Allyn_Howard_Mistletoe-Mischief_gift-wrap 1.jpg

The Holidays are here!

November 27, 2022

I’ve added some cards and gift wrap to my shop. Just click the cards & products link, above, for details :)

I’ve also added more prints to my shop - now with it’s own link. Click Art Prints, above, to see what’s new! And again, if you see something you’re interested in that’s not listed, then Contact Me.

Many of my originals can be reproduced as prints.

I hope you’re feeling some warmth and joy this season! xo, A

Spring Parade book signing children's day maplewood NJ

Maplewood Children's Day

October 1, 2022

I’ll be signing books at this year’s Maplewood Book Festival - Tomorrow from 11am-4pm!

at The Woodland :)

Spring Parade is the first book I’ve illustrated. I love this book and I hope that children and adults will love and treasure it for years to come. It was a special experience for me. It came along at an unexpected time and just when I needed it. I’ll be starting on the fall book in the series soon, but this one will always take up a big part of my heart. Thank you Cameron Kids.

If you happen to be in the area tomorrow, come see me!

Portugal

September 29, 2022

I recently returned from Portugal. It was a wonderful trip.

I visited Porto with my friend, Margaret. Then spent a day and a half in Aveiro, before heading to Lisbon by train for a workshop with Elizabeth Olwen.

The workshop was organized by Ace Camps Travel. I signed up in the winter of 2020. That’s right, just in time for Covid to shut down travel, along with everything else. Needless to say, I was excited to go and I wasn’t disappointed! I fell in love with Portugal. The people are kind, the tiles and colors of buildings are beautiful and the food was all fantastic.

Plus, I’ve always admired the ironwork, balconies and doors in Europe.

Elizabeth’s Pattern Design workshop was held inside our hotel, Dear Lisbon-Gallery House, in the Sao Bento district. It was a great location and everyone who works here is not only beautiful, but very helpful! I miss our tasty breakfasts and delicious espresso.

I hope I’ve absorbed some of what Elizabeth spoke to us about design and her career path. She’s very natural and friendly and she made sure the workshops were fun and playful, as well as informative. Visiting the Tile Factory, where we had the opportunity to make our own, a seaside lunch in Sesimbra and then a trip through the Tile Museum was a perfect day.

Really, everyday had its own magic.

Above- Tram 28, Jaquie and me at the flower wall. In Sesimbra - Cathy, myself, Laura, Jessica (Ace Camps Champ) and Elizabeth with a kick! And last, but not least, Pippa and me on that trolley :)

Finally, I have to mention Menina Colina Guesthouse in Porto. I adored my stay at this hotel. Everyone who works here is lovely and it’s simply a beautiful place. I hated to leave my sweet room that looked out onto the garden.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of my trip. If you’d like to see more photos, visit my IG page I took lots of pictures! There’s more I’d like to see in Portugal. I hope to go back in a year, if possible.

Thanks for stopping by. xo, A

Here comes a soft breeze...

July 18, 2022

Thank you, Monica Wellington!

Monica interviewed me about my path to creating art and my debut picture book.

She’s created over 40 books for children and teaches a wonderful course in picture book making at SVA, the Continuing Education Department.

Monica also happens to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

Visit her blog to read the interview!

Thanks! :)

little things

May 21, 2022

I’m sharing some select patterns, today. You’ve probably seen some of my ‘Happy House’ painting series. Now I’m focusing on supplemental pieces to support the hero pieces. I’d love to partner with a fabric company, like Cloud 9 and I’d be thrilled to work on paper goods and stationery for a company like Meri Meri. You never know.

I just designed some Noissue tissue paper and packaging. I’m looking forward to seeing how those turn out.

Lavender animal washi tape! I can’t wait to have my own :)

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, A

And Just Like That, a Winner! and a Favor to Ask :)

May 8, 2022

I license select artwork to Picture Clear Art/Newel Props for use on sets for film and TV productions. When I received my quarterly statement, they shared this screenshot from ‘And Just Like That’ streaming on HBO/Max.

I don’t think enough artists realize that productions need art that is copyright cleared for use. On social media, I’ve seen some fellow artists excited to surprisingly see their art on a show. You should make money from that use. Don’t just give it away!

I haven’t yet watched the series. I’m waiting to host a ladies night. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so it could be funny or frustrating. Regardless, I’ll always love these ladies. (Kim, too!)

: Raffle Winner Alert : My ‘Pink Shark’ painting went to this cool young woman. Everyone who came out to ‘Books Are Magic’ to draw and raise money for Ukraine Relief was delightful. Plus, I got to meet Emma Straub and several author/illustrators I’ve long admired.

For those of you who have bought my book - THANK YOU!

Review the Book

Would you review it on Amazon?

Reviews help a book find an audience and a place in the rankings.

Thanks for considering it! xo, A

For your viewing pleasure, here are some images of the East Village, the old and the new.

My new favorite shop is Niconeco on East 10th Street. It’s a little gem.

I’m told this dog is a big fan. I challenge you to express yourself as well he does!

And please feel free to share photos from the book on Amazon. They received images before the book was finished. The last two spreads don’t look nerarly as nice the final art. It’s been difficult to find the right person to talk to and swap in the correct images.