Monday, December 3, 2012

Happy Holidays - and a gift to you!


Hope December is off to a great start for all of you. As the years pass, and my children get older, I realize more and more how important it is to enjoy each and every day, even when the stress and busy-ness of the holidays are upon us. This year, I decided to set up the tree earlier this year, so that a) the hard work of decorating is over sooner, and b) we can enjoy it longer. Duh! I finally figured it out! : ) Anyhoo...winding into the home stretch, I hope you all get some time to enjoy time with your loved ones, some delicious baked goods, meaningful visits and talks on the phone, and some perfect parking spots at those very crowded malls. Above all, I'm wishing you peace and good health in the new year.

The ladies (Jennifer, Julissa, Cally, Bee, Nina) and I at www.welovetoillustrate.com decided to create little gingerbread houses for you to download and enjoy! I tell you, this is one of the most fun pieces we've ever worked on and they all turned out so wonderfully. I hope you enjoy them as much as we will this holiday season! 

Thank you so much for visiting and commenting - it means a lot to me! Happy holidays! ~ Shirley
Swing on over for all the gingerbread houses at www.welovetoillustrate.com
or click here to download my little snowy scene shown above.

Here are some zoomed up images to view. I had a great time with these little critters!
 



27 comments:

  1. Precious images, Shirley. Plus, a big thanks for the sweet download!!!

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  2. Shirley, Your design is so delightful. I'm just in love with all of your winter critters. They are filled with so much holiday spirit and joy. I can't wait to print it out and display it with the rest of the houses... so fun!! :) xoxo

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  3. Hi Shirley what a sweet box..how kind. Yes its only 21 sleeps to go now. How exciting..we already have some decorations up and the big tree to decorate on Saturday. Enjoy all the festivities x

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  4. Such a lovely box, and so nice of you to give it to everyone as a Christmas gift! I'm going to wander off to the other site and see what the others created too. Thanks for the link.

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  5. What a gorgeous design, Shirley! Your little critters are always the sweetest things... XOXO

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  6. Cute overload!! What a wonderfully wintery scene!!! I particularly like the squirrel whose feet can't touch the ground! Too cute!!

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  7. Knock Knock! Can I come in? I smell fresh lemon pound cake! Mmmmmmmm, heaven. I don't have any decorations up yet. I should take a lesson from you. I do know, however, that THIS adorable little house is going to be the first thing on display this year. I might wreck it trying to squeeze my big head in it, though. Maybe I should make two? Wishing you and your family the very best of an extended holiday season. xoxoxo

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  8. ooooh, we got lights up on the porch! Progress and it's not even Christmas eve yet! Love your new header. I am usually drawing Christmas by now! I better get to it. ;)

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  9. Beautiful little Xmas characters, would love to have them all round for Xmas :)

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  10. Beautiful little critters and what a fun project! Just adorable. I think my favorite is the teeny penguin at the head of the parade. I hope you have a very wonderful holiday too, Shirley!

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  11. Hey Shirley, it's always a pleasure visiting you. I think I have a conditioned reflex - I get all warm and fuzzily even before the page loads :) ! It's kind alike having a warm milkshake if obne exists! Thanks for my pressie :) I just love how your animals are real - it makes so much difference the fact that they really do exist - sigh - sometimes I wish I were so real! See you! sorry I have been sparse. The show we just pulled down took a motza of time - gah :) Hope you are well :)

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  12. Shirley! You are such a wonderful human being! Sop generous, so compassionate, so caring and so talented. This little winter wonderland is delightful! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the Christmas season.

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  13. Shirley this little box is amazing. I am loving your illustrations.

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  14. I am going to download a little Shirley this season! Thanks. Your adorable parade of characters are as cute as can be.

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  15. Shirley! Your characters and the Holidays are a perfect match - and you always create such wonderful gifts! Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays, and a new year filled with health and happiness! Thanks for being -- always! -- such a good friend!

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  16. Happy Holidays to you too Shirley, and the faeries, and my Monsieur ;))

    xxx

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  17. Shirley, what a sweet idea! Your adorable Christmas critters bring a smile to my face! I think you're on the right track with setting up the Christmas tree earlier. For me, it happens every year--I wait and it seems like the poor tree is only up for a couple of days! I have to admit that with my health troubles of late I haven't had a chance to look for Christmas trees. I must do so this week before it's too late! Hugs and more hugs to you! :)

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  18. Heya Shirley! How's it goin' ? (I don't really speak like that but leaving off letters helps me save internet ink and I am envir'nmentally conscious :) Well, you know , I am humming jingle bells, very badly of course, and I only know one line which is Jingle Bells, Jingle BellsJingle BellsJingle BellsJingle BellsJingle BellsJingle Bells so the neighbours do complain every now and then but I think it's on accound of my monotone melody :) Now let me see, I hope you have been a good girl this year and that Santa brings you everything you deserve :) (I think he is bringiong me washing up gloves so I can catch up on the chores) see you and hugs till next year :)

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  19. That's a lovely idea. Your illustrations are so sweet. Merry Christmas!

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  20. Hello Shirley! Auuuggghh! It's down to the last few days before Christmