Mosaic Birthday

For: Aunt Mary
Occasion: her birthday

My aunt makes all kinds of neat mosaics, so for her birthday card,  I created this watercolor cupcake one! It's got all kinds of cool and earthy colors, and I can only imagine how long it would have taken with real tiles and grout.

I love my aunt very much and hope she comes visit me on her old stomping grounds very soon!

Bird Call Birthday

For: Sandie
Occasion: her birthday

Sandie is the most quirky and wonderful professor I've ever had. Our relationship started with a string of hilarious emails, and somehow this bird on a rotary dial phone reminded me of that awesome beginning.

I miss Sandie a lot and hope she has a conference out in Denver some time!

Birthday 8

For: Augie
Occasion: his birthday

I can't believe Augie turns 8 today! For his birthday card, I feature his age in a big candle on top of a cake. I like the bold lines mixed with water color--it makes for a neat effect!

I hope Augs has a great day and is enjoying his summer.

Mythbuster Birthday

For: John
Occasion: his birthday

My cousin John is a big science guy, so for his birthday, I featured the mythbusting duo of Jamie and Adam. Jamie, ever the more serious scientist, is holding a cake while Adam is being lifted off the ground by a giant balloon. I think this card turned out great, and I hope John has a lot of fun with science experiments this year!

Birthday Jar

For: Uncle Tom
Occasion: his birthday

For my uncle's card, I drew this sketch of a chair in a jar! It's got a birthday hat on it, for some added party flair. I really like the quirkiness of this card, and I hope Uncle Tom had a great day.

Chicago Paintbrush Birthday

For: Brenda
Occasion: her birthday

Brenda is very passionate, a Chicago native, and has been interested in community organizing. I feel like this image, a paintbrush with Chicago skyline bristles painting bright colors, sum up my hopes for Brenda.

Whatever she ends up doing, her future is sure to be bright!

Sweetgum Engagement

For: Christy
Occasion: her engagement

Christy and Nathan are engaged! He proposed by the Sweetgum tree on campus that has special meaning for the couple. For Christy's card, I set the diamond of her ring in a Sweetgum tree band. The diamond itself and the white background paper are glittery.

For: Nathan
Occasion: his engagement

For Nathan's card, I created a stylized version of their special tree with his and Christy's initials carved in a heart on the trunk. I used the same papers for both their cards, for some added symbolism.

I love these two so much, and am beyond delighted to have Nathan as a brother. I wish them a long life filled with love and visits from me.

Battlefield Birthday

For: Eric
Occasion: his birthday

Eric likes to play a video game called Battlefield 3 (Thanks to Amy for the tip!), so I adapted the cover of that game to an Eric-specific game called Birthday 25. It's rated E for ERIC and the soldier guy has a party hat and a balloon. I love how this card turned out and had a great time celebrating!

Belly Dance Birthday

For: Tina
Occasion: her birthday

Teeny-Weeny is a courageous and fabulous lady who started taking belly dance classes after moving to Denver. I featured her in a full ensemble with glittery bells and medallions (and highlights in her hair!).
We went salsa dancing to celebrate the big day and Teeny was amazing! She's such a wonderful person and I'm so glad to have her as a friend.

Grandma's Birthday

For: This year's stranger
Occasion: Grandma's birthday

Each year in honor of my grandma's birthday, I make a card for someone I find in the phone book that has a name similar to hers. This year, I created a very happy 50s/60s version of Grandma Jan (in part inspired by a photo I found of her as I was cleaning out my apartment for the move). I love the colors and the big beaded necklace she is wearing.

On the inside, the big toothy grin reveals a "smile." I had a lot of fun making this card, and I hope Grandma and my stranger enjoy it.

Cello Birthday

For: Zach
Occasion: his birthday

I've always thought orchestral instruments looked like bearded faces, so for Zach's birthday card, I played up that idea and made this party hat-wearing cello! Like Cosby said, there's always room for cello.

Marching Band Birthday

For: Eileen
Occasion: her birthday

Eileen is an awesome saxophonist in her marching band, so I drew her up in her sweet digs (spats included!).

On the inside, the entire band is in a special formation just for the occasion. They spell out "Happy Birthday!" Note the sousaphones for dotted Is and exclamation points.

I hope Eileen had a wonderful day!