My BEST Birthday Gift EVER!

Do you remember when I met my “rock star” Laura Huliska-Beith?!

Well, as we were walking up to her front door, my awesome hubby turns to me & says, “I think we should commission Laura to paint something for your 40th birthday or as we look through her originals, you can just pick something out!” Umm… YES DEAR!!!! And I already had a plan …

I took this photo of my kids about a year ago to commemorate them doing one of their favorite things: reading while surrounded by nature. Immediately I knew I wanted LAURA (!!!) to illustrate my very own kiddos. I sent the above art direction along with other various head shots of my kiddos to Laura & the process began. (OH! & as a book designer myself, being able to art direct such an amazing illustrator was a BONUS! AND, by the way: if there are any publishers out there looking for an illustrator who goes above & beyond, she is your gal)

Laura kindly documented the process of the painting for us in the above images. How fun is that?!

And HERE is her interpretation of my photo…. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!!!

We all did the happy dance when the package arrived. Pumpkin-Poos was running wild. Sunshine Girl could not believe she “EVEN SIGNED IT FOR US!” & my Favorite Little Mister said, “cool.” The above shows some close up shots of the DETAIL & love Laura put into my art: my Favorite Little Mister reads his owl book & an owl reads a book about my Favorite Little Mister! How fun is that?! That dog licking Pumpkin’s toes is Laura’s own dog & Sunshine Girl loves cat woman & she even added a black cat. The most thoughtful detail of all: an origami bird, just for my Favorite Little Mister who made origami for Laura while in her studio!

MANY THANKS to my pal Laura!!! We just got the art framed & it is simply amazing. Best birthday present ever.

Grace & Peace,

Julie