Lifebook 2018--Save 20% Now!

Hello Friends!  

What a great ride Lifebook 2017 has been, it's been such an honor to be among this trip of instructors and amazing students. I've enjoyed every minute. I'm so grateful to my friend, Tamara Laporte for having me for the second time!

While I won't be partaking as a teacher in 2018, I will be as a student and champion of all things Lifebook. In case you are interested in joining in on the fun, check out what is changing for the better & enjoy!

Life Book 2018

New & Improved, Bigger & Better! 

2018 is a special &; exciting year for Life Book because the launch of LB2018 coincides with the publication of Tamara's new book (all about Life Book) AND she is going to make the Life Book offer more holistic by opening the course up to other art forms (like clay work, photography and writing) plus she is also bringing in some more wellness experts that will support you on your wellness/ personal development journey!! It’s very much in line with her very first vision for Life Book when she started dreaming up the concept in 2011! :)

The key differences/ extras this year are: 

• Virtual Life Book Gift (or Swag) Bag!!! :D Everyone who signs up to Life Book gets a virtual ‘goodie bag’ filled with things like: high res prints (for you to print out), exclusive discount codes from teachers and sponsors, free ebooks and ezines and other awesome stuff! yay! Click here to find out what is in the gift bag!
• Additional healing AND art disciplines (Tamara has invited several other experts who do things like yoga/ aromatherapy/ NVC & mindfulness etc plus other art disciplines like sculpture/ doll making/ photography & writing etc to make the entire healing/ wellness aspect of Life Book more holistic (these offers are on top of the art lessons not instead of).
• Tamara will run several Facebook live sessions (first year she is offering this), these will be in the form of: Check ins/ FAQs/ Impromptu art sessions & They will be recorded and available for those who can’t make the live sessions.
• Life long access to all content (this is the first year she is offering life long access to all content, yay!!)
• She is holding a huge prize draw with 20 prizes or so combined worth of £3000 GBP for all people who sign up to Life Book (not part of the blog hop) – This prize draw can only be entered if you sign up to Life Book, prizes include huge bundles of art supplies and other cool creative and wellness items!
• Price does NOT change from last year!! Even though you’re getting SO MUCH MORE !!! :D

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In a nutshell, this is the Incredible Life Book 2018 offer:

◙ A minimum of 6-8, in depth, Mixed Media Art Lessons plus a Minimum of 4 Bonus Sessions by Tamara  (it usually ends up being more than that though because she gets excited about all the new things she learns and finds it difficult not to share haha!)
◙ 21, in depth, Mixed Media Art Lessons by Spectacular Guest Teachers (see below who the 2018 guest teachers are)
◙ Between 12 – 18 additional arts & craft and wellness sessions with experts in this field (check the teacher profile doc to see what each expert has to offer)
◙ 21 (Smaller) Bonus Activities like: extra PDF prompts & step by steps/ artist interviews/ ATC swaps/ give aways/ audio meditations/ writing prompts etc by Tamara & Guest Teachers
◙ Between 4-6 Facebook Live Sessions with Tamara

Early Bird Discount Code!

If you join Life Book by the end of this month, December 31st, you can get 20% off!!!

Click HERE to join now!

A Revealing Heart--An Art Journal Page Discussed

"A heart often reveals itself in times of difficulty. It either shines, or....it doesn't."

Last week was undoubtedly filled with lots of highs and lows, great memories, full of promise of potentially a new relationship, but ultimately ended with extreme sorrow for our family unexpectedly.  It was in that time of grief, that I had time to reflect once again about many things: such as how short life is and how it can change when you least expect it. People, animals, things, all come into your life not necessarily forever, but if you allow them to, they teach you lessons that you can carry in your heart the rest of your life.

   

Without going into the details again, for those of you who follow me on Facebook, you already know, but suffice to say, Friday we lost a beloved member of our family unexpectedly.  Not a person, but rather our pet who might of well been a person because that's how he was treated.  

My son and I were devastated of course and in shock all weekend...still in shock.   At the same time, earlier in the week, I met someone who seemed very special....romantic, brought me flowers on the first date,  chatted with me throughout the week, we went out on a second date and had an even better time, and generally seemed to get along well. Things looked very promising until  I had a crisis on Friday that brought me to my knees.

Not that I expected pity or this person to come running to me as in reality, we only known each other a week...but the true colors of this person's sincerity showed a lot earlier than I suppose some may show months or possibly years later,  and for that I'm grateful.

Spoiler alert...it wasn't good.

Not to be the Taylor Swift of the art world and lay all my cards out for the world to see, but I just have to say I'm proud of myself for not wanting to change someone like I normally would take on a challenge like this.   The g-rated version of the exchange was that 15 minutes after we talked on the phone Friday about the devastating course of events that happened that afternoon, I get a text that HE was disappointed we wouldn't be getting together tonight. Not a sorry this happened, can I do anything for you, blah blah blah.  

