Rozzie Land

Vote! Cheerios spoonful of stories literacy project

 

  Click here to vote

One of my favorite children's book authors, Karma Wilson,  is involved with this project. Go here  to learn more.  And in the mean time, please vote!!

Friday Five

Hi everyone.

Long time no blog. Fall already, where did the summer go?

1. Thanks again for the wonderful suggestions for my shoulder pain. I managed to finish the last leg of the board book work using Alleve. I'm wondering if  a cintiq may be in my future. I find I wear my shoulders like earrings when I'm at the monitor too long. Maybe that wouldn't happen as much with a cintiq? I don't know. Something to think about.

Speaking of the board books, here is a sneak peek at one of the finishes. 

These will be touch and feel books published by Lobster Press but I'm not sure when they come out. I had a very positive experience working with them and can't wait to see them published.

2. This summer, I had my first experience working with an advertising agency. Oh, boy, totally different animal from children's publishing. After all was said and done, it was  a great experience but I had a hard time not getting stressed out. I'm learning I need to chill out because ultimately the work always gets done somehow, some way. I should hopefully be getting my copies soon. It is a brochure/booklet for Elecare infant formula and was done in my traditional felt style. 

3. And now I'm back to work on a project I started before the summer that's due in December. It is a science craft book . I am having such a blast working on this. I am responsible for the writing and illustration for this project book so a lot of research has been involved. 

(a little peek)

You just never know what will come as a result of your portfolio. I had a b&w illustration that I did years ago depicting kids blowing bubbles with directions on how to make them at home. This caught the eye of an AD and I was asked to submit ideas for a science based project book.  Never in a million years would I have ever imagined  sitting here creating such a book but I am and it is F U N. 

BTW If you know of any fun science projects (or crafts that have a scientific bent) that you'd like to suggest, I'm all "ears". I'm looking for ones that can be done at home with every day things.

4. I have been such a lame blogger so I don't feel like I deserve these but I must give a big hug to Sherry and Nikki for sending me these awards over the summer. Please check out their blogs, they are both so talented. xo

5. I am so bummed. I've been meaning to take myself to see "Time Traveler's Wife"  but I waited too long.  When I went to check movie times I found that our theater stopped showing it ..yesterday. BAH HUMBUG. 

So I guess I'll have to console myself by watching Wolverine....again. Can't get enough of my boyfriend, Hugh. =o)

Have a great weekend everyone. Happy illustrating. 

Julie & Julia

 

Took myself to a movie today and finally saw the film above. Oh, I loved it, loved it, loved it.   I was fascinated by the back story of the infamous Julia Childs (Meryl Streep - BRAVO!) while equally enjoying the trials and tribs of the Julie of today(Amy Adams- delightful!).  I connected with both -I think you all will too - finding themselves and pursuing publication.  

Anyway, I'm no critic, just enjoyed the film thoroughly. 

Okay, so if you go see the movie and get excited by the fried bread and tomato scene, here is a link to the recipe. You'll know what I mean when you see the film.

http://hungrynovelist.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/bruschetta-alla-julie-and-julia/

And if you're curious if Julie still blogs and want to visit...

 http://juliepowell.blogspot.com/

Go see the flick. =o) 

Bon Appetit!

Shoulder Pain

Just a quickie post to say I'm still working away here. The summer was a blur with the kids starting school the end of last week. When I was in school,  we started after labor day. This just seems way too early to be going back. Aw well.

Illustration work is clicking along.  One job that was only supposed to be a 3 page brochure turned into 9 pages which added to the workload considerably. That along with a tight deadline for 4 board books, I am working around the clock  which is doing a number on my shoulders.  I mean, I am in excruciating pain here.  I'm not sure how to remedy it because I am so focused on getting this work turned in asap. I think I have about another week before I can take a break from the computer.

Anyone else experience this shoulder muscle pain?

The GREAT news ,however, is that my new wacom tablet has been invaluable. I never dreamed that I would be using the pen so much.  I thought it would hurt my wrist but the opposite has happened. I can go for hours and hours vs using a mouse. Thankful for that!

Okay, back to it. Happy illustrating everyone.

* Thanks so much everyone for the wonderful suggestions on relieving the pain. I  got some Aleve and it has definitely taken the edge off for now.

