Lucky Bookworm

I'm lucky to come from a family of book lovers. Recently I received a surprise package from my sister-in-law ... she was having trouble throwing some books away so sent them off to me. In the package were three children's books from the 50s, including this one by Ann and Paul Rand from 1957. Sparkle and Spin: A Book about Words.

Ann Rand wrote five children's books, four of which were illustrated by her husband. What genius, these words and images are as fresh today as they were when they were written.

Right up my alley, thank you.

Makes me so Hoppy

Just in time for Easter, I'm so "hoppy" to learn that this greeting card of mine has been nominated for a LOUIE award! The Louies are the Oscars of the greeting card world, sponsored by the Greeting Card Association. The voting happens during the Stationery Show in May.

I've been doing some kids' sticker cards with Design Design, Inc, and this Easter Bunny one turned out especially nice. Decorate the eggs inside with the stickers! I wish I had a card like this when I was little.

Magic in the Woods: Part 2

I have been posting a bit this winter about the thrill of finding the unexpected in the ordinary. Whether it's a red cardinal brightening up a winter landscape, or little gnome-houses planted on a walking trail, these are the reasons I continue to believe in wonder and the power of the imagination.

This past weekend I visited the deCordova museum in Lincoln Mass, and was absolutely delighted with the outdoor sculpture park, accessible any time of year. Here are some highlights:

Rain Gates, 2000, Ron Rudnicki

Bark Balls, 202, by Caroll Spack

The Musical Fence, 1980, Paul Matisse

A Mile from Any Neighbor from Walden, 1999, Christopher Frost

Cones, 2006, Ronald Gonzales

Surprise!

New Easter Collection

Here is my new line of paper products and textiles, available now in stores across the country. Colorful Fun tableware is accented by the Funny Bunny products, all in time to cheer up your Spring parties.

Magic in the Woods

So one day a couple of years ago I was walking on the rail-trail, alongside the river in back of my house.

I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye

I went closer... what IS that?

Are you kidding me? It's a little door on leather hinges!

Inside is a little troll, and a tupperware container with a note that says, "Take a trinket, leave a trinket". It was wonderful! Somebody had planted a little treat box for those who look for magic in the woods. Well since that day, our trail has turned into Troll Trail; according to the newspaper, there are now 15 troll houses in total. Last week I found two more of them.

I'm not going to open this last door and show you... you'll just have to come and discover the contents for yourself...

Love is Blue

I've been so busy this week, I'll just post this new Valentine's Day card of mine from Great Arrow. Inside: "You make my heart sing!"

Will He or Won't He?

I don't totally trust this guy. I mean, what is his M.O.? If it's sunny, he has to go back to sleep for another 6 weeks. If I were him I would lie and say there's no shadow so I could come out and play on a sunny day.