Hi Friends,

Many celebrate this upcoming Memorial Day holiday in the US by heading to the local pool or beach. Some go camping and enjoy family time. But I also don't want to forget the reason for the Memorial Day holiday. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. I am so grateful to the men and women who serve our country and sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Relax, Renew, Revisit Childhood

 by Bradley K. Harris

It started out as the British Invasion, spread across the Channel to become the French Revolution, and has experienced epidemic growth in the United States. Fortunately this does not refer to war, or the 60’s musical style of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. We are talking about coloring books here….coloring books for Adults. That’s right – Adults.
When Scottish artist Johanna Basford released her amazing coloring book for adults in 2011 “Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book” (Laurence King Publishing), who would have believed it would sell close to six million copies worldwide and become a global best-seller? And when French publisher Hachette Pratique released “Art-thérapie: 100 coloriages anti-stress” in 2012, could they have envisioned their adult coloring book would sell more than three and a half million copies worldwide?
With the help of Social Media, the Adult Coloring Book Craze has leaped across the ocean and onto Amazon’s Best-Seller list here in the United States. Fueling this phenomenon is the modern day adult’s need to Relax, Renew and Revisit Childhood. Baby boomers and adults of all ages find themselves today in the most fast-paced, constantly changing environment in the history of civilization. Is it any wonder that pharmaceutical companies and the medical profession in general have focused so greatly on stress and anxiety related illnesses over the past decade? And then comes along a stress reducer that is fun, low-cost and a remarkable therapy for children of all ages.
I once heard my 88 year old father, who still whips me on the tennis court say that his secret to great health and longevity is in not knowing how old he is. ‘I may grow older but I’ll never grow old’ has been his mantra for the past 30 years. He lives his mantra and in addition to solving cross-word puzzles, walking, tennis and wood-working, dad spends a lot of time drawing and coloring. A child at heart, a man that revisit’s childhood frequently and has remained forever young. Coloring isn’t just for the young in age anymore, but for those who seek to remain young in body, mind and spirit.
Phyllis Harris is the illustrator of over 35 children’s books and a lover of all things childhood. Throughout life, her place of peace and solitude was a return to childhood; a remembrance of simpler times. Joy filled days spent relaxing in a field of dandelions, riding a horse through sun-ripened fields of wild flowers and playing fetch with her best four-legged friend. Capturing the heart of childhood became her illustrative style in creating art for children’s books. Experiencing changes in children’s publishing 4 years ago, like many other artists and illustrators, Phyllis realized the need to reinvent herself and her business. Phyllis began focusing on creating wall art for Children’s Rooms and launched Phyllis Harris Designs in 2012. With a passion for illustration, and her love of childhood, Phyllis Harris Designs has experienced remarkable success. With her illustrations adorning thousands of children’s rooms across 6 continents, customers began asking Phyllis in early 2015 if she would consider publishing a collection of her illustrations into an adult coloring book. And that is how ‘the heART of Childhood’ was born.  Now heading into its 3^rd printing in 6 months, “the heART of Childhood: A coloring book featuring the timeless art of Phyllis Harris” has garnered international success and has exceeded any expectation the artist had early on. This is just one Midwest U.S. artist’s story; and the story of many successful artists and illustrators in the United States and Europe.
When and where will the adult coloring book craze end? The answer may just be, never. Because the need to Relax, Renew and Revisit childhood will never grow old. And like my father, millions of others have found that it’s better to grow older, but never grow old.

Have you seen my "Vintage Sketch Series" now available in the shop? I love how the handmade paper looks in the floating frame I got from Hobby Lobby. There are 3 different prints to choose from thus far. http://phyllisharrisdesigns.com/collections/vintage-sketch-series

 




Here is a bit more info about them...

After attending a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, I was so inspired by the beautiful sepia sketches on aged paper so I set out to find the perfect "handmade" paper to print my raw sketches on. Every artist struggles with working and refining a piece until it's almost overdone. I love the movement and feeling of sketch studies because they are raw and full of emotion.

