IF: Mail, Merry Christmas! & 5 year blogoversary!

happy winter solstice! 

I wanted to get my christmas card printed and in the mail this year, but since I just finished coloring it last night it became an e-card. (I have to admit I like not worrying about my cards being held up at the printer, or lost in the holiday snail mail.)

I want to thank everyone for your wonderful support. 5 years ago on Christmas Eve I decided to start up this here blog to begin sharing my creative endeavors. I never could have imagined all the wonderful connections I would make, and this year I was especially lucky to be able to meet even more bloggers out in the real world. Looking back, this has been an incredible journey, and it feels like it's still just beginning.

edit: Oops! I almost forgot I wanted to share my color palette choosing method this time. I had these colors picked out a while back, and in order to stay true to it I scanned them in. I had to alter a bit from the scan, but it was a good stepping off point.

Okay, now back to our regularly scheduled holiday wishes~~~

I wish everyone a Christmas filled with merriment and a prosperous and creative 2011!

For a little creative inspiration, watch this amazing 2D animation.

I noticed this reflection in one of my tiny ornaments the other day:

Don't forget to take time to appreciate the little things

See you in 2011!

Illustration Friday: Phenomenon

Finding a cottage made of sweets and candy in the middle of the forest was quite a delightful phenomenon for these lost children.

 I did this for Will Terry's Hansel and Gretel class assignment which he was kind enough to open up for anyone to play along. It was rather generous of him to offer critiques of each piece submitted. Check out all the entries on Will's wonderful blog . Thanks to Will for the inspiration!

The first thing that came to mind when I read that this week's topic was 'phenomenon' was an old Muppet Show song which I knew wasn't the exact word in the song, but had a similar sound. I was able to find it on that handy youtube, and found it's actually, 'Mahna Mahna', which is a catchy little tune that I remember a littler me bopping along to back in the day.

They Draw & Cook Holiday Recipe

Now, we see what secret recipe prompted the other reindeer to ask Rudolph to join in all their reindeer games!

They Draw and Cook is an amazing project put together by Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell where artists illustrate their favorite recipes. I had done a recipe earlier which hasn't posted yet on their site, and when I heard they were holding a holiday contest teamed Food Network I couldn't miss the fun of entering.

This Mango Frappé is something I invented a few weeks ago. I had enjoyed some pumpkin ice cream, and thought mango and cinnamon might make a nice orange-colored combo, and it quickly became one of my favorite treats. I usually just throw these kinds of things together, so it was good that I did an actual test with measuring cups and spoons since my first guestimates were way off.

I'm so excited to see that my recipe was just featured on the Food Network blog!

2010 OAL Thumb Box Exhibition

While everyone was eating turkey last weekend I was enjoying a 4 day painting marathon to complete the last 2 paintings for this year's OAL Thumb Box Show. Participating in last year's exhibition marked  a new painting technique for me as started painting with Atelier Interactive Acrylics on wood panels. I ended up loving the process, and I love working with the woodgrain.

Tonight, I found out my 'Piggie with his Kiddie Bank' already sold!

*Update: 'A Boy and His Duck' & ' Carrot Donut Thief' sold the day of the opening!

I'll be making these available in my print shoppe soon.

Annual Thumb Box Exhibition
Location: OAL Gallery & The OSU Arts Initiative
Opening Reception: Thursday, December 2, 6 - 9 p.m.
On view: December 2 - 29, 2010