Thursday, October 16, 2025

🎀 A Beautiful Blend of Creativity and Heart 🎀


🎀 White Lace Baby Bow Headband 🎀
Bow size approximately 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (8.89 cm x 6.35 cm)
To purchase for a special baby, please visit:

There is something truly special about a creative partnership built on love, artistry, and shared vision — and that spirit shines through in Ever Iris Designs, the mother-daughter shop created by Karla and Emily. Since opening their Etsy store in 2016, this talented duo has been handcrafting beautiful bows using premium designer fabrics. Each piece carries its own unique personality, reflecting the care and joy that go into every stitch.

What makes Ever Iris Designs stand out is the warmth behind their work. Every bow tells a story — one of connection, family, and creativity passed between generations. They hope that each piece brings as much happiness to your family as they feel in making them. From everyday wear to special moments, their handmade bows add a touch of beauty and meaning that mass-produced accessories simply cannot.

In a world that often rushes by, Karla and Emily remind us of the quiet joy of handmade things. Their work celebrates individuality and the beauty found in life’s smallest details. If you love supporting artists who put heart into their craft, take a moment to explore their shop and see why so many people adore Ever Iris Designs.

For more information, please visit: 

🍂✨ The Fabulous Fall Art Festival is coming! ✨🍂

Join us online starting November 3rd for a cozy celebration of creativity, color, and community! Meet amazing artists, explore handmade treasures, and fill your home with beauty all from the comfort of your couch.

Artists and art lovers, this is your space to connect, share, and be inspired. Come join the fun! 

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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

🌊 Is Survival Enough, or Do We Have to Learn How to Hold Fast? 🌊

 

On a few rainy Vermont days, I had the pleasure of curling up with Hold Fast by Marshall Highet and Bird Stasz Jones. Bird was actually our kind and generous AirBNB host, and reading her book while surrounded by misty green hills made the experience even more special. The story begins in 1761, when two Italian boys, Joseph Carlos and his cousin, are kidnapped by the British Navy and forced into service on a man-of-war. What follows is an unforgettable journey of courage, language, and survival at sea.

Based on a true story from Bird’s own family history, Hold Fast blends historical accuracy with the heart of a classic adventure. There are moments of peril and humor, and even a pig meant for dinner becomes a beloved companion. Through storms, punishments, and impossible choices, the boys grow into young men who begin to understand not only the vastness of the ocean but also of the world itself.

What makes Hold Fast truly powerful is how it reminds us that nearly every American story begins with a journey like this one. Whether by choice or by circumstance, we all come from people who crossed borders for Freedom. It is both a gripping sea tale and a gentle reminder of the courage and endurance that shaped our shared history. If you love adventure stories with heart and humanity, this one will stay with you long after the last page.

For more information about Marshall Highet & Bird Stasz Jones, please visit:
Website: https://www.theothersideofthefire.com
Email: marshallandbird@gmail.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Fast-Marshall-Highet/dp/1493039431
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Monday, October 13, 2025

☕️ Is coffee a beverage or a survival strategy? ☕️

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


☕️ The Morning Cup of Coffee #595 ☕️
pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202510053
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit:

With sunrise sneaking in at 5:29 AM, how is anyone supposed to sleep? I shuffle out of bed, let the dog out, and move through my slow morning rhythm. My bones creak their usual protest as I fill the coffeemaker with fresh grounds and water. It sputters and sighs to life, filling the air with that rich, earthy scent that feels like comfort itself.

That first mug gets me started, steadying the mind before the day begins: emails, paperwork, and endless to-dos. A refill or two keeps me company through the afternoon while I dive into the creative work that truly wakes me up. By the afternoon, maybe a final pour to toast another day well spent.

So tell me, what’s in your mug today? Do you take it black, sweet, creamy, or with a little weekend “kick”? What small ritual starts your day on the right note?