This beautiful handmade paper has deckled edges and seeds and fibers through it. It is perfectly "imperfect" so it may not be perfectly squared which adds to it's beauty. I have shown one framed in a vintage "floating" frame for reference only. Frame not included. Copyright will not appear on print.

- Art print created from a hand drawn original sketch
- Printed on 8.5 x 11" aged handmade seed paper
- Ships flat packaged in a bend resistant mailer and a cellophane sleeve
- Ships within 3-5 days of payment
- Printed locally in the USA

Hi Friends!

I have added something new to the shop! I call it my vintage sketch series.

After attending a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, I was so inspired by the beautiful sepia sketches on aged paper so I set out to find the perfect "handmade" paper to print my raw sketches on. Every artist struggles with working and refining a piece until it's almost overdone. I love the movement and feeling of sketch studies because they are raw and full of emotion.

This beautiful handmade paper has deckled edges and seeds and fibers through it. It is perfectly "imperfect" so it may not be perfectly squared which adds to it's beauty. I have shown one framed in a vintage "floating" frame for reference only. Frame not included. Copyright will not appear on print.

- Art print created from a hand drawn original sketch
- Printed on 8.5 x 11" aged handmade seed paper
- Ships flat packaged in a bend resistant mailer and a cellophane sleeve
- Ships within 3-5 days of payment
- Printed locally in the USA

I truly enjoyed creating these and I hope you enjoy them as well. Click on the photos to go to each print in my shop.



Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

Phyllis




♥ Gifts that give back ♥

Hi Friends,
 
I wanted to wish you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and happy new year!

I created this video that shares the sweet words of the late great Margaret Wise Brown from her book ON CHRISTMAS DAY that I was so very blessed to illustrate. I still have a few first edition copies left and you can get a signed copy from the illustrator(me) in my shop here. The beautiful guitar in the background is my talented husband.

To see a preview of this sweet book click on the video below.



You my friends, are the reason for the joy and success of Phyllis Harris Designs and I cherish you and your support.  I so appreciate you sharing our website with your friends and family; and I wish you all a blessed Christmas season and a happy 2016!

I will talk to you next year!

Phyllis

Hi Friends,

This is the last day for Phyllis Harris Designs biggest sale of the year! Sale expires at midnight on Monday, November 30, 2015 CST. 30% off($30 min.) using code: 3030SALE. Everything in the shop on sale! Jewelry, Books, Canvases and Prints! Discount available in either shop.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhyllisHarrisDesigns
OR
http://phyllisharrisdesigns.com



Be sure to take a peek at my newest 2 minute video, too! My talented husband provided the background music. It is his original song title, "Thanksgiving".



You my friends, are the reason for the joy and success of Phyllis Harris Designs and I cherish you and your support.  I so appreciate you sharing our website with your friends and family; and I wish you all a blessed Christmas season!

Phyllis




♥ Gifts that give back ♥

Hi Friends,

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving( for those of you who celebrated in the US).

I know you are all busy, busy...so I will keep this short and sweet. :) This sale will be offered through Cyber Monday, November 30, 2015.

Here  we go! Let the Christmas shopping begin!




You my friends, are the reason for the joy and success of Phyllis Harris Designs and I cherish you and your support.  I so appreciate you sharing our website with your friends and family; and I wish you all a blessed Christmas season!

Phyllis




♥ Gifts that give back ♥

Dear Friends,

I cannot believe it is already November!! I've been very busy in the studio getting lots of things ready for the upcoming holiday shopping that is about to begin and for those early shoppers, I have a coupon code that can be used in either my shop or my Etsy shop. Be sure to enter THANKS15 at checkout and receive 15% off your order.

I have lots of wonderful items for all of the people on your list that are looking for something to help them re-visit their wonderful childhood memories in decorating their home with my wall art prints. Such as this dandelion girl wall art print that was featured in Romantic Homes magazine



or this little boy and the man in the moon art print, featured in Vanity Fair's Gift guide.



