make an imPRESSion

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Ann

Sell Your Own Designs at Cafe Press

It all started with Animal Tracks in the Snow and a poster I fell in love with at Cafe Press. I created a link to that poster, in that post, and I had a bunch of people click on that link so I thought I would see if they had an affiliate program. When I was checking into it I discovered Cafe Press is a great site for artists and designers to set up shop and sell their designs on a variety of products from bags and t-shirts to posters as well as a whole bunch of other gift items! Continue reading →

How to Migrate Your Artistic Style

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Ann

I have taken a step back lately to examine the role I would like art and illustration to play here at Doodles and Jots. Over time, and once I have more time, I would like it to play an even bigger and more integral role in my content and maybe even become more consistent, that is after I do lots of experimenting. The great thing about a blog is that it can be a testing ground for a not-fully-baked-plan like this.

What has inspired this personal challenge? Find out next week!

The possibilities are so exciting! Part of this plan is to migrate my style to be EVEN looser to save time and also because it is what I like. I have decided to stop thinking about it and take some action. I decided it would be motivating and fun to turn my plan into a little independent study course for myself! Join in if you like. I think it could apply to more than just art and illustration styles like photography or maybe even writing.

Continue reading →

A good place to start… Come on in!

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Ann

Today I am sharing a bunch of my favorite posts strung together with info about me and Doodles and Jots’ trajectory. I think my tag line says it best: Ideas for, diversions from, and celebrations of family life from a creative mom. You can also get to know more about me by checking out my About page, My ABC’s post, and Pregnancy Test Trees and a Pickle Baby (about me becoming a mom). I started this site in October 2011 with the encouragement of my sister who is a long time, successful blogger at Life Learning Today. Her blog is full of great advice on healthy, happy, purposeful living. Definitely check it out!

To read more about why I started this blog and my thoughts on the benefits of blogging, check out Why I ♥ Blogging.

To read the rest of this post check out my about page!

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This post is linked up with What’s the Word? Wednesdays over at Frankly My Dear. Grab a coffee and check it out!

Ultimate Baby Nursery Wishlist (accessories)!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Ann

Rockin’ Mama (felt-tip pen on marker paper)

A few months ago I shared with you my Ultimate Baby Nursery Wishlist. I am pretty sure my family is complete but I love babies and had a blast pretend shopping at the Land of Nod.

As a product designer, I really appreciate their design aesthetic. Their selection of quality furniture is clean and modern yet also warm and inviting. In this list I am going to accessorize my Ultimate Baby Nursery Wishlist selection. I am thinking of my furniture picks as the foundation and here I am going to bring this baby nursery to life and give it personality. This is REALLY the fun part!

Continue reading →

Easter Innovation

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Ann

bunny napkin sketch

Every once in a long while, you come across genuine innovation in a sea of spin-offs. And when you see it you, in such obvious brilliance, you find yourself wondering, why didn’t I think of that?! I made such a discovering this morning at my local Rite Aid.

In the seasonal aisle, right between the Peeps and some budget bunnies Continue reading →

Materials Flash Cards

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Ann

Lately my son is asking lots of questions about what different things are made of, how they are made, and about their properties. Really! I know, definitely a future engineer! I love these question and want to encourage his interest. So today I am sharing some flash-cards I made that you can use in a bunch of different ways.

Continue reading →

Gifts are Love

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Ann

Printable gift-tags and bows in assorted colors

My 3 year old son has more than once said he loves Grandma, Mommy, & Daddy because we buy him things! I don’t think he is spoiled. I don’t think we BUY him too much. I was mildly disgusted until I thought about it for a while. Giving gifts has been around since the beginning of mankind. People give gifts to show appreciation, generosity, and caring. That is love isn’t it? Continue reading →