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, October 10, 2025

🥞 How many pancakes is too many? 🥞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🥞 Grandpa's Panny Cakes 🥞
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202510050
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your breakfast table, please visit:

Some of my favorite childhood nights started with the smell of pancakes for dinner. My grandpa would flip them while my sister and I turned his kitchen into a playground. Afterward we’d wander into his workshop, draw pictures, or play with old toys that once belonged to my mom. The TV was usually on something he didn’t care for, but he’d watch anyway, smiling at our chatter. Those evenings felt like sunlight and maple syrup: simple, sweet, and full of warmth.

What small rituals from your childhood still make you smile when you think of them?


My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, October 8, 2025

🧌 Happily Ever After Starts In the Swamp 🧌

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🧌 The Swamp 🧌
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202509047
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Get ready for some happily ever after. This original painting of Shrek’s swamp, plus other awesome local creations, will be raffled off during Opening Night of Shrek the Musical on Friday, October 10th. You might leave with more than just memories.

The Webster Theatre Guild Proudly Present:

Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes.

FRIDAY October 10 @ 7:00
SATURDAY October 11 @ 2:00 & 7:00
FRIDAY October 17 @ 7:00
SATURDAY October 18 @ 2:00 & 7:00


🍂🍁 LAST DAY of the AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

If you’re craving something cozy, colorful, and created by real humans, come join us online! It’s a joyful little corner where artists share their newest work, collectors discover hidden gems, and everyone gets to skip the stress of big box shopping.

Grab your favorite fall drink, get comfy, and wander through the festival from home. You might just find a piece that makes you smile every time you see it.

👉 Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595

See you there!

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, October 6, 2025

🍂🍁 Autumn Starts Here 🍁🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Today is the big day!
The Awesome Autumn Art Festival is officially open and you are invited to step into a season of color, creativity, and connection. It is all happening online at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595, which means you can experience it wherever you are.

We all know how easy it is to let days slip by without doing something special for ourselves. Screens fill up with work, errands pile on, and before long the spark of inspiration feels far away. But art has this amazing ability to pull us out of the routine and remind us of beauty, joy, and possibility.

That is exactly why this festival exists. Think of it as a door you can open with a single click. Inside you will find fresh artwork, live moments with artists, and a chance to see the season through new eyes. There is no pressure and no ticket lines, just a vibrant space waiting for you to explore.

The best part is how personal the experience becomes. Every piece you see will spark something a little different in you, whether that is a memory, a new idea, or simply the calm of pausing to take it in. Art is not just something to look at, it is something to feel.

So here is your easy step. Pour yourself a cozy cup of tea or coffee, join us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595, and enjoy the Awesome Autumn Art Festival right now. The community is already gathering and the first artworks are ready for you to see.

This is your chance to make today memorable. Let the art carry you into the season with a sense of wonder and warmth.
Questions!
Your Friend, Mike Kraus MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
P.S. I hope your autumn has started with joy, laughter, and maybe a few crunchy leaves under your feet. When you stop by the festival, share a quick hello and let me know how the season is treating you.

🥞 Grandpa's Panny Cakes 🥞
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202510050
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 
https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/234445492

💮 Assembly Not Included 💮 
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202510051
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit:
https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/242372150

🧌 The Swamp 🧌
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202509047
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To be raffled off during Opening Night of Shrek the Musical on Friday, October 10th. 
More information at: https://webstertheatreguild.org/current-show/


My Story
Hi, I’m Mike—the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, October 3, 2025

💜🌻 What if finding beauty was as simple as saying yes?🌻💜

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💜🌻 Sunflowers and Lavender in Provence 🌻💜
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202508043
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit:

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence. Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

This little painting is small, simple, and easy to bring into your life. It fits in almost any room and ships securely to your door, ready to brighten your space. No stress and no extra steps. Just color and memory waiting for you.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, dark yellow, light green, dark blue, purple, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.


🍁 OPENING SOON! 🍁
🍁 Calling All Art Lovers! 🍁

Get ready for the Awesome Autumn Art Festival—the coziest, craftiest, most joyfully creative online event of the season! Whether you're here to shop unique, sell your amazing work, or just soak in the good vibes, this is THE place to be. Think colorful finds, handmade magic, and a community that actually cares about art.

So grab your pumpkin spice and click that RSVP—because this fall, we’re making art the main event at:  👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/1046518944308485

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike—the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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