Dance a little.

Every shop has the favorites...the ones that sell over and over again, and then the ones that shine quietly in the back. This print, a first of mine when the shop opened 2 years ago, always makes me happy.  These elephants often get stuck in the back, and I wanted to give them a proper reintroduction. Translation on the print is: Dance with me (which can easily be omitted if you just don't speak french like these elephants do).

So, say "Hello Elephants? How's the dancing?" or, if you are brave and feeling up to it, you could say, "Bonjour Elephants, comment va la dance?"

Because really, how can you not smile and laugh when you dance. I have learned well from my kids: that when the days get yucky, we turn up the music. It works every time.

Happy weekend, and happy dancing.

She Knits.

Shhhhh.....I am supposed to be working on my book....but I have February on my mind, and I have been warming up with some sketches. Here is a darling friend I've had in my head for a while. She may or may not end up in the shop, but she is sure making me smile this weekend. Back to book art....and hope you have a lovely weekend! I'm going shopping for a bit of spice to wear to the ALT Design Summit. Are you going? I can't wait.

Ok...enough tangents. Happy Weekend. And happy creating.

xo, sarah jane

Bubble gum candy.

The economy is messed up. Politics are crazy. It's freezing outside (without the advantage of fresh snow). My kitchen has seen better days (maybe not).  The laundry is getting a wee bit on the scary side. My hair could use a good doing. But just now,  my 5 year old breezes across the floor like this.

And I wonder if I could go back to when my mind was filled only with unicorns, purple things and bubble gum. My pace was that of hers.

But then I remember: I have unicorns, purple things and bubble gum every day. She hugs me and says "I love you, Mother." And so I skip.

Conversations on book art making.

So, Day 8 into the new year, and I have managed to draw every day. What is so hard though, is that the art that I am working on (my first picture book CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT with Harper Collins Publishers) really can't be shared. It's just the way it is! But I can share the models that I use, right? It sure is nice to have live models for Baby Jesus, and others. If only they'd sit still a minute!

But I will say, that most of the art I have done so far won't ever be used. It really is an amazing process. In book art making, you never get what you want on the first try!

It's like how I finally get to the point when I am trying to tell my husband why I am upset about something: It takes a lot of talking about every which thing before it finally comes out! (Come on...You know it's like that...it's amazing how much has to come out of your mouth before you say what you really need to say!)

Well, same with art making. Or at least my art making! I have sketch books full of stuff that just doesn't work. Or is completely random and has nothing to do with the book I am working on, but just happened to come out while I was working (like those conversations, you know?) But it all ends up being necessary to get what I am ultimately working towards.

It's really amazing to see how illustration births itself. It's the coolest thing ever. I love it!

I plan on having the book art done by May, and then comes the just as long production work. So cool. I get to work on Christmas all year:)

Sale.

Hello Friends!

Sorry for all of you who subscribe to my newsletter....this is the second time you'll be hearing this. But I had to let you know!

Prints are priced down now through Christmas! They will be on sale up until the holiday, but remember to check the shop for shipping dates to get there for the holidays.

Oh, and those popcorn balls turned out great. I wish I could fit them in your packages. I might just have to post the recipe soon.

Happy shopping!

xo

sarah jane

PS: PLEASE come visit the silent auction with a gift certificate to the shop here.

Cyber Monday Deals & More Christmas Stuff

I've never gotten Christmas ready so fast in our house. The day after Thanksgiving, we put up our tree. It feels wonderful!

Last year we moved over Christmas (please...I beg you...don't ever try that!) and so this year, I'm ready to really enjoy every single day. Even if there are still a few boxes of Christmas decorations that got lost in the move. Humbug.

But really, I wanted to say, Hello! Happy Christmas season! Lots of new fun things going on the shop!

New Christmas Labels:

(Insert sad sigh) The Snow on Snow print didn't make it to a card this year. The order came back faulty, and well...no time to redo. More Humbugs.

And this card which is a personal favorite (I'm still convinced my kids are going to stay in size 3)

But, on a Happy Note:

I'm joining the throngs of Cyber-Monday fanatics and offering

FREE 2010 CALENDAR with $40 purchase! (savings of $24!!!)

FREE CALENDAR MONDAY ONLY!

So I guess it's official: Christmas is here. I just love every bit of this season, and this year is extra special: We aren't in the throngs of boxes and get to enjoy the smell of pine and the sight of twinkling lights. I love it all.

Click here to go to the shopping.

Oh Happy Day!

Yet again....another something to love in the shop. These cards have been a favorite ...and finally I had enough recommendations to make it into a print! (Your suggestions are appreciated, and very often reflect what I get to work on next!)

So here it is....another print to love. Oh Happy Day!

ENJOY!

xo

sarah jane

PS: Thanks for all the Christmas love!