Art & Soul

PBJeebies - The Waiting Game

The PBJeebies and guest Jeebie, Leslie Muir, discuss the waiting part of the submission process.

As I mention over there, I like the wait because I can free my mind (and desk) of the project and move on to something else. I feel the same way about that period of time when I'm waiting to hear back on sketches. It's like a little vacation right in the middle of a project.

If you have a chance, stop by the Jeebie blog or our Facebook page and let us know how you cope with the waiting game!

 

 

PBJeebies - Art Notes

Ever wonder when and how to use art notes in your picture book manuscripts?

My critique group, the PBJeebies, tackle this question today. Find out how each of the Jeebies, plus honorary Jeebie Ame Dyckman, use and abuse them on the PBJeebie blog.

And join us on Facebook to see what else we've been up to!

Zeke

I made my very first, non-sock, puppet - Zeke.

Did I mention that I haven't sewn anything since I was 16?

Puppet Show!

The last week of every month is puppet show week at the Grapevine Library. This week, I've not only been performing in the show, but even more exciting, I wrote the script!

So if you're in the area, stop by the library at 7:00 this evening for the family story time and The Magic Rattlesnake puppet show.

Illustration Friday - Intention

I think there may be two very different intentions at work here.

Rebuilding

I'm trying to update my portfolio. Working on new pieces and giving some old, tired ones the axe.

Talking Turkey

I'm thinking the upcoming holiday and everything I still need to do to get ready for it must be weighing on my mind right now. Otherwise, I'm not really sure what prompted this guy.

The Experiments Continue

I'm still experimenting here. I enjoyed playing with digital cut paper yesterday. I expect I will explore this technique more.

Illustration Friday - Contraption

 

I attended my local SCBWI conference this weekend, and came back recharged and ready to experiment. The message *I* took away from the conference was risk taking and going where you fear to go. With that in mind, I jumped out of my comfort zone this morning and did a little experimentation in Painter. I came up with this contraption.

How to Make Friends

I recently attended a puppet making workshop given by Sandy Shrout at my local library. Ok fine, the workshop was meant for kids, but I had a blast anyway.

With ordinary socks, some yarn, pom-poms, felt, a glue gun, and assorted craft items, you can make an endless number of puppet friends. I made Mable here who, you know, lives in the stable, y'all. She's got a thick Southern drawl and a healthy self image.

Some of the more age-appropriate attendees made dragons, monkeys, and puppy dogs puppets.

 
 
If you're not into sock puppets or want less work, you can alter a ready-made puppet to fit your needs. I made a puppet of my caveman character by simply exchanging his existing garb for a quick prehistoric wrap.

In other news, I'm also feeling love for some new librarian friends.

• Mr. Schu posted the Caveman, A B.C. Story trailer and an interview on his Watch. Connect. Read. blog, and
• Els Kushner from the Vancouver Public Library nominated Caveman for a Cybils!

And more love for the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association for putting Caveman on their 2011 Kids' Pick List!

Here's to making friends!