In March last year, a friend and fellow member of our church’s Art Committee asked if I could create some monthly calendars with decorative borders for displaying events and member birthdays. I was happy to say yes! I love making art that I know will be enjoyed by others, and I really love our open and affirming church in Newport Beach, CA.
I was just learning Procreate, and was excited to push myself out of my comfort zone (fairies, dragons, unicorns, and occasionally people) and create some natural imagery. It just seemed right to celebrate some of the beautiful plants and creatures of Southern California in keeping with the church’s green philosophy. (Our church is a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation and works actively to protect the environment as well as to promote social justice, civil rights, and more.)
I am neither a botanist nor an ornithologist, but I am an appreciator of flowers, trees, birds, and all living things. And while my first few years in Southern California had me missing the lush greens, vibrant fall leaves, and graceful winter hues of Wisconsin, this strange flora has really grown on me.
And after my daughter woke up one morning at age 5 and declared that she would become an ornithologist one day, we have all come to love our birds!
So every month throughout the year, I soaked in our surroundings on family walks through planted neighborhoods and hidden wilds, then sifted through the things that had made my heart leap for joy before settling on a few to share.
And as I drew, my skills evolved. When my friend suggested I should make it a calendar not just for our church, but for everyone, I decided to finish my pages early, polish my earlier drawings, and gather them together into something to share before Christmas.
And I did it!
This is what I’ve made. Click links for Etsy pages!
Carrie Schneider Author/Illustrator 