Scribbles and Doodles

2012-01-27T14:45:00.002-07:00

Amélie reading - digital

Amélie has been reading a lot lately, she is 5 years old and is learning quickly. It's so much fun to watch her, and listen to her read. She LOVES books, always has and now she is experiencing the wonder of reading for herself. I watched the movie The Neverending Story with her yesterday. She loved it so much. I told her that the book was 100 times better. Of course she ran up to my room to get the book out of my library and tried to read it. It's a big novel, not really in her range just yet. But I am now reading it to her. The idea of children reading, and becoming part of the story is magical, it's what I love about books, and it's what I hope my little ones will also love. So here's to reading! (and to my favorite YA book of all time The Neverending story by Michael Ende if you haven't read it before, here you go, buy it, you won't regret it!) Click image for a larger view!

2012-01-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Little Raven Nevermore - digital

There is another new little bird in my Etsy store and for fun I've made this one into a wallpaper for you to use for free. I hope you enjoy it, and if you want to see more check out the store! Click image above to enlarge and save to your desktop!

Celeste xo

2012-01-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Little Raven - digital illustration

Here is a new little character I've been working on. I've always loved Ravens, they are so beautiful, and intelligent. We have a family that lives near our house and I always enjoy watching them with the kids. These two illustrations can be found in my Etsy store, you can purchase them as a 8" x 10" or a 5" x 7" (easy framing sizes!). I plan on adding a few more illustrations using this little guy so stay tuned!

2012-01-18T14:54:00.003-07:00

Sketchbook page - charcoal, paper

So one of my new years resolutions was to just draw more, for fun, with no real end result in mind. As a freelancer I am always thinking "but how can I make money off this?" and sometimes lose sight of drawing for the love of it. So here we go, drawing for fun, just because I can. Click on image for a larger clearer version!

This page was done in different charcoal pencils, willow sticks, Conte sticks... I don't think I've used this type of equipment since college! It was fun, and messy, and relaxing, which is the whole point of this exercise. Hope you enjoy this peek into my sketchbook!

2012-01-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wolves - ink and watercolour on board

Over the Christmas break I decided to give myself a break and do an illustration just for the fun of it. I also didn't want to be sitting at my computer, so I worked the old fashioned way, on paper. Let me tell you, this was so much fun, and kind of therapeutic, it reminded me that drawing is also fun, and not just a way to pay some bills! This illustration was loosely inspired by a series of books I am reading... any guesses? ;)

2011-12-31T12:44:00.001-07:00

January 2012 calendar page - Digital

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you all for a wonderful 2011, I am really excited for 2012 and a couple things I have planned for Echo as well as other project. Since it's all you Echo fans keeping me motivated I decided to make another monthly Echo freebie this year. At the start of every month I will upload this 5" x 7" high resolution calendar page. (to download click this here) Great for framing on your desk. at the bottom of each page will be a little sketchbook doodle. These doodles will tell a little story so be sure to follow each month! Also, if you have a dry erase marker you can cross out or circle important dates on the glass of the picture frame. Enjoy, and thank you all again!

Celeste

2011-12-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Downy Woodpecker - pencil sketch

I had so much fun with the chickadee, that I decided to do another one. This is a downy woodpecker, with a lumberjack vest.

2011-12-09T14:15:00.001-07:00

Chickadee -pencil

Just a quick doodle while I was waiting for some feedback on other projects, but I quite like this little guy!

2011-12-09T09:05:00.003-07:00

Free Downloadable Christmas tags - paper, pencil, digital

I already made a post about these tags, but now I am making a nicer one because I am also posting the link onto Tidy Mom's website . See this post there as well some some other treats from other creative people! These are made to look like old letterpress gift tags. For best results print on a card stock. I've also pasted a red cardstock to the back to make it look nice, as well as a ribbon for tying it onto a package! These are free, click this link to save a 8"x11" version to your desktop. Enjoy and feel free to pass it along!

Merry Christmas!

Tidy Mom

2011-12-07T12:35:00.002-07:00

Free Printable Christmas labels - digital and pencil

I took a break from work stuff to make these Christmas labels. I wanted to play with texture and try to imitate the feel of a letterpress (which I love, but is expensive to do!) on the computer. And now I am sharing with you! So if you need some Christmas labels feel free to use these! Just print them up and voila!
Merry Christmas!

