Twin Birthday

For: The Twin
Occasion: her birthday

The Twin and I are basically the same person, so for her birthday card I did just that! We are hugging each other so tight that we became one--you'll notice that our orange and red shirts morph into one and we have 4 feet to what appears to be one communal leg. This card makes me oh-so-happy, and so does The Twin! We had a great time giggling through our birthday half-marathon and I can't wait to squeeze her face again.

Owl Birthday

For: Uncle Greg
Occasion: his birthday

For my Uncle's birthday, I created a watercolor owl with some pen sketch detailing. I saw an image of a colorful owl online and thought I would try my hand with some adaptations. I think it turned out pretty well and I'm a fan of the imperfect line border surrounding the image--5 years of making cards and I've never done that before. I hope Uncle Greg tries something new this year too!

Bridget Birthday

For: Bridget
Occasion: her birthday

For Bridget's birthday card, I created a watercolor splash with the text of her name in white traced with pen. The B is swirly for some contrast. I really like to colors of this card and hope Bridge had a great day!

Warhammer Birthday

For: Mike
Occasion: his birthday

Mike plays Warhammer and has started painting the figurines again! To honor this creative and awesomely nerdy hobby, I swiped one of the men and took him to my studio to create this watercolor. I changed the skull on top of the banner into a birthday cake and added a "Happy Birthday Mike" message. I love Mike oh so much and had a great time celebrating his birthday. I can't wait to see when the entire army is finished!

Swimming Bear Birthday

For: Sarah Sot
Occasion: her birthday

Sarah was the first person I'd ever met that swam competitively, and it blew my mind as a very interesting thing to do. To celebrate her birthday, I created a watercolor bear wearing goggles and floaties. This image just makes me so happy, just like Sarah does. I can't wait to see her in November!

Congratulations Wedding Card

For: Jackie and Kev
Occasion: their wedding

Jackie and Kevin got married this past weekend! To celebrate their big day, I made this card that plays on their wedding colors (Illini orange and blue) while adding in a touch of whimsy and fun. Their wedding was perfect (Orange Crush soda bottles for everyone and a fully functioning photo booth) and the card really captures the relaxed atmosphere of the wedding. I had such a great time helping the bridal party and catching up with the girls. I hope Jackie and Kev have a great time in Hawaii!

Paper Airplane Birthday

For: Molly
Occasion: her birthday

For Molly's birthday card, I did a watercolor of a woman catching paper airplanes in a butterfly net. I saw something like this online, and it spoke to me as "Molly" this year. I think its playfulness and bright colors speaks to her personality and the whimsy of the airplanes struck me as well: Molly wears many hats as a teacher, advocate, writer, and friend (among others) and she manages to keep all her "planes" afloat. I miss Molls a lot and hope she had a great day!

Crochet Birthday

For: Gina
Occasion: her birthday

Gina is a great crocheter, so for her birthday card I created a watercolor with a lady crocheting. She has balls of yarn for hair (which mimics Gina's own curly hair) and the scarf she's working on has "Happy Birthday" stitched in. It was so great to see Gina (if a month late) and I'm excited that we live in the same neighborhood now!

Fancy Fox Birthday

For: Uncle Joel
Occasion: his birthday

My uncle Joel is a very sophisticated gentleman, so for his birthday card I emulated his level of sophistication in the form of a fox. (I don't condone pipe-smoking, but arguably it does conjure the idea of a very intelligent ol' chap.) I like how the floral background plays with some of the colors of the watercolor. But I really like my uncle and hope he had a great day!