In my interview of Carolyn McWilliams Brown, author of  the children’s picture book, All You Want and Then Some, I learned about illustrating  the book ,as well as writing it and how her family inspired the project.  The story evolved from a family challenge and Carolyn’s children inspired the illustrations
I’ve continued the interview here:
Mary Emma: Were your children involved in writing the book?
Carolyn: They were!  They were involved in making the illustrations come to life.  By the time I got around to writing the story, several years had passed; Katie had grown, and that created a challenge for the …read more

Have you visited author Jan Brett’s web site?  Hers is one of the most enjoyable online places for finding projects for youngsters, in addition to information about her books and art.
Jan is a children’s author/illustrator whose art fascinates young and older.  Many of the primary grade teachers, in schools where I substitute teach, print off Jan’s coloring sheets, art hints, games and other activities.  There are even videos with drawing instruction.
Her mascot, Hedgie, the hedgehog, becomes involved in much of this and creates added fascination for the youngsters.
You also can subscribe to Hedgie’s free e-newsletter so that you receive updates and links to Hedgie …read more

I must get out my art materials again and rediscover painting. At one point in my life I did quite a bit of art work.  Even though I’m primarily a writer, I have illustrated three of my books and designed cards and notepaper.
I took several painting courses and explored various medium.  I’m amazed at all the different types available today…those I see my daughter use for her fabric art and even pencils and inks youngsters bring to school where I substitute teach.
Do you have an urge to draw and paint?

Keep a sketchbook with you, even a small one, so you …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
 The recent announcement of Tasha Tudor’s death, at age 92, brought back memories of my meeting with her years ago.  Perhaps some of you have her enchantingly illustrated books, have read them yourself or to your children.
Apparently Tasha didn’t make many quilts, yet her lifestyle was condusive to it.  She was involved constantly in the crafts of days ago and lived her life midst them.  The cover of the book jacket on Tasha Tudor’s Heirloom Crafts, (at least the edition I have) consists of a photo of Tasha working on  a quilt in her rocking chair before the fireplace.
Within the book, there are …read more