The Inner Artist

04/10/2024

April Newsletter From Thistledown Boutique

Behold I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Dear Friends,
Spring is my favorite time of year! Everything is coming back to life from a time of deep darkness and dormancy.

Seeing this gives all of us hope of new beginnings and a sense of renewal. Just as we saw the eclipse a few days ago, we are reminded that God has a plan. He has set the earth in seasons and patterns that never fail. Dark times end and new life begins again.

This will be an epic Spring for me as I will be going on a long awaited trip to Ireland! It's been a lifelong dream of mine. I plan on drawing and painting, and possibly finding some really cool vintage items to bring home. I can't wait to share my adventures with you all!

I pray God will bless you abundantly this Spring and throughout the year. I'm praying for new beginnings for each of you!
Love always,
April

Welcome Warmer April and New Events and Products!

Here we are in the month of April already! Warmer temperatures are around the corner and Spring is bursting from every tree and flower.

April showers will bring those May flowers soon and as you venture outside into sunnier days, come see us and find some beautiful things for your spring and summer decor.

We have special events coming up as well and classes to interest you and your friends and family. Come join us and see what you can discover!

Come Brighten Up Your Wardrobe With Our New Spring Hand Painted Clothing and Accessories!

Looking for some fresh Spring ideas for your wardrobe? Come discover our hand painted clothing and accessories all painted by local artists as well as April Ryan. You'll find unique designs that perfectly fit your style!

New Products for Your Home and Garden

Try your hand at indoor plants even if you don't have a green thumb! These special air plants need very little care and will last a very long time without water or care. We have a variety of beautiful air plants to choose from.

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we have some beautiful and heart felt gifts you can get your mom. From loose leaf tea to handmade journals, artwork, unique clothing, and garden and home decor there's something sure to please every mom!

Upcoming Classes and Special Events

April 20th 12 to 2pm Watercolor Class
Come join Laura Miller for a fun and simple class where she will teach you to paint watercolor spring flowers. You will learn to create hyacinth, tulip, daffodil, pansy, and more! Come join the fun and brighten your day with some spring flower painting! $25 per person Beginners welcome and all materials provided

April 27th Layers of Hope Palette Knife Painting Therapeutic Art Session

Come join Laura Miller for a relaxing and hope filled therapeutic art session. Laura will be using acrylic paint and palette knives to teach you about layering hope over and above dark places in your life. This session will enable you to regain a perspective of hope if you have been in a dark place in the past or currently. You will learn to use color and texture to express the hope that can be found beyond the struggle. This is not an art class but a processing of emotions using art. All materials provided. You are welcome to bring your own as well if you'd rather. $25 per person

Seasons of Renewal and A Celebration of Tea Event Tuesday April 30th to Saturday May 11th

April and her friendly staff welcome you and yours to a complimentary cup of premium tea, expertly steeped to warm your spirit. Come join us at our two week Season's of Renewal and Celebration of Tea event at our studio in downtown Washington, PA.

From April 30th to Mother's Day weekend Saturday May 11th, we will be having a special tea sale with our specialty teas all on sale for 20% off! The sale will cover tea, tea service accessories, food and florals in our shop.

Whether you are taking in the many wonders of the boutique or relaxing at the table seating prepared for you in the studio, you will discover that the aroma and flavor of sipping a fine cup of tea will transport, relax, or invigorate.

You may also find that the daily ritual of sharing tea with family and friends renews the spirit and reinforces social and personal connections. While shopping, please explore the array of colorful premium teas and accessories which are available for Mother’s Day giving, as gifts, or for your home.

We will have loose leaf tea, tea samples, tea cups for sale, tea socks, tea balls and much more to go along with your favorite cup! We carry shortbread imported from Ireland as well as Lemon curd and other goodies that are perfect for a special tea party or just for enjoying at home! Come discover and savor a cup of specialty tea and enjoy the delights of a daily cup of tea!