At first, I made an excuse of well, he really doesn't know me that well yet and couldn't possibly know how I feel or how I react in moments of extreme sorrow, stress, or struggles.  And maybe he just wasn't brought up to be super compassionate with words, not everyone knows how to communicate well or openly. I can relate, often my method of communication is in writing or through my art.

But to be made to feel guilty over not wanting to go out (and I can say going out very loosely because I can say with 150% certainty that dinner and a movie wasn't what he wanted)  on a day that I had been crying my eyes out over a loss of a loved one...well.....it was pretty revealing of his character.

The next two days...Saturday and Sunday were more of the same.  No contact until later in the day, no check in on how I'm doing.  Just are you coming over tonight?  No. No. and No.

If that's the best you have, then I'd rather have nothing at all. Period.

I am ready for dating again after a long break but my time is so limited, I barely have enough for myself, my kids, and my close friends---if I make room for someone, I want to make it count.   

That brings me back to the moral of the story-- part of the theme for my  resolutions this year, have been to stand my ground and make myself "Better Than Before".  I might have thought well, he's a decent person with a good job and well he did buy me dinner and bring me flowers 2x.. Maybe I should help him to see how his lack of compassion hurt me.   

No.  What point would that make? If someone doesn't have it in them to know what to do, right or wrong...why waste your time trying to make someone into someone they are not.  Accept it and move on.

The truth of the matter is, a person's true colors are often shown in moments of extreme highs an extreme lows more quickly than if you un-peel the layers bit by bit over time.  You can't change someone, but you can change yourself.

I grabbed my journal today and processed those feelings and heck decided to write about them on the blog in the quest of being more open and honest with not just myself, but with everyone around me.  

I'm not mad, I'm in fact pretty proud of myself.  I feel more empowered than I have in awhile even at the eve of something tragic,  there's wisdom to be found. And now I can move forward...I'm still sad, still broken-hearted, still grieving;  but,  I'm also happy I didn't waste precious time with someone who didn't have the type of heart I desired in a partner.

Don't settle for less...I know I won't. 

Jodi Ohl

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Products used in this journal page:

Dylusions Journal

Striped washi Tape

Neocolor II Watersoluble Crayons

Deco Markers by Pebeo

4Artist Marker by Pebeo

craft luggage tags

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Upcoming classes not to miss!

January 21 and 22nd!

I'll be teaching a Zen Weekend at Donna Downey's studio!  We have a few spaces left for this hot class! Take a winter creative break and join us in this spectacular workshop!

Dreams Do Come True!

As many of you may know,  my book Abstracts in Acrylic and Ink will be out December 26th! 

 With just under a month before the big release happens, I wanted to offer my valued customers and followers 4 options you can take advantage of to receive a signed copy of my book!

• Option 1:  Signed Book with Commemorative Postcard
• Option 2:  Signed Book, Commemorative Postcard, and a special edition 8 x 10 of the book cover.
• Option 3:  Signed Book, Commemorative Postcard, and a LIMITED Edition 12 x 12 print (pictured above) of one of the featured paintings in my book.
• Option 4:  Signed Book, Commemorative Postcard, and a 10 x 10 ORIGINAL abstract painting.

*You'll notice on Etsy that I am including the shipping in the charge so this offer is for domestic customers only.  My international friends, please message me if you are interested so I can quote you a shipping charge.

Are you giving this as a gift?  When you purchase one of my options, be sure to download the jpg file  you'll receive as an instant download, so you can let you loved one know that Abstracts in Acrylic and Ink is on it's way!

Get ready to Spill, Splatter, and Paint! whooohooo!

Thank you for all your love and support!  Life is full of twists and turns, but I'm here to tell you that anything is truly possible.  I never thought this would be happening and here we are, on the precipice of a dream becoming a reality.  Now it's your turn...go out and make your dreams come true!

xoxo

Jodi

PS---

It's not too late to take advantage of my special sale going on for Thanksgiving Day weekend--Save up to 40% off all of my online classes!  Stop over to my Etsy shop for more details.  11/29/16 is the last full day of this sale so don't delay!  

Happy Monday! Sharing the Zen Love today!

Hello and Happy Monday My Friends~!

I know many of you have been hoping I would do this and just waiting for it...well today is the day!

I'm excited to present my newest online class, "Zen Painting, Pathways and Connections" which begins October 5th!!!!  Whooohooo! This class has been a long time in the making and it is a process that I have fallen in love with, so with that said, I'm so thrilled to be able to offer it to you both online and throughout my upcoming travel teaching events!  

Wait for it.......wait for it....