SCBWI Conference Blog

http://sbwiconference.blogspot.com/

How wonderful to get a taste of the LA conference. Thanks Team Blog!

Highlights High 5 - August

Sorry I have been so absent. Ever since returning from our trip to Vegas, I've been trying to keep up with a couple of summer deadlines. Getting there. =o)  I'll share more when I can. 

But I do finally have something that I can show! I'm in the August edition of Highlights High Five.  Click to view larger. 

This was a lot of fun to create and I think the busiest piece I've done so far. I hope they hire me again.

Okay back to it. 

Home from vacation

Home again, home again! Returned late last night from our two week vacation visiting my parents in Las Vegas. It was so nice to see them and revisit our favorite places. For me, simple things like going to the movies at my local casino/cinema (most cinemas are built attached to casinos now). 

We also splurged and stayed 4 nights at the Venetian. SOO fun!  If you visit Vegas, I would highly recommend this hotel. Fun pools, shopping, shows and great food. Plus, it's adjoined with the Palazzo so can use their pools as well as the one's at the Venetian. We stayed at the Palazzo for a couple of nights when we lived in LV and it's gorgeous. Either way, try to get a room with a view of the city. Worth the extra cash.

Now, it's back to reality and the deadlines. But I'll be dreaming of the lounge pool and buffets. =o)

Experimenting with felt layers

HI All!

I am thrilled (and relieved) that my latest experiment worked so I thought I would share. 

I'm currently working with a client that has asked for me to use my traditional felt style for their project. I was happy to say yes but realized due to the assignment, it would be best to provide the different elements separately so they can shift things around if necessary.

Now, I knew how to do this to some degree but I've never felt confident with it. But it turns out, working digitally this past year is helping now with traditional felt.

Here is the experiment:

The frog on the right is the copy.

I'm very pleased with the results.

Don't know if you're interested but this is how I did it:

Traced around the frog with the pen tool

Made the selection with a feather of 1 and  "copied"

Added a drop shadow:

Opacity 65

Distance 0

Spread 0

Size 20

Stitchery Love

Photo courtesy of Lucy at Attic 24

Hello my bloggie peeps. Hope you are doing well today. It is pouring down rain here. We've had gallons of it so far this summer. Such a total 180 from the weather in Las Vegas, where we used to live. Speaking of which, we're driving there in a couple of weeks for vacation. Can't wait!

Anyway, I wanted to take a time out from work and share this pretty embroidered piece with you. The lovely Lucy at Attic24 makes these little treasures and is selling them at her blog. The one you see above is mine. =o) Seriously, I just commissioned it. Thanks, Lucy!  Isn't it delightful? 

I have been in love with embroidered applique for many years but haven't made the time to make my own. If you aren't a procrastinator like me, here's a book from my collection I'd recommend. I like how the frayed edges add to the design of the pieces:

Okay, back to work. =o)

Friday Five

Hello all! I haven't been keeping up with the blog very well, so I thought I would quickly post a friday five.

1. YAY!  Finished first round of sketches for the board books I'm working on this summer. I shouldn't hear anything until the middle of next week so I'm going to savor the mental vacation. =o)  

I love when I can enjoy the down time instead of worrying over where the next assignment is. Oh wait, I'm not supposed to be doing that anymore. =o)

2. I have an assignment where I'll be doing a lot of b&w line art (more about that later) so I decided it was time to invest in a good wacom tablet. I want to do these digitally. Can't wait to get my new toy! 

3. My girls are doing great. Lily is in heat. I need to get her fixed. Just keep putting it off. We've had thunderstorms all week so weeing in the house has resumed. =o/

(1990 Edinburgh, Scotland )

4. Kevin and I celebrated our 19th anniversary this month. I am even more in love with this man now than I was the day we wed. Never imagined it possilbe and thrilled that it's the case.  I'm sincerely blessed and I know it.

5.And the biggest news of all (for me at least) is that I had a birthday and turned the big 4 0. I have been dreading this number for years and didn't even want to celebrate but now that I'm here I have to say that I feel pretty darn good about it. I have a life that I can be very proud of. I have my health, a beautiful family that loves me and I'm getting paid to do something I love. Can't get much better than that!

xo to all.

