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Today, I am pleased to be telling you about our sponsor Sarah Jane Studios! Sarah Jane Studios is the work of Sarah Jane, whose blog you can find here. You can also follow her on Twitter and Flickr for free downloads, book reviews and musings from the life of an-artist mom of three little ones. In Sarah's words:
"Sarah Jane is an illustrator and designer who creates vintage inspired art for children that fits in with the modern home and nursery. If you have a soft spot for vintage storybook illustration, Sarah Jane's ETSY shop is the place where you'll be right at home with her fresh and original designs."
Sarah Jane: Sarah Jane Studios has been a business for 2 1/2 years as an ETSY SHOP but honestly, it is really just an extension of what I have been doing all my life. I was inspired to start my business after my 2nd child was born to help my husband through his Master's Degree. I was seeking vintage inspired artwork for my babes, but couldn't find anything that was original with colors and designs that weren't dated. I decided to create my own art prints for children which has since grown to become paper products, stationery and stitching patterns, and soon pillows. It's been a wonderful journey for our family as we've watched the business grow and change. I've since been contracted with Harper Collins to release a picture book next year, and that has been a fantastic branch which I hope to develop even more.
SouleMama: Has Motherhood changed the work you do?
Sarah Jane: Yes. As a children's book illustrator, I am very careful to always keep myself in check that my work never becomes about the work, but about the children. Having children with me all day and night is a wonderful reminder that motherhood has many branches, and my work is simply that: a branch. Allowing my mothering to influence my work, and my work to influence the way I mother has been a wonderful blessing.
SouleMama: How does the balance of work and family play out for you?
Sarah Jane: I have 3 young children and so burnout can happen very easily. Making sure that my body is healthy and as rested as possible is key for me...which is actually really hard with so many balls in the air. But the biggest key is making sure that my family comes first. When my children and husband know that the business isn't first, we all thrive. Things always feel off when work comes first...and then burn out is inevitable. I also stay really flexible. Some weeks I only work at night, and others I am able to work in the day when my children are content and willing to play around my work. There are of course the late nights and the days that are overwhelming and full. But truthfully, I am so passionate about illustrating for children that it keeps me going. And my kids love that I am an artist too. I have an art studio and they are welcome any time to come and draw on the floor (and soon the walls!) and that keeps allows me to feel I can create with them and not around them. My goal during this entire journey has been to keep it a secret that Mommy works. I try and keep it as integrated with family life as I can, and I segregate (working at night) the things that can't include the children.
For today's giveaway, Sarah Jane Studios is offering the following to one winner:
a $50 Gift Certificate to the shop!
In addition, Sarah Jane is offering SouleMama readers a FREE mother's day card in their order with the code SOULEMAMA. All orders of $50 will receive a FREE sketch book in their order as well. (Offer ends Tuesday, May 4th.)
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Thank you to Sarah Jane Studios!
To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winner by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winner is...
WOnderful! Her illustrations are simply perfect!
Posted by: Sarah M
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