Highlights from the Book Launch

Hi friends, it’s been a whirlwind few weeks from launching the Coastal Watercolor Workbook at the start of October to teaching and launching more products and celebrating it all with a big party.

I realize many of you who read the blog are spread across the US, and the world, for that matter, so I thought it would be fun to share highlights from the book launch and also give you a look at the behind scenes look of creating this celebration.

The Coastal Watercolor Workbook

This book is a dream come true for me. It really grew out of wanting to share my love of watercolor and also teaching at Noted. It’s been a long process. I started creating the projects and painting in January. All the projects and writing were finished in May but then came the hard part of sourcing and printing on watercolor paper. My printer, TPI Solutions Ink, was an invaluable resource and support through the whole process as was Legion Paper (where the watercolor paper in the book is from).

You can read more about the book here and buy it here.

Planning the Party

It was such a team effort. I knew I wanted to celebrate, and in a big way. So much of the summer was filled with uncertainty. Would this book get published?

Once I had the finished and bound book I approached Ashley, my friend and owner of Noted, about hosting the party there. What would it look like? We thought a Thursday night from 5-8pm would be perfect. I designed a little invite but it was open to the public too. Here’s the invite:

We thought it would be fun to showcase my original watercolors too. Luke and I framed 40 original paintings (wow, that was time consuming!) and the day before we hung this gallery wall:

The frames and mattes are from The Frame Center. Truly beautiful frames. More artwork is hanging in the classroom space too.

Highlights from the Book Launch

Here are some highlights from the actual event! This is Ashley and I before people arrived.

Of course, I needed to get a photo with Amy, too. She runs The Classroom at Noted:

I created little posies and arrangements of coastal flowers from Trader Joe’s. I ended up getting kind of busy chatting with people and painting so I forgot to take loads of photos, but I think you can get an idea of the event.

Luke was there to support me. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him. His love and support means the world to me.

Graze Culture created beautiful charcuterie and dessert boards for the celebration and they were just as beautiful as they were delicious!

It was a lovely mixture of old friends and new friends. I was delighted that friends brought their kids and all different ages painted in the classroom together:

I had outlines of my life jacket printed on watercolor paper with easy to follow instructions.

I’m not sure if you can feel it from the photos but it was such a lovely and inspiring atmosphere. People taking time to sit and paint, to relax, and enjoy each other’s company.

We did a big giveaway, over a $300 value which included tickets to an upcoming watercolor class, paint, brushes, the workbook, a Noted candle, and more! Greg Wheeler was the lucky winner! Above the gift basket you can see more of my originals – the birthday collection.

I was asked to sign calendars and the back of original framed paintings.

My cottontail bunny went to a new home. I loved painting that sweet bunny.

Friends were excited about the workbook and the paintable holiday cards for presents.

I am so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the launch and to all you dear readers who constantly support me and leave such kind comments and reviews. It really, really means the world to me.

The originals will be available at Noted through the holidays so if you want to take a look in person.

I hope you enjoyed the highlights from the launch party! If you’re interested in taking an upcoming watercolor class click here.

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