fat catt and licorice

Matt and I have been toying around with the idea of a children's book (written and illustrated by us!!) called fat catt and licorice. This of course is based off our own cherished kitties and their quirks (they never fail to make us laugh). We are always making up stories about them and what they really do when we aren't around. But... we are pretty sure catt just sleeps most of the time and licorice is hiding under the covers- he's a typical scared-y black cat. However their typical day would obviously make for an extremely super boring book. Hence our made-up stories of their imaginative adventures!

Below is a picture of licorice actually above the covers!



He meows a. lot. and has giant mitten like feet- which are so adorable!


So here just a few quick sketches of mostly cat head shapes and expressions.
More to come!

I totally love carving my own stamps!! After having a linoleum block and carving tools in my possession for oh about 2.5 years, I finally started to make something of them. I had been looking at this book Lotta Prints for a while now and picked it up back in February. It's such a wonderful tool- there are many ideas and pictures of inspiration that will make your brain think in ways of stamping.



I first started out too complicated... small design with more small details.. very hard to do especially when I haven't touched this stuff in 6 years. I quickly learned simple shapes are easier and still just as fun. I have some other designs (leaves, flowers, hearts) but these birds are my favorite so far. I carved the body shape and then used an ink pen to do fine line details. I have a gagillion post-it notes and thought this was an excellent use of them. enjoy!

love bird

wouldn't a flock of these be so adorable?? !

lovey owls

a quick ink drawing of owls (I've been drawing pages upon pages lately)
Inspired by an orange lovebird plastic barrette.

happy spring

Even though today was a bit chilly out- it's the first official day of spring! woohoo! and to celebrate this wonderful season here is a bunny!

Illustration Friday- intricate

Building a nest is an intricate process & these birds are down to the last twig!

Can you tell I'm anxious for some nice spring weather?? I can't wait to see some real green outside!

Illustration Friday- instinct

Birds have a natural instinct to fly... of course only after a few flight lessons!! 

I absolutely love love love drawing birds! Within the first couple pages of my brand new sketchbook I have an entire page filled with quirky birds- I'll have to post a few of my favorites

Illustration Friday- celebrate

The first entry for my bran-spanking-new blog is for illustration friday! The word of the week is celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than with a pile of cats (and an itty-bitty mouse) with party hats?!