Monster Crafts

OK, the preparations for the Etsy store are well underway, and we've managed to make a couple of prototypes of things we want to sell. I'd seen wood block prints on Etsy before, and I always wanted to try it. It's not that hard, but it's a bit of work. You take a piece of wood, cut to size, then you sand it, paint it, and attach one of your pictures using "Modge Podge" (A glue and finisher all in one). Then you add 3-4 coats on top of the picture, and you get this nice smooth finish. (The technique is called "decoupage" You can hang it on the wall on balance it on a bookshelf.

We also made some coasters by decoupaging some illustrations onto coasters, then adding some cork on the bottom. Who wouldn't want to put their drinks on these little guys?

Illustrator's Choice # 1: James Marshall

Ok, so I've decided to start highlighting some of my favorite authors and illustrators on the blog. This is a way for me to take a little nostalgic stroll down memory lane and remember what makes the Greats great. And who knows, maybe someone will see this and find a new book to read. So here goes!

Author/Illustrator #1 is James Marshall, perhaps my favorite of all time. Hilariously funny, smart, and gloriously silly all at the same time. Marshall's work is dry, dry, dry. He never spells out the jokes or makes a big show, which makes his work that much funnier. Marshall is also the patron saint to those late-bloomers (i.e., me) who came to children's book illustration a little late and a little lacking in art training. But what he might lack in technique, Marshall more than makes up for with clever storytelling, inventive character design, and subtle humor. His classics include "George & Marsha", the "Stupids" series, and "Miss Nelson is Missing". None should be missed

I sometimes wonder if James Marshall could be published today, with the rough art and smudgy look to his books. For all our sakes, I sure hope so.

Christine Schmidt rocks!

Jenna and I went to print workshop by the print master Christine Schmidt this weekend, and it was more fun than a barrel of monkeys, as someone said. Christine gave out free stamp materials for everyone to work on (below is Jenna's stamped card) and showed some of her favorite techniques. I've been playing around with block printing (as part of our Etsy dreams), and it's really satisfying to carve things with your own hands. We bought Christine's book, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's chock full of fun projects and useful info, and it's beautifully designed to boot.

Etsy is coming...

Jenna and I are almost ready to launch the Etsy store! It's been a lot of fun, but a lot of work. (These Etsy folks are quite dedicated.) The best part is getting back to love of DIY and arts and crafts. Currently in the plans are printed blocks, cards, watercolors, and bubble magnets. Below is the homemade stamp we made for our thank you cards.

And here are the buttons.


And here what the thank you card will look like. (Everything comes with a free pin!)

I can't wait till we're finally online!

School Visit at PS116

I just had my first official school visit, at PS116 on the East side of Manhattan. It was a total blast. The kids were a combo of first and second graders, and they were adorable and a great audience. And so well behaved! Very impressive. I read "Doggie Dreams" to them and showed them how a children's book is made from the first idea to the final product. And then we did some drawing demos, which was their favorite. The first drawing is Jake, and the second is a monster that we drew together. The boys were obsessed with giving the monster underwear, and were very excited when I finally gave in. I forgot my camera for this visit, but next time I'll come back with a lot of photos.

Wonderland - Don't see it!

Ugh. Why do people need to keep butchering the classics? I was just recovering from the Tim Burton of Alice in Wonderland, with it's CGI battles and lack of any coherent plot. And now comes the musical on Broadshow. I had the chance to see this for free, which was actually bad luck on my part. The story was straight out a self help book, and the whole thing was more sugary sweet that Fruity Pebbles. Whatever you do, stay away from this thing! (Though I do have to say that their graphic designer is quite talented. See image above.)

PBS show airs with pictures by moi.

Sesame Workshop hired me a while back to do illustrations for an episode of their show "The Electric Company", and the episode is now airing on the network. In the episode, the kids save the home of a beloved illustrator from being destroyed. I did the illustrations for the book, in which a robot takes a girl for a ride in space. Unfortunately, their website is in flash, so I can't give a direct link to the episode. But if you go to the website and click on "videos", the episode is named "Goodbye Robot".