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!