | Susana Tavares | Lynn Whipple | Karine Bossé | Jenny Grant | France Papillon | Jenny Wentworth | Kristin Dudish | Rachael Rice | Angela Kennedy (Pennystamper) | Andrea Gomoll |

The sun is beginning to shine here in the South of England and smiles are all around! Where ever you are, I am beaming you sunshine and glitter filled hugs! :) Today I’m so so happy and honoured to share with you my interview with Roben-Marie Smith. I’ve been following Roben-Marie for many years now and LOVE her work! I hope you enjoy the interview too! :) Roben-Marie’s giving away one spot in her new workshop: SALVAGED: A Layered Pieces Journal to one lucky reader! – PLUS she shares with us her process for creating a gorgeous journal page in the video below. Make sure to download Roben-Marie’s fab Freebie Paper Gift too! Thank you for being here :) Much love, light and blessings to you :) Gracie x

1. Welcome Roben-Marie! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I would like to share what is new and exciting to me as a mixed media artist/journal maker. After 15 years of teaching, creating classes (online and in person) and new products, I have recently discovered the profound effect of taking a creative break. I took 2 months off where I rested and created solely for myself. I listened to where my heart wanted to go and gave myself permission to ignore rules and deadlines. I created solely for personal joy and I am still processing the results of this new journey. It has been hugely beneficial to me and the direction of my art.


Roben-Marie’s Giveaway!

Roben-Marie’s giving away one spot in her new workshop:
SALVAGED: A Layered Pieces Journal to one lucky reader! :)

Here’s a little bit about this awesome workshop, from Roben-Marie:

” We will journey from start to finish – creating your own art journal. Transform your relationship with paper as I guide you through an in-depth, hands-on study of the architecture of an art journal.”


*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED *
*GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED*
Thank you to everyone for joining in the giveaway, we loved reading your lovely comments! The randomly drawn winner is:
Chris Kaminski
who said:

We do too Chris! :) Congratulations on winning a spot on Roben-Marie’s new workshop!
Click here to find out more about the SALVAGED workshop!


Roben-Marie’s Freebie Offers!

Check out the inspirational video Roben-Marie created for us:

Click the ‘play button’ to watch this video or click on the review link here: Review Link to see Roben-Marie create this gorgeous journal page:

Roben-Marie is also offering all readers this downloadable Freebie Paper Gift (below) :) (Pls note this is to use and share for personal use only. Thanks for understanding!). Download and print out the high resolution version by right-clicking on the image below and choosing ‘save target as’ / ‘download linked file as’ or by downloading from the link here: Roben-Marie’s downloadable Freebie Paper Gift

Access Roben-Marie’s FREE Resource Library HERE


Learn more about Roben-Marie in the following interview:

2. You say: ‘I have been a working artist for the last ten years, and am self-taught, so I believe that anyone can cultivate their creative spark.’ Can you talk to us about ’self-taught’ and how that looks in your day to day, what things do you do to stay self motivated and focused on your journey, what have you learnt along the way to keep you on track?

It sounds cliche but truly inspiration is everywhere. My favorites are magazines, catalogs and a spirit of curiosity. I stay focused and motivated by my love of experimentation. I am always open to adding new mediums, products and techniques to my work and love to find a unique spin on the tried and true. I love discovering a new skill set that I did not know I possessed. Trusting that what I am is “enough” and pushing through the doubt and dry spells that plaque every artist is what keeps me going season after season. I am increasingly aware that refilling with rest and quiet is one of the most motivating gifts you can give yourself.

3. I love that many pieces of your work include sewing and fabric! Please can you talk to us a bit about that and when/how sewing and fabric started to be added into your work?

My mother made matching outfits for my sister and I as children. That was my introduction to creating with fabric, resulting in an early love of color and texture. As a child, I made stuffed animals and learned to manipulate fabric. When I discovered mixed media as an art form, I was able to combine my love of paint and fabric and I have never looked back.

4. Can you chat to us a bit about how you got into teaching?

I began teaching in 2003 in a local stamp store. I realized that teaching was a great way to share my love of mixed media and journal making while utilizing the organizational skills I possess. 2005 saw my debut as a national instructor both at large convention style events and locally owned art stores. When the technology of online classes became available, I was ready to take a break from all the travel associated with in-person teaching. My tech geek side was born in a flash.

5. What’s on your art table right now?

My newest handmade journal was designed during my recent rest period. Creating for pure joy in this journal opened up a love of salvaged scraps of paper and fabric. I am working in my journal every chance I get. There is something very cathartic about using bits of paper that would normal end up in the trash to create new life.

I am also in the preparation/design stage of my second year participating in the 100 Day Project. I loved it last year as a newbie and this year I am looking forward to it even more now that I know what to expect.

Thank you Roben-Marie for sharing and being here with us! You can find out more about Roben-Marie on her website: robenmarie.com or through the links:

Website: robenmarie.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ robenmarie
Shop: shoprobenmarie.com
Pinterest:
pinterest.com/robenmarie/boards

Access Roben-Marie’s FREE Resource Library HERE

Exciting and Magical News!! We are back with another round of EVER AFTER! :) Huzzah! :)

Would you like to win a space on this enchanting course? Then be sure to follow the blog hop! Come check out what Ever After is all about and meet the magical Ever After Teacher Team too!! We are super excited to be running another round of this magical Style Development Art course! Hope you’ll join it too! <3

Click here to follow the blog hop! :)

Click HERE for Ever After 2018 Awesomeness! ;)

You may also like:

  • Tea and Cake with Gracie featuring Katrina Koltes

  • Rainbow Unicorn Give Away #3 – Yay!

  • Rainbow Unicorn Give Away #2 – Yay!

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Tamara Laporte

willowing

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Mixed media artist, teacher and author. I don’t see all IG msgs. For enq pls email hello@willowing.org - Join Creating Cuties:

When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There`s something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied!

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There's something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied! 

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️ 

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Open
You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking.

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful!

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree

Much Love,
Tam 💕

Open
Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking. 

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful! 

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree 

Much Love,
Tam 💕

SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don`t come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they`ll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork!

Here are the codes again:

40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don`t work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends!

Much love,
Tam 💕

Open
SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨ 

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don't come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they'll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork! 

Here are the codes again: 
 
40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam 
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don't work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️ 

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends! 

Much love,
Tam 💕

While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase `You Shine` (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us.

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you`re facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase 'You Shine' (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us. 

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you're facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️ 

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱
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