And for gifting those creative and crafty friends with my adult coloring books. What better way to help get through the sometimes stressful holiday preparations than sitting down with a coloring book to get that relaxing therapy that is so needed at the end of a long day. In fact, I recently read an article  that stated, "The health benefits go beyond relaxation, and include exercising fine motor skills and training the brain to focus.
Doctors have known about these benefits since the early 1900s. Psychiatrist Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, prescribed coloring to his patients to calm and center their minds. Doctors today continue to follow Jung’s lead and still recommend the activity to combat anxiety.
The fact that coloring is structured activates the logic part of the brain, and generates a creative mindset, said New York-based clinical psychologist Dr. Ben Michaelis.
“Because it’s a centering activity, the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that is involved with our fear response, actually gets a bit, a little bit of a rest,” Michaelis said, “and it ultimately has a really calming effect over time.”

Be sure you check out my new short 2 minute video showing the interiors and more information about one of my favorite coloring books, The Adventures of Brandy and Emma that I offer by clicking on the video below.


And for those of you who send out Christmas cards and want to get started early this year, I have a very limited supply of boxed Christmas Cards left in my Etsy shop. For more details follow the link by clicking on the photo.



In my family, we always read a favorite Christmas book as a family throughout the holiday season. Why not start a new tradition with ON CHRISTMAS DAY, written by Margaret Wise Brown, author of the wonderful GOODNIGHT MOON and illustrated by me. I have a limited supply of the first edition copies in my shop and will sign each one that is ordered from there.




As we enter into that time of year at Thanksgiving, I want to say just how thankful I am for ALL of you, my wonderful supporters and friends here, that make it possible for me to do what I love and have the opportunity to share it with the world. How could I ask for more?  I am so grateful for each and every one of you!
 

Phyllis

Dear Friends,

It's here!!! Thanks to all of you who gave your input, WE DID IT, again!  Another Phyllis Harris coloring book is available today at this link.  It will also be available later in the week on Amazon as well. Keep an eye on my facebook page for updates!

Since I have been illustrating children's books since 1999 and I am the illustrator of over 35 children's books, I thought it was high time I created and published a children's book myself! I am SO excited!

Introducing my 2 in 1 coloring/story book. And my studio companion Cassie give her hardy approval!



It makes a wonderful keepsake!   Adults can enjoy the act of coloring AND enjoy reading with their little ones after the book is complete. This 32 page coloring book/story book featuring a lovable little girl, Emma and her golden retriever friend, Brandy. It includes the 14 timeless one-sided images created on nostalgic cream colored paper.



For those of you who are new to my blog, here is a little back story on Brandy and Emma...

In case you haven't noticed, I have lots of art featuring golden retrievers and a small blonde headed girls? Ever wonder why? Many of you on this list are already familiar with my Brandy and Emma characters because of the stamping/crafting community. But for those of you who don't know who Brandy and Emma are, let me explain.

Here is the original Brandy, the golden retriever and Emma.(aka Em or Emily, our daughter, the photo taken many years ago, as she is now a mama herself.)




Brandy was our very first beloved golden retriever who has been gone from our lives for many years now but never gone from our hearts. She was the dearest creature and I often thought she was an angel sent by God to our family.

There are still lots of my first coloring book, the heART of childhood,  going out to their new homes so be sure to get your copy soon as I am down to three last boxes and I would be so honored if you shared this link to my coloring book with your friends and family who might enjoy this new fun craze of adult coloring. It is so relaxing after a stressful day. Oh, and be sure to use the FREE U.S. SHIPPING coupon code USShipFree at checkout!




As always, thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

Phyllis

While I was thrilled with the production and reception of my first coloring book printing, I came across an even better product through a different supplier. I am even more thrilled to announce the second  edition of my coloring book!

They’re here!!!! My second edition of my adult coloring books, the heART of childhood just arrived!! I still cannot believe my first edition of books sold out in a little over a month! Truly it has been such a blessing and so unexpected. A HUGE thank you to ALL of you who have helped make that possible.

Ok, why a second edition? Because I listened to my customers and now the NEW features are:

1. Printing on one side of the paper only. Now you may color using markers or gel pens, as well as colored pencils and crayons if you choose; and they won't bleed through to the image on the opposite side. It also makes it fun if you want to take the completed piece out of the book and frame it when you are done with your marvelous creations. And now the book is twice as thick, too!