Céleste xo

With the new blogger format, just click on the image, it will appear larger on a black screen, just right click and view image then you can save it to your desktop. It's a page that is layed out to print on an 8.5" x 11" paper.

2011-11-28T08:38:00.001-07:00

Free Draw!

For those of you who love Echo, or are shopping for people who love Echo this is for you! For this week I am going to have a free draw for a 5" x 8" Echo print. All you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog, or like the post on my Facebook page (feel free to like the page too if you want! But I am only taking name that "like" the post on the draw because it's easier for me to keep track that way!)

These Echo prints are printed onto Hahnemuhle fine art Inkjet paper. It's made with bamboo and cotton, is a warm white, archival grade acid free paper. Because it is bamboo paper it is also made out of a renewable resource so earth friendly too!

Mailed to you from Toronto, Canada in a protective cellophane sleeve and a non bending flat mailer to assure a safe delivery.

You can also visit my Etsy store if you'd like to just purchase a print, they are popular this year! Thank you all for your encouragement! xoxo

2011-11-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Etsy Store

Hi Everyone! Just a little reminder that Christmas is on the way! I offer many nice custom or unique items in my Etsy store, as well as prints. They make wonderful gift ideas. If you are interested take a peek! For orders to be guaranteed for Christmas you must place them by December 9th!

Make this Christmas a unique one by looking at all the wonderful creative people at Etsy.com!

2011-11-16T15:33:00.002-07:00

What I've been up to....

This post is going to be a big one! I can finally share all I've been working on for the past 6 months or so with you guys!

First of all there is the big news, Saila. She is the newest Maplelea Girls doll. I did all the illustration and design work for this one, including fabric patterns and illustrations that are used on her accessories and outfits. It was a HUGE project, but obviously worth it since....

Saila won the 2012 Children's Choice Award from the Canadian Toy Testing Council!

And here are some examples of the journal pages. Again, all the illustration and design work was done by myself, BUT it is meant to represent Saila (the doll's) drawings. This book is in three languages, English, Inuktitut and French. What a project! (click on the image to make it larger if you want to see details).

While this big project was going on, I was also providing extra journal pages (design and illustration) for the other dolls, as well as illustrations to be printed or embroidered onto other outfits. It's so cool to see my work used this way, so much variety! What a blast!

Above is a pair of pjs for the doll, but the cool part is, you can also get the pjs and slippers for your own child! I did the pant pattern as well as the polar bear illustration for the shirt. I also did the snow flakes that were embroidered on the slippers. Very cool. Also the illustrations and pattern for the bedding for the newest doll, Saila. All of these items are now for sale at www.maplelea.com.

Below are a couple more items. All patterns and illustrations were done by myself. Illustrations that are placed in the photos are from the journal pages that come with the item of clothing. Photos of the dolls in their gear are from the Maplelea catalogue and belong to Avonlea Traditions.

To see some other items I've worked on in the past check out this old post... http://doodlesscribbles.blogspot.com/2010/11/maplelea-girls-clothing.html

2011-11-10T09:08:00.001-07:00

They Draw and Cook Cookbook!

So, I've been meaning to do a proper post about this for a while, but have been quite busy (a good thing! ) But here it is, the actual, real book! It's a really nice book, full of terrific art, including of course Echo and her Brownies. It's so nice to be included in this book with so many talented people. The cover has a gloss spot finish and the binding is unique and lovely!

Below the Echo recipe I've included photos of 4 other recipes so you get an idea of the variety in this book, it's a worthwhile purchase, and with Christmas coming there is no better reason!

Here are links to the other illustrators sites I included in this post, you guys do terrific work!

Daniel Jansson inspiram.se

Joy Steuerwald joystewy.com

Jannie Ho chickengirldesign.com

Emilia Dziubak emiliaszewczyk.blogspot.com

2011-10-28T07:21:00.003-06:00

Printable Monster cookies! - digital

Here's an idea! One that I am doing for my daughter. I have printed these off (they are layed out for a 8.5" x 11" paper) for her classmates instead of baking cookies. With allergies and health initiatives in schools we've been told not to send in any treats (or candy :( ) So Amelie will be handing these out instead. Feel free to do the same! Great for class handouts or door to door with a candy treat! Easy project for kids to do with their families at home. Follow this link then save to your desktop and print away!

