Our special guest today is an artist I met many years ago. Her whimsical art and engaging fun page and interactions on Facebook and other social media sites had me hooked. We’ve been friends ever since.
Welcome, Ariane at icraftcafe’!
(PS. That’s not a misspelling, that’s how she spells her business name.) ❤️
Hi Ariane, please tell us how you started creating your cute art and what all you create.
Thank you for having me, Rosie.
I’m a freelance illustrator/graphic designer. I mostly try to create cute whimsical illustrations for kids (and sometimes for grownups.) Those usually end up on items like stationery, tabletop or fabric to name a few. They’re available in my print-on-demand shops. I also sometimes take commission work.
I always loved to draw, but I only started this new adventure when my son was in elementary school. I wanted to be able to work when he was at school and also be close by afterwards since I hadn’t any family nearby to help out. I thought this was the best option and it did work quite well that way. The first things I created and sold were primarily teacher’s supplies (like back-to-school postcards and reward stickers) and teachers gifts (like aprons, notepads and pens). Then it just grew from there.
(2) At the beginning I used to draw my illustrations exclusively in colored pencils and scan them. Nowadays I mostly do my artwork digitally. However I always start with a sketch in pencil on a piece of paper .Then using the sketch as my template, I work on my design using either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Fresco. I love the sharp vector brushes. Once it is done, I transfer the image onto whatever product I want to create.
I start off with a pencil sketch, then add to my iPad. It’s then printed on many products like you see below.
Here’s one of the the finished products.
(3) You can find my website icraftcafe.com or you can jump to my Zazzle profiles and find my shops there www.zazzle.com/mbr/238854679822468540
Thank you so much for sharing your work with us today, Ariane. They are all so sweet!
If you have any questions for Ariane at icraftcafe’, please leave a comment in the section below.
Goodreads Challenge 2024 – My November Reads
Getting down to the end of the Goodreads Challenge 2024.
I put away my art supplies, for the most part, and buckled down to reading these five books.
Here are my reviews:
All of these received 5 Stars from me.
“The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah
“The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah must be in everyone’s book clubs as it was hard for me to keep reading from the long waiting list at our library. I ended up getting the audiobook which was beautifully done.
This historical fiction themed tale has been somewhat repeated over the years in books. Hannah shares this storyline about two sisters who take separate paths when the Germans occupied France in the 1940s.
I’ve always liked how Kristin Hannah writes as if you are right there in any time period. Her descriptions of settings and characters kept me turning the pages.
“Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun,” By Matthew Eicheldinger
“Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun,” by Matthew Eicheldinger is the second in the Matt Sprouts series and is written well enough you do not have to read them in order.
Matt finds himself in a few dilemmas when his dad insists he takes on a summer job. Nora the goat turns out to be his full time job and things take a turn when Nora refuses to cooperate.
Middle grade readers will enjoy this one, as well as adults. This would make a perfect read aloud for home and classrooms. This book could be a great tool for many discussions for problem solving and so much more.
“The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them,” by Roxanne J. Coady, Joy Johannessen
“The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them,” by Roxanne J. Coady and Joy Johannessen is a book you will want to check out for sure. If you do the Goodreads book challenges, you will be set for the year on these suggested titles by authors and their favorite books. I’m excited to look these titles up and re-read some old classics named in here, too. (The list of them are in the back of the book.)
I love how the proceeds for this book also go to the “Read to Grow” program. A subject dear to my heart.
“Housesketching: Learn to Create Energetic and Expressive Architectural Drawings,” by Albert Kiefer
This paperback book, “Housesketching: Learn to Create Energetic and Expressive Architectural Drawings,” by Albert Kiefer was just what I needed to read and learn from.
*I loved the fact one’s sketches doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
*Shading and adding lighting techniques are explained, which are simple to apply.
* I appreciated the list of supplies in the front and back of the book to choose from.
I’m looking forward to more books written by this author.
“Sipsworth,” Simon Van Booy
“Sipsworth,” by author Simon Van Booy is an enchanting tale which is one you’ll want to stay with until the end.
The first many chapter depict vivid descriptions of the Helen Cartwright’s life in her quiet home filled with memories and the world outside that feels just a bit too big. A delightful shift happens when she encounters a mouse which she becomes quite fond of.
The humor and heartfelt interactions are beautifully crafted and will leave readers with a lasting impression of warmth, hope and a literary hug. This sweet tale reminds us that we’re never truly alone.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Simon Van Booy’s books.
Tell Us About You
Tell us about your November and what plans you have for December.
Wishing you all a wonderful month and a happy holiday season to all.
As always,
Happy Reading!
Rosie