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Advent Calendars

In the summer of 2012 I sat on my sofa one evening doodling around on my laptop. I started sketching the bookcases across the room, then started daydreaming about how the room looks at Christmas. One thing led to another, and I ended up creating an "online advent calendar." I sent it out instead of Christmas cards, and I've made an online advent calendar every year since. Each of these calendars is just a click away.  


2012

Dog looking at stockings

Build up Christmas in the room in front of me. Click on a new Christmassy detail each day to see it grow.


2013

Rootabaga train scene

I illustrated Carl Sandburg's Rootabaga Stories for an exhibit at the Oak Park Public Library, and for this calendar.


2014

Candle with crayons

This is the most personal calendar. Each day shares one of the things Christmas means to me.

 


2015

Reading elves

Each day is an illustrated link in a paper chain you can print and put together to decorate your home.


2016

Elf under tree

My first animation, with music by Mason Jennings (but sadly the music doesn't play on phones or tablets).


2017

Bowing clown

Circus Circus Circus! I got lost researching and illustrating and writing all things circus. For months.


 
 

2018

Lino cut of toy monkey

This is my brief memoir told in Christmas cards. I've been designing them ever since 1972.

2019

Can you guess which book this comes from?

A literary guessing game. I made videos as I developed illustrations from various books. Michael Jennings did the music.

2020

owl ornament

Illustrations of some of my ornaments serve as portals to memories, reflections, and favorite things.


 
 
2021



the number 13 made of men with balloon

This year I played with numbers. My brother inspired me to do this with a comment he made: see December 25.




2022



Ladies with standing stone

After that counting "book," an ABCs armchair travel adventure calendar.
Cross the pond with the sisters!

 


2023



Butter water color


I love it when my advent calendar sparks memories, so this is a Happy Memory Challenge to encourage it.

 

 
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