children's books

nine cool things on a tuesday

~ jama ~ 16 Comments

1. Hello and Happy March! Has it come in like a lion or a lamb where you are? Whatever the case may be, March is known for changeable weather, so why not welcome it with a bit of beauty in anticipation of spring?

Oregon artist Katie Daisy — one of our faves — always brings the sunshine, joys of nature, and upbeat inspiration. Think wildflowers, songbirds, meadows, wide open prairie skies, magic and enchantment. Can’t get enough of her vibrant colors and vintage hand lettering (so many great quotes!).

Whenever I’m feeling down, I pop over to her Etsy Shop to see what’s new. This time around, the designs that caught my eye were her stamp collection, prairie dresses, happy home, sweet as pie, and the adorable morning glory brunch club (yum!). 🙂

Just so many lovely designs! Besides prints, she sells t-shirts, notebooks, greeting cards, mugs, tote bags, etc., and she’s recently added fabrics and gift wrap. Something for everyone. For much more, visit her Official Website, The Wheatfield, her Facebook and Instagram.

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nine cool things on a tuesday

~ jama ~ 12 Comments

1. Happy June! The lazy days of summer are just about upon us. How will you while away the hours — relaxing on a quiet beach, sharing ice cream with friends, or indulging in some midsummer magic with your favorite critters?

Michigan artist and illustrator Gretchen Ellen Powers helps us envision the possibilities in her beautiful pictures. In fact, her debut picture book, Summer’s Call (written by Amber Lynn Hellewell) captures the feeling of a “Michigan summer,” something she’s known well since childhood.

The nostalgic feel and soft, muted palette of Gretchen’s art is reminiscent of Tasha Tudor. I also see a touch of Amy June Bates in how she draws her characters. I like the old fashioned throwback to classics such as Anne of Green Gables and Little Women in some of her pictures — a comforting nod to simpler times. And one of her favorites is Beatrix Potter. 🙂

Prior to Summer’s Call, she created 30 interior illustrations for the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Boxcar Children. She’s also done label and greeting card design and editorial work for such clients as The Telegraph (Stella Magazine), Mollie Makes, Lionheart Magazine, and Creature Comforts.

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nine cool things on a tuesday

~ jama ~ 8 Comments

1. April showers bring May flowers! We’re celebrating the merriest of months with stunning images by Japanese artist Shinya Okayama.

I wasn’t able to find much biographical information about him online in English. Wish I could read Japanese so I could have done additional detective work. 🙂

But we do know Okayama was born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1982 and that he studied at Sokei Academy of Fine Art and Design (2003-2007).

I stumbled upon his work on Pinterest and was immediately taken with his beautiful colors, extraordinary level of detail, and gentle depictions of children and animals, who are portrayed on equal footing and living in total harmony.

He paints an idyllic world, where children are free to explore their surroundings and enjoy wonderful adventures with many wild creatures on land and from the sea. He injects elements of the surreal in some of his pictures, as boundaries between earth and ocean disappear.

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nine cool things on a tuesday

~ jama ~ 12 Comments

1. Happy March! We’re looking forward to spring and all things green and floral with Olivia Gibbs’ lovely art. So colorful and joyful!

Born and raised in Spain, Olivia is self taught and currently resides in Augusta, Georgia. She’s been smitten with drawing since childhood, when she’d spend hours creating stories in her sketchbook.

Since art didn’t seem like a viable career option, she studied Business Administration in college and then worked in banking for many years. But when her second daughter was born, she was able to stay at home and renew her interest in art, her true passion.

In addition to drawing and painting, Olivia loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. She’s also keen on hiking, baking, dancing, finding the beauty in everyday life, and spending time with loved ones. 

Her client list includes American Greetings, Galison/Mudpuppy, Oopsy Daisy, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, and Jo-Ann Fabric. 

She recently published this book:

For more, visit Olivia’s Official Website, Instagram and Etsy Shop, where you can purchase prints.

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nine cool things on a Tuesday

~ jama ~ 18 Comments

1. Happy November! To warm us up, enjoy Korean artist Selynn Lee’s cozy animal paintings. Her earthy brown-rust palette is very autumnal and a nice way to anticipate Thanksgiving.

Selynn currently lives in Frankfurt, Germany, and is all about creating pictures that depict joy and make her laugh.

She loves to travel internationally and learn new languages. She’s been drawing animals since childhood.

Her art caught my eye because of my love of foxes and bears. I like the idea of different animal species peacefully co-existing. 🙂

To purchase cards, prints, and stickers, visit SelynnDraws (Etsy). Larger prints are available at InPrint.  Most recent work may be found at Selynn’s Instagram.

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