Bear Birthday

 For: Claire
Occasion: her birthday

To help celebrate my dear Claire's birthday, I did a collage of a sweet little bear holding a cupcake and wearing a polka-dotted party hat. I love how sweet this little friend's energy is, and hope it helped ring in a wonderful birthday and new year.  

And that's a wrap for Debbie Dots 2022! Here's to health, connection, and cards for all of us in the new year.

Singing Birthday

 For: Riley
Occasion: her birthday

Riley has some pipes on her! To celebrate her birthday this year, I did an illustration of her belting out a classic -- the notes to Happy Birthday to You. I cannot believe she is a teenager now--here's hoping that being 13 in 2023 is amazing!

Copywriting Birthday

 For: Uncle Jer
Occasion: his birthday

My Uncle is a pretty exceptional copywriter, so for his birthday card this year, I tried to illustrate his craft! The card features an old-timey typewriter with my pithy attempt at a catchy birthday-themed attention-grabber: "Birthday Wishes? Granted." It took me a right long time to come up with that, which gives me even greater appreciation for his skill! It was lovely to see UJ at Christmas and I hope this next year is beyond incredible. 

Skiing Christmas

 For: Michael
Occasion: Christmas

Mike and I have gotten back into skiing after a ridiculously long hiatus! To try to capture the sheer joy Mike had flying down the mountains at Breck a week ago, I illustrated him in the style of Jesper from Klaus (since they look alike anyhow!). It was a real honor to have Mike brave the travel conditions and schlep back with me -- I hope our next Christmases are a little less eventful, if the fates allow!

Mario Christmas

 For: Adam
Occasion: Christmas

Adam loves Mario and the Mario universe of characters! For his Christmas card this year, I featured the paterfamilias of the franchise in a Christmas getup wearing a Santa had and holding a candy cane! It's been so much fun racing Mario cars with Adam and Owen this season!

Tree Hat Santa

 For: Owen
Occasion: Christmas

Sweet O cracks me up, so for his Christmas card this year, I drew him a happy little Santa with a Christmas tree as a hat! I have loved hanging out with O and hope he's had a happy Christmas on the farm!

Stocking Christmas

 For: Twin
Occasion: Christmas

For Twin's Christmas card, I tried to wrap all her favorite things into one image: the stocking pattern she made by hand, peppermints, and a happy sloth gift left by Santa! I admit it--the candy cane is my stamp.  This little Christmas card makes me so happy -- I've had such fun having goofy Twin antics this Christmas with the tiny Twin!

Christmas Tree

 For: Nathan
Occasion: Christmas

Brother Bear is the biggest fan of Christmas trees I've ever encountered, so for his Christmas card this year, I drew him the most decorated tree I could ever imagine! Look at how its magnificence shines up the snow and deep night sky! I have so enjoyed spending time with him this holiday and hope he has fun on the farm!

Jingle Bell Radio

 For: Dad
Occasion: Christmas

For my Dad's Christmas card this year, I featured an illustration of an old-timey radio whose make and model reads "Jingle Bell Rock" and it happens to be blaring out "What a bright time, it's the right time"! I really love the sentimental feel of this card, and hope my dear dad is ready to go on a frigid Chicago Christmas walk with me!

Embroidery Christmas

 For: Mom
Occasion: Christmas

My mom is an excellent embroiderer, so for her Christmas card this year I did an illustration of an old-style hoop with a whimsical "joy" written out in Christmas lights! I am particularly proud of the texture of the fabric--look at that weave! I hope Mama has a lovely Christmas day hanging out with me!

Ice Skate Christmas

 For: Amy
Occasion: Christmas

To help Amy celebrate a holly jolly holiday, I created the most festive ice skate I could imagine (with a candy cane blade!). There's something a little '60s about it, and I am a big fan fo the gold laces and copper shine. I hope Amy has the most wonderful Christmas!

Ornament Christmas

 For: Alex
Occasion: Christmas

For Alex's Christmas card, I used my white pen to make an elaborate winter cabin scene with snowy skies, and lovely Evergreen trees. I love, love, love how this card came out, and hope Alex enjoys it as an official welcome to the family!

Christmas Gift

 For: The Families
Occasion: Christmas

For this year's annual Christmas card to the families, I'm opening up a present to find Mike inside!

I make a whole bunch of these cards all at once, so I start with the sketch, pen it all, then paint.

This year, I had the tiniest finger injury that slowed down the process a bit...

But I continued on, and I think they turned out great in the end!

I wish I could be together with all my families at the holidays, but am happy to be with who we can!

10k Day

 For: Elly
Occasion: 10,000 Days Day

Elly has been alive for 10,000 days, and as this is a delightful tradition in my family, we have to celebrate! I made her a simple card with a big block 10K filled with lots of glittery dots inside. I miss Elly bunches and hope use has an amazing 10K day in the UK!

Ice Skating Christmas

 For: Leia
Occasion: Christmas

Leia has gotten back into iceskating a bit, so for her Christmas card this year, I featured an illustration of her spinning in all kinds of circles on the rink! I hope Leia-dear has had a very festive holiday season!