The Kettle is on all day!! This is an informal event to be enjoyed while shopping or relaxing or to go. Please join us for this “Two-Weeks Celebration of Tea.”

Free parking in the back of our business!

Our Hours are as follows:

Monday to Wednesday 11 to 5pm

Thursday 11 to 6pm (Main Street Farmer's Market begins on May 16th always on Thursdays through October 31)

Friday 11 to 5pm (we will be open later on Friday May 3rd as Washington is having a First Friday event)

Saturdays 11 to 3 or later for events.

*Free Parking in back of our business!

May 3rd 4 to 8pm Washington's First Friday Event "The Fair Comes to Town"

Come join Washington's downtown local businesses for some fun and entertainment as we celebrate "The Fair Comes To Town Event".

Each first Friday during the summer into the fall has a special and fun theme for all to enjoy! Come see us at Thistledown Boutique while you are taking in the sights and sounds at the local events!

For more information on any of our events, classes or products call us:

724-470-3775
Email: [email protected]

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

03/27/2024

Announcing An Easter Basket Giveaway!

Announcing a special gift basket giveaway! If you'd love to win one of our special Easter Baskets for Grownups, you must like comment and share on our Facebook post to be entered to win one of our specialty hand made Easter basket valued at $75!

Comment on our page post (https://www.facebook.com/innerartiststudioaprilryan) , like and share and we will enter your name in our drawing. Winners will be announced on Saturday March 30th and the winner can pick it up Saturday 11 to 5pm.

Alternatively you may purchase a special Easter basket full of goodies from our shop! Click the link below to purchase and be sure to pick up your basket by Saturday the 30th.

Any questions you may call April at : 724-470-3775

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

03/04/2024

Irish Cream Tea March 9th, 11 to 2pm

You are invited!

Coming this Saturday! Irish Cream Tea event and Washington Goes Irish downtown Washington. We will be serving up some delicious St. Patrick's Day imported Irish foods, Irish black tea with cream and sugar, Shepherd's Pie, Irish soda bread, butter and jam.

Irish whiskey to try a sip in your tea, live Irish music, and gifts galore for yourself or someone you love! There will be two seatings one at 11am and one at 1pm. Please choose a seating time and get your tickets now through the link we have in the image above. $15 per person

Call 724-470-3775 for questions and info

We hope to see you there!

Check out our event on Saturday, Mar 9, 2024.

Click here for event details from Thistledown Boutique!

03/04/2024

Happy Spring!

As we welcome Spring we are excited to bring you beautiful new products, florals for your home, gifts for easter and mother's day, fresh styles for your wardrobe and much more! Art classes and special events are on the way too and we hope you can make it in to see us!

Upcoming events and classes

Irish Cream Tea
March 9th 11am to 2pm
Come join us for a special St. Patrick's Day Celebration an Irish Cream Tea!

We will be having imported Irish tea, Irish Soda Bread, Shepherds pie and cookies for dessert! We will have live Irish music, and if you'd enjoy a shot of Irish whiskey in your tea we have that as well!

Come join us for some fun and browse the shop for the best gifts and finds for your home and life. There are two seating times one at 11am and one at 1pm. Click the image above to sign up and choose a time.

Irish Landscape Watercolor Class

Come join Laura Miller for a special watercolor class. She will be teaching you how to create a lovely Irish landscape with an Irish cottage and sheep in fields. Come enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with your friends and family $25 per person

Resurrection Art Therapy Session
Come join Laura Miller as she brings you another therapeutic art session. In this session, Laura will help you learn to take negative emotions and self image and turn them into a positive piece of artwork symbolizing a resurrection of your positivity and best self.

Laura will use collage, watercolor, and crayons to help you create these pieces of work. This is not a fine art class, it is a processing session to help you turn emotions into a beautiful process of art creation. Come join us and bring a friend! $25 per person

New Florals, Products and Gift Ideas

We have some beautiful fresh florals, new Spring and Easter products and great gift ideas for birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day and more! Come see what you can find!

