A Little Sketch

It's been a long time!

Hello Everyone! I have been a bad blogger, and haven't come to visit Smells Like Crayons in while, but I'm back, baby, and have some art for you all to see. I know my last several posts have been about The Sketchbook Project, and last month I finished it and mailed it in to the Brooklyn Library. I was able to go back, after I finished the pencil sketches and a little ink and fill in some parts with color (colored pencil) and I'm happy about it. The cover turned out great I think, though the inside pages weren't as accepting of colored pencil.... ok I guess, but the kraft paper of the cover showing through the colored pencil is just delicious.

Here's my story, from start to finish. Enjoy!

Ten Little Things - number book

The latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting shows a project made with my new fabric line called, Ten Little Things. This fabric will be for sale sometime in March. The number book is a free pattern that goes with the line, designed by Angela Yosten. I found the top image with those two adorable boys from quilter and blogger Camille Roskelley, those are actually her little boys, how cute!

Pinback buttons

This winter, I had the opportunity to borrow a friend's button maker for a few weeks. I quickly became obsessed with making pinback buttons. Above are a few examples of my creations. (The two faces are Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali, if you didn't recognize them.) There's something really satisfying in creating a mini-illustration or design. Guess who is now saving for a machine of her very own...? (o; These (along with some others I didn't post) are available for sale on my Etsy shop.

I'm baaaackkk! And working on postcards.

Hi everyone!  It's been a while since I've posted on Smells Like Crayon.   It's great to be back!

Since I've been gone, I've been working on spot illustrations for the SCBWI Bulletin, I conducted an illustration workshop for a group of K-6 kids, and my latest project is to get back into a regular routine of mailing out postcards.  It's been so long since I've sent out the last batch.   You can't get work if no one knows who you are, right?  Time to be seen again!

I still need to edit in my contact info on both sides of the postcard, but these are the images I'm thinking of using ...

Front side:

Back side:

I'm including both color and b&w, because I'd love to do B&W chapter book work as well as PB work. 

This week the plan is to get the contact info worked in, and get them ordered!  Hopefully, next SLC post, I'll be able to show the finished postcard.  

Sweater cat

Just made a new print. Find it in my Etsy shop.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Print

Happy Valentine's Day from a bird who seems to be wearing its heart on its chest.

Tribute to Whitney

I loved the passion, energy, and nuance in her performances. I loved her voice. I am saddened that her life ended too soon and that she struggled so--like many artists.  Every time a young artist dies I ask myself why this is. Why does the turmoil go along with the great work?
The question only seems to raise more questions for me, so I will not go there right now. I am just grateful for her gifts to us. I hope that she knows she left a a body of work behind which has and will continue to inspire for generations. I want to believe that she does.
May she rest in peace.

Working on a new fabric line with Moda

So the first fabric line I did with Moda was a big hit, so they have me working on a new collection, farm animals! Here is a glimpse of some of the imagery.

Enormous Tiny Art show

I'll have some of my art in the 11th Enormous Tiny Art show at the Nahcotta Gallery, Feb. 1-29. The Opening is February 3rd from 5-8pm. I will be there with bells and whistles, hope to see you there!

Enormous tiny art show artist page: https://www.enormoustinyart.com/The-Artists.aspx