Heartwork by Kinnen

It’s almost Christmas!!

Thank you to everyone who shopped our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals! We are doing something crazy and leaving anything currently in the site at their 50% markdown prices until Christmas Eve! Because, why not?!

It’s the season to give! Merry Christmas!

Let’s get this party started! 50% off everything in the shop, and ALL Little Boo Things are $10!

Link in bio. Have fun! Happy Cyber Monday!

Shopping for Black Friday deals? All Heartwork is 40% off!

Take it from this tiny art buyer, who is more than ready to shop til she drops in this look, you will want to grab your art while you can 😉❤️

Happy Thanksgiving from the Heartwork girls!

We are so grateful for all of you, your partnership with us in prayer, friendship, giving, and collecting Kinnen’s art. Thank you for being on this journey with us!

All of our pieces are currently discounted! Go shop and support your favorite little artist 😘

Captiva has been our family's cherished destination for generations. It holds a special place in our hearts as it's where Kinnen first experienced the joy of sandy shores and the soothing embrace of the ocean. This memorable trip marked a significant turning point in our lives. Just two months earlier, Kinnen had been confined to a hospital, battling RSV and receiving a diagnosis of GSD1a. The healing powers of the sun and saltwater worked their magic on all of us during her first visit. We witnessed the return of color to her cheeks, the brightening of her hair, and the incredible transformation of our little girl as she embarked on her journey to recovery.

This piece encapsulates those moments of hope, rejuvenation, serenity, and the awe-inspiring beauty of a sunrise over the sea—a true masterpiece crafted by the hand of God. Kinnen, with her youthful exuberance and boundless creativity, used acrylics and layers of gold leaf to bring this painting to life.

Come join me and hundreds of other women in business on Sunday December 10th from 10am - 4pm.

The Rooted for Women Cultivate Conference has been in my list of MUST DO’s, and to be a panelist is a complete honor. The lineup is impressive, I feel so humbled to be included.

If you are looking for growth, development, leadership and a really cool group of women who embrace networking and lighting one another up, consider joining us!

Use my code from November 1st thru November 30th, ChelseaCC25, to receive $25 off of their conference ticket.

See you there!

The ARCHIVES.

15 pieces we have held onto for the right homes, coming to you.

DROPS SUNDAY 10/29/23

🙋🏻‍♀️ Did You Know: Cultivating GRATITUDE has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

🌸 Taking time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, no matter how small, helps shift focus from difficulties to moments of joy.

🌿 Gratitude can bring a renewed sense of appreciation and create a positive perspective amidst any journey.

🌱 How do you practice Gratitude? How do you teach your children?

🫙 Last year we treated a Thankful Jar and each day during the month of November, Kinnen wrote down something she was thankful for and put it in thr jar, on Thanksgiving we emptied the jar at dinner and read allowed all the gratitude. It was sweet, funny and a great practice!

Would you like to see the jar and learn how to make your own? Comment “GRATITUDE” if you do!

AUTUMN BUCKET LIST

🍁 rake leaves
🍁 jump in a leaf pile
🍁 visit a pumpkin patch
🍁 carve pumpkins
🍁 roast pumpkin seeds
🍁 have a campfire
🍁 go on a nature walk
🍁 apple picking
🍁 drink apple cider
🍁 bake a pie
🍁 take a hayride
🍁 make a leaf craft
🍁 take a foliage drive

What have you done? And what would I you add?

Memory: sensory kiddos loved these spider web lights that spun and twirled across the dance floor at the Franklin Park Conservatory “Pumpkins Aglow” last year.

Kinnen danced and twirled, shouted and grinned enthusiastically before retiring to sit in the midst of the biggest one and watch the webs spiral all around her.

The park was quite literally AGLOW, everywhere you turned. It’s a captivating experience and I wondered if she would be overwhelmed by this adventure, but in true Kinnen fashion, she LOVED it, and when she needed to rest, she found her spot. 🕸️

Best Halloween/Fall 🎥 Movie?

🍿 Kinnen says: It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

🎬 Leave your faves below!

This is Halloween….THROWBACK to our Spooky Szn shoot 2021…the original painting that started it all and of course, our Luna.

Little Boo’s are on the site now 👻

Here for the decor. Our little ghosties add the right amount of cute to your spooky szn fun! 👻

Also, check out for this handmade Trick or Treat party pennant and bats 🦇 party punchies! We love decorating our walls with her punchies!

