Sketchbook Pages

Just thought it would be fun to show you a few pages from my little 3.5" x 5.5" sketchbook. I usually use a much bigger sketchbook, but I got a few of the small blank Moleskine notebooks recently (can you believe I've never used them before?), they are so easy to be tucked inside my purse so I can doodle whenever I have some spare time. More doodles to come as I continue. : )

Hallmark Books - There For You Crew

I have a few little books to share with you. The first three of Hallmark's "There For You Crew" book series I illustrated are now published. From character development to book illustration, I've been part of this project for quite a long time, and I am so happy to see them produced! The first three characters from this series are Zebra, Pig, and Fox; each one has his own mantra and a sweet, simple story with encouraging messages for young kids. Books are packaged with plushies; I love the fabrics used on the plushies, very textural and soft! Tom Shay-Zapien is the writer for all three books (Tom also wrote the very sweet Hallmark's "Jingle The Husky Pup" story.) These books should be available in the Hallmark Gold Crown stores near you very soon. Don't forget to check them out in person!

Here are a few extra photos. I don't have the official images of these books, so I just took the photos with my camera in my office, not the best lighting situation. If later on there are better version of official photos, I will share them with you.

There For You Crew - Zebra | Hallmark Gift Books

There For You Crew - Fox | Hallmark Gift Books

There For You Crew - Pig | Hallmark Gift Books

Quick Doodle

I have been crazy busy at work but still need to find some time here and there to doodle a bit; did this quick one yesterday and thought I'd like to share. (Done with a fine point Sharpie pen, my favorite doodle tool.)

May Wallpaper

I can't believe it's already May!!! Where did the time go? I am still buried in work, but I managed to do a quick new wallpaper for you. Didn't have time to do the calendar part though. I hope you like it! XO : )

To download the 1600 x 1200 wallpaper, please click here
To download the 1920 x 1080 wallpaper, please click here

All my wallpapers are for your personal use only; all rights reserved. Thanks!

Stripy

Made these stripy bracelets today. I love combining glow-in-the-dark beads with color beads. I designed these patterns which call for odd numbers of rows; it's trickier than even numbers of rows and requires extra patience and time (bracelets like these two will take you about 2 to 2.5 hours). I followed this great tutorial by Carol Dean which explains how to do odd count peyote stitch really well. Check it out if you want to learn how to do it.

Patterned Bracelets

My beading live action continues! I tackled patterns last night. It was not too difficult but was a little confusing in the beginning. It definitely takes focus to do this (no TV watching at the same time), and it helps to sketch out your complete design on grid paper and laid it out in front of you, then mark off each row as you weave. Also, having a long needle helps big time. Just be careful; this thing is addictive! : )

Beaded Bracelets

Yay! I did it! I figured out how to weave these bracelets by following the instruction on this site. It's not too hard, just takes time and patience. I made 3 in one night while watching TV. I was wearing one of them while visiting my orthodontics this morning, and the nice nurse asked me, "Oh, did one of your kids make that bracelet for you? It's so cute." I couldn't speak as my mouth was filled with green gooey molding compound (it got all over my face, too, a really attractive picture, I am sure), so I shook my head and then pointed to myself; afterward I told her, "Yeah, I am 5 years old!", and she started laughing.

Next time I am going to try to incorporate patterns into them! : )

Having fun with Perler beads

Ever since I saw this last week, I have been itching to play with Perler beads (You can call me a 5-year-old, that's ok!). I love sitting down and playing with them while listening to music; it's very relaxing, and addictive, too! Not to mention it's so much fun to mix and match the colors. I got a big tub of glow-in-the-dark ones and just about every single color that are available in my local store. I'd love to try the mini beads but we don't have those available in the States. Here are some photos of what I've made so far. I think I am going to try to challenge the bracelet next, if I can figure out how. : )

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just a really quick Valentine's Day wish to all of you! Hope everybody is enjoy a wonderful day full of love with family, friends, and your special ones. Xx

Floral Hand

For some reason when I woke up yesterday morning, I had this image in my head. So I drew it. It's my right hand, filled with flowery doodles. It's now here.