2011-10-27T08:08:00.000-06:00

Nepal prayer flags - paper

Here is another custom piece I got to do recently through Etsy. This was a fun one, since I normally do nature and animals, I've never done mountains or man made structures. Great fun to work on, and I like how it turned out! Want to see more paper art, visit my Etsy store! Custom pieces are always welcome! I love a good challenge ;)

2011-10-27T07:11:00.001-06:00

Custom Shoes - acrylic paint on shoes

Here is something I did over the summer, my aunt was visiting and wanted me to paint on a pair of runners for her. It's not something I had ever done before, and I was nervous because they were brand new shoes and I didn't want to ruin them! But it all turned out nicely I think and it was pretty fun! I used acrylic paint so it wouldn't wash off in a puddle. I think I like the idea of painting on my shoes, and maybe this spring I will come up with a custom pair for myself!

2011-10-20T11:08:00.001-06:00

Echo's Ghosty tea part - digital

Happy early Halloween! Here is a free Echo desktop wallpaper. Just click on the image above and save to your computer. Enjoy!

2011-10-17T11:00:00.000-06:00

Bunny - pencil sketch

I don't know about you guys, but I have one kid who LOVES his bunny. He won't go anywhere without it, and needs to snuggle and play with his ears to be able to fall asleep. I love this, partly because it's adorable, and partly because i am a huge fan of the story the Velveteen rabbit.

I did a little sketch of him for Elliott, but really like the way he turned out so I am going to try to come up with a project that I can use him in. Right now I am thinking a fabric pattern with Bunny and other of Elliott's favorites, maybe to be made into a pillow case or something. Or perhaps a wall in his room with little framed sketches of his favorite friends, like the family photo wall we have in our hallway. Or maybe both! either way, it was fun to draw something of a still life, but with a little added character. It's been a while since I did something like that!

C~

2011-09-12T20:06:00.001-06:00

Monster Cookies - digital illustration

Here is my most recent submission to They Draw and Cook. They are having a Cooking for Kids contest and this is what I came up with. It's a recipe my mom used to make us for when we'd go camping or hiking. Now I make it for my kids! Please feel free to click on the image to make it larger, I went a little nutso with detail ;)

(full spread on top, pages individually below so you can see them better)

Celeste

2011-09-05T13:11:00.000-06:00

Franklin - watercolour and pencil

I am cleaning my office space and found this! I did this about 7 or 8 years ago. This is where my career began :) I think I should frame him.

2011-09-01T09:55:00.001-06:00

Algonquin - digital (and now ink on skin)
My mom got a new tattoo this week, on her foot (brave lady!). When it heals up I will post a photo of it. She wanted a Aboriginal style canoe, with a rocky outcropping like you'd see in Algonquin park (for those of you who've never been, you need to see it, it's beautiful!)

2011-07-29T14:48:00.000-06:00

They Draw and Cook, THE BOOK - book

I have not yet done a post about this, but I have spread the word around. The website They Draw and Cook has come out with a printed book of over 100 illustrated recipes. They are all illustrated by different artist, and it looks INCREDIBLE! I am very lucky to be among these talented people. The book is available for pre-order over at Amazon. And you can also take a peek inside! I think this book is a must in anyone's kitchen who loves to cook, or just look at a terrific variety of art! Also lots of fun and easy to follow if you have kids that like to cook with you!

2011-07-24T08:37:00.000-06:00

Yellow bird in a banana tree - paper

Custom Blue Jay on a Baseball - paper

a couple custom paper bird pieces I've done this past month. Most of the time people buy the ones I've already made, but I get really excited when they ask for something custom, Some great ideas, and variety for me! I love how both of these turned out.

2011-06-28T16:11:00.001-06:00

Summer break business cards - digital design

It's the end of the school year, and to help keep my little one's social calendar full (and me sane) I've made these business cards for her. Now, I was a little reluctant at first, only because I don't want her info out there in the world, so I made an email account just for this purpose, instead of posting any other important info.

Hopefully this will help her keep in touch with her favorite people at her school this summer!

In the near future I think I will make more of these, some with photos, and some with illustrations for sale in my store.

2011-06-28T13:52:00.000-06:00

Flying - digital and photograph

Just taking a minute from my work to do a doodle of the kids!

