Unlock Your Creative Potential with Private Art Lessons
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Unlock Your Creative Potential with Private Art Lessons

Are you looking to unlock your creative potential or give your child a fantastic outlet for their imagination? Private art lessons could be the perfect answer! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, personalized art instruction offers numerous benefits that can make your artistic journey both enjoyable and fulfilling.

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What It's Like to Be an Artist-in-Residence at The Ozarker Lodge
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

What It's Like to Be an Artist-in-Residence at The Ozarker Lodge

As the artist-in-residence, I was provided with a cozy room to stay in during my visit. The staff at the Lodge were very sociable and welcoming which gave to the enjoyable experience. I really got to craft how I wanted to spend my time creating art and spent most of my time in the lobby — which largely inspired the painting I created, but more on that later — and I also sat and drew by the creek in the mornings. It was nice to have open possibilities of what I created as sometimes I get too much in my head when I am in my day-to-day of creating. This allowed me to really think outside the box in aspects and I am excited to share with you how this inspired me to go beyond my usual limits.

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Embrace Your Inner Artist: Unleash Creativity at This Abstract Expressionism Workshop with Springfield Artist, Ashley Laren
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Embrace Your Inner Artist: Unleash Creativity at This Abstract Expressionism Workshop with Springfield Artist, Ashley Laren

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of abstract expressionism? Look no further than my upcoming Abstract Art Workshop - Channeling Emotions, led by artist Ashley Laren. Taking place on Tuesday, May 28th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Mystical Thoughts Shop in Springfield, MO, this workshop will be a transformative journey into the realm of abstract art and emotions.

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7 Ways to Celebrate Mom: Heartfelt Mother's Day Gifts for Every Mom
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

7 Ways to Celebrate Mom: Heartfelt Mother's Day Gifts for Every Mom

As Mother's Day approaches, finding the perfect gift to express your love and appreciation for Mom can feel like a daunting task. But fear not! I've curated a selection of heartfelt gifts that are sure to make her smile on her special day. From art prints that capture the beauty of nature to unique stationery items that inspire creativity, this list is curated to different types of moms and their interests. Take a look and find the perfect gift to show Mom just how much she means to you.

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Introducing the New Bold and Abstract Artistic Magnetic Bookmark Collection: Where Art Meets Function
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Introducing the New Bold and Abstract Artistic Magnetic Bookmark Collection: Where Art Meets Function

In a world that constantly beckons for innovation and creativity, mundane tasks like bookmarking your favorite page in a book or planner often receive a delightful makeover. Enter the realm of magnetic bookmarks, where functionality meets artistic expression. Today, I am thrilled to unveil a new addition to my shop – a magnetic bookmark collection adorned with my abstract artwork.

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5 Things I’ve Learned as a Craft Fair Vendor
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

5 Things I’ve Learned as a Craft Fair Vendor

Jumping into the craft fair game as an art vendor is a crazy and exciting experience. I made the decision to start selling my artwork and painted products at craft markets because I wanted the opportunity to interact with my customers face-to-face and make new connections. It can feel more personal when you can have those in-person interactions instead of their impersonal experience of shopping online (which I still love, but for other reasons). I know some of you are also starting your craft fair journey, so today I wanted to share with you 5 things I have learned from vending in my first few months of participating in craft markets.

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Small Town Coastal Vacation Turned Meaningful Commissioned Artwork
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Small Town Coastal Vacation Turned Meaningful Commissioned Artwork

I recently finished a painting commission for a client who shared with me one of her most beloved travel experiences. I am an adventurer at heart and love when I get a chance to travel. My passion for travel is a cornerstone of my business and the art that I create. The world around us is too beautiful to ignore. This art practice is not intrinsic on solely my own travels, but is greatly influenced by your experiences during your travels and the amazing places you have seen.