Today (9/19) through Wednesday, 9/21/16, I'll be giving away 2 spots for this class which you can enter your name into the virtual hat by leaving me a comment on this blog post that answers the question:   What brings a state of Zen into your life and how would this course benefit you?

You can get a second entry by sharing this blog post, simply come back and let us know you shared! Extra bonus points in my book if you sign up for my newsletter..haha :)

http://sweetrepeats.blogspot.com/2016/09/happy-monday-sharing-zen-love-today.html

If you already signed up for the class and win the drawing, you will get a refund after class opens from me and or you can gift your winnings to a friend (or allow me to give a scholarship to someone in need in your name),  whatever floats your boat!

If you haven't signed up for the workshop, please don't delay, the sale price ENDS after class launches on 10/5. We are going to have a blast in the class no doubt, and I can't wait for it to begin!

To read more about the workshop please click HERE.

Here's a little snippet where I discuss my upcoming class!
               Thank you so much for stopping by!

Wishing you much luck in this giveaway!!

PS...if we reach over 200 comments, I'll give away a 3rd seat!! Please share and help spread the word about this fun filled workshop!

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Here's a few products we will be using in the class!

Happy Birthday! Pay What You Can Sale PLUS a Giveaway!!

Bidding is now closed, thank you all for another wonderful 

Pay What You Can promotion. I'm so happy to be able to 

share the love of art with so many!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Don't miss out on other great specials and

collector previews, join my newsletter today!


Click HERE to sign up!



What is a Pay What You Can Sale?  Well,  a couple years ago I received an email from an inspirational speaker, author,  and artist that I admire  (Danielle Laporte) who offered a sale for one day only on one or two of her very popular (but pricey) book/programs and I thought now isn’t  that a coolio idea?!  I sat on the idea for a year and then two  years ago,  I decided to take a plunge and do my own version of the special for a LIMITED time, too! If you stopped by last year, you may have got a SWEET deal, and hopefully this year you will find a deal or two as well. And this year is going to be another AMAZING Event!  You’ll see in just a moment! 

Here’s the Deets:

“Pay What You Can”

For a limited time  I will post a variety of items in the following categories:  Supplies,  Prints, Originals,….and wait for it….and COMMISSION pieces, without prices you have to pay, but offer them on your terms in the spirit of Pay What You Can.  There's also a special offer for a new 'club' I'm launching in 2016

I will post suggested retail prices so you can gauge what I normally offer the artwork or supplies at.

Shipping is not included and pieces do not come matted or framed (for original art and prints) .

I will consider every offer J

NOTE....if this post is short on your browser, please 

click 

"READ MORE"  for all the details.  The last paragraph 

should include the giveaway info :)

I do reserve the right to decline an offer that is well below cost or not truly a fair offer.
  

For example: I can not do a 3ox30 piece for you for 20.00... I’m sorry.  :)

I will also offer payment plans if you really want that 30x30 piece but would need to split payments up to make it happen!

In the event more than one person makes an offer, I will take the highest offer-but will notify the lower offer 1x  that there is another bid that has beat there’s without revealing the offer to see if that person would like to resubmit their offer.

Things to take into consideration:

Prints are made to order, please allow 10-14 days for delivery unless you want to upgrade to an expedited shipping. 

  I want YOU to get a deal and if you tell me you can only pay xyz as you are on a limited budget, it’s an honor system.  It’s not a good feeling if I see that same person the next day on Facebook talking about their trip around the world and total home renovation being on a limited budget. I know you get what I mean!! I’m just saying as that happened to me it almost made me not want todo this again.

Most custom items will be worked on in January and into February and could take 2-4 weeks approximately  to complete, depending on how many orders and the complexity of the subjects.  If you need your item sooner, please contact me before placing an order/offer.

How do you make an offer?

I will post a link to a form you must fill out so I can have all the information in one place.  By the end of Thursday, 12/17/15,  or sooner I will review all offers and let you know via email if your PWYC offer was accepted.

 Invoices will be sent out shortly thereafter.

Are you ready for the big reveal?  Here’s Jodi Ohl’s Pay What You Can Sale 2015!

PRINTS:

******EXCLUSIVE  PRINT Offer!!! HUGE opportunity to own a limited edition item***

"Good Thing Come In Threes"

12x12  Regular Retail Price:  $40.00  (shipping 5-7 dollars domestic only)

20 x 20    Regular Retail Price:  120.00  (shipping 7-10 domestic only)

*For my international customers, I will need your location to accurately quote you a shipping price*

Amount of available for sale:  Open ended

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

"The Cul de Chick"

12x12  Regular Retail Price:  $40.00  (shipping 5-7 dollars domestic only)

20 x 20    Regular Retail Price:  120.00  (shipping 7-10 domestic only)

*For my international customers, I will need your location to accurately quote you a shipping price*

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

Amount available for sale:  Open Ended

"Down By The River"

*This is a stunning limited edition print Giclee on lustre paper*

24 x 36  unmatted/unframed    Suggested retail price:  302.00

Amount left in edition run:  40

**This limited edition print can also be printed on Somerset Velvet paper which is similar to watercolor paper.  The retail price for the same size on watercolor paper is: $410.00

Amount left in edition run:  35

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

*remember to notate whether you are requesting a Giclee on lustre paper or on Somerset Velvet paper.