2011-06-21T14:50:00.001-06:00

Hawkeye and Meadow - digital illustration

Here are two illustrations that I have just added as prints in my Etsy store. (The Golden I've posted before on this site, but the cat is new). More importantly, I am also willing to make CUSTOM illustrations of your pet! Just send me an email with a photo of your pet attached and a couple words that describe them best and I will make it for you! AND you are not limited to cats and dogs, I will do any little creature you desire :)

Just send me an email at celestegs@rogers.com

2011-06-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

Canadian Wildlife Series - paper

I am very excited to introduce this new collection of paper animals. I am working with Canadian Wildlife to help the world see the beautiful diversity of animals we have here in Canada! I will be adding a new animal each month. These three are available for purchase in my Etsy store.

These make great presents to yourself, or others ;) They are also great for children's rooms, especially baby rooms since babies are attracted to the contrasting colours as well as the textures in these pieces.

I am also available to do custom orders if you want families of these animals, or other variations!

2011-06-08T09:01:00.002-06:00

World Ocean Day - paper

Hi! Here is a free card you can save to your desktop and send to your friends and family to remind them of World Ocean Day! Below is a desktop wallpaper for you too!(click on image to get a larger version, then save to your desktop)

2011-06-07T07:50:00.001-06:00

Hi guys!

I decided to do something different today and post the process I went through on a recent (very quick) project I did for WWF Canada . It's WWF's 50th anniversary and in celebration of that, they wanted a birthday panda illustration for the front cover of their children's newsletter. I was excited and honored that they chose me to illustrate it for them. As you know, I've done work with WWF Canada for the past 10 years (wow, didn't realize it was that long until I wrote it!) So it was exciting for me to do this for them.

I started with a concept. They wanted a Panda bear celebrating his birthday, something cute for the kids. So I started by coming up with a cute panda character design...

Then once I did that I made a list of friends that would celebrate with our Panda. Since this is for the Canadian newsletter, I choose Canadian wildlife, that is on the endagered or at risk list. Animals that I know WWF has programs set up for right now. Then I worked them into the composition. (doodle right of the panda designs)

Afterwards I worked on some roughs for the other animals to be placed in the illustration.

Then I worked on laying them out, and creating a couple options for the editor at WWF.

I tried to keep everything pretty natural, the decorations, the "table" even the candles ended up being bees wax lit by two very accommodating fireflies! Here is the final art (text and logo are part of the mock up, their in house designer lays it out, so the final print might be a little different then this one below).

As I said this was a very fast turn around project, I had 3 days from submission of roughs to final art. So there are not as many revisions or steps that can happen in other projects, but this gives you a nice idea of how I work. Thanks to WWF Canada again for the fun project!

Check out their website for info on the animals in the illustration.

Woodland Caribou

Polar Bear

Vancouver Island Marmots

Black footed Ferret

Monarch butterfly

Burrowing owls

Northern leopard frog

2011-05-13T11:18:00.000-06:00

Echo taking over - photo and digital illustration

So this is me, working on a Friday morning. Here I am thinking "this is going pretty good!" then Echo shows up, and starts to art direct me... eventually (probably when I get up to get some coffee) she takes over and "fixes" whatever it is I've been working on. What a cat.

(yes I am playing with an imaginary friend, but I am an illustrator, and therefore it is my right ;) Just one of the perks!)

2011-05-06T11:42:00.000-06:00

Blue Jay on Baseball - paper art

Okay, so baseball season is in full swing, and as some of you know I love to watch baseball (and play!). Now, I married a Boston Red Sox fan, so our family does a lot of cheering for them, but since I am

1. Canadian

2. living in Toronto

we show our support to the Jays whenever they play! (and yes that means cheering for them instead of the Sox when they play against each other!)

Here is my little guy for this season, hopefully the Jays will go far this year!

(You can also purchase him in my Etsy store, or rather his brother, I might just keep this one for myself!)

2011-04-26T07:35:00.000-06:00

Jasper - digital illustration

This is an illustration of my sisters cat with his favorite spring in his mouth, he is a little trouble maker but super cute!

2011-04-07T14:01:00.000-06:00

Spring Echo Wallpaper - digital illustration

Here is a new desktop wallpaper for all you Echo fans. Her adventures with her favorite little mouse toy are still going strong!