Gingerbread House Christmas

 For: Lex
Occasion: Christmas

To wish Lexi a very merry Christmas, I did an illustration of this ornately decorated Gingerbread house! Since she finally moved into her house, I added some "joy" smoke coming from the chimney -- I hope she has had the coziest holiday season at home!

Colorado Christmas

 For: Mollie
Occasion: Christmas

For Mollie's Christmas card this year, I featured a mountain-y scene and some trees to amp up the Colorado feel. I even used the state flag's C in "Merry Christmas!" I have so enjoyed exploring our state together this year, and am giggling endlessly that we got to hang out in Illinois, too!

Baseball Ornaments

 For: Jackie
Occasion: Christmas

I saw a card like this years ago, and finally decided to give it a go! It's a very simple line branch with three baseballs tied on as ornaments -- one for Jackie, Kev, and Emily. I hope they have a holly jolly holiday together this year!

Snowflake Christmas

 For: Sarah
Occasion: Christmas

For Sarah's Christmas card, I created the most elaborate snowflake I could dream of in a mandala style. There are lots of hearts in there to try to capture the love I have for my Sarah-dear! I hope she has a happy holiday and feels the love this year!

Cocoa Mug Christmas

 For: Marie
Occasion: Christmas

To help Marie and co. celebrate the holiday, I drew a mug full of marshmallows (including one jumbo happy one) and a candy cane! I hope she has lots of mugs of cheer this year!

Tractor Snow Globe

 For: The Currys
Occasion: Christmas

Since I won't see my very favorite Twin-Laws this year, I made them an extra special Christmas card featuring a John Deere Green tractor in a snow globe. I can just barely handle how much I love this card, including the candy cane exhaust pipe. I cannot wait to see my Currys again--the fates better allow it soon!

Beach Birthday

 For: Aunt Katy
Occasion: her birthday

Aunt Katy love beach vacations, so for her birthday card this year, I (gauche) painted some beach-y paraphernalia in bird's eye view, including a sun hat, sunglasses, a blue-striped suit, flip flops, and a red-striped towel. I put it all on the reverse of a wood panel that looks a lot like sand -- what a happy discovery! I adore Aunt Katy and cannot wait to see her soon. 

Workshop Hanukkah Card

 For: The Biegens
Occasion: ICS Holiday Card-Making Workshop

I was so excited to repackage a workshop I've run in the past for my team at work as part of our holiday party! I truly had a blast facilitating greeting card creation for this group of truly talented and engaged professionals. As I checked out the cards being made in the space, I was entirely gobsmacked at the talent and vulnerability folks came to the practice with!

I used the supplies to whip up a simple Hanukkah card for the Biegens featuring a star of David with some snow on it. Paired with a "peace" message, I really love how it came out, imperfect perfections and all!

Gloria Birthday

 For: Aunt Glor
Occasion: her birthday

To celebrate my Aunt Gloria's December birthday and reclaim some space for her in the holiday season, I  adapted the "Gloria" lyric from "Angels We Have Heard on High" to feature happy little birthday Os in party hats singing the song for her! I included the correct number of Os for all the note changes in the song--the more the merrier! I adore my aunt and hope she had a wonderful birthday!

Hamburger Birthday

 For: Grandpa Jerry
Occasion: his birthday

To help my grandpa celebrate his birthday, I made a papercut hamburger with tomato, lettuce, cheese and a sesame seed bun! I cut a bit of my wood paper to make a flag in the burger that reads "Happy Birthday!" I miss Gramps a lot and hope he had a tasty dinner on his big day!

Wooden Ring Engagement

 For: Amy and Alex
Occasion: Engagement

To help celebrate Amy's engagement to Alex, I created a replication of her engagement ring! It features a rich wood panel paper and a teal glitter band in the middle, just like her ring! It's super unique, just like these two love birds, and I hope they enjoy this Christmas season as an engaged couple. 

Bocce Birthday

 For: Mark
Occasion: his birthday

Mark loves to play bocce on the beach in Florida, so to celebrate his big day this year, I drew a bunch of bocce balls on some sand along with a golden "happy birthday!" message. I miss Mark Mark so much and hope I get to see him soon!

Lettuce Birthday

 For: Aunt Kat
Occasion: her birthday

Aunt Kat and I swap lots of healthy recipes throughout the year, so to celebrate her birthday, I drew her a vegetable celebration. It features a brocolli, carrot, pepper, mushroom and head of lettuce all wearing party hats. The text reads, "Lettuce Party!" I love how cute this card turned out and I hope she had a tasty day!

Firework Birthday

 For: Paul
Occasion: his birthday

To help celebrate Paul's birthday, I used every gel pen I have to illustrate a navy blue sky full of fireworks! I find fireworks very festive (and difficult to draw), so I did my very best and topped it all off with a bright "Paul!" so he'd know this whole party is to celebrate his big day!

