Kathy Temean features me on her blog, Writing and Illustrating

Ooh look!  I was interviewed by Kathy Temean for her terrific blog, Writing and Illustrating, which was posted today. Learn a little more about me, my stained glass mosaic illustrations process, and see lots and lots of photos of my art.  You can read it here.

Kathy’s blog is such a great resource for published and unpublished authors and illustrators. She posts information she gets from her interactions with editors and agents in the industry and shares thoughts and techniques of other writers and illustrators in the field. I always look forward to her weekly “Illustrator Saturday” posts, and now I am a feature! Check it out and leave a comment if you wish - we’d love to hear from you.  Thanks so much, Kathy!!

Thank you!

One of my favorite day lilies of my mom's

As 2014 ends, I want to thank all of you for following me and my art adventures here on my blog.  It's been a fun year and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store.  Happy New Year!!




I loved watching them open up daily this summer

Betsy Bird on Fuse #8

Betsy Bird featured my book on her blog, A Fuse #8 Production, on the School Library Journal's web site, saying it's "one of the most beautiful Christmas children's books I've ever seen."  Read the post here.  Thanks so much, Betsy!

Book Reading at Granada Books

I had a really fun time at Granada Books' Festival of Lights this weekend!  Families arrived in their PJ's and ate popcorn while I read them my book, The Night Before Christmas.  Two of my mosaics hung behind me so I could also tell them about the artwork.  I gave the children postcards of my mosaic reindeer and then Santa Claus showed up! They got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, and then he had candy and books to give them as they hopped off.  Several of the children showed Santa my postcard and asked him which reindeer were pictured (Dasher and Dancer, he said!)  It was pretty darn cute. 

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast!

Oh yay, I’ve been featured on my favorite children’s literature blog, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast!  Julie Danielson has posted my detailed process of how I created my book with tons of pictures, most of which I’ve never posted before.  If you’ve ever been curious as to how I did it and what my thoughts were as I made it, please go over and read it on her blog, here!  And stay awhile if you love children’s literature.  She’s been doing it since 2006 and has a wonderful archive of the most interesting interviews and of course, fabulous children’s book art!  Thanks so much, Jules!!

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm with Carol Heyer

I had a great time at the book signing I did with Carol Heyer at Mrs. Figs' Bookworm!  The store is absolutely charming, as are the owner and staff, who were so friendly and welcoming.  I loved the indoor porch reading area, so cozy.

 

I brought one of my mosaics from the book to display, the one that shows the Christmas tree, so when the kids were doing their own paper mosaic Christmas tree, they could see that I also used cut triangle pieces to create mine.

Connie, the owner, read both my book, The Night Before Christmas, and Carol's book, Humphrey's First Christmas.  I am going to have to up my game when I read my book the next time if I want to do as great a job as she did!  She is a born story teller.

I LOVED Carol's book, which I had never read before.  It has humor and heart and the illustrations are so beautiful.  I particularly enjoyed the images of Humphrey and his wonderful expressions.

Thanks so much for hosting me, Mrs. Figs, and I hope to be back again next year!

Christmas Book Signing and Craft Event

I'm excited about an upcoming event I'll be doing with author/illustrator Carol Heyer at Mrs. Figs' Bookworm in Camarillo, CA.  I will be signing my book, The Night Before Christmas, and Carol will be signing her book, Humphrey's First Christmas, the story of a lovable camel that accompanies three wise men to bring gifts to the Baby Jesus.  Here are the details:

Date:  Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014

Time:  2-4 p.m.

Location:  Mrs. Figs' Bookworm, 93 East Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA

Bring your kids for a fun paper mosaic craft and Christmas illustrations from Carol's book to color.  Also plan to visit  Santa's Workshop in the Las Posas Plaza from 10-4 (Santa eats lunch from 1-2).  Hope to see you there!

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