Working away...

Sorry to be so absent. I have a quick turnaround on the sketches for these board books. Juggling that with day to day living has left little time for much else. 

Above are the thumbs for book three. I feel comfortable showing them because they will probably change a lot when I go to final sketch phase. This was just the first attempt at potential ideas. Now, it's time for book 4 thumbs and then I'll move on to making them all legible.

I'm working on all four at the same time because I want to make sure that I don't repeat tactile elements. 

Fun stuff!

The Power of the Dummy

If you're slaving away on a dummy book, keep at it, it's worth it. Unfortunately, I'm not writing to celebrate a sale but I do have some good news.  

The illo above is a finish from a dummy book that was recently submitted to a publisher looking for board book ideas. It piqued the interest of an editor but ultimately, the publisher passed. However, they did offer me a series of touch 'n  feel board books to illustrate so I'm pretty thrilled. 

So again, keep working on your dummy books, you just never know what opportunities it may bring your way. And as for this little dummy book...back out it goes to see if it can find a home. =o)

Sailing

Happy Monday all! Here is a portfolio piece I created last week. I incorporated some scanned papers in this one to see how they would work. For the dog and the little girls hair, I used toweling. Unfortunately that texture was lost when I reduced to 72dpi. Aww, well.

Rock Stars of Reading- Jeff Mack

Rock Stars of Reading part 11: Jeff Mack

Posted using ShareThis

Twittering Autors & Illustrators

Tara Lazar has created a list of children's book authors and illustrators that are twittering. 

I hope more start "tweeting", it's a great extension to your existing blogs. 

Grey Gardens

Did any of you catch, "Grey Gardens" this weekend on HBO? Immediately after the film, I went online to see if I could find the real documentary and here it is!

http://tinyurl.com/dho2j2   

It's absolutely fascinating. After seeing the true characters,  I bet Jessica Lange and/or Drew Barrymore will receive awards for their portrayals. Spot on!

Rockstars of reading- Jarret Krosoczka

Rockstars of reading continues over at "Just One More Book". So fun to watch an illustrator work in his studio .http://tinyurl.com/cafsnt

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone.

dummy book art revamped

I'm getting ready to re send my little dummy book out into the world. I wanted to revamp the final art samples to reflect my new style. I mentioned this over at Twitter and said I would share it, so here it is. Click to view larger.

Here is the original felt version:

and here is the updated one:

I have given up the desire to make the new style look exactly like the original felt. I was stressing myself out too much with it and realized that it was defeating the purpose of... less stress. 

I'm often asked why I transitioned to digital and there are many reasons. Number one, it's a lot of fun! I have way more freedom now and I look forward to experimenting and exploring. Now, I can try several color or pattern scenarios without having to commit. 

Another major reason is it's much easier to meet deadlines. Over the years, I've noticed more and more that publishers are wanting changes to the final art. This was challenging with my traditional pieces. Often, it meant completely starting over, even if it was a minor (to them) change. 

Artist's starting out that work in textiles ask me if I think they should work digitally. My answer is no. Not if you truly love what you do and it's your form of expression. There is nothing like the look of traditional fabrics and stitching. I still love its natural, organic quality.  

I just particularly enjoy working on the computer.  If you move to digital just because you think you "should", you'll be unhappy.

Just One More Book- Diane DeGroat

Here is another fabulous video that Just One More Book posted today. It's Diane DeGroat sharing how she created her book,DOGS DON'T BRUSH THEIR TEETH, using photoshop. So interesting! She also discusses her transition to digital.  

Thanks for providing these great videos, Just One More Book! 

What dog are you?

This is a fun game and I was freaked out when I saw the dog that I am. It is a miniature spitz but it looks exactly like my Lily! (Press the green button above to see)

Wanna play? Go here.

http://www.gone2thedogs.com/

The game is on the sidebar to the right, "click to play what dog are you".

Lane Smith shares his process

Hop on over to "Just One More Book" and check out this great video of Lane Smith sharing his process.

What I particularly loved hearing was even "famous" illustrators have to go through revisions. =0) 

Furball Friday

Happy Friday to all.   I thought I'd share my girls and what they've been up to this week. First the "good girl", who is doing what she loves best. Sorry Val, didn't mean to wake you with the flash. 