2. It is now “perfect bound” instead of saddle stitched.(aka stapled)  There is a peek of what I am talking about in the photo so you can visualize the difference.

3. Most of the art stayed the same in the NEW 2nd edition of the heART of childhood however, I did add 4 new images, and one illustration that has never been seen before!

With all of these improvements, my cost did increase a bit but I feel it is well worth the little bit extra. But the good news is I am still offering FREE U.S. SHIPPING by using the special code:  USShipFree   So go check heART of childhood: An adult coloring book out here!

 

Tomorrow is NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY so to celebrate, I am having a GIVEAWAY! To win 3 of my Coloring Books just released a month ago...Be sure to follow all the steps below.

1. LIKE my Phyllis Harris Designs Facebook page and

2. SHARE this post and be sure you share from this post directly so I can document the shares.

3. I will pick a random winner on Sunday, August 9th at NOON, EST!

4. Double your chances by following and re-posting my Instagram post as well over at https://instagram.com/phyllisharrisdesigns/

Be sure to get your copy with FREE US SHIPPING by using the coupon code USShipFree at: http://phyllisharrisdesigns.com/collections/top-sellers/products/coloring-book-for-adults-and-children-the-heart-of-childhood-by-phyllis-harris

Dear Friends,

Mother's Day has crept on me this year! It is Saturday, May 9th and my sale starts NOW!

In case you have had your eye on a certain piece in the shop, you may want to take advantage of the 20% off. Just enter the discount code: MothersDay20 at checkout! There's no limit and just $6 flat fee shipping on all domestic orders and FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more.

Here are a couple new prints in the shop that may be perfect for mom!






To ALL the mommies out there! Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!!

As always, thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. We are so grateful for each and every one of you!
 

Phyllis

Dear Friends,

My specialty is personalizing or customizing my art to fit my customers needs but I often get requests for an original commissioned piece of art as well. So what's the difference between customizing and commissioning? Great question!

Most of my art is customizable! My customizations include changing the hair color, and some of the color of the clothing but only to the existing art. I don't usually change the drawing itself, only the colors if needed, unless I have had an email conversation and the customer and we agree on an extra fee. I can also add or change existing text if there is any, add a name or favorite verse or saying for no extra charge. For my typical customization just enter the specific customization instructions in the “Notes to seller” text box at checkout.

However, I do sometimes get a request for an original piece of art from scratch and that is what I call a "commissioned" piece. That can be anything from using an existing background of another already existing art print and adding all new characters(which was the case of the piece I just finished below for a client) or even just adding a different dog/animal or another child to a print. In those cases there is an email discussion and an agreed fee amount and then I create a custom listing for that customer. Those can range from $50-$400 depending on the difficulty of the art.



No matter which way I create, I am so honored and blessed to be able to do what I love so thank you all for that!!

As my business grows it will most likely morph and change and I so appreciate you all being along for this adventure and journey along the way.

As always, thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. We are so grateful for each and every one of you!
 

Phyllis

Dear Friends,

As many of you know...I took the month of February off to recharge my creative batteries and to take my first vacation in about 3 years since starting my business, Phyllis Harris Designs.

Well, I'm back!! Refreshed and renewed and ready to get back to being creative and to doing what I love! Phyllis Harris Designs is now back open and running full speed!

Just to share a bit with you all...I spent the entire month of February on the small northern most Hawaiian island, Kauai. The north shore of Kauai is one of my very favorite spots that I have ever had the privilege of visiting on this earth. We were blessed with perfect weather the entire time and that was extra special considering the terrible winter most states in the US encountered this winter!

Here are just a few photos I took that I had to share with you from our amazing time in Kauai, HI.





I didn't work at all while I was there but I had to take my sketchbook along so here is a peek of just one entry. :)



Spring-like weather has been keeping me smiling this past week. I hope you are enjoying some warmer temps as well wherever you may be.

As always, thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. We are so grateful for each and every one of you!
 

Phyllis