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It’s our favorite time of the year! The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling and we are loving the spooky cute decorations we see everywhere!

Tag your Boo below and snag them a little boo thing on our site today!

BOO! Our Little Boo Things are back in a limited edition stock, this time featuring itty bitty 3x3 minis too! Check them out at www.KinnenFrancine.com!

And for funzies….let us know what you will be for Halloween this year! Kinnen will be a cat. She’s a cat every other day since we did this photo shoot 2 years ago and she discovered how PURRfect this black tutu is paired with some ears. MEOW 😸

You’re turn! Drop your costume choice below, or share your favorite from the past!

Jelly’s. They look so simple, but the process was ever so detailed.

Beach visits.

Photos taken.

Inspiration Boards created.

Paint…we created our own “paint popsicle” freezing layers of the perfect sunset hues, so that when applies to the paper, it would roll on with a texture like sand, and melt like a summer treat.

Designs carefully selected.

Kinnen did this with me, every step. Teaching her the care that goes into something that, in the end, looks so simple. Effortless.

Jelly’s are a favorite around here.

What piece of Heartwork is your favorite?

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Where is began…

I love a good origin story, don’t you? Here are a few of Kinnen’s first paintings and the silly names I gave them. This is pre-Heartwork days!

I still have a few, framed and treasured.

What do you do with your kids toddler and baby art? Do you still have any of your own? Blake and I sure do!

Hello Everyone! Thank you for being here and keeping up with Kinnen and I! Our sweet girl is doing great! I wanted to give you a quick update:

1. I am more consistent with Instagram, including messages there, so if you ever need me asap please DM me on IG () or email us at our NEW email: [email protected]. I want to do better but keeping up with all the outlets on my own is hard! So don't be afraid to reach out on those if you haven't heard back in 24 hours!

2. Kinney is doing wonderfully! You may already know that we are homeschooling for the 4th year now and one of the greatest benefits is that I truly know my girl through this and I personally see where we need work, where we are thriving and where she just needs her mommy. There are some challenges behaviorally, and I'll keep that statement general and private for now, but we are exploring some therapies and nutritional changes/additions. Please pray for her, that she finds peace and joy, understanding and continues to improve in her communication.

3. Her next genetic appointment is on October 2nd. This should be a general follow up, nothing major, but prayers it goes well!

Thank you for being the most supportive and wonderful community. I'm dropping a free treat for you all this week, sign up for our email list to grab it! visit www.kinnenfrancine.com

Hello Everyone! Thank you for being here and keeping up with Kinnen and I! Our sweet girl is doing great! I wanted to give you a quick update:

1. I am more consistent with Instagram, including messages there, so if you ever need me asap please DM me on IG () or email us at our NEW email: [email protected]. I want to do better but keeping up with all the outlets on my own is hard! So don't be afraid to reach out on those if you haven't heard back in 24 hours!

2. Kinney is doing wonderfully! You may already know that we are homeschooling for the 4th year now and one of the greatest benefits is that I truly know my girl through this and I personally see where we need work, where we are thriving and where she just needs her mommy. There are some challenges behaviorally, and I'll keep that statement general and private for now, but we are exploring some therapies and nutritional changes/additions. Please pray for her, that she finds peace and joy, understanding and continues to improve in her communication.

3. Her next genetic appointment is on October 2nd. This should be a general follow up, nothing major, but prayers it goes well!

Thank you for being the most supportive and wonderful community. I'm dropping a free treat for you all this week, sign up for our email list to grab it! visit

HEARTWORK

Our EPIC list of Inclusive Children’s Books (Part 1) is out!

At the playground recently, I overheard some older boys poking fun at Kinnen. She didn’t know they were being a mean, but I did and I about slapped them with these books. (Just kidding!) But as much as I wanted to wack them with a nice hard cover, these books deserve better, they deserve to be read, loved, cherished and learned from. The boys could have benefitted from them. If they had them, they would have realized that the quirky things Kinnen did was due to autism and she was trying to play and make friends the best she knew how. Maybe they would have been kind, aware and realized different isn’t bad or sad, different is great!

This list will help to educate and bring awareness, it will provide comfort to those of us closely related to or raising a disabled child, and will offer connection for our special needs kiddos.

1. When Charley Met Emma by

2. No Such Thing As Normal by

3. Different A Great Thing To Be by Heather Avis .a.great.thing.to.be

4. Awesomely Emma by

5. Like Me by

Have you read any of these? You can check out our YouTube channel Making Lemon Cake, for short synopses of each! And stay tuned for part 2!