 

Then here is little bit showing off her new trick.

 

This morning she is trying to cute me to death so she won't get in trouble for digging.

 

Yes, it worked.  =o)

Jill Phillips

Totally loving this illustrator's work. Do you know Jill travels to Japan regularly to gather inspiration? Now, that is my idea of fun! I lived in Okinawa for a few years growing up and I would go back in a heart beat!! 

Gilroy

You know when a piece of art just speaks to you and you really can't explain why? Well, that's what happened to me with this adorable little fellow named Gilroy designed by the talented Elizabeth Doherty.  Something about his blissful expression took my breath away and I knew I had to have him.   And finally I can!  I've been saving my pennies and now Gilroy is mine- all mine and I am so tickled. =o))

 (photos by Beth) 

Attic24

If you enjoy crochet and haven't visited this  blog - attic24 , head on over there right now. Lucy works in such vibrant and joyful colors! SO inspiring. I must start a blanket like this (the one with the raised flowers) for myself. Just looking at it makes me smile. Everything on Lucy's blog makes me smile, actually. Especially since Spring has sprung a leak and is looking more like winter again.

Revamped portrait cartoon

Janet and her team are revamping the artwork on her site this week so I thought it was high time I did a new cartoon portrait for my page. It was fun. My page hasn't been changed yet so I'll post when it has.

Illustration friday- Legendary

Noah's Ark: Truth or Legend? 

Regardless, it sure is a fun subject to illustrate!

Illustration friday- Legendary

H is for House

This is the finish from the little rough I showed you on Friday. These are too fun to make. Maybe one day, I'll have the opportunity to do an entire alphabet. They say add illustrations to your portfolio of things you'd like to be hired to do, so here's hoping.

Friday five on Saturday

Hi all, sorry I have been such a slack blogger lately. The days are just whizzing by and I feel like I'm playing catch up all the time. So here's a brief catch up...

1.

 

I officially love my mac. I am finding it to be so efficient. One thing I particularly love is the work flow. At first it unnerved me that I could go from place to place (ps to online to scanner etc) so seamlessly but that is something I favor the most about it now.

And it's quiet. My mac doesn't make any sound. My pc, is so loud. It's like my husband. Love him to bits but could do without the snoring. =o) 

2.

In tv this week...CARLA WAS ROBBED. 

3.

I finished an assignment last night. It took me a couple of weeks and it's the busiest piece I've done digitally. I'm really happy with it. It's 2 spreads for High Five magazine coming out in August.

4.

Here is a super rough sketch of an illo I'm going to work up this weekend. I want to create some more alphabet pages like I did last year.

5.

 

Okay, I caved. I've signed up. I haven't started twittering yet, I'm still trying to figure out how everything works over there. 

xo to all.

Slumdog Millionaire

Did you all catch the Oscars last night? I have to admit, I hadn't seen ,"Slumdog Millionaire", so I didn't know what all the buzz was about. I wish I had because I would  have been just as caught up in the thrill of their wins as everyone else.  I finally watched it today and for me it lived up to all the hype. I absolutely loved it. The wins were well deserving.

See it if you can. It's a lovely story full of humor, love, sadness, action...everything. 

tweedle 2

I finally made Emily's Tweedle and she was really happy with it. This one came out  larger than the first one which tells me I need to sit and write a pattern for myself. There was so much time between this one and the first one that I forgot how I did it. 

Anyway, it was a lot fun. I added some scent to this one. Emily loves anything vanilla so this little guy smells like ice cream.  

BTW, if anyone knows of a good tutorial on switching colors in a spiral, I'd appreciate it. I couldn't get the yellow stripe to line up at the yarn change (it's hidden in the back). I tried slip stitching between yarn changes but that didn't seem to help. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

TGIF and thank you!

Thank you sweet Alicia for this award. Visit her blog and check out her beautiful endearing work. You'll be charmed. 

Along with the award came a tag to name 7 things I love. Another hard one... so many things to choose. Okay, family and friends are a given so here's some more abstract ones...

1. 

I love sleeping and especially with my fleece pillow.  A couple of years ago when I went to the SCBWI NY conference, the kids surprised me with a fleece blanket and pillow when I returned. There is nothing more comfy than this thing, let me tell you. I sleep with mine every night. (As an aside the fabric has my favorite character, Eeyore.)

