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.

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

 

I'll take Valentine's Day over Christmas anytime!  I especially prefer the pink and red color palette.  I'm a bit of a mush, and really like the idea of LOVE and telling the people close to you that you care.  This year I spent two days painting handmade Valentines for the special people in my life.  I'm lucky to have them and it feels good to spread love!

Connect with someone you care for!  It feels good for everyone. 

Mini-sketchbook Feb. PLAY

 

My hands like to make hearts!💓

A little reminder...

 

Valentine's Day is this Friday!  Don't forget to spread some love. 💗

Painted floral border

 

Folksy February flowers painted in way that would make a lovely rug! (or scarf)

Flowers and animals two things I could paint forever. 💘

Why wait until February?

 

 

To me:  From: me 💘

To you: From: you 💘

Are you a member of the self love club?

Hope so!

Spreading love anytime of the year is a good idea!

Do you sew?

 

My latest fabric collection Story time with P & B Textiles is available now.

I infused this grouping with lots of charming characters and even a make-believe town for them to live in.

My hope is that this becomes something sewn and special for a little one with a love of story and a big imagination!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 

Grateful for these wonderful words and for this very special man.

Let's stick with love!

A - B - G

 

Always be growing!

 Not a bad motto. 

This is the bookshelf behind the computer in my studio space where I grow plants year round.  

Especially in January!

To the rescue

 

Firefighters are heroes!  I've been astonished by the fire scenes in LA.  I can only imagine how frightening it must be for everyone in the area.  In K.C. we've had days of snow and ice which I'm so grateful is not fire. (switched my prospective on what really is a problem)

I hope the city, families and especially kids effected get the help and resources they need.  It feels so strange watching a place burn. 

Snow days

 The storm system that is sweeping across the U.S. is over Kansas City.  We're under a blizzard warning and I haven't been in a blizzard since 1994 my first semester in NYC as a freshman at Parson's.  I didn't enjoy snow then & that hasn't changed with age.

I do enjoy shades of white and find calmness in cutting out shapes and adding painted details. 

The view from my studio window is quiet and soft.  While I find snow inconvenient, I'm looking for the beauty in it.  (looking closely....)

I've switched my hand to just painting now.  I feel the need to keep busy when it's cold out & I feel trapped inside.  Blues against white makes me happy!

Antonio & I have been worried about the birds he's made two trips outside to refill the bird feeder and added a bowl of seeds on the ground at a second location.  I loves his big heart and kindness!  We'll wait to shovel until all the snow is done.  It's powdery so it won't be well suited for making a snow friend.  I've had six cups of tea today. (3 early grey and 3 peppermint once I realized I've had too much caffeine.)  Hope you're holding up well if you're also being visited by snow, ice, and severe cold. (or just generally dislike January, which is completely understandable)