Inspiration: 16 Century Playing cards




From the woodblock printing Video on the Victoria and Albert website
Here the block is being carved

A stencil is used to apply colour to the image. Cool man.

I find these playing cards from the Victoria and Albert museum very inspirational. They date from 1520 and would have been created using a woodblock and then coloured with a stencil. I think the drawing of the 'knaves' are adorable and I love how the colour is slightly off register. The V + A website has a very instructive video which demonstrates the technique of woodblock printing.

One of my Favourite Homes: Kim's House


Lots of white injected with pops of vibrant colour

Close up of the great juicy rug (from IKEA!)

Kim rescued this chair from the goodwill and then slip covered it
Looks great with the punchy marimeko pillow

My cha cha cha print also adds a POP of colour

Groovy striped walls add a very graphic punch

Cheerful kitchen with fresh flowers always
Kim has since replaced the wood on the island with a beeyooteeful marble top

Strawberry shortcakes fit right in with the colour scheme

mmmmm Boccocini salad

Kim also painted these stripes again in Sam's room. Very fun.

Kim's talented daughter Phoebe
I predict a future Kathryn Bigelow!

My friend Kim has one of the most welcoming homes I know of. It's decorated in a high contrast white + black scheme which is then injected with lots of pops of vibrant colour. The effect is very fresh and happy. (Ofcourse Kim's wonderful family + new puppy also add to the great vibe!) It feels impossible to feel gloomy in this wonderful space. Kim is also a big fan of transforming what you have rather than buying new and is always on the look out for garbage day treasures - which gets the big thumbs up from me!

Illustrations for New Book: What to Wear for the Rest of your Life



I liked adding this fun pattern to the tights! She's my kinda girl - with sensible shoes!

Fun leopard print!

Sunny Lily Pulitzer dress
(Did you know her father in law was Joseph Pulitzer - of Pulitzer prize fame?)

This was a sketch which wasn't included in the book.
I liked her big hips and tiny animated feet!

The Book What to Wear for the Rest of your Life by Kim Johnson Gross which I illustrated is in bookstores now.
If interested you can order a copy through me! Makes a nice bday giftie.
alanna(dot)cavanagh(at)gmail.com