Time to hydrate!

 

Sipping up summer and trying to remember to hydrate.... holy smokes it's hot out!

(but I kind of love it ☀️)

Father's Day

 

 

 

A great dad is such a gift! Let’s hear it for all the father figures sharing their love, patience, and everlasting support for little or big ones in their lives.

⭐ 💟 ◭ ⭕ ✌ 🌞

Summer is about new experiences and expanding your horizons. (when you can) This week my son is at camp at a college campus out of state. (proud mom moment) This made me think about earning badges through mastering a skill or trying something new which then made me think of how much I love the decorative patches kids can earn in the scouts! While I wasn’t a girl scout (but a brownie for a short time) I’m a longtime admirer of these pretty patches and the will to try something new.

Shout-out to anyone expanding their horizons this week! 

 

Rockets and other Space Machines

 Today a new book is available in my Hello, World! series—Rockets and other Space Machines.

This book is an introduction to rockets, and some of the machines that have helped us explore space! I learn so much with each book & I can see this one fascinating kiddos with an interest in space or who like to build. This book works well with a couple others in the series and is also being offered in a Solar System boxed set. (including Moon Landing, Solar System, Planet Earth, and Rockets and other Space Machines—Available October 14)

I'm also excited to share that Amazon picked Rockets and other Space Machines as an Amazon Best of the Month which is always terrific news. It's my hope that the young readers in your life will enjoy this book too!

Thanks for learning cool, new things with me! 🤩

Tool-atly Awesome

 

I have a fun new print with Little Sleepies.

As usual their design team did a terrific job with the scale of the print & the assortment of products it went on.

There's a cute beanie as well but I was drawn to this bow and loved how something so typically girl was covered in tools something often associated with boys.

If you're thinking about Father's Day this could be a good gift! You can deck the whole family out in this "busy builder" print. To see all the options visit Little Sleepies.

Crib bedding and kids blankets too!

Things that GO!

 

I like to draw different ways to travel.  Which one would you take? I'm afraid to ride in a hot air balloon. (Although I'm sure it would be lovely!) I'd stick to a train but preferably on a scenic route.

For MOM— For You

 

Sending you a big, bright bouquet! Having a good mom is a great blessing in life. Unfortunately, I know not everyone ends up with a mom who can provide care and nurturing for another. Often not knowing that for themself.

If today is hard for you, I see you. We're all deserving of love, it just doesn't always show up from who society tell us will deliver it. Hope you lean into love & connection where you find it in your life.

Sophie helped me pick some peonies to deliver to my mom.

Things are bloomin'!

 

 

Even though it makes me sneeze, I'm inspired by spring! 

I started the above painted blooms in my sketchbook painting with gouache.

 

I scanned the sketchbook floral in and added some additional layers in Photoshop to round out the design. This art was licensed for greeting cards and fabric. (and made me really happy to paint)

Plant seeds

 

I played in the dirt over the weekend and planted some new things. The second week of May my peonies bloom and I can’t wait! Beauty found in nature brings me such joy.😊 I find the investment in time and resources really pays off.

Wishing you blue skies, a warm breeze and coffee. Monday showed up fast!

Hope you plug into something that brings you joy this week.

Happy Earth Day 🌈

 

To celebrate Earth Day I’m offering a Hello, World! board book GIVEAWAY.  The winner will choose from Hello, World! Ocean Life, Rainforest Animals, or Planet Earth.

To enter visit my Instagram feed. I’ll pick a winner (at random) April 30th. Nature offers us so many priceless gifts. Let's appreciate and celebrate them all!

 

Happy Easter

 Hopping by with a pop of pink to wish you a Happy Easter!

 

Showers to flowers

While there seems to be a great deal of mishegoss around I've been turning to nature to lift my spirit.  Like the childhood saying goes "showers to flowers" I've enjoyed seeing it in action. This inspired me to make a spring mobile from some art I previously made for a Trader Joe's card.

 

Here's the icons I drew with colored pencil.

Here's the cut out pieces.

Here's the final product placed next to the window that over looks this....
 

My lovely, lush lilac bush that I adore!

Thankful for those rainy days. (Wishing this was scratch and sniff!)

Here's the card.

Making makes me happy!

Hand drawn food trucks!

 

Who's hungry? They say variety is the spice of life!  I agree when it comes to things I like to draw.  Why focus on just one fun, food truck when I could draw 27!  It's lunchtime (somewhere) which food truck would you visit first?

Me... I'm feeling like a savory crepe.  I live one block away from Chez Elle Creperie, which has a really cool crepe mobile. (looks a little like the one I've drawn)

April 1st

April showers brings bunnies and flowers.  Gosh, spring is lovely!  

(this piece was hand painted with gouache)

Story

 

I like new beginnings, they feel filled with the promise of opportunity and something good. 🪶 Here’s a sweet new card I made for Calypso cards to congratulate someone on their new bundle of joy! (I think this one is available in Barnes and Noble)

Yay, it's SPRiNG!

Are you happy it’s spring?  Me, too!🌦 I’m sharing a fun warmer weather picture book I did for Barefoot Books, Over in the Meadow.  If you’re familiar with this book you know it’s a catchy sign along (sung by Susan Reed) with an animated video you can view on the Barefoot Books site.  This book is also now available in a scaled down, baby proof format.  So little ones can chomp on it, get it wet, and this version is rip-proof. (which is never a bad idea)

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

This is a gouache painting I licensed to Calypso Cards.  I think it sets the tone for St. Patrick's Day nicely!🍀  🌈  🍺  🌟 💚

Question for you....

 

Celebrating women everyday but especially on International Women's Day!

Flowers in hand

 

A mixed media bouquet to welcome the month of MARCH.

Spring 💦 💚

Telling myself good things are coming!  Turns out, it's much easier to paint PATIENCE than to be patient.

 

Almost ready!

 

 Do you have little hands that like to help in the kitchen? Bring the love of baking to toddlers and preschoolers with my new Hello, World! BAKING board book.  Ding! This book will be ready Oct. 14, 2025.  You can pre-order now but please know this is a long bake.

Kids are introduced to a variety of baking utensils, ingredients, and yummy treats you can create.  It’s my hope that this book will inspire something delightful.  I wish I had this one for my son who loved to whip up treats in his play kitchen 15 years ago!  🧁  🥐  🍰 ✨

NEW Hello, World! Solar System boxd set

 

 

Attention all young astronauts! I’m excited to share that my Hello, World! Solar System boxed set is on the horizon.  This set of four space and planet exploring board books will be available October 14, 2025.  It’s a perfect introduction into our fascinating universe and W😀W, did I learn a lot while making these books.  I hope you and the little ones you share it with will too!

If you're interested in pre-ordering here's a link.