I thought I was going to Italy….

A little tale about the journey of embracing the challenges life throws.

I recently emailed a woman named Emily Perl Kingsley who wrote a poem back in 1987 called Welcome to Holland. I would have been 5 years old when she wrote it. I am sure she never imagined little five year old Chelsea was going to need her beautiful words of wisdom and comfort 30+ years later…but here we are.

I encourage you to research the poem yourself, and I will be sharing it properly, with her permission, on our blog.

In our correspondence, Emily wrote something profound and I felt it would help others here too:

“So interesting to hear you use the analogy of "others in the same boat." I often speak of our "situation" in those terms. We (parents, teachers, siblings, caretakers, etc.) are indeed in the same boat. It doesn't matter if you are in the "front" of the boat or the "back" of the boat, we all have similar feelings and meet similar challenges. The important thing is - if we all pick up our "oars" and row together, we can make the whole boat move and make progress for our kids!”

Thank you for your insight, kindness and words of encouragement!

Cheers to rowing another day!

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We are talking about the beginning around here. This was one of Kinnen’s first hearts. Watercolor. Completely over saturated with water and enough paint to make the paper start peeling, but it was perfect.

When I look back at this simple little heart, nearly everything about it was bad. Since this heart, the shape has changed 3 times, the quality of paint has changed more times than I can count, the process has evolved to the point of being unrecognizable from the beginning…but it doesn’t make this first heart any less special.

Sometimes we are afraid to start because we don’t have it all figured out yet. But that how the process is supposed to work. It’s supposed to be messy, creative and full of try…fail…adjust.

Don’t be afraid to start.

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Where it began.

The early days where all about providing a sensory experience, taking our minds off the tubes, the glucose checks, the vomiting, sleepless nights and total overwhelm. This was the original therapy that healed our souls and produced something beautiful in the midst of heartache and chaos.

My message today is two fold:
1. Never forget how it started.
2. There is always an opportunity for beauty even in the darkest of places. Sometimes you really have to hunt for it, pray for it and get out of your comfort zone, but I promise it’s there.

What do you all think about this custom Cape Cod piece? As a native New Englander I am in love!

Where are you from? Drop your state in the comments!

This is an exclusive, one of its kind, 8x10 in a beautifully guided gold frame.

If it speaks to you we are open to listing it. But I’m partial to keeping it…..what do you think? List or keep?

Happy Labor Day! Around here we believe in work hard, play hard.

No matter the task, give it your all, as if doing everything for the Lord.

The work doesn’t have to be what you love, but your love should be in your work!

We don’t always love every part of the Heartwork process (honestly, does anyone love EVERY part of their work? Hello, taxes????) but we LOVE the outcome, the joy we provide and the parts of the process where we have to get down and dirty become labors of love along the way.

So celebrate the ability to Labor, the honor it is to roll up your sleeves and work hard and then enjoy the rewards of playing l, resting and knowing you left it all on the field.

HAPPY LABOR DAY! ❤️ Chelsea & Kinnen

Doing the thing that takes a little piece of our hearts and sends them off to you!

Is that cheesy?! Oh well because it’s true, every single piece we create is made with the kind of love that you can’t see or explain.

It begins with collaborative painting between mother and daughter and the binding that happens in those hours marks moments that can never be forgotten. Time. And you can’t buy that.

Every piece I cut, I see Kinnen in. And then I share those with you. Not because I want to make a buck, but because I want you to feel how special this girl is too.

You can shop the current link at our link in bio if you so desire.

We have room for 2: 36”x 25“ pieces on our calendar before end of October. Other custom requests will be open again soon.

The process is always so interesting to us….

1. Kinnen’s abstract for the Saved By the Bell Collection

2. Hearts start taking shape

3. Finished piece!

Each piece is painted by Kinnen (age 7) and hand cut by mommy (age 40 😂).

Available for purchase at our link in bio or visit: www.KinnenFrancine.com

Step into a realm of stardust and rock n' roll. Inspired by the legendary David Bowie, this collection embodies his unique style and artistic expression, two elements we love around here. Let the bold colors and iconic imagery transport you to a world of limitless creativity and fearless individuality.

Kinnen used a foam brush to lay down a a hot pink, lime green and black background then followed with layers bright, bold hues evoking pop culture, the 80's and big personality. Using various tools to apply the paints such as brushes, forks, spoons and even her hands she finished the piece with lines of black and white oil pastels.

