Tin Can Birthday

 For: Zach
Occasion: his birthday

To celebrate Zach's birthday, I created a design featuring two tin cans connected by string that convey the message "Happy Birthday, Zach!" This idea came from a lyric from a Zach May and the Maps song "Wisconsin" that was popular with us all in college. I miss Zach so much and hope he's having a great summer!

Wycinanki Rooster Birthday

 For: Eileen
Occasion: her birthday

Our family has a cool connection to the Polish folk paper art of wycinanki that I wanted to celebrate in Eileen's birthday card this year! I drew her a classic rooster that emulates the layering of colored paper, but added a party hat for a birthday twist! I hope Eileen is having an amazing summer so far!

Squirrel Birthday

 For: DeLace
Occasion: his birthday

For DeLace's birthday card, I did an illustration of a squirrel friend who is happy to have a piece of cake and a party hat! I love how sweet this little rodent turned out. I hope DeLace has a great birthday and is excited to be in community with many more squirrels throughout the year!

Flower Birthday

 For: Becky
Occasion: her birthday

For Becky's birthday card, I wanted to emulate how happy and joyful she is! I created some beautiful flowers on a bright Illini-orange background to do the trick. I miss Becky so much and hope she is having a wonderful summer!

Father's Day Calculator

 For: Dad
Occasion: Father's Day

My dad recently shared that he likely changed the batteries on his calculator for the last time of his career (in hopes to retire soon!). To celebrate this beautiful fact and celebrate how great of a dad he is, I made this calculator-themed Father's day card: "According to my calculations, you are the best dad!"

The most delightful easter egg in any card in recent memory is that the 7718 in the calculator screen reads Bill when upside-down. I am so pleased with myself I could giggle until retirement day arrives. 

Friendship Bracelet Birthday

 For: Giuliana
Occasion: her birthday

Giuliana is a big Swiftie, so for her birthday card I created a sweet friendship bracelet that spells out her name! I had so much fun making this card for my young friend and I cannot wait to play with her again soon!

Robin Birthday

 For: Will 
Occasion: his birthday

Will recently shared with me his connection to robins, so for his birthday card this year I drew a happy little friend in a party hat to celebrate the big day! I am so grateful for our continued friendship and I hope this next year is the best one yet!

Slay the Birthday

 For: Brother Bear
Occasion: his birthday

Nathan (and Adam!) love a game called Slay the Spire. For Brother Bear's birthday card, I did an illustration of the box design updated with some birthday flair! I adore Nathan Curry so and was so happy to make him birthday cupcakes with the boys while I was home. 

Ice Cream Birthday

 For: Kai
Occasion: their birthday

For Kai's card this year, I made a sweet little collage plus ink of a happy ice cream cone wishing them happy birthday! I love when I get to see Kai et al and hope they are all having the best summer yet filled with lots of tasty treats!

Hip, Hip Reconstruction

 For: Tiny Twin
Occasion: Get Well Soon

Twin went and had the last of our four hips fixed, so to celebrate the monumental occasion and send well-wishes for her recovery, I made this goofy card featuring some hips that are perfectly shaped! I adore Twinly so and hope she has lots to entertain her as the tough pain of recovery begins. 

Sunny Birthday

 For: Riley
Occasion: her birthday

This card blows my mind a little bit: I remember doing Disney princess-themed cards for Riley 14 years ago, and now she is a college graduate all professional and adult! This illustration of her captures that sense of time warp for me. I hope she is having a wonderful summer and enjoying all that being a graduate brings!

Celestial Birthday

 For: Kathy
Occasion: her birthday

For Kathy's birthday card, I did an illustration of her out in space with lots of celestial bodies about! I love this idea as a take on having one's "head in the clouds." I hope Kathy has a wonderful birthday and is enjoying all that family life has to offer!