2.

 

I love how Lily puts herself to sleep with her stuffed toys. Isn't that darling? I've never seen a dog

do that before.

3.

 

I love how Valentine sunbathes in the snow! And I love snow.

4

.

I love illustrating and crafting so I love this movie and haven't even seen it yet ! Go to "you tube" to see some behind the scenes footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=VT5MFdAB7fI&feature=related! 

FASCINATING. I predict it will win many awards.

5.

.

 I love ham and pineapple pizza. Especially on thin crust at Dominos. 

6.

My favorite color. I love every variation of this.

7.

 

Which leads to this stuffy.  Look at the pistachio color!  You can buy him ready made and guess what else? If he's out of your price range you can make one yourself. Jenny provides everything you need. I ordered one so Emily and I can make him together. Can't wait! Jenny Lee has a blog too! 

http://jennylovesbenny.blogspot.com/

Okay that was more like 10 things.

I tag and award Eric Barclay,  The gang at Illustration for Kids, Picturebookies, Beth Doherty , PG and betz white.

IF: flawed

A flaw in the making.

I worked on this over the weekend for my portfolio. I would love to do a nursery rhyme book. 

I'm sitting here waiting for the Super Bowl to start. Go CARDINALS!!!

Tweedle

The urge to craft has come back with a vengeance.  I am totally besotted with amigurumi right now and have been itching to create a design of my own. So here's my first one which was inspired by the birds from my blog banner.

Introducing my chubby little bird, Tweedle.

 

 

He was created in the traditional ami method of single crochets worked in rounds. His wings were a little more complicated, using half, single and double crochets. Mum helped me design them while she was here at Christmas.

Emily is asking for one in pink so I'm going to be make one for her room that is scented.

IF: climbing

Baby duck likes climbing on mummy to have a chat.

I'm starting to get the hang of cs4. One little nuisance (for me) is that the path's I create with the pen tool are more transparent than in cs2 so sometimes it's hard to see what I'm doing. But I'm getting used to it. I don't have a choice, haha! I don't have any other versions I can revert to on here (mac).

It looks like we are going to get a ton of snow here tonight! Possibly 6 inches by Wednesday. I'm excited. I haven't seen snow like that since I lived in DC several years ago. 

Friday Five

1. I have a new toy...

Meet my new Imac. It was time to get a new computer, one that would be mine and mine only and I decided to go with a mac. Mainly because I'm...curious. I love my pc but I want to be versed on both platforms. So here she is in the living area. I'm excited because I can sit with everyone now and no one has to stare at my back for long periods of time. That's a first! 

So far I am enjoying it very much. I have to say, though, I nearly fainted when I thought I couldn't "right click" anymore but fortunately the mouse can be set up to do that. PHEW! 

2. A major expense was having to buy Photoshop again. Oy vey! I got cs4 and I'm doing a warm up illustration to see how it goes. I have an assignment but may do it on the pc (it's familiar and still has cs2 on it) while I continue to learn this.

WIP:

It's different from cs2  but I'm not sure how much is cs4 or the mac. 

Right now, I feel like I'm really slow , hopefully that will change as I get used to the different mouse and options. 

3. Okay enough computer stuff...

I took myself to the movies today. My first day time movie since our move here. This is something I love to make time for now that all the kids are in school.

I saw this and loved it.

Revolutionary Road

4. I ordered this lovely amigurumi book from Japan because I heard that the diagrams are pretty easy to follow. um... they are? =o)  Sigh. Adorable  photos, though!

5. Is it just me or is it getting overwhelming with all the different ways of connecting with others? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace. I can't keep up! I think this humble blog and direct emailing is my comfort level.

Have a great weekend all.

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS

You have to read this.

http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000932.html
38 ways to be creative.
It is so inspiring.

Thanks to the Lilla Rogers blog for posting a link to it.

Friday Five

 

Before Christmas, Nikki kindly sent me this award . Thanks Nikki!  Along with it is a meme so I thought it would work well for "five things Friday".

I'm supposed to list 5 addictions. Just 5? That's a toughy.

1.  

