Cat Gardener Birthday

For: Eileen
Occasion: her birthday

When it came time to make Eileen's birthday card, I could not get cats out of my head. I saw an image like this one that was just so playful and fun, so I whipped up one of my own for my dear cousin. She's a freaking rock star and I hope her summer in Cincinnati is super fun. 

Boat Birthday

For: Becky

Occasion: her birthday

To celebrate Becky's birthday, I did a watercolor of her relaxing on a boat and looking out at the water! I love, love, love how this card came out, and was so excited when the design idea flashed into my head. Becky's got her characteristic bun and some kind of exciting cocktail to drink. I cannot wait to hang out with Becky on the boat next month down in Shelbyville!

Elephant Birthday

For: Jackson
Occasion: his birthday

Jackson turned 1, and I can't believe it. I feel like this little guy has been around for way longer than that! Anyhow, to celebrate his big day, I drew him up an elephant with a party hat on. I like all the bright colors, and of course I love elephants, so this card was a ton of fun for me to make! Can't wait to see the little man this weekend and to see how much he's grown!

Father's Day Red Wing Black Bird

For: My dad
Occasion: Father's Day

My dad is really interested in red wing black birds at the moment, so to wish him a happy Father's Day this year, I designed and illustrated him his very own bird! I love the white accent lines around the feathers and the overall style of the card. I love my dad so much it's truly ridiculous and I cannot wait to see him in just over a month!

Father's Day Dock

For: Dan
Occasion: Father's Day

My future father-in-law likes to fish, so for his very first Father's Day card from me, I created an illustration of him and any one of his four kids or grandkids silhouetted and fishing on a dock. I loved the woodgrain effect (thanks, fancy colored pencils!) and the overall style of the card makes me really happy. It's got me in a mood to head up to The River and do some fishing with Dan myself!

Golf Perspective Birthday

For: Nathan
Occasion: his birthday

My brother-in-law is both very tall and an excellent golfer! For his birthday card this year, I used both to my advantage and played with the perspective of the illustration. Look how cool it is! You'd never know, but the entire illustration was done on a beige cardstock; none of that shows through on the design. I love Nathan oh-so-much, and I hope he had the very best birthday!

Mystic Birdy Birthday

For: Kathleen
Occasion: her birthday

For Kathleen's birthday card, I created a drawing of a bird that has a very mysterious vibe to me! I hove the semi-Egyptian feel of the design. I like it a lot, and I hope Kathleen did too!

Tea Cup Birthday

For: Grandma Dotty
Occasion: her birthday

To help celebrate Grandma Dotty's 93rd birthday, I did a watercolor of a blue floral teacup and saucer that is being visited by a little blue friend! I love how elegant and beautiful this painting came out--it seems to me the perfect way to wish Dotty a happy and peaceful day! We miss her so much and can't wait to see her soon. 

Bicycle Birthday

For: Kathy
Occasion: her birthday

My cousin Kathy is one of the nicest and kindest people I know! To celebrate her 35th, I knew I wanted to feature her on her bicycle, which she has been all about recently. I also wanted to feature just how wonderful she is, so I gave her the biggest smile I could and had her ride down a path surrounded by wildflowers--she's got her legs kicked out too because she's having just so much fun! I love how this card turned out and I am so, so glad that she liked it. I hope the next year takes her on all kinds of bike ride adventures!

Gym Birthday

For: Karly
Occasion: her birthday

Karly is a serious butt-kicker at her gym in San Jose. To celebrate her birthday this year, I adapted the logo for her gym with some birthday features adding the cake and the birthday hat! I think the design is a pretty funny idea, and I hope she enjoyed it, too. 

Wish Upon Star Birthday

For: Riley
Occasion: her birthday

To help celebrate Riley's 13th (!!!) birthday, I had some fun with fonts and the message "You're never too old to wish upon a star." The inspiration came from reviewing the various cards I have made her over the years, and I became aware of a princess phase in her birthday cards. I like the idea that no matter how old we are, wishes and fairy tales can still play a role in our lives. Therefore! this card was born. I hope Riley has an awesome birthday and that all her wishes come true. 

Elephant Bookend Birthday

For: Marilynne

Occasion: her birthday



Marilynne is my partner-in-crime at work about all things elephant, diagnosing, and reading. For her birthday card this year, I created a playful watercolor of several books being held up by two elephant bookends. And, as it turns out, she has some elephant bookends at home! I had a great time making this card as I am always looking for an excuse to draw an elephant. I hope she enjoyed her birthday and is looking forward to a great year.

Great British Bake Off Anniversary

For: Mike
Occasion: Our Anniversary

Mike and I recently discovered The Great British Bake Off  and we quickly fell in love. So to celebrate our 4th anniversary, I did an illustration of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry critiquing a cake in the shape of a beet, which is the idiosyncratic symbol of our love. Paul is not impressed: "You had four years for this challenge. I'm not seeing where the time has gone." Mary is much sweeter, however: "I think it's just lovely!" I giggled for a week about this card and love how it turned out. I love Mike more, as it turns out, and am looking forward to more silly shows as the years go by. 

Elephant Birthday

For: Lydia
Occasion: her birthday

Lydia is going to Cambodia soon, and so to get her ready for her trip, I drew her an elephant with some fun Southeast Asian designs. I am always looking for an excuse to draw elephants, and I hope Lydia has a fabulous time on her trip!