We can create a custom made Easter basket for you, custom floral centerpieces or wreaths, or wrap a special gift up for your loved ones.

Custom Easter Baskets Available!

Check Out Our Gorgeous Candle Selection!

Try Our New Candy Sugar Scrub Cubes To Moisturize and Enhance Your Skin!

Come see us today! Call 724-470-3775 for more info on any services, classes or products. Visit April's website at: artbyaprilryan.com (http://www.artbyaprilryan.com)

or email April at: [email protected]

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

02/19/2024

You Are Invited To An Irish Cream Tea!

Join us March 9th for an Irish Cream Tea Event! We will have imported Irish tea, clotted cream, lemon curd, jam and homemade scones. There will be Irish music, a balloon artist and beautiful new products to browse.

Come explore our new products for Spring and Easter as well as St. Patrick's Day! There is art by April Ryan and other local artists for purchasing. We can make up a gift basket for you for St. Patrick's or Easter with any of our specialty and imported goods. Come find the perfect gift for your friends or yourself!
Come join the fun!

Suggested $10 donation for the tea

Our event will also be part of the Washington Goes Irish event downtown Washington. Lot's of vendors and food, drink and fun to be had!

For more info call us at: 724-470-3775

Check out our event on Saturday, Mar 9, 2024.

Click here for event details from Thistledown Boutique!

02/05/2024

February is here and love is in the air! Get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day with Thistledown Boutique. Our latest newsletter is packed with exciting updates, new art designs, and fun art classes that will capture the essence of this romantic and full of love season.

Discover unique gift ideas for your loved ones or treat yourself to a beautiful piece that will make your heart skip a beat.

We have beautiful heart shaped precious stones, crystals, ornaments, window sun-catchers, heart shaped jewelry, gift journals, artwork, soaps, clothing and much more! Don't forget our chocolate covered cherries, blueberries, pretzels, biscotti and a host of other gourmet goodies.
Everything can be wrapped up pretty for you in a basket or bag just for your valentine.

We have a discount shelf in store up to 50% off too! There will be a special downtown Cocoa Love event with us as well. It will be held by the small businesses association in downtown Washington. Many businesses will be open and serving delicious treats including Thistledown Boutique!

So don't miss out, scroll down to read our February newsletter and let the love and creativity flow!

* Our hours for Valentine's Day will be
Tuesday the 13th open til 6pm

Wednesday the 14th we will be open all day for anyone with last minute valentine needs!

A Love Note From April

Dear Customers and Friends,

Here we are entering the month of love! Isn't it funny how people use the word "love" in many different ways? Such as, "I love my dress" or "I love my couch" and of course, "I love you!". We use the word love to show our affection for many different objects or relationships with people.

There are actually four types of love to consider in life. C.S. Lewis in his book, The Four Loves, explains the different kinds of love as described in the bible.
* Storge- (store-gey) family bonds of love
* Phileo- (Phil-ay-o) friend love or brotherly love
* Eros- (Aer-os) Romantic love
* Agape- (Ag-ah-pey) Unconditional "God" love

C.S. Lewis said, " Love is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be attained."

I personally love the scripture below:

1st John 4:7-8, "Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and everyone that is born of love is born of God. He that does not love does not know God because God is love."

Keep in mind these things during this beautiful season of love and let your gift of love to others be full of great intention and selfless giving.

Love and blessings to each of you! I hope to see you soon!

Love, April

February Art and Creative Classes

Mixed Media Workshop with April Ryan

Click on the image below to sign up through April's website

Join April for this fun class creating mixed media of vintage papers, tissues , markings along with paint though an intuitive process that brings out your inner artist! All materials supplied. $25

Healing Your Heart Expressive Art Class February 18th, 3 to 5pm

click the image above to sign up for this class

Come join Laura Miller as she guides you through expressive art exercises to care for your heart! Art is a wonderful way to spend time in self-care and to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and more. Studies reveal that art is an excellent tool for emotional release.

