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!