Celeste

2011-04-05T12:56:00.002-06:00

Maman Bear - paper

Maman Bear and her cubs adventuring! I made these especially for Mothers day (a little later then I would have liked but there you go!) You can custom order them by emailing me, and choose how many cubs you'd like to have in your illustration. Selling them as original paper art, not prints, so each one will be slightly different. Check out my store for more details or feel free to contact me!

You must order before the 22nd of April if you want these delivered in time for Mothers Day.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CelesteGS

2011-04-04T10:36:00.001-06:00

Baby Monkey - digital illustration

These are some baby monkey illustrations I did for a baby shower card (for my sister and brother in law) I think they capture the ups and downs of new parenthood quite nicely. I am currently experiencing the "great diaper escapes" with my son right now!

2011-03-29T12:20:00.004-06:00

Echo Alphabet Blocks - paint, wood blocks

This is just a sneak peek of something I am working on, I started by painting these by hand, and they look great, BUT it takes a long time, and I won't be able to sell these this way (not at any reasonable cost to you wonderful people) so I've figured out others ways of doing it.

IT IS COMING SOON to my Etsy store! You will be able to buy them by the each OR as a complete set. It's going to be awesome. My kids won't leave my sample ones alone, which is a pain in the butt, but also a good sign!

Céleste xo

P.S.
You can also find myself (and Echo) on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CelesteGagnonIllustrations check it out, lots of fun freebies there, and possible a draw or two in the near future!

2011-03-24T08:13:00.000-06:00

Fairy Tale Fabric Prints - fabric
Click on image for a larger view!

Here are some new fabric prints that will be going into my Spoonflower store (next week). They are inspired by my kids and what they like right now. I have a few character ones, but also a few simpler ones, perfect for a themed quilt or other sewing project!

The blue castle print has been entered into the Project Selvage contest, fingers crossed!

I will let you all know when they are in the store, and again, if you make something with them (since I sadly still don't know how to sew) let me know and I can post some photos of your handywork! (with permission of course!)

Céleste xo

2011-03-23T10:46:00.003-06:00

Confused Crocuses - photo and photoshop

Having a little fun with winter making it's second (...or is it third now?) comeback.

Added the last one just now, really these flowers are exaggerating just a little...!

2011-02-25T09:08:00.003-07:00

Echo Fabrics - fabric

For all you crafty people out there, sewers, quilters, or just creative. I've created a line of Echo Fabrics! I am pretty excited about theses and plan to use some myself. I will be adding more throughout the year. I am also creating another line of fabrics (not Echo) and will post those after I've finished and tested them out.

If you do purchase and make something out of my fabrics please send me a photo! I'd love to see what you guys come up with :) And with permission I would love to share it with the rest of the Echo fans out there!

As you all know Echo is very special to me. This year I have a lot of plans for Echo, this was one of them. Thank you all for your support and encouragement, you are all terrific!

Celeste

P.S. I probably should add a link to the store :) http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/celestegs

2011-02-24T14:35:00.002-07:00

Layers - digital illustration

As a Canadian I am familiar with layers of clothing in the winter... so are my kids :)
Please click on image to see a larger view. Oh and after you click to see it bigger you can zoom in a little too! Huzzah!

2011-02-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Cats don't willingly wear sweaters - pencil sketch

Here is my submission to this weeks Illustration Friday. The word was sweater, and I couldn't wait to draw one (I like all the texture of the knit, thought it would be fun). I couldn't think of a subject until I remembered a friend of mine who likes to dress up his cat. (you know who you are...) My cat, being a "real" cat, would never put up with such nonsense and a serious price would be payed trying to put the sweater on...like say, a limb. In fact, I may be punished just for drawing him in one.

2011-02-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Mustachio Owl - pencil sketch

Just a silly sketch, for no reason.

2011-02-03T08:41:00.001-07:00

The kids in the Star Wars World coloured - digital illustration

Here we go! I got a chance to do these roughs in colour, (Amelie wouldn't let me NOT do it) I am pretty happy with them!

2011-02-01T09:58:00.008-07:00

My kids as Star Wars characters - pencil rough

So Amelie asked me to draw her and Elliott as Star Wars people. So she is a Jedi in training, being trained by Yoda no less! (she looks a little older then she should... working on it!) Elliott, as he loves his Artoo action figure, is a little boy meeting the real deal.
Hopefully I will get a chance to make these in full colour.