Shop: www.KinnenFrancine.com for premade pieces or inquire about custom options.

Miscarriage. These winged hearts represent precious babies who, although we’re never held in their mothers arms, will remain in her heart forever.

These are the most gut wrenching piece for me to do, but the letters and tears these women share with me make every little angel more than worth it. It’s not lost on me that a child who’s life was nearly taken too soon, is helping to preserve the memories of others now.

If you have experienced this, you we see you.

DM to inquire.

It’s the neon for me.

Let’s take a vote, are you…

TEAM BRIGHT COLORS 🌈
TEAM NEUTRALS 🖤
TEAM SPARKLE ✨

Tell us in the comments!

She did it. She did the thing that for years has been so scary. She took a shower.

This may sound so silly to the average person. But to someone with sensory challenges, having water shooting down on you, even gently, can be cause for panic.

Little by little “showering” was introduced. Sprinklers (also terrifying in the past), splash pads, hoses, even the spray option in the sink, all played rolls in easing the anxiety and opening the door to try.

5 years. This was a 5 year process. Full of patience and consistency.

And then she did it. And she did it again, and again, and again!!

Next time you feel behind in something, keep going. Don’t let someone else’s time frame determine your victory. And please, don’t assume anyone should be further than they are if you haven’t walked in their shoes.

I’m so proud of Kinney. She overcame her fear last week and I know you can too!

The ultimate inclusive play experience at Better Together Playnasium !

join us in this exciting lemon cake episode as we delve into the world of Better Together, a revolutionary adaptive play haven crafted to perfection for kids of diverse abilities. We will take you on a journey through sensory spaces, serene, calming areas, wheelchair accessible activities and a plethora of skill refining corners that will keep your children engaged. We talked firsthand about how Amber and her dedicated team have meticulously fashioned a space that embraces inclusivity in every detail!

As always, be sure to like and subscribe! https://youtu.be/KtY-4BBEURo

We are BETTER TOGETHER. Loving these playful details to our latest large scale heartwork! If you visit the you will see this delightful piece!

“Squiggle Jungle”

Learning abstract techniques with daddy.

🌟 NEW!! Episode 4 is LIVE! 🌟

Amber and Chelsea chat about moving from GRIEF TO GRACE…therapy, community, all the things that helped us figure out our new normal.

Keeping it short and sweet, helpful and hopeful! Join us, LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! 😘

https://youtu.be/M5k49zC4iMk

Looking for spunky, playful, vibrant art vibes for your space? We got you.
🎨🌈✨

🌟 Hey, Hey pop culture fans and outdoor adventurists! Introducing the Bowie, Saved By the Bell, Blues Traveler, and Safari Collections! 🎨✨

Each collection, painted by Kinney, is a gateway to a world of imagination, brimming with vibrant colors and a sense of adventure that will captivate your heart. 🌈🎉

🌟 The Bowie Collection: Step into a realm of stardust and rock 'n' roll. Inspired by the legendary David Bowie, this collection embodies his unique style and artistic expression. Let the bold colors and iconic imagery transport you to a world of limitless creativity and fearless individuality. 🚀🌟

🌟 Saved By the Bell Collection: Relive the nostalgia of the '90s with this vibrant collection that pays homage to the beloved TV series. Dive into a sea of neon hues and geometric patterns that celebrate the joy and carefree spirit of youth. It's like stepping back in time to those unforgettable times with Zac, Kelly, Slater, Jessie and the crew.📚🔔

🌟 Blues Traveler Collection: Let the rhythm of the blues guide you through this soulful collection. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of musical notes and hues that evoke the emotion and storytelling of the blues. Get lost in the melodic artistry and let your spirit sway to the rhythm of each brushstroke. 🎸🌙

🌟 Safari Collection: Embark on a wild expedition through the neutral tones and drops of poppy. This collection brings together whimsy and the untamed beauty of nature. 🦁🌿

Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of these extraordinary collections. DM US TODAY TO INQUIRE and immerse yourself in a world of artistry, where Bowie, Saved By the Bell, Blues Traveler, and Safari come alive. Let the magic of our artwork brighten your world and ignite your imagination. 🎨✨

Your walls will thank you for it! 🌟🖼️

We are going on a SAFARI 🦒 🦓 🐅….

ALL animals are Kinnen’s favorites so this theme is spot (🐆) on!

Comment below with your favorite animal - emojis welcome!