Playing Card Birthday

For: Mark
Occasion: his birthday

For Mark's birthday card this year, I reimagined the King of Spades card as Mark celebrating his birthday! It was a lot of fun drawing the two images in reverse and flipped to mimic the classic Face card style--but with a birthday twist! It was great to chat with Mark, Alli, and the boys before the big day--I hope they continue to have fun at home together.

Flower Jar Birthday

For: Emma
Occasion: her birthday

Little Miss Emma went and got a year older! To celebrate her birthday, I made some paper flowers and drew a jar on cardstock that I then sliced under the jar lid to fit the flower stems in! When I was her age, I remember picking dandelions and putting them in cups all the time! I hope she found ways to celebrate her day, and I can't wait for a makeup birthday party with the Rings.

Hawaiian Flower Birthday

For: Anna
Occasion: her birthday

To celebrate Anna's B-Earth Day this year, I did a painting on cardstock of Hawaiian hibiscus flowers! I am playing around with painting directly onto paper these days, and this was so fun for an Earth Day baby who recently moved to Hawaii--the card makes itself, people! Hope Anna is doing well and enjoying her new home!

Retro TV Birthday

For: Dan
Occasion: his birthday

For Dan's birthday card this year, I did a papercut of a retro TV with the SMPTE colors showing on the screen. The TV squeaked out a "HBD" which stands for "Happy Birthday," but also looks like it could be a TV station! I know times are tough and everyone's stuck at home, but I hope Dan enjoys celebrating his special day with his family and gets to do something fun!

2 Birthday Bear

For: Maxwell
Occasion: his birthday

Little Maxwell is already two years old! I can't believe it even for one second. To help him celebrate the day, I drew a patterned bear and a "happy birthday 2 you!" message. This card is all about little lines and was fun to make. I asked Maxwell to hug his parents for me--I wonder if he will!

3D Bear Birthday

For: Lily
Occasion: her birthday

For Lily's birthday card, I drew a cartoon bear twice in the red and blue stereoscopic style! I love how cool this looks (and how it's a bit of a challenge to look at) and hope it helped Lily celebrate the day. I wouldn't be surprised if her kids have 3D glasses--I wonder if it would look 3D through them!

Abstract Floral Birthday

For: Aunt Helena
Occasion: her birthday

To help celebrate Aunt Helena's birthday this year, I did a zoom on an abstract watercolor flower with ink! I think it looks really neat, and I hope it helped with a cheery tone for the day. I hope to see our Colorado relatives soon--it's been a long time, and who knows how much longer!

Get Well Soon Sling

For: Dan
Occasion: Get Well Soon

Poor Dan had a bike crash and broke his clavicle. To hasten a speedy recovery, I did a papercut of my father-in-law with his newest accessory--a sling! Thumbs up abound and spirits are high in this card. One particularly fun detail is the baseball hat that features the Thousand Island Park Golf Course insignia. He'll be back on the green in a few months time, we hope!

Canoe Birthday

For: Dad
Occasion: his birthday

For my dear dad's birthday card this year, I did a watercolor of him out canoeing on the water. I've been practicing different kinds of water recently, so this was perfect. I really love this card--I felt at peace making it, and captures my wishes for dad this year -- moments of calm and fun.

Bird Birthday

For: Joel
Occasion: his birthday

For Joel's birthday card this year, I drew a simple bird with clean lines singing "Happy birthday, Joel!" The letters are all CaSeD wEiRd and the s  pac in g is off, because why not? I hope Joel had was able to have some fun on his big day!

Flower Birthday

For: Mom
Occasion: her birthday

To help Momma celebrate her quarantine birthday, I did an acrylic painting on cardstock of a beautiful landscape covered in flowers. I love the bright springy colors and the larger flowers in the foreground. I hope Mom had a great day and is enjoying her gardening in the backyard!

Soccer Birthday

For: RJ
Occasion: his birthday

For RJ's birthday card, I did a papercut collage of a soccer player! I really love this playful look, and am delighted how the one arm is bent a little funky, which always seems to be the case whenever playing soccer. I hope he and the kids are able to practice a bit in the yard until the fields open up again!

Cardboard King Birthday

For: Shia
Occasion: his birthday

To help Shia celebrate his stay-at-home birthday, I did an illustration of him with a cardboard crown and sword, along with a sheet cape, ready to vanquish his birthday cake! Shi-shi loved the animal balloon swords we made during my recovery from surgery, so I hope this inspires him to get creative with whatever he's got on hand. Here's hoping he had a great day!

Paper Dog Birthday

For: JP
Occasion: his birthday

For JP's birthday this year, I did a paper cut of his dog Beau in a party hat! I am having a lot of fun with this new style (and got extra practice as my informant sent me a pic of the wrong dog at first!), and I hope it added some joy to what I'm sure was a strange birthday!

Mountain Birthday

For: Kathy
Occasion: her birthday

For Kathy's birthday card, I did a neat line drawing of some mountains with a stripey sun in the background. It was so good to see her at the virtual meeting this week--I hope she had a fun celebration up the hill!

Tree Doodle Birthday

For: Allyson
Occasion: her birthday

To help Allyson celebrate her big day, I did a sketch of some different trees over watercolor stripes! I miss running into her at work and at the parks--I hope she pulled off a memorable and fun birthday!