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5 Mother's Day Gifts for a More Artful Life — Your 2022 Gift Guide
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

5 Mother's Day Gifts for a More Artful Life — Your 2022 Gift Guide

If you are like me and are guilty of dropping the ball when it comes to some of the smaller holidays, do not fret. I am wanting to help make the process a little easier this year for you. Not only is this a friendly reminder to purchase your Mother’s Day gifts before it’s too late, but I am also presenting you with a little shopping guide to make the hunt that much simpler.

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Spring into Springtime with these Hand Painted Clay Earrings
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Spring into Springtime with these Hand Painted Clay Earrings

The hand painted clay earrings in this collection make for a fun and playful addition to any outfit. The collection is characterized by vibrant Spring colors that will make you want to go outside and smell the daisies. Each pair is hand crafted with a soft and lightweight polymer clay and are hand painted with acrylic paint before being coated with a gloss to give them the perfect shine.

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Commissioned Landscape Paintings from Travel Photos and Memories
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Commissioned Landscape Paintings from Travel Photos and Memories

A lighthouse out in the distance, that we now know to be the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse, was accessible only by a narrow pathway. I say it was peculiar because the pathway was divided by both residential private property and federal land designated to the National Guard. Walking out toward the lighthouse, we were accompanied by the soft sound of waves crashing along the beach and the view of the colorful clouds cast above the tree line. That is where I took the photo that inspired the painting “Cotton Candy Sunset over Sturgeon Bay”.

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For the Love of Landscapes - A Gift for Her (or yourself) She will LOVE!
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

For the Love of Landscapes - A Gift for Her (or yourself) She will LOVE!

All of these earrings in the collection are made of polymer clay, are very lightweight, and are held together with gold hardware. Each earring is painted with acrylic paint and glossed over with a clay binding gloss. They make the perfect little statement accessory to dress up any outfit.

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How Travel Influences My Art (and Can Influence Yours!)
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

How Travel Influences My Art (and Can Influence Yours!)

My travels have been an inspiration toward my creativity so much because of the uniqueness of the American landscapes I have visited. Our country is so vast and the terrain changes on a dime as you are driving through it. It’s the childlike wonder that comes upon me when I drive from grasslands and prairies into the mountains or desert.

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Turn Your Travel Photos Into Beautiful Works of Abstract Landscape Art
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Turn Your Travel Photos Into Beautiful Works of Abstract Landscape Art

When you travel, there are two kinds of souvenirs: trinkets that clutter your house, and real, lifelong treasures. These real treasures are in-the-moment photos—photos that remind you to be thankful for every opportunity you’ve been given on your journey. While photos are some of the finest treasures that can come out of your travels, besides your memories, these days, we take so many photos they can get lost in translation. That's why taking that extra step is so important. Finding the best photo from your travels and allowing me to do the hard work of painting a beautiful and unique artwork will present you the best souvenir you could ever ask for.

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Discover Drop-Dead Gorgeous Hand Painted Polymer Clay Earrings with Captivating Landscapes
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Discover Drop-Dead Gorgeous Hand Painted Polymer Clay Earrings with Captivating Landscapes

This collection of colorful statement earrings includes both dangle earrings and studs. There is a range of colors to fit any type of look from the purples and greens seen in the Mulberry Earrings to the the warm pink hues of the Rosy Earrings. The polymer clay is coated in a finishing gloss to give it both a stunning sheen, but also preserve the painted details.

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Dazzling Hand Painted National Park Ornaments You’ll Want on Your 2021 Holiday Wishlist
Ashley McLaughlin Ashley McLaughlin

Dazzling Hand Painted National Park Ornaments You’ll Want on Your 2021 Holiday Wishlist

With this collection, it makes me happy to be able to bring people the joy of memories they’ve gathered from traveling some of the beautiful National Parks the United States has to offer. Most of these ornaments focus on the most popular National Parks, like Yellowstone and Joshua Tree, but a few of them are just favorites that I couldn’t get myself to exclude from the collection like Arches National Park.

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