Hello there...it's been a bit

 Hello friends! It's been about a year since I've updated the blog but I haven't slowed down on my art related projects a bit! I did take a big step back from social media last year in order to focus on the art for a book that will be coming out in the near future and to welcome our 8th child, born in January!

A recent goal of mine has been to work on reviving my old @ink_and_tome IG account into something that is more up-to-date and reflecting my current work. It's kind of a challenge trying to resurrect a long dormant page over there, and the algorithms don't give you much help, but it has been fun slowly reconnecting with other authors and artists and building a nice portfolio of work back up. 

One way that my newly active Instagram was helpful recently, was in spreading the word about a local event! I was able to participate in my first ever author fest and wow, what a time! A whirlwind of over 40 local authors, coffee, music, good eats and bookish merch, I only wish I could have come home with a sample of work from everyone there! It was a good turnout and I had a fantastic time signing copies of my book and talking about art and writing with new friends! A huge thank you to Bean's Books of Conway, AR. for hosting the event. 

Since I last blogged, my book, A Pumpkin for Grubbs was published and it's been so special to see it's reception. A local business held a book release party for me, and I was honored to have some of the original art from the book featured in a seasonal exhibit in a nearby gallery. Every review, every time a parent has told me their child requests it before bed, and every time I sign a copy at an event has meant the world to me. Some of my readers have even bought copies for their local libraries - be still my heart! My successes still may seem small to many, but they are more than enough to encourage me onward! 

My newest book, the one I mentioned at the beginning of this post, is a joint effort. The story is written by author R.S. Johnson and the illustrations are mine.  This project is very special to us both as it is allegorical of experiences we have both been through. Themes of unconditional love, loss, memory and hope run throughout, and there will even be pages for personalization. I hope this book can speak to many in the same way that it felt healing for me to work on. Hoping to have an official announcement on the title, cover, and release date soon!

Finally, I have begun working on a second author/illustrator project! Another traditional length children's book (similar to a  Pumpkin for Grubbs), this one will feature many fairytale creatures along with a big dose of my signature cosy family vibes. I am in the planning/drafting stage right now but am extremely close to starting on the interior art! I will be sure to share snippets of that work on my socials as I make progress!