Monsters Celebrate Holidays too!

My holiday cards are here!!! I've decided to switch things up and did 4 different designs this year. In my ventures into licensing, one of the things I've learned was in creating collections; images that go together, especially in a set like this. I've noticed that I only do alot of one-offs (besides doing books.) So I thought I would give myself that challenge when making holiday cards this year.

You'll notice these are the same monster from the moving monster piece I did (which by the way, I'm getting them printed as a self promo card). They were fun enough for me to crank out 4 designs very quickly.

So let me introduce to you:

Sleepy Monster
Knitting Monster
Santa Monster
Baker Monster

I'll be using these to send to friends, family & clients. Also put some up in my shop if you are interested :-)

And if I don't post before then, Happy Thanksgiving to those in the US! I will be staying here in Ann Arbor this year instead of traveling, but tickets are booked to spend Christmas with my family in PA and NY. I can't wait!

I spy my book...at Barnes & Nobles!

I know its not even Thanksgiving yet but stores everywhere are already displaying alot of Christmas items. This weekend, I went to my local Barnes and Nobles and sure enough, they have my new book there! Its called The Great Reindeer Rebellion, written by Lisa Trumbauer and illustrated by yours truly. Its a great companion to The Haunted Ghoul Bus, with the same format and embossed pages, both published by Sterling.

What happens when the reindeers go on strike? Santas and his elves enlist other animals to pull the sleigh for him!
Some interior spreads:

There are some funny and interesting stories I would like to share while working on this book. But I will save that for another post. For now, I just want to officially announce it here that this book is released! You can get it on Amazon or at your local Barnes & Nobles.

Cluck cluck!

Birthday Wishes-Latest CGD stamp set!

Today I am celebrating the new release of Birthday Wishes.... the latest Chicken Girl Design photopolymer stamp sets! This is one of my favorites- you can find it at I {heart} Papers for only $10!

Featured at Paper crave!

My Chicken Girl Design photopolymer stamp sets are featured over at Paper Crave today! The blog features wonderful delicious paper products and related accessories for everyone to drool over. Thank you for the mention and kind words, Paper Crave!

Speaking of my stamps, there are sneak peeks right now of another set that will be coming out called Birthday Wishes, one of my favorites out of all the sets. It will be coming out on November 16th exclusively at I {heart} Papers, of course!

Check out what the Chicken Girl Design Team is up to:
Lori
Meredith
Natasha
Shelly
Kate
Shannon
Judy
Tammy
Kendra
Loretta

In other news, I just spent my birthday weekend in Canada, (I'm actually still there right now!) but I'm heading home today. It was a lovely getaway but once I get back to my routine, I promise to have more fun posts here. Cluck cluck!

What will you be for Halloween this year?

I know, there is no chicken suit! I did these illos for Kindermusik. What's everyone going to be this Halloween? I thought I was going to be staying home passing out candy, but it looks like I will be going to a party, but a costume is neither required or suggested. Hmm. Perfect since I'm always too cheap to get a costume together!

Blogs and their influences

I recently received this lovely award from Deborah Mori of Life without Novacaine. Deborah was one of those blog friends I got to meet in person a while back. She shares her work and personal life there- I know she's been going through a rough year and am amazed at her strength; with each post she writes what she is grateful for that day. So, Deborah- I have to give this award right back to you-your blog definitely inspires me too.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and friends I've made through blogs. Its been about 2 months now living in my new town (for those who don't know, I just moved from New York to Ann Arbor, MI). I've been meaning to write a post about how things are going, but honestly, its all still too fresh- I have a different feeling each day. No, it has not been easy. But I do like this town alot, and I've surrendered that it may take me a while to really "settle in." I want to write more about my experiences as I can gather my thoughts better. But the friendships I've made through blogs helped with my transition alot. It keeps me going and inspires me every single day. So thank you :-)

The rules upon accepting this award:

1.) Only one rule. Pass this award along to someone who motivated you, inspired you or enriched your artistic life with their creative gift. If you feel so inclined, you can create a short list of the things you love, your favorite muse, or your favorite childhood memories. The most important thing though is to award someone who has made your life better.

Organizing

A sneak peek at one of my drawers filled with my promos and greeting cards. I'm slowly organizing my new-ish studio!