I've since fixed the size on Amelie, I had to make Yoda a lot bigger :) still... maybe in colour it will look a little more like her...

2011-01-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Echo Box Printables - digital illustration

Hi all! Here is a free download for Valentines day (or whatever). Little Echo boxes. they are just over 2" square, so perfect to fill with candy hearts, a secret note, stickers, whatever your heart desires.

To use them click on the box you would like to print, then a larger one will appear, save it to your desktop.
Print on card stock and cut along the solid line. Fold along the dotted lines et voila! (you may want to tape the inside, just to make it more solid for all the goodies you will cram in there!

Enjoy!

2011-01-16T20:20:00.002-07:00

Amelie's bedroom mural - paint

So this weekend, I finally got around to painting my 4 year old's room. She wanted it pink, girly and all about Tinker Bell. So here it is!

I painted the walls light pink with one purply pink accent wall, on which I did my simplified version of the Pixie Hollow tree. The Fairies are wall stickers I got from Walmart :) The curtains are made by my very talented sister (I can sew, wish I could... but there you go).

My daughter's room has a peak in the ceiling. I painted it the dark fushia colour (picked by my little one) and added two stars, for those who know the story of Peter Pan, you will get the reference.

Below some detail photos of the bottom of the tree.

2011-01-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Echo January Wallpaper - digital

Happy New Year, this one is the year of the rabbit so I thought I'd have fun with that (sorry Shana, I know bunnies make you nervous, so just for you I didn't add teeth ;)
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe year 2011!
To download desktop just click on the size you want (widescreen or not) and a large one will appear.

2011-01-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Canadian Animal Silhouettes - digital

Some silhouettes I did for a journal page for the Maplelea Girls

2011-01-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

Two more paper birds - paper

2010-12-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! - photo digital illustration

This years Christmas card! Hope you all have a safe and Happy Holiday season!

2010-12-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

Here is something fun to do now that the kids are home for Christmas vacation!

Stove-Top Play Dough
From the book Feed my I'm Yours

1 cup white flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
Foodcolouring (I like Club House Neon colouring)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
( I also add a few drops of peppermint oil and it smells soooo wonderful on your hands! and glitter, to make it fun and sparkly!)

Mix Flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium-sized pot. Add water, food colouring and oil.
Cook and stir over medium heat. Mixture will look like a globby mess, and you will be sure you did something wrong, but keep stirring. When it forms a ball in the center of the pot take it out and knead it a bit, let cool and then have some fun!

2010-12-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

#1 and #2 - digital illustration

I made some new art, these will be framed separately, can you guess what room they will go in? ;)

2010-11-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Fox Collage - digital and paper

I created this little fox character for my son's room (a Christmas present) and I really loved him, so feel the need to do more with the little guy. So get ready, you will probably be seeing more of him soon! Also experimenting a bit with mediums here, going for a digital / collage mix. I kind of like it! have to play more with that too :)

2010-11-22T15:18:00.004-07:00

Thimble Cookies by Echo - digital illustration

Here it is! Another recipe featuring Echo. I will be submitting this one to They Draw and Cook come December. Happy cooking!

2010-11-22T11:48:00.002-07:00

Maplelea Girls - clothing design/illustration

I got a wonderful treat in the mail today, well courier (which is even better, makes me feel special!) Some samples of product I've been working on with Avonlea Traditions. I did the illustration work, and embroidery and pattern designs. These clothing and accessories are for the Maplelea Girls. These incredibly detailed dolls. The clothing is nice enough for real children (nicer even in some cases!) and each item comes with journal pages full of info on Canadian history, traditions or geography, which you add to a binder like journal. Really a wonderful concept, and terrific quality. I am excited to be able to be a part of it! Check out the website for purchases and orders. Great idea for Christmas presents!

Can't wait to show you more projects I've worked on, but it has to wait until the items are for sale ;)

2010-11-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Echo Christmas labels - digital illustration

Here are some Echo Christmas labels for you to use, just click the image for a large version (fits an 8.5" x 11" paper) You can print them on card stock, cut them out, and have unique labels for all your friends and family! Enjoy!

