Really Big News and I Love You

First, let me just say how much I appreciate all of you who have followed my blog and been so supportive of my work. The response to my "heavy" post the other day was very moving - I received some lovely comments and some very touching e-mails as well.  So I just wanted to give you all a big virtual hug and tell you - I love you.... and to show you how much, I am going to give away a signed copy of What Do You See?, a board book I illustrated for Little Simon (see details below).

And now for the REALLY BIG NEWS...

Booktime.org is a program in the UK that encourages reading by distributing book bags to children starting school for the first time. This year they will be giving Eric Carle's "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," Said the Sloth.
They will also be giving an additional book out this year and have chosen Why is the Sky Blue? written by Geraldine Taylor and illustrated by me. You can read more about it here. It is going to be a huge distribution and I couldn't be happier that my illustrations will be shared with so many youngsters.

Thanks for entering, the giveaway is now closed.

On A Whim 2 Nursery

On A Whim 2 nursery by CraZee CrafteeZ

More News and Updates

poonFirst off here are pics of the Highlight Five Magazine feature I have in this month's issue which I just received in the mail. (click on all photos to see enlarged).

Next, I wanted to share with you a link where you can purchase the hippo fabric I printed with Spoonflower, as I have had requests for more yardage.

Lastly, remember my beet soup illo? I just had it digitally printed with Spoonflower, can't wait to see how it comes out!

Squares

I am so happy to see how people have used this geo fabric from Animal Party for Quilts for Kids. I think the fabric works so well on all of these creations, don't you?

high chair cover

burp cloth

dog collar

shoulder bag

and another bag

headband

Jungle Jane Quilt in the Flesh

I love this new quilt pattern by Cherry House Quilts using the On A Whim 2 fabrics.

Print & Pattern Now Availabe in the US

If you love pattern design, and I know  you do, you must purchase this wonderful book - Print and Pattern by the author of the Print and Pattern blog, Marie Perkins (Bowie Style).

Here is my spread in the book, it is such an honor to be included in this project. 

Also, check out this really cool blog - theydrawandcook.com. I have a yummy soup recipe posted.

Blowing the Winter Blues Away

I illustrated a mini book for Highlights High Five Magazine which is in the current publication. Here is a spread from the book - it was such a fun project. I hope the kidoodles enjoy it!

Where I Have Been and What I"ve Been Doing

I have been working my little tail feathers off.

I am working on -

 a new children's book for Little Green

a kid's book journal for Random House

designs for Surtex

more fabric designs for Robert Kaufman

Trying to fit in a little life in there somewhere..... I  had my whole family at home for a whole month! That was delightful and a healthy distraction from work.

I really can't show any of my new work until it is published so more to come later.

What have you been up to??? I hope you are all happily busy too.

On A Whim 2

On A Whim 2 fabrics are in stores now. If you are wondering where to find yardage I have a list of online shops to make it a little easier for you. I can't wait to see what you make with this collection. In the meanwhile, for your entertainment, here is a cross section of sewing projects with my previous collections in my flickr group.

Click on pic to enlarge

Fight2Win

Did any of you happen to watch American Idol last night and see an ad for Fight2Win.org? I was really moved by the ad, and as a Hodgkin's Disease survivor, have never seen any fundraiser asking specifically for donations for research on Hodgkin's Disease. I always thought this is true largely because it is a treatable disease with a very high success rate. But unfortunately, as it strikes young people predominantly, there are those who succumb to the disease. In some instances the disease is resistant to the treatment protocols. I have met many people through the years, some who do fine and others who do not survive either the disease or the treatment. I am so happy to find out about a way to help learn more about this disease. Almost all of the donated money goes directly to fund the research itself. 


Here is a small way I can begin to help with this cause. Last week I received a box of fabrics from Robert Kaufman. The fabrics are the On A Whim owls design enlarged. They were digitally printed by Spoonflower. I have 5 pieces that are 3 yards each. I am going to offer these in my Etsy shop with free shipping. All proceeds (minus my shipping costs) will go to Fight2Win.org. They would be perfect for larger home decorating projects. I included a photo of the original owls so you can see the size difference. Thanks for helping me to raise money for research.