Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!  I hope that you'll get to do something fun and spooky this evening!  Last night my husband and I carved jack-o-lanterns and tonight we'll stay at home to hand out candy.  (Although, I think we might need to re-stock up on treats since I've already eaten about half the bag).

Most of all, I hope that my friends and family on the east coast are staying safe and warm and dry.  I'm thinking of you. 

Halloween cuddle...

Ghouls...

Twelve Tales: Snow White and Rose Red (in progress)

For October's Twelve Tales I've decided to illustrate "Snow White and Rose Red".  I remember my grandma reading me a version of this story when I was little, which makes it extra special for me.  And one of the main characters is a bear.  And, well, bears are awesome.

In other news, I was interviewed by the lovely Laura Clempson.  You can read the interview over on her blog, Cupcakes for Clara.  Huzzah!!  Thank you Laura!

Pumpkin Patch

Helloooo Fall!  My friends, Jill Bergman and Tina Kugler, have some great new blog posts that I bet you'll like.  Also, I've been feeling very inspired by Geninne's Art Blog lately... lots of fun things to see there.  And if you like Peter Brown's work as much as I do, then I think you'll like reading this interview. 

Boys

Something different

The past couple of weeks I've been feeling a little bit creatively stumped.  So, I decided to try something new.

I ordered a needle felting kit from Etsy and made a little rabbit.  Then I found a pad of newsprint paper in the closet, went to the art supply store for some charcoal, and did a big, loose drawing of the big horned sheep skull that lives in my studio.  Using new materials is a really helpful way for me to keep creatively loose. 

How about you?  What tricks do you use to keep the ideas flowing?  

Little Old Elf Man

Twelve Tales: Baba Yaga

Well, here she is finished... the fearsome Baba Yaga.  I really enjoyed this one, although if I was going to do it again I think I'd try to make her a little scarier.  Maybe make her hair a little more wild and frizzy.  And I also just learned that in some versions of the story, Baba Yaga has iron teeth, and sadly, I didn't give her any teeth.  Next time, Baba, I'll be sure to give you some fierce chompers.

I still haven't decided which fairytale to do for October.  I think I'll look back at your suggestions from previous months.  And if you have any new suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!