Peppermint White Mocha, to be precise.

 

2.  

 

3.  

 

4.  
Watching movies at home and at the cinema.

 

5.  

Over the holiday, I discovered the world of AMIGURUMI which  roughly translated means "stitched toys". If you enjoy crocheting, this is such a fun past time. I am TOTALLY ADDICTED and can't help but want to start designing my own little creations.

 

 

Theme 2009 - Contentment

 

 

Last year my theme for 2008 was trust and I'm not sure how well I honored it. Often, I questioned myself and what was going on around me. The move, assignments (I stink, I'll never get another assignment- negative self talk) family issues, etc. You know, nothing earth shattering, just life.

Having said that, I am proud of myself  for finally pursuing digital illustration - something I've wanted to do for years. I know I'm on the right track simply because I'm feeling satisfied. I'm having fun. When you're where you are meant to be there is a peace about it. Do you know what I mean? Even if you're not exactly there yet but working towards it, you can feel it, can't you? And it feels good.

So that's what I want for this year. My 2009 theme is contentment (dictionary definition: satisfied, ease of mind). I want to do my best at staying in this feeling because it's truly wonderful. Stress is exhausting. I don't want assignments or lack of assignments to define my happiness as much as it has in the past, that's for sure. 

Goals? Just to keep creating, growing and exploring.

Here's to a 2009 full of wonderful possibilities for all of us!

A year in review

Hi all. Happy New Year!  I hope it brings you all of your hearts desires.

Another post to come on my hopes for 2009 but for now, here is a year in review via illustrations...

January
Educational poster - Denardo Designs

 

 

February
Published in Feb. issue of Highlights Magazine

 

Decide to finally take the plunge and learn Adobe Illustrator. First piece.

 

 

March
Last piece this year created traditionally.

 

 

April
Published in April issue of Highlights Magazine.

May
After much experimenting, I develop a digital style I can call my own.
Created with pen tool in photoshop after learning how to use it in Illustrator.

 

 

June
Postcard created for local scbwi get together.

 

July
More digi-felt experimentation.

 

August
First assignment created with my new style.
EEC International

 

September
Educational Poster - Denardo Designs.

  

October
Mock up covers for my first books that can be found on Amazon or in bookstores!
Pub date June O9.

 

November
First piece created after our move from Las Vegas to Scott AFB, IL.

December
Final assignment for 2008. From a "fold and go" book for, Elements Publishing.

 That was harder to compile than I thought!

 

Happy Christmas Eve!

 

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday celebration with family and friends. xo to all.

Granny square scarf

Every winter I get the urge to crochet and this year is no different. This time last year I was coveting this scarf and I've been wanting to make one ever since. A little ambitious so I decided to do something simple to get the ball rolling (or should I say unraveling?). I chose a traditional granny square and had Emily choose 3 colors that she'd like for her scarf.

 

I have really enjoyed working on this in the evenings. So relaxing. .She wants a very long scarf so I have quite a few blocks to go. My goal is twenty. Then I'll "block" and join. I'll be sure to post the finished version if all goes well.

UPDATE!
The scarf grew into a hat and embellished gloves. Emily was very happy with it and it was a ton of fun to make.

 

Purely digital

 

More digital experimentation. I created this felt digitally (instead of scanning in real felt). I am really excited because it gives me even more freedom with color choices! With traditional felt, yes, you can change the colors but it's still hit and miss. After a lot of manipulating you can really screw up the texture of the felt.

Fairies

Hi all, hope everyone that celebrated Thanksgiving were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. I love this time of year.

Here is a piece I worked on a couple of weeks ago. I created a companion piece to this one which you can see over at the pbjunkies blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Artwork: Emily Fulcher

Bite Sized Jewelry

Bite Sized Jewelry asked if they could use my artwork for the new line of jewelry they are creating and I was happy to say yes. I think I'm going to order some for Emily and my niece.

Illustration Friday- Pretend

Twilight

  

 I initially got this for Emily for the road trip to Illinois but when she moved to the second book, I decided to see what all the "hype" was about and started reading too. Vampires, Werewolves. Really?

Okay, I give. I'm hooked. Really hooked. Swoon. =o)

I only hope the movie version is as good. Emily and I are counting the days.