FREE August 2011 Desktop Calendar

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Can you believe August is just around the corner! Summer is half over already!! Boy that just flew by.

For this month's FREE desktop calendar I thought this summer themed illustration of a fun-loving Granny having tea time with her grandchildren would be the perfect fit!  Doesn't it make you want to go run barefoot in the grass to feel the blades tickle your toes? Too bad our grass is all yellow and straw-like due to the lack of rain in our area.Bummer! But we can image it. ;)

I love being able to spend more quality time with both sets of grandparents over the summer holidays. It really allows the kids and the rest of us to build lasting memories to cherish and have a good chuckle over when we reminisce.

As always, just click on the appropriate screen resolution link below the image to bring up the corresponding image size then right click and then left click on "set to background".

 Cheers to creating great summer memories with your family!

Kids Cake 2011

This past weekend we held our annual Birthday BBQ bash to celebrate the kids birthdays. For this year I decided to create a cake depicting the kids doing their favorite cottage activities. They have all grown such confidence and learned new skills this summer both in and around the water. They have learned new paddling skills, snorkeled with fins, attempted fancy dock jumps, caught bigger fish than Grandpa off the dock and even learned some new swim strokes. So I thought this theme would be a great idea to celebrate and showcase their achievements.  Here are some pictures of the cake:

"crazy dock jumper- cowabunga!!!"

"determined fisherman"

"paddle snatcher in the dingy"

"super-engine on the dingy"

It was fun to make and after multiple attempts I finally figured out a way to suspend my dock jumper in mid air. Ha! The figures were make out of modelling paste, so they could each eat their own after we sang "happy birthday". Can I just say how much I prefer plasticine to modelling paste! But all in all, it was really worth it to see their happy little faces smiling and pointing out their achievments to each other and to friends.
Enjoy!

Minicards as Bookmarks

I was very excited to see that my favorite printer MOO was offering a 30% off summer sale. Aren't there products just glorious? And I love their Printfinity option to get multiple images on the back of your products. Genius!What perfect timing, as I am in the midst of creating my summer promo mailers. So with a day to spare(as the sale ends tomorrow) I just finished placing my order. I created 2 different postcards and some minicards which I plan to fashion into cute little bookmarks. The above image is what will show on the back of my minicards, with my logo and info on the front. I am going to add a cute ribbon and bead detail at the top of each bookmark so it can easily keep ones spot in a favorite book of choice. You like?? I think I may be onto somethin' here...

IF- Stay

The good friends decided to stay for one more jump. The perfect end to a fun filled day.

I couldn't resist using this illustration for this weeks Illustration Friday topic "stay". I hope to do a series of illos with all of these little friends....they sure can get into mischief while seeking out adventure!

Short post as it's summer time and with 4 kidlets home it is kinda crazy around here! Happy summer everyone!

Free July 2011 Desktop calendar

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Hi Everyone,

 It's that time of month again- FREE desktop calendar time!! Yippeee :) I don't know about you but I just love checking out all the amazing desktop calendars created by so many great illustrators each month. I have a hard time picking and often put different ones up weekly, so I can admire and get inspiration from all my favorites. A few other links to check out for desktop calendars are Jonathan Woodward (click up top on free stuff), We love to illustrate for children group blog,  and Geninne Zlatkis .

Remember to click on your screen resolution link listed below the image then right click and click on "set to background".

I hope you all enjoy this desktop calendar and it reminds you of how fun it is to play with friends and be silly sometimes. :)

Fun in the mud!

Here is the latest plasticine illustration I have been working on over the past few weeks. I thought it would be fun to do a bunch of silly farm animals taking turns jumping in the mud in the pig's pen. Those crazy animals! The textures were fun to play with, expecially the mud! I hope I didn't give my kiddos any ideas- ekk! ;)

Below are some close-ups of the jumping sheep and my mocking rooster. Enjoy!

First Edition of the Zero2illo zine is here!!

I am so excited to share with you that the very first edition of the Zero2illo Zine is available now! If you haven't yet signed up for your subscription then go and subscribe now!!   I am so very honoured to have been one of the lucky illustrators chosen to be featured in the gallery section of this first edition! I submitted my "Teepee Granny" illustration above.
 This new venture put forth by the very talented Jonathan Woodward, and his equally talented wife Lea Woodward  is fantastic example of how to bring together a great bundle of illustration resources such as website analysis, in depth interviews, illustration business tips, and a gallery section with great artwork from both established and emerging illustrators, all rolled up into a cohesive and gorgeously designed e-zine. Brilliant!
Jonathan also contributed a wonderful process piece of the creation of his majestic eagle illustration that he submitted for the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition. I so love seeing other artist processes and methods, and this one did not disappoint! I really must try collage soon! I have it on my "to-do" list.
They are currently accepting submissions until July 31st for the next issue due out in Sept. so do visit zero2illo for more information on how to  subscribe and definitely submit some of your illustrations! The zine will also be sent to select Art Directors as well as subscribers.
So go, go now and check it out!!! You know you want to....;)