Marauder's Map Birthday

For: Quam
Occasion: his birthday

Quam is a big fan of the Harry Potter books, and now that I've read them all, I felt I could finally make Quam an HP bday card without feeling like a phony! I created a gate-fold card featuring the Marauder's map! I used some of the imagery from the movies to base my design off, but made sure to use the book's language (I can be a real stickler like that). Of course, I had to tweak the language a bit to suit my birthday purposes. The card reads "Purveyors of Aide to magical mischief-makers Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfood & Prongs proudly wish you A Happy Birthday." 

It opens up and I was able to write my birthday message on the inside. I'm pretty pleased with how this card came out--I hope Quam and Potter fans everywhere enjoy!

Ice Cream Birthday

For: Carson
Occasion: her birthday

For Carson's birthday card this year, I cut up some paper to make this patterned ice cream cone! I particularly love how the cherry came out with the shine mark that matches the cone. Carson had a big year last year, with moving across the country and getting married, so I hope this year she's able to relax and treat herself!

Swimming Bunny Card

For: Rukiyah
Occasion: her birthday

In thinking about Rukiyah's birthday, I had a swimming bunny stuck in my head. I translated that to this watercolor of a bunny in a swim cap and a life vest. I am really pleased with how the image came out, particularly with how you can see the bunny's body through the water. I hope Rukiyah had a lovely birthday and gets some leisurely swimming in this year, if that's what she wants to do!

Colorado Trees Birthday

For: Win
Occasion: her birthday

For Win's birthday card, I did a watercolor of some lovely aspens with their bright yellow color. I wanted to capture the beauty of our state in a more subtle way than a mountain scene. Win is such an amazing feature of my life, and sometimes when we're together in Colorado we remark on how the heck we got here. I hope this year is even more incredible than the previous. 

Ohio Birthday

For: Maddie
Occasion: her birthday

For Maddie's birthday card, I re-created the famous O-H-I-O spelled out in human lettering (akin to the YMCA). (I really enjoy the gentleman in the red baseball hat and birkenstocks as emblematic of a college guy.) I can't believe Maddie is already a senior -- I hope she enjoys her last year at The Ohio State University. 

Coffee Birthday

For: Alyssa
Occasion: her birthday

For Alyssa's birthday card, I created a whimsical coffee cup in fall colors and used papers to make the lid and sleeve with her name on it--how cool did this turn out? I hope Alyssa had amazing day and is getting all the caffeine she needs this year!

Sunrise Birthday

For: Theresa
Occasion: her birthday

For Theresa's birthday card this year, I tried to recreate a memory I have of a sunrise over the farms of Champaign. This is a pretty decent approximation of it, and I hope it affords Theresa the calm it gave me that morning 8-some years ago on the south farms. 

Golf Outfit Birthday

For: Uncle Jim
Occasion: his birthday

For Uncle Jim's birthday card, I created the silliest little golf outfit I could think of! I love the colors and the argyle and the elaborate hanger system to show it all off. Uncle Jim is one cool dude, and I hope he gets plenty of rounds in this year!

Mahalo Thank You

For: Dan and Janet
Occasion: Thank You

To thank Janet and Dan for their hospitality and organization of the epic Keane Hawaii trip, I made them this simple "mahalo" card featuring a lovely plumeria flower! I am so psyched with how this card turned out--look at those warm colors! We had just the best time together and it will be a trip that is not soon forgotten.

Wedding Congrats

For: Carson and Gonzo
Occasion: their wedding

To help celebrate Carson and Gonzo's wedding, I drew them a floral border mixed with a golden border. Carson and Jonathan are the best and we're so happy that they tied the knot! 

Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Card

For: Betsy and Rick
Occasion: their wedding

To celebrate Mike's cousin's wedding, I made them a card in purples and golds that reads "Mr. & Mrs." to celebrate their new titles as a married couple. I wrapped the columns of the letters with a vine of flowers for some extra flair. We were happy to hear that they had a wonderful celebration!

Beer Birthday

For: Tom
Occasion: his birthday

To celebrate Tom's birthday, I did a sepia-toned beer illustration! Look at that frothy beer head. And the wheat! It's like a beer company that was established the same year as Tom. It's such a normal card, I can't handle it--here's to Tom!