Laura will show you how to create expressive drawings with charcoals, pastels, watercolors and more. Experience mark making, hand and full body movement, breathing deeply while drawing and other great expressive techniques. Come with an open heart, some old clothes you don't mind getting dirty and get ready to find healing through expressive art for your heart! $25 per person

Expressive Watercolor Portraits Class

Click the image below to sign up through April's website

Come join Laura Miller as she teaches you to create unique and beautiful watercolor portraits. You can bring a photograph to work from as a guide. Laura will show you the basics of facial features and values of dark and light to consider in a portrait. This class will be simple and is for anyone beginner to advanced. Laura will also teach you how to use special techniques to enhance your portrait with character. $25 per person

Special Events In February

Local Love Cocoa Tour Downtown Washington 10am to 3pm

Come on downtown Washington, Pennsylvania for a special Valentine's Day Market and special event. Each downtown business will be open serving hot chocolate, and a special selection of Valentine options for you.

Come join us at Thistledown Boutique for a fun day of music, shopping, specialty, gourmet hot cocoa bar, warm croissants and toast with our specialty jam for you and your valentine, a special art activity and wonderful gifts from the heart you can purchase! Event begins at 10am to 3pm. We are asking for a suggested $5 donation for the food.

The art activity will be a watercolor hot cocoa mug with heart marshmallows on top! Use as a valentine or keep as a cute art piece to decorate your space! $5 donation

Reminders for upcoming events

Mark your calendars for March 9th! We will be serving an Irish Cream Tea with scones, clotted cream, jam and lemon curd along with our delicious Irish tea! Our imported Irish foods will be available as well. Come enjoy time with your friends and family as Washington Goes Irish with a downtown market, our Irish Cream Tea and many other small businesses open for celebrating all things Irish!

Check out some of our wonderful products below for Valentine's Day and more! New products are arriving daily so there's always something fresh!

Come see what sweet gifts you can find just for your sweetie! We have something for everyone!

Our selection includes, gourmet teas by the ounce, chocolate covered pretzels, biscotti by Enrico's of Pittsburgh, imported Scottish shortbread, Irish teas and Lemon Curd, lovely scented candles, soaps, upcycled clothing, silk Sari Kimonos, embroidered coin purses, specialty gift journals and books, and much, much more!

If you can't decide on just one thing, you can purchase a gift certificate or an e-gift card to be used by your special someone in our boutique anytime!

Our products are hand selected by April and she finds the best and most unique items just for you. We hope you'll stop in and browse our selection soon!

Check out our event on Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024.

Check out our event on Sunday, Feb 18, 2024.

Check out our event on Saturday, Feb 24, 2024.

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

01/16/2024

Winter Updates and Events

We hope your New Year is off to a great start! We have some fun events and classes coming up as well as beautiful knew product coming in to our shop.

Right now April is shopping in Atlanta for new and beautiful products just for you!

Don't forget our Route 19 Antiques room as well is open each day. Find the perfect vintage items you need for your home and life hand picked by April!

We hope you can stop by and see us very soon!

Upcoming Events and Classes

Watercolor Word of The Year Class

Come join Laura Miller for a fun and New Year focused watercolor class. You will be choosing a special word you would like to use for the new year ahead and then doing a beautiful watercolor painting that represents that word for you.

Laura will guide you through simple and fun watercolor techniques to use in your painting. This is a great class to bring a friend or family member to. Start your new year off right with an exciting class and fun learning experience! $25 per person

Mixed Media Workshop With April Ryan

Join April for this fun class creating mixed media of vintage papers, tissues , markings along with paint though an intuitive process that brings out your inner artist! All materials supplied. $25

New Products in Our Shop! Come and Find Something Fresh For Your New Year!