Bubble Birthday

 For: Uncle Jim
Occasion: his birthday

For Uncle Jim's birthday card this year, I did an illustration of a bear blowing bubbles. The bubble shapes spell out "Happy Birthday"--how whimsical! I have been looking at how to draw bubbles recently and had a great time trying. I hope Uncle Jim had a fantastic day and got to do some fun stuff, bubbles or no!

Gate Fold Birthday Circles

 For: Aunt Joan
Occasion: her birthday

Since Aunt Joan is a cardmaker, too, I try to do something neat for her birthday card! This year, I played around with a gatefold, meaning the card opens from the front with two panels. I experimented with an interlocking circle outline and circle with the message inside. It's a neat new way to say "HAPPY birthday!"

Thankful Pie Thanksgiving

 For: The Walsh-Rocks
Occasion: Thanksgiving

To thank the crew for hosting an amazing gathering (even though I could not attend this year), I made an illustration of a piece of pumpkin pie with a dollop of white gouache paint as whipped cream on top! The Pie text reads "Thankful!" in mismatched block letters. I love how this card turned out, and am forever grateful for all the love and support of this particular family unit!

Sherbet Day

 For: Jaimie
Occasion: her birthday

Jaimie loves sherbet, but can never seem to get any! For her birthday card this year, I did a watercolor illustration of the tasty treat paired with the note "it's sherbet day!" which sounds like "it's your birthday!" I am looking forward to buying this lady a carton when she returns from her bday trip!

Sci-Fi Book Birthday

 For: Quam
Occasion: his birthday

Quam is a reader of many a Sci-Fi novel, so for his birthday card this year, I put a tiny him in slippers and PJs on a stack of books with rockers and stars and other other-worldly shapes rising up around him. I hope Quam finds himself in many a good book this year, and I hope to see him soon!

Exciting Envelope Birthday

 For: Rukiyah
Occasion: her birthday

For Rukiyah's birthday card, I used shiny papers to create faux flowers of stars and shiny circles to be exploding out of an envelope! This was a fun card to construct, and I love how happy and excited it looks. I miss Rukiyah bunches and hope she is doing great this year!

Floral Birthday

 For: Carson
Occasion: her birthday

To help Carson celebrate her birthday, I created a simple flowy, floral design on teal with a swirly, silver "Happy Birthday to you!" message. I'm loving how the red of the flowers pops on the teal! One of my favorite color combos of late. I miss Carson and hope she is doing well!

Collage Birthday

 For: Jennifer
Occasion: her birthday

For Jennifer's birthday card this year, I made the prettiest, most elaborate collage to date! It features ancient art that I pulled from two free art books we got at the Denver Art Museum. I love the swoop of her hair, the shape of her glasses, and how cozy and vibrant the Jen character looks reading a book and drinking a cup of coffee while snuggled up under a simple blue blanket. Jen is such a force for good in my life--I hope she has the very best day and year possible!

Hip Replacement Get Well Soon

 For: Ben
Occasion: Get Well Soon

My hip buddy in the family is getting his other one fixed, so to wish him well on number 2, I made this vibrant play on "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" and replaced 'hooray' with "replacement" for a bit of a laugh. Surgery is no fun, so we have to be light where we can, right?

Get Whale Soon

 For: Alli
Occasion: Get Well Soon

To round out the family's trifecta of surgeries in November, I made Alli a playful whale card to wish her well on her recovery.  Everybody needs to be wrapped up in bubble wrap to keep the medical situations at bay now!

Get Well Soon Cone

 For: Charlie
Occasion: Get Well Soon

To help shepherd Charlie's journey back to health post-op, I made a simple drawing of a dog wearing a cone wagging his tail! He's sitting on "Get Well Soon" grass of block letters with different greens. I hope he's already back up and at 'em!

Redwings Octopus

 For: Win
Occasion: her birthday

To help Win celebrate her birthday, I drew Al the Octopus in a Redwings t-shirt. Win is a die-hard Redwings fan, so in researching the team I learned about the octopus tradition that surrounds the team--pretty weird, but we all do strange things for teams we love! Speaking of, I adore Win so and hope she is victorious in all things this year!

Basketball Birthday

 For: Tina
Occasion: her birthday

Tina had an awesome Halloween-themed birthday party with lots of our basketball friends! To help celebrate her birthday, I made this basketball themed card featuring block letters of her name that are a window to a basketball's texture, with white lines filling out the rest of the shape! I think this card came out so awesome, and I hope to play with Tina et al soon!

Name Birthday

 For: Tilly
Occasion: her birthday

Little Miss Tills turned three and I don't believe it for a second! To help celebrate the big day, I wrote her name in big block letters with a stripe down the middle taken out so I could write her name again in cursive. This style looks pretty cool, and I'm hoping it is a fun way to reinforce letters and her name!

Flower Bee Birthday

 For: Maddie
Occasion: her birthday

To help Maddie celebrate her birthday, I used my favorite colored pencils to create vibrant drawings of a bunch of flowers and a very happy bee! The text reads "Happy Bee Day!" to make the intentions very clear. I hope she has an ama-zzzzzzing day and an even bee-tter year!