2010-11-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Paper Birds - paper

I've just opened up an Etsy store. I am super excited about it. Above are some of the smaller pieces of art for sale, I will post the larger ones below. You can get to my store by clicking on the Etsy store button on the side bar, or click on this link. Spread the word! I will also take requests! so if there is a bird you like, or a size you want I will make it special for you! Just email me :)

2010-11-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Bird Bath Magic - photo digital illustration

What happens when the bird baths freeze at my parent's house? Magic!

2010-11-05T10:58:00.000-06:00

Echo Remembrance Day icon - digital

Hi all, Here is a free icon you can use for, whatever social network you enjoy, or just to post it on your site to remind everyone of Remembrance Day.

And if you want to learn a little more, or participate in some celebrations, check out the Historica - Dominion website, it's full of information!

2010-11-02T17:09:00.000-06:00

Echo November Wallpaper - digital illustration

Well, here we go! It's been a while since I did a wallpaper. But this cold November wind inspired me :)

2010-11-01T11:16:00.000-06:00

A Snowy Day (updated) - digital

Here is an illustration I did, about 4 years ago, but it was just me, then in 2007 I added Amelie, and now I added Elliott :)

2010-10-29T13:56:00.000-06:00

Bird samples - paper, glue, scissors, and one band aid

Some samples I did for a book proposal. These are TINY compared to the "normal" size, they are only 3" x 3". Crazy.

2010-10-26T15:03:00.000-06:00

Echo Halloween Icons and Sticker page - digital illustration

Here are some free down loadable icons and sticker page (last one will fit on a 8.5 x 11" page).

Click on icon to download a large version, or click on the smaller ones to get a page of "stickers". Just print on sticker pages and cut them out. Good for Halloween treats, or for use in classrooms!

2010-10-26T10:24:00.000-06:00

Cockroaches - digital and pencil

Here is a fun project I got to work on for a writer in Tokyo. It was fun to draw cockroaches this way, and gave my husband and I some good laughs remembering our first apartment together. We had a few of these night time visitors in our place! (We can laugh now, at the time we didn't find it all that funny!)

2010-10-20T11:20:00.006-06:00

Halloween stuff - digital illustration

I haven't posted for a while, I've been busy working on stuff that I can't post just yet! Here is a little something I did for a client that I can show you. Check out her site at www.maplelea.com where you can buy a doll and lots of cool accessories.

2010-09-29T11:31:00.000-06:00

Ex Libris - digital illustration

Here are some free downloads, some Echo themed ex libris. Just click on the image above and save to your desktop. Enjoy!

2010-09-23T09:12:00.000-06:00

Acrobats - digital illustration

My submission for Illustration Fridays topic of Acrobats.

2010-08-05T18:55:00.000-06:00

Artificial (intelligence) - digital and pen illustration
My submission for this weeks Illustration Friday. The word was artificial... and yes I am letting you all see my geeky side with this one :)

2010-08-02T16:37:00.000-06:00

Brownie recipy by Echo - digital illustration

It's been a while since I posted something Echo related. I was just running out of wallpaper ideas so I decided this month I would stray from that idea and do a recipe instead. Hope you enjoy! Click on the image for a larger version.

2010-07-25T08:58:00.000-06:00

Horses - digital

A t-shirt design I created for Maplelea Girls.

2010-07-24T06:55:00.000-06:00

Boats and animals - digital

Inspired by the East Coast of course!

2010-07-24T06:53:00.000-06:00

Yarn Doll - pen

Here are illustrated instructions on how to make a yarn doll. This was also for Maplelea Dolls. Each doll comes with a journal, and each outfit comes with an extra journal page with stories or in this case a craft.

2010-07-24T06:47:00.001-06:00

Canada t-shirt - digital

Here is a t-shirt I did for Maplelea Girls. You can buy the shirt for your doll, AND for your child.

2010-07-24T06:43:00.001-06:00

Maman polar bear and cubs - Digital

2010-07-24T06:35:00.002-06:00

Pizza designs - digital

I do a lot of designs for doll clothing and accessories. Here are some ideas that didn't make it, I will post the one that did once it's all in production and I have permission!

2010-07-24T06:29:00.000-06:00

The Midnight Curse - digital and pen

My most recent novel cover design for Kids Can Press. Another wonderful spooky story by Lucy M. Falcone! You can get it at Amazon here! Or order directly from the publisher.

