Carbon Birthday

For: Claire
Occasion: her birthday

Claire loves her dog (who happens to have the sweetest name of all dog-dom, Carbon) so I thought I feature him in her birthday card! He's happy as can be and wearing a party hat for the occasion.

I love and miss my Claire so much. Here's hoping she and Carbon have a great year!

Hot Fuzz Birthday

For: Uncle Jer
Occasion: his birthday

Uncle Jer has epic taste in movies, as evidenced by his love for Hot Fuzz. For his birthday card, I painted the plucky duo of Sergeant Angel and Danny with some birthday flair--and Sergeant Angel isn't too happy about it.
I love how this card turned out and hope Uncle Jer has an awesome year!

Engagement Roses

For: Tom
Occasion: Engagement

I got to help my friend Tom propose while I was home in Chicago, and I swear I was more nervous than he was! It was a very cute and elaborate plan, and in the end she said yes. I made the happy couple this card to help them celebrate. I am so thankful I got to be a part of the festivities!

Twin Snowomen

For: The Twin
Occasion: Christmas

For Christy's Christmas card, I created a pair of snowpeople. There is one in orange, and the other is in red with three buttons, very similar to Debbie Dots. Guess which is which! I love my twin and wish we got to see each other more often, but at least our snowmen selves get to keep each other company.

Christmas Brain

For: Dad
Occasion: Christmas

My dad really likes images of brains in which activities are compartmentalized, due to a brainstorming room he saw while traveling for work. This is the Christmas brain, and activities include "eat," "drink," "be merry," "decorate," and "sing," among other festive tasks. I love my dad so much and had such a great time seeing him these last few days!

Santa Golf

For: Nathan
Occasion: Christmas

Nathan is a big golfer and got all kinds of golf gear from his family (and me!) for Christmas this year. I made him this watercolor of a golfing Santa to add to the festivities! It was so good to see him and I can't wait until we can hang out again.

Happy Birthday Jesus

For: Mom
Occasion: His birthday

For Mom's Christmas card, I featured Jesus decked out in birthday party paraphernalia, singing "Happy Birthday" to himself. He's the reason for the season, after all!

Christmas Tree

For: Ames
Occasion: Christmas

For Amy's Christmas card, I created this watercolor of a lady taking home a great tree. The entire image reminds me of Ivy from the Christmas cartoon we used to watch growing up, and I really like how it turned out!

I hope Ames has a great Christmas, and it's been fun seeing her while I'm home!

Merry Christmas

For: The Park Ridge Walshes
Occasion: Christmas

The Park Ridge Walshes host Christmas for the Walsh clan every year, and I wanted to thank them for the great effort! This card is very festive and fun, and I really like the ornament and candy candy cane detailing for the letters.

Clothesline Christmas

For: The Currys

Occasion: Christmas

The Currys live on a farm with lots of open land and fresh country breezes that dry their clothes on a clothesline. I figured Santa would want his ensemble dried this way, so I created a Christmas watercolor of the big red man's clothes and a little bird on the wire.

I miss my twin-laws so much and hope I get to see them soon!

Christmas Coping Skills

For: Pat
Occasion: Christmas

Pat is a phenomenal supervisor, and I wanted to let her know how much I've appreciated working with her. For her card, I jazzed up the following hilarious holiday mental health message: "Wishing you peace, love, and coping skills."

I wish coping skills to one and all this Christmas!

Christmas Snowman

For: Amy and Eric
Occasion: Christmas

Amy and Eric had their annual Christmas party over the weekend, and I gave them this card to thank them for hosting. I love this snowman with the branch arms that make a heart--he may make a comeback next Christmas!