Getting shorter.

Does this happen to you?

Short pencils mean there is a lot going on around here. Mostly on my book scheduled to be set into print this summer. It won't be in stores until Fall 2011, but deadlines are creeping up soon! I wish I could share more of what I am working on, but since nothing is in publication yet, I really can't share too much. But I will say, pencils are getting shorter and shorter around here!

Keep watching the blog this week. I have A LOT of really fun new additions to the shop coming up! Christmas gifts, cards and stocking stuffers to mention a few!

In the mean time, check out this hot new list of the New York Times top illustrated children's book list for 2009.  Aren't they delightful? I've blogged about a couple of these artists before. Just gorgeous.

OK....back to drawing (and paper doll making with the kids...have  you tried these out yet? They're a hit around here!)

Happy Monday!

More paper doll making.

paperdoll
paperdoll

NEW in the ETSY shop: November's outfits!

These are PDF downloads that go along with the 6 paper dolls currently in the shop.

Now your kids can play "school" with this creative bunch of paper children. Have so much fun!

* We'll soon have the option to mail you paper versions of our paper doll sets. Be watching next week!

Purchase here.

Calendar Time.

NEW IN THE SHOP!

2010 Calendars are the same popular design from last year, featuring the "Her Month by Month" prints. Can you believe it's the end of the year already? Where does time go.

The calendars are in my shop, but they won't be shipped out until the 15th of November. I'm giving you a head start though...so come on over!

And a reminder: free christmas card with all purchases made through December 1st!

Enjoy!

art for kids

This month I'm participating in Paper n Stitch's shop front: I love her stuff....clean, cosy, handmade and fresh. This is the place to hang out while deciding on Christmas gifts! My shop items are the same, but i love the way her shop looks!

And here's news for you!

Come shopping at Sarah Jane Studios, and receive a free christmas card in your purchase! You'll love it!

Good through Dec. 1st

Enjoy,

sarah jane

Being a Jane.

OK. So I take Addie out to grab a couple shots in the gorgeous yellow leaves around our house, and all I say is: can you stand there and just lean on that pole?

This is what she gave me.

She's a natural model, for sure. I am doomed! But oh...she is my sunshine.

And her darling outfit? Compliments of Matilda Jane. Don't you just love their stuff?  We're all about the Jane's around here.

It's a good name, if I do say.

Conversations with the wandering one.

You: Hello? Sarah? Yoohoo? What corner of the world did you escape to?

Me: Escape? Did I escape, you ask?

You: Yes. Those paper bats are still hanging at the top of your blog. Come on...get with it. Blog already.

Me: OK...you caught me. I escaped.

You: Where?

Me: To a far away land that I used to think only existed in my imagination: a place where quiet and noiselessness reign. A place where there is room to unwind and create with no distractions.

You: That place actually exists? Oh, please give me directions.

Me: Are you ready? It's complicated. You need to go to my in-law's wonderfully empty-nested house. It's great. They cook too. And love babies. And have an abundant amount of watercolor brushes, down comforters and table space to just spread out and GTD (get things done). Oh, and they also take you out to sushi.

You: Oh take me take me!

Me: I plan on their being a next time. Many more next times. Don't worry.

So yes...after 2 months of let's-get-my-life-organized-enough-to-run-a-business-and-illustrate-a-book-while-only-getting-2-hours-of-sleep-at-a-time-at-night-and-raising-3 children kind of living, my husband took one look at the bags under my eyes and booked a flight for me the VERY next morning to California to spend 5 days with his parents while HE watched the other kids during his fall break. I know. My in-laws are awesome, but my husband? Amazing.

The trip was, may I say, incredible. I ate, slept, fed the baby, illustrated and story-boarded for my book I'm illustrating with Harper Collins right now. Getting away proved to be the perfect remedy for a mommy who's brain hardly gets to enjoy the space of her own creative thinking due to the natural (and wonderful) chaos of the day with 3 small children.

But I am back. No more escaping for a while. As much as it is good to get away, I am a sucker for my family. Who wouldn't be with faces as kissable as this?

Feel free to cuddle your screen...I know...she's practically edible.

Cheers!