Swansicles

This drawing marks the second time in a row where I've designed a Valentine's card specifically for Justin and then couldn't help but cheapen the sentiment a tiny bit by printing up a whole bunch more for sale. Of course, he doesn't care but I feel a bit dirty.

Last year I made him the "Wii Belong Together" valentine and this year I made an image that oozes with classic romantic imagery like swans, stars, script handwriting and an elegant swirly border. But the truth is, well constructed romantic scenes with candlelight and soft music have always made us laugh self-consciously so I had to make this swan valentine less mushy so Justin wouldn't wince.

I changed the expression on the big swan's face to a look of surprise and added his exclaimation, "Gah! Your feet are like icicles" because I can't think of many simpler expressions of love than allowing your partner to snuggle up to you even when their icy appendages make you shiver.

Random trivia: The swan's quote is from one of our favorite movies (Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette) during the one of the excruciatingly awkward bedroom scenes between Marie Antoinette and King Louis.

I'll be adding a white version of these swan prints to my shop tomorrow.

I love Justin 4L.

This Thursday, Justin and I are celebrating our 8th anniversary of togetherness and it's also our very first wedding anniversary! We're going to take a quick train trip to the lovely seashore in Gloucester and have a fancy breakfast.

I'm tempted to get all mushy about how we are best friends and how supportive he is but I will refrain for the sake of his manly image.

I was looking through my shop today finding Valentines Day appropriate items that I could promote when I realized that many of my items are lovey and inspired by Justin. My first big success was my "wii belong together" valentine that I'd originally made for him and my second most successful item is, "bunnies adrift" which I drew one day specifically to make him smile. This made me think of how he has been helpful to my creative business in more ways than the much appreciated post office errands and tech. assistance. He makes me so happy that I want to make happy things!

Justin is my biggest critic but also my best inspiration (wait, maybe the bunnies are) and I love him like crazy. Looks like it shows.

strawberry-munching mini bunny love notes

I can add my newest card set to the long list of items that Hodge and Yoshimi (my bunny companions) have inspired. They are endlessly producing adorable scenes that I feel compelled to share. The formation illustrated in these bunny-heart cards is seen pretty regularly in my home when Hodge and Yoshimi are sharing a treat. Though, they look only vaguely heartlike in real life because Hodge is more than double Yoshimi's size so their heart shape is awfully lop-sided (heh. Hodge is a lop-ear as a matter of fact).

Today will be rabbit-centric as I have also decided to begin printing my second (and a little different) edition of "bunnies adrift" as well. Bunny days are my favorite kind.

Boing Frikken' Boing!

Yes! Yes! Yesssss! The most bitchin' thing is happening right now. My "wii belong together" gocco print is on the front page of Boing boing! For real! I am extra thnkful for my friend Steve right now because he was considerate enough to tell BoingBoing about my work. I'm GOBSMACKED! (and, yes, I have been saving that word for a special occasion).