Dancing Birthday

For: Aunt Joan
Occasion: her birthday

For my fabulous aunt Joan's birthday, I created an illustration of her and Uncle Jim dancing--from above! When it was time to sit down and make Aunt Joan's birthday card, I could not get her dancing at The Twin's wedding out of my head. Rather than fight it, I tried to think of the most fun way to capture it, and landed on an aerial view! I adore this card, and hope that the Webbs like it, too!

Origami Birthday

For: Quam
Occasion: his birthday

Quam is 30! To celebrate the big 3-0, I wanted to feature his awesome pastime of origami (I have a number of his pieces decorating my art studio). I took on the tricky task of drawing what a folded paper cake might look like, and I am really quite pleased with it! My favorite touch is the 30 number on top (and the star, who are we kidding?). I hope Quam had the very best birthday and that this year contains so much "crushing it" juju that he won't even know what to do with it. 

Thankful Thanksgiving

For: The Walsh-Rocks
Occasion: Thanksgiving

To thank the Walsh-Rocks for hosting another fabulous Thanksgiving, I created this watercolor autumn ring with a simple "thankful" written inside. I am so grateful for Uncle Vince and Aunt Glor for all their effort, and particularly for inviting my future in-laws into their home as well. I wish I could just hug the entire family every day, forever! This year I am thankful for love, for family, and as ever, for greeting cards.

Globe Birthday

For: Rukiyah
Occasion: her birthday

Rukiyah is a world-traveler, and even though she's been hunkered down in Illinois at the moment, I wanted to feature her wanderlust in her birthday card this year. I used a lot of bright colors and love how whimsical the design turned out. Rukiyah is a truly exceptional person, and I hope she had an equally lovely birthday!

Window Lady Birthday

For: Carson
Occasion: her birthday

The theme of Carson's last year has been anticipation, and in thinking on that I wanted to transfer that into something beautiful. This image struck me as the perfect ticket! I love the fiery fall hair and the allusion to a princess in a tower--Carson is super fierce though, and I have a feeling that this year everything will fall into place for her. I miss her so and am sending good vibes today and always!

Lion Birthday

For: Win
Occasion: her birthday

For my Win's birthday this year, I wanted to feature a lion for its ferocity and courage. But, I also wanted to bring out its playful side, too, to round out my wish for the next year for her: strength and fun. I love my Win so much, am so grateful for her friendship, and can't wait to see what this year brings.

Bear Banner Birthday

For: Maddie
Occasion: her birthday

For Maddie's birthday card, I created a happy little bear holding a "Happy Birthday!" banner in one hand and a happy birthday cupcake in the other. Of course he's wearing a party hat--party hats are my favorite (seriously, look back at all my cards--you'll see a lot of them). I hope Maddie has a great birthday and is looking forward to another awesome year!

Hydrangea Birthday

For: Krystina
Occasion: her birthday

To help celebrate Krystina's birthday belatedly this year, I really, really had a hankering to paint her some flowers. She is a super fierce woman, but also super elegant, and I got a hydrangea vibe when I was thinking about her and her busy schedule--I thought these lovelies might help give her a moment of calm in her day. I hope she enjoyed them and that this year brings her lots of moments of loveliness.

Owl Birthday

For: Alyssa
Occasion: her birthday

Alyssa loves owls, and given that I'd only made her one owl card before, I figured it was time for another little guy to make an appearance! I adore this cute little owl in his sweet party hat, all in rich fall colors. Alyssa is such a cool lady and I'm so glad to know her--I miss her so much and hope she has a great year this year!

Tree Birthday

For: Theresa
Occasion: her birthday

Theresa is very spiritual person, so for her birthday card this year, I did a cool line drawing of a tree and added watercolors for the leaves and grasses. It's a very whimsical look and celebrates the changing of the seasons quite well, I think. I had such a blast seeing Theresa out in Denver in September; it was seriously refreshing for my soul. I hope she has that kind of year this year--a little soul refreshment never hurt anyone, after all!

Scooter Birthday

For: Uncle Jim
Occasion: his birthday

For Uncle Jim's birthday, I featured him on a groovy scooter with balloons attached (because it's his birthday, obviously!). I love the bright colors of this card and how it screams "Uncle Jim--man of action!" To me, anyway. I miss the Webbs a ton and hope our paths cross sooner rather than later.

Dog Birthday

For: Tom
Occasion: his birthday

This card is by far and away the most reasonable birthday card Tom has ever gotten from me. It features three brightly colored dogs in party hats! And a simple "Happy Birthday!" message to boot. (Am I losing my touch?) Tom is the very best and I hope he is enjoying the big 3-0 so far.