Boat Birthday

 For: Dan
Occasion: his birthday

To help celebrate my father-in-law's birthday, I created a boating scene with some big, billowing clouds! I had fun playing with papers and reflections off the water. When my mind wanders to relaxation, I often find myself on Dan's boat up at The River. I hope his birthday was spectacular and I can't wait to be on the boat together again soon!

Birthday Candles

 For: Lila
Occasion: her birthday

For Lila's birthday card, I was feeling compelled to capture her optimism and happiness, so I watercolored a bunch of birthday candles--has there ever been a symbol of more delight? Paired with a metallic "Make A Wish!" message, the overall look is really fun. I really love how this card turned out and hope Lila had the very best birthday (with hugs from the boys!).

Sonogram Congrats

 For: My friend
Occasion: Pregnancy

Another cherished friend of mine is growing a tiny human! To celebrate the excitement, I created a sonogram image using a dark, swirly paper and added some bright white lines with a heart shape. I hope the rest of the pregnancy is easy-peasy and full of joy preparing for this little one's arrival.

Sympathy Flowers

 For: The Walshes
Occasion: In Sympathy

Aunt Mary's mother passed away, so to share my condolences I created a somber sympathy card with some whimsical flowers. I know it has not been an easy road -- I hope there's some comfort in happy memories and good times had together. I was so happy that the weather out in Denver was nice for the services. 

Soccer Smash Cake Birthday

 For: Jeremy
Occasion: his birthday

For Jeremy's birthday card, I drew a soccer ball smashing into a birthday cake! Jeremy was big into soccer when we were young and I am sure will get his littles into it, too. I hope Jeremy had a great day and found some ways to have lots of fun--destroying cake or otherwise!

Baseball Birthday

 For: Uncle Brian
Occasion: his birthday

For Uncle Brian's birthday card, I featured a baseball logo in oranges and reds with a subtle bit of gray shadowing to make the whole thing pop. The banner has his name paired with an Est. 1967 on either side for some authenticity. Uncle Bri was apparently an amazing baseball player, and I'm so glad he liked this card!

Quirky Bird Birthday

 For: Chas
Occasion: his birthday

To celebrate Chas's most recent trip around the sun, I drew a folksy bird looking through a circle. The bird represents flight and adventure and possibility--all things I am hoping for for Chas this year as he looks to expand his private practice and embrace whatever comes next! 

Take It Kneesy Get Well

 For: Conor
Occasion: Get Well Soon

Conor just had his second knee surgery and is looking to rehab them both at the same time! Surgery life is boring, painful, and tough, so I wanted to share a little lightness with my cheesy "Take it Kneesy" wishes. It was great to see Conor a few weeks ago post-op for knee number 1--I hope both heal up real quick! 

Taskmaster Valentine

 For: Mike
Occasion: Valentine's Day

Mike and I discovered and adore a British comedy show called Taskmaster, wherein contestants have to accomplish ridiculous tasks. The tasks are announced through notes that look like these with a TM wax seal. Since this is a valentine, the seal is shaped like a heart!

On the inside, the task reads, "Be my Valentine. Your time starts now." It's been so nice to share laughs with Mike over this show, and I am as ever delighted to get to spend every day with my forever valentine.

(And you all should seriously check out the show--series one episode one, for your convenience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4YhsooE5xY&t=5s )

Valentine Pizza

 For: Amy and Alex
Occasion: Valentine's Day

Amy and Alex got a classic heart-shaped pizza for their first Valentine's Day together last year, so for this year's Valentine, I featured the happiest little heart-shaped pizza I've ever seen. I hope they have a wonderful day together and enjoy lots of tasty candy, too!

Valentine's Play

 For: Christy and Nathan
Occasion: Valentine's Day 

Twin and Nathan love to play tabletop board games, so for their valentine this year I painted them some Happy Valentine's Play! I have no idea what's happening in this game, but there are cards with hearts and spots with hearts, dice and a few game pieces. (I'm sure I need Nathan to explain it to me three times!) I love these two and am so pleased we can play some games remotely on double dates now!

Love Train Valentine

 For: Adam
Occasion: Valentine's Day

"All aboard the love train!" Adam loves trains, so for his Valentine this year, I painted him a watercolor love train pulling hearts in a well car with lots of festive colors. I love Adam so and can't wait to come play trains with him!

Donut Valentine

 For: Mom and Dad
Occasion: Valentine's Day

My mom is a big fan of donuts, so often the 'rents will get the tasty treats to start their Valentine's Day! I painted the happiest, sprinkliest, lovingest donuts I could fathom and paired them with "You 'Donut' know how loved you are!" I miss my parents quite a bit and hope they get to celebrate Love Day with lots of delicious indulgences!

Love Bug Valentine

 For: Owen
Occasion: Valentine's Day

My sweet little nephew is having his first Valentine's Day! To celebrate, I drew him the cutest little Love Bug who looks just how I look whenever I get to see my little guy in pictures or through video. I hope Owen enjoys his day and prepares himself for all the hugs from Auntie Twin some day soon!

Poker Birthday

 For: Ben
Occasion: his birthday

For Ben's birthday card, I did a drawing of a sharp dog playing poker (based off a cat drawing I'd seen!). Up at The River, the guys like to play poker together, so I hope this helps tide Ben over until they can all play again!

Headphones Birthday

 For: Dylan
Occasion: his birthday

For Dylan's birthday card, I did a stylized drawing of a set of headphones in front of a "Happy Birthday" message in a cool font. I figure headphones are a big part of life for the youth during the pandemic, so I hope he's been enjoying music and movies and whatever else! Here's hoping the next year is a great one.

Rubik's Cube Birthday

 For: Danny
Occasion: his birthday

Danny knows all about Rubik's cubes now, so for his birthday card I recreated an illustration with lots of arrows and swishing motion to capture all the movements. I'm honestly impressed with anyone who can solve a cube without trying to switch around the stickers! I can't believe Danny is 14 now and I hope he enjoys his day!

Celestial Birthday

 For: Jeannine
Occasion: her birthday

For Jeannine's birthday card, I wanted to play with some celestial sun/moon energy, so I created some shapes with glitter paper that all together make delightful heavenly bodies. I love any excuse for a glitter paper, and think this turned out particularly worthy! I hope Jeannine enjoyed her day and finds lots of balance this year.  

Chuffed Congratulations

For: Sandie
Occasion: New Job

My boss got a new job! I will miss her dearly, but honestly I am chuffed to bits that she gets to go have a new opportunity. I am not clear exactly on what chuffed to bits means, but I figured some confetti and bright colors would do the trick! I cannot wait to hear about how the next chapter unfolds. 

Fish Birthday

For: Uncle John

Occasion: his birthday

To celebrate Uncle John's birthday this year, I made some cartoony watercolor fishes all swimming with party hats for some festive flair. And the message reads "Birthday Fishes" -- how clever! I hope Uncle John's birthday goes swimmingly and kicks off an amazing year!

Sympathy Swirls

 For: Aunt Sherry
Occasion: In Sympathy

To honor Aunt Sherry's family's loss, I sent over a simple sympathy card to share my condolences. I am so sorry their family had to go through this, and I hope they find support in each other.