*Snow Day*

I'm not much of a winter fan. That said I like living in a place with the four seasons so I know the next change is around the corner. Making the most of it we had a little playtime in the snow today. Luca wanted to build a mommy & daddy snowman too. (this one is him) Antonio & I won the vote & took him in for some hot cider instead. Maybe tomorrow...

And the Winners are...

Hello, hope todays post finds you basking in the glory of you new Christmas goodies & a time well had with family & friends. As promised I've picked two names at random for the Christmas or Chanukah book give away. See the top right hand corner of today's art for the names. (If you've been selected please e-mail info@jillmcdonalddesign.com with your address & I'll get the books to you asap) Congratulations & thanks to all who entered! Today illustration was my attempt at a new kind of Christmas tree. A bit eclectic but guess that me.

The Nutcracker

Last night I took some time I watched the San Francisco Ballet performance of The Nutcracker. (Thank You PBS...) I watch it every year & am always amazed at how beautiful it is to me. I never make it through with out tearing up several times. I had not seen the San Francisco Ballet performance. The costumes & sets were magical, with tons of details- you could see the skill & love in each one. At one point snow gentle began to fall on the sugar plum fairies. The beautiful movement the lovely music the glittering snow- Oh, I was in my happy place. (same place Edward Scissorhands always takes me too when he's carving the ice sculpture of Kim/ Winona Rider while she peacefully dance beneath him) I hope you're finding time to watch or participate in things that make you happy this holiday season. Find your happy place!

Holiday Book Give Away

Hello & Happy Friday. Today I'm posting 2 books I illustrated for Scholastic. A Christmas Present for Me & A Chanukah Present for Me. (both available at Barnes & Noble) I'll be drawing two names next Wednesday & will send the winners their choice of either book. To enter just send in your first & last name. If your name is drawn I'll contact you for the address. A little holiday gift to you!

Festive Dots

Festive Dots hit the spot! 8 days until Christmas.

Happy Chanukah!

Tonight Chanukah begins at sundown. This is some art I made for the holiday. (cardstore.com made some great cards with it) Next week I'll be raffle off a book for Scholastic "Don't Open Until Chanukah". In the meantime I wish everyone a Happy & joyous holiday.

Freshly Fallen Snow

Brrrrrr, cold here today with freshly fallen snow on the ground. Perfect time to work on the studio 2009 Holiday card. This is what I've come up. I've pieced together several seasonal prints I've previously made. If I go this route the card will be an accordion fold. I tend to to use the accordion fold format often because I don't have to choose just one piece of art. (a bit of a cop out) Later this week I'll post the painted holiday tree I have as my second option. I need to pick one soon. December always goes so fast!

Holiday Birds

Todays post is some holiday art I made a few months ago. The birds & patterns are painted with gauche. I like incorporating text in my art. When I don't it always bothers me like an itch I can't reach so I usually end up going back in & appeasing myself. Peace, Joy, Friends & family that's what this season is all about!

Deck the Halls

Today I'm posting my holiday decor available through The Land of Nod. Last April I was as busy as one of Santa's elf's working away on this festive fun. This years new additions: The Fancy a Spot Tree skirt, the Advent Calendar (move santa from pocket to pocket as they days go by) & the felt plush ornaments. I've decked my tree out in these & they're super cute I'll take a photo to share. So perfect for little ones. Fun to look at & Safe to play with plus they're not breakable like so many ornaments. Hope you have fun decking your halls!

Let the Countdown Begin

Here we are December 1st. (Happy Birthday Amy!) The official countdown begins today. A couple years back a made this art for PB Kids. Luca has hit a puzzle phase so I try to pull out the ones that are seasonally appropriate. This Advent one is perfect! Tomorrows post will be my holiday decor items available at The Land of Nod. Happy December!