alphabet doodles \\ a 26 week challenge

Happy New Year!

I am just coming off of my two week winter break with my family and am getting ready to face the "real" world.  I need a little kickstart to get me moving (designing, creating and illustrating) on days when my client work load is a little slower than usual. So.....I came up with a super easy - 26 week program using  the alphabet as my inspiration. Super easy, as in....week one I doodle things that start with Aa., week two I doodle things that start with Bb, etc.  Doesn't get much easier than that in my book!

I have a few friends from an online course that I took with Lilla Rogers who are going to join me. I thought I would put it out there in case any body else was interested.  There is no pressure, no competition....I have just found it's helpful to have a few "buddies" doing the same thing to help keep me accountable.

I created a VERY SIMPLE facebook page where we can post our doodles. If you are interested, please just like the page and join on in!

  https://www.facebook.com/alphabetdoodles

Week one starts today ( Letter Aa) and doodles are due on Sunday the 12th. Here is an example that I worked on  yesterday:

new year holiday cards \\ tiny prints discount code

I just  had three new holiday card designs launch on tiny prints.  All of these designs have a "new year" sentiment.  I love the fact that sending a "happy new year" card gives procrastinators, like myself, time to get your holiday cards out! (please check out the tiny prints discount code below)

 

all elm & gray holiday cards available at tinyprints.com

1 \\ 2 \\ 3

tiny prints discount code : EG13 

$30 off any $100+ orders on tinyprints.com  \\ will expire on 12/31/13 \\ only stackable with

the  free shipping promotion currently available HOLFS13

be thankful for this day \\ free 8 x 10 printable

I am thankful.  I truly love my life and am thankful EVERY day for all of my blessings.

I am  thankful for this (and every) day!

free 8 x 10  here \\  download, print, frame & enjoy

so......what's new?

what's new on my end? a few things actually! The last few months I've had a flurry of new designs launch. I am very proud that elm & gray officially has designs on the ENTIRE family of shutterfly sites...tiny prints, wedding paper divas, treat and now shutterfly!


NEW PRODUCTS (SEE PICTURES BELOW)
 holiday card collection \\ photo save the dates \\ modern gray 12 x 12 wall calendar

never stop learning

I believe that continuing education is important in every profession.  Although I am excited about the continued success of my little business....I felt that something was "missing". I needed a little "refresher course", if you will - something to get my creative juices flowing in the right direction! I stumbled across Lilla Rogers Studio years ago. She is extremely well known in the licensing industry as she represents some amazing artists - some of my favs being Lisa Congdon and Suzy Ultman.

I decided to invest in myself and my talent and sign up for Lila's e-course "make art that sells". Even though I do make art that is currently selling....I want to expand my horizons a bit. The course starts on Monday! I am super excited, focused and determined to get as much out of this course as I can. I will keep you updated with any exciting new work or revelations that may come about as I am expecting great things from myself!

I am already feeling inspired by the possibilities of this course. We, as artists, should "never stop learning". Don't you agree? Here is a link to download this free 8 x 10 print.

brand new designs for Land of Nod!

I'm so excited  to share these designs. Not only do I enjoy how they turned out....but I LOVE LAND OF NOD! (I put that in all caps because I really wanted you to get the point). I'm thrilled to have my designs showcased on their site,  along side the work of so many other talented designers. It really is an honor that they have chosen to sell my designs.....and....well, I'm just a little proud of myself today!.....honestly, sometimes I still have to pinch myself that I get to do this everyday! yes!

Anyway, here are my four exclusive personalized ornament designs for them, as well as a new growth chart that we collaborated on! yay!

new invitation suite for wpd | penned promises

My penned promises invitation suite recently went live on wedding paper divas. I love how it's bold, yet simple and modern. This design is available exclusively through our retail partner.

shop this design here

The creative ladies at WPD also created an inspiration board featuring my blush pink & gold version.