Come see our new products just in! Jewelry, beautiful decorative stones, quartz and geodes, boho style skirts and hand embroidered coin purses. Fresh style for your closet and home! Scroll down to see the beautiful new products awaiting you.

April is also on her way this week to Atlanta, Georgia to order more gorgeous items for the shop! So keep checking in for fresh new items and ideas for your home, office and life.

Come see us soon! Call us for any questions and more info 724-470-3775

email us at: [email protected]
follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/innerartiststudioaprilryan (https://www.facebook.com/innerartiststudioaprilryan)
And Visit April's Website: artbyaprilryan.com (http://www.artbyaprilryan.com)

Check out our event on Saturday, Jan 27, 2024.

Check out our event on Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024.

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

12/20/2023

Merry Christmas From Thistledown Boutique

I can't believe it's the end of another year! 2023 is almost gone! We had a good year at our little Thistledown Boutique. Thanks to all of you faithful and supportive customers things have gone well. Thank you!

We have lots of new plans for the new year. Continuing our podcast we plan to have new guests and new and interesting topics. We will also be starting up our Patreon page where you can subscribe to receive exclusive content and special coupons and discounts for the boutique. YouTube demos will also be in the works for the new year.

I am bringing you fun workshops starting in February. We will cover drawing, acrylic painting, assemblage sculpture with vintage finds and clay and much more!

I will be flying to Atlanta to hopefully find new and exciting products for the boutique.
Our boutique clothing will be expanding into more hats and accessories to match your personal style.

January we have limited hours at the boutique: Mondays we are closed, Thursday 11-6pm, Friday 11-5pm, Saturday 11-3pm
Any other days shop at the boutique by appointment. Call me at
724-470-3775 to set up a personal shopping appointment.

On a personal note, I can't believe I have been in my new marriage for one year this month! Doug, my husband has been a great blessing and healing in my life. We plan to celebrate our first year on a beautiful Caribbean Cruise! I've never been on a cruise before so I am very much looking forward to it.

In closing, I just want to encourage anyone who is reading this and going through a hard time, that God has not abandoned you but has a plan to give you a happy future!

Again I thank everyone for their wonderful support! It is always my desire to bring beauty into your lives as much as I can. God bless you and your family this Christmas season and continuing on into a prosperous and happy New Year!

Love, April

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

12/07/2023

Come Join Us As We Ring In The Holidays! Jingle and Mingle Holiday Party!

It won't be a silent night at our Jingle and Mingle Holiday Party at Thistledown Boutique! Great fun, drinks and snacks. Irish coffee, wine punch, hot, mulled cider, cookies and more. Christmas ornaments will be buy one get one half off, Swan Creek Christmas candles on sale buy one get one half off, all Christmas decor marked down even more as well as our beautiful Christmas florals!

Live Christmas music and sing along! Register to win a Christmas gift basket or a FREE painting lesson your choice! Come have loads of jingle bell fun with us and find the perfect gift and holiday decorations for you or friends and family! Bring your friends and loved ones too! FREE event!

You’re invited to our holiday celebration.

Check out our event on Friday, Dec 15, 2023.

Click here for event details from Thistledown Boutique!

11/08/2023

Our Special And Unique Santa's Kindness Ornaments! Available in our shop now! Get One Today!

Come see this beautiful and unique holiday ornament that will quickly become your next holiday tradition! The Santa's Kindness ornament is all about spreading kindness from December 1st all the way to December 25th! A great way to teach your whole family the beautiful lesson of kindness and compassion.

These ornaments are limited stock so come and grab yours soon! $40 each! You'll need to get it before December 1st so you can use it and hang it on your tree with your family.

If you have any questions please feel free to call or email us at 724-470-3775 or
[email protected]

Check out the video below for a look at how the ornament works!

Click here for an update from Thistledown Boutique!

01/13/2016

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