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Supplies/Books

Artsy Magazine Grab Box

I can fit at minimum 10 magazines in a medium flat rate box .

Most magazines have been read but are in good condition.  I have a variety of issues dating back to 2009 that I’m parting with.  I will choose an assortment from everything I have until your box is full!

In the spirit of a grab back, I can not take requests for specific issues.

Suggested Retail $50.00 (5 dollars per magazine) plus shipping.

Amount available for sale:  4

BONUS--each magazine box will also receive an art book with a retail value of 15.00-25.00

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

Artsy Grab Box:

Medium Flat Rate Box: This box will be filled with goodies that could include:

Magazines, Books, Art supplies, canvases, prints, small original pieces, paint brushes, papers, hand painted papers, notebooks, paints,  pens, pencils, jewelry supplies, stamps,stencils. Each box will be different and chock full of goodies, some new, some GENTLY Used.

Retail value will be anywhere from 100.00 and UP!

Suggested Retail: 

$75.00 plus shipping

Amount available for sale:  3

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

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ONLINE CLASS

Grunge Ink!

For a full description of this class, click over here:

Suggested Retail Price:  85.00

This is a video workshop that is open ended which means you can work at your own pace 24/7 for as long as the class remains on the website (which we have no intentions of taking it down anytime soon, more than likely it will be open for more than 1 year).  You will also have access to a Facebook forum where you can connect with other students and ask me questions relating to the class and your projects.

Click Here To Place Your PWYC Request

I Want To Run Away!

I've always wanted to go away by myself just to think.

 After I'm in a good place, take out my paints and dive in deep. I can picture myself  tucked cozily  away in the woods, hugged by a mountain and soothed by a trickling creek.  It hasn't happened yet but I feel the solo sabbatical coming soon.  I'm not even sure why I feel this way. I think that (probably like many of you), I just don't want to do laundry, or  mop the floors; or be on for cooking dinner, or answer the phone or reply to messages. I just want to hear things clearly and make decisions without the guilt of having chores to do. Not forever, God no! I love my life, yet I crave the solitude so to speak.

I imagine what  that scene would look like, and this picture although not really what was in my mind, can kind of take you away for a moment to that sanctuary I envision.

Or perhaps it looks a bit like this:

I could sit out on one of these big rocks with my journal and pen and write for awhile before I grab another cup of hot coffee and begin my day with a clear head and peaceful heart.    I know it may be awhile before I can go on that trip by myself to find my way again (finding my way needs to happen every couple of months btw...it has nothing to do with mental status, just my quest for clear direction :)  Instead of escaping somewhere, I have been doing these morning rituals that have helped me quite a bit. Maybe not as quick of changes as if I could sequester myself for 4-5 days at a time, but taking 45 minutes to go outside very early in the morning and read, drink coffee, then write in my journal, well that simple morning routine has lead me to some really amazing breakthroughs this summer.

One....I've started another new body of work.  My abstract collection is growing and becoming a huge part of the direction I want to take in the future.  It's something I've been cultivating over the last few years but this new collection is different. It's more mature in a lot of ways.

So to my point about wanting to go away to my safe little place in the woods,  the morning routine is actually a good compromise.  After all, once I get my inspiration and motivation in check first thing in the morning, what comes out of my painting sessions afterwards has been amazingly clear.  

Take 45 minutes at the beginning or end of the day to get yourself  into a state of clarity.  It might include exercise,  meditation, reading, walking,  music..whatever your vice is, after developing a routine you will be amazed at how your are able to cope, actually not just cope, but thrive the rest of the day.

You still will encounter obstacles.

You will still have to do the laundry.

*haha*

You will feel more equipped for what's to come.  

It's a practice of clarity by doing what brings you peace.

Try it!

Do you have a morning routine or a way to seek clarity in your everyday life?

I'd love to hear !

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Before I let you go--don't forget I'm having an awesome sauce Back to School  (ART SCHOOL) sale over at both of my online workshop venues.

Save on all my online classes from now until the end of August. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219035012/until-you-try-18-x-18-abstract-pod?ref=shop_home_active_10

See what's on sale over at Creative Workshops!

See what's on sale over at Arte Village!

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Tons of new work up in the shop over the last month!

Stop by and see!