Ways to get there

All Aboard! You can go by boat, plane or train... The good news is all roads lead to FRIDAY!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend! (I always liked this piece it was purchased by Pottery Barn Kids a couple years ago)

Vacation

I am excited! I may be able to squeeze a little family vacation into my schedule in the near future. Nothing too long just a few days.

We are discussing possible locations. So MANY options! Have you been somewhere exciting, exotic, amazing, relaxing? Let me know... we are open to suggestions. I would love to hear where you get a little R & R. The art I'm featuring today is an older piece that I've always liked & fitting for this post.

JM Baby & Kids for C.R. Gibson

Last week I attended the Atlanta Gift Show to debut my new products & partnership with C.R. Gibson. Building the Jill McDonald baby & kids brand is my passion. As an artist & a mom I believe in making fun art with a touch of education that parents & kids will remember.

I am happy to announce my two new baby collections with them- "Enchanted" for girls & "A- Z Animals" a gender neutral option. Each collection includes a memory book, a photo album, grandma's brag book, a melamine set, a first year calendar, gift bag & photo frame.

In addition to the baby items I've also introduced some toddler friendly products. Chunky books, finger puppets, puzzles & Thank You cards.

The show was so much fun to attend! I was super excited to see all my products together & delighted to see the beautiful quality of each. I even got to do a signing event with my albums. (kind of a surreal moment for me :)

C.R. Gibson has done a wonderful job promoting my brand. Take a look at the video they put together featuring me in the new Brand's new day campaign.

Alphabet

I love making alphabet art. Over the years I've probably made over 30. (which seems to be a lot of the same subject) The thing I really enjoy about it is I'm able to find a different approach each time. Unlike some themes that are more of a creative challenge to work through. So I just keep making them. Who knew learning my abc's would have such an inspiring effect on me! Here's one from not that long ago.

Friday!

Almost playtime!

I heart weekends! (so do these playground pals)

Here's to a great one...

Making Art

Over the next couple of months I'll be hard at work making lots of new art for the Surtex & the Licensing show this spring. On the agenda fun new prints & illustrations for kids, baby & seasonal art. I feel like I'm bubbling over with ideas the challenge for me is always time. (like any mom :) So I've made a list- my action plan for how I'll get all this done. A few new (unfamiliar) things at the top: I'd like to try to create a small plush collection for the shows. Also, I'd like to try some art for adults too. I'm thinking a fun kitchen collection (art that would like great on tea towels, ceramics, so on). Hello- New Year! I'll keep you posted about my progress. Today I'm featuring the tried & true for me... cute baby art!

Etsy Store SALE

I thought I'd kick off the New Year with a sale at my Etsy shop. All personalized growth charts are now just $39.99 through February 1st. I've featured Birds & Branches here, you can check them all out at my Etsy shop. The growth charts are big, bold, colorful & packed with fun little details. Each growth chart was hand painted & collaged then scanned in digitally. They are printed here at my studio on a thick weight, durable canvas with 4 grommets for easy hanging. These would brighten up any little one's bedroom or play area. *idea: would also make a great Valentines day gift

Happy New Year

Happy 2012! (doesn't that sound so futuristic...)

Here's to a new year of happiness, health & BIG dreams!