2010-07-22T10:40:00.000-06:00

Breakfast - pen and digital
My submission for this weeks Illustration Friday. Just a quick one!

2010-07-20T14:27:00.001-06:00

Ragdolls - felt and stuff
I made a ragdoll each for Elliott and Amelie (with removable crowns). just a quick(ish) craft.

2010-07-15T18:07:00.000-06:00

Amelie and Elliott take flight - photo, digital, pencil

I started to draw this as just an illustration, but it wasn't working out, so I had some fun with it instead :)

2010-07-15T13:23:00.001-06:00

Chantal's Tattoo - digital, and now ink on skin :)

Here is a tattoo I designed for my sister, a Leonard Cohen fan.

2010-06-27T08:03:00.000-06:00

L.M. Falcone's New Website

This morning I got a great email from Lucy Falcone, a wonderful author that I've had the pleasure and privilege to work with on a few occasions. She has just launched her new website and it looks terrific. Hoffworks Productions did the web design using my artwork from her novel covers. Peter Riddihough, the designer, did a wonderful job, and I VERY impressed! Go check it out! And read her books, they are fun for all ages! I love then, and I can't wait for my little ones to be old enough to enjoy them too!

2010-06-24T11:02:00.006-06:00

Paisley for Science lovers - digital illustration

My submission for this weeks Illustration Friday, the word is Paisley.

These patterns are downloadable for your personal enjoyment. Please, for personal use only! They are able to be tiled if you want to use it as a desktop background or other patterned uses.

2010-06-16T15:10:00.000-06:00

Baby Bird - paper cut out

Here is another little bird I did, in the same style as my living room birds. This one is for a friend who is having a baby girl very soon!

2010-06-06T17:52:00.000-06:00

Creepy Tree - photo and photoshop

This is a creepy tree near our house, it never has leaves, been there for years. Often there are families of crows ( in groups they are called murder of crows...which just makes it creepier) gathered on the branches. I love this tree. Something tells me Alfred Hitchcock would have too :)

2010-05-26T10:46:00.000-06:00

Early - digital illustration
This is this weeks submission for Illustration Friday. The word is early, I had done this image a while ago, and am re posting it. It's my backward proverb.

2010-05-19T10:46:00.002-06:00

Equipment - pen and digital
My submission for this weeks Illustration Friday, this is the equipment I use regularly!

2010-05-05T18:01:00.000-06:00

Smile! - pen, digital

2010-05-04T11:24:00.001-06:00

Echo May Wallpaper - digital illustration

Click on desired image and save to desktop :) enjoy!

2010-05-03T11:14:00.001-06:00

Cocoon - digital illustration
This is my submission for I.F this week, the word is Cocoon, and instead of doing a caterpillar/butterfly illustration I thought it would be fun to show the kids "cocooned" ready for some spooky stories around the campfire :) Can't wait to do this this summer!

2010-04-28T10:17:00.001-06:00

Ahead - digital

My submission for this weeks Illustration Friday topic "Ahead"

2010-04-28T06:42:00.001-06:00

Racing Robots! - pen and digital
As you can see I am having some fun in my sketchbook lately :)

2010-04-25T11:44:00.001-06:00

Castle City - pen and digital

2010-04-22T19:16:00.000-06:00

Ablah - photo / digital illustration
Amelie and Ablah are both studying strange creatures of nature.

2010-04-22T19:14:00.001-06:00

Blarts - photo / digital illustration
Blarts are super lazy, so steal birds nests and claim them as their own.

2010-04-22T19:11:00.001-06:00

The Tickler - photo / digital illustration Ticklers pose as dandelions, and tickle the unsuspecting noses of children who sniff them.

2010-04-22T19:08:00.000-06:00

Blarg - photo / digital illustration
Blarg is tiny, so is afraid of most things.

2010-04-22T19:06:00.000-06:00

Floy - photo / digital illustration
Floy likes to pretend he is a light bulb, it gives him the giggles.

2010-04-22T07:54:00.000-06:00

Detectives - pencil sketch

My submission for this weeks I.F. Detective.

2010-04-13T19:14:00.000-06:00

Amélie Doll - digital illustration
What Amélie would look like as a doll :)