Babes + tots

Is there any sweeter subject than an cute wittle honey-pie? I'm talking about babies and toddlers, with those rosebud cheeks and crème fraîche complexions. I could illustrate wee folk morning, noon, and night! And sometimes I do!














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I know it's barely Halloween, but...

I can't help it! I'm so excited to show you this meaningful and beautiful holiday gift card that's going to make holiday shopping a lot easier for folks who like to go the "a gift has been made in your honor" route. I designed and illustrated this uplifting card for Noel House, a nonprofit organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of homeless women in Seattle, Washington.

I love giving these types of gifts (not to mention designing them) -- it gives me a chance to help sustain organizations whose missions I support, and, as far as gift-giving is concerned, it's so gloriously hassle-free. For a gift of $10 in honor of someone you love, you'll help provide food, warmth, and safe shelter for homeless women in Seattle. What an extraordinary gift for everyone involved!

Email Noel House's Anna Cronin at annacr (at) ccsww (dot) org if you'd like to give one -- or more -- of these cards during the holiday season. Click the back of the card, below, to read more about Noel House's mission to provide a safe place for homeless women. (And then click "show original" for best quality!)

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New work in Spider magazine

Being a lover of art and craft (and bubble wrap), I appreciated the inventiveness of this step-by-step craft project I was asked to illustrate for the September issue of the always-delightful, award-winning kids' magazine.

Because the project involves using paint and bubble wrap to decorate a brown paper bag book cover, I decided to try out some bubble wrap printmaking myself. Painting the bubble wrap and then pressing it against some pulpy paper results in what looks like rainbowy lizard scales, so I used the technique when painting the background, the itty-bitty little book covers, and even the subtle scales on my lizard-girl's skin. And to be a bit more precise, lizard-girl is actually -- by special request -- a gila monster. She's also a cross between Blossom and Punky Brewster.* (Okay, that part was not by special request. But isn't she sassy? Totally sassy! And definitely not at all venomous.)

* Two of my childhood fashion icons.

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Illustration Friday: ferocious!

Here's a sweet quickie for Illustration Friday. Pretty sure this guy is mad because his Nordic sweater is scratchy.


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March issue of Babybug!

Everything the Cricket/Cobblestone folks do --  namely, Cricket, Spider, Babybug, and the rest of the "bug" mags -- turns out so prettily. I'm excited to show you that last month's Babybug included a beautifully-printed six-page spread that I illustrated. As always, I couldn't be more content with the design and quality of the magazine. Everything printed splendidly; click pics for an elephant's-eye view!

This was fun to paint: a refreshing bath for this little guy.

Oh, and to stay on top of my new illustrations and publications, click "follow" in the right sidebar!

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Take the prize!

**Closed!**

   Congratulations, Sarah and Kimberlee! You win!

Guess what, milkshakes? It's giveaway time!

I'm giving away two signed and numbered linocut prints on handmade paper! I printed a series of thirty and then destroyed the linoleum block, so there shall be no more once these delicious little bits have been eaten up.

The illustration is in navy blue ink, and I made the paper from cotton and other fibers.

To enter, just mention this contest on Facebook, your blog, Twitter, or elsewhere on the vast worldwide Interwebs, then leave a comment here. I'll choose two winners (using a random-number generator) on Friday, April 15th!

The winners can choose between white and tan paper with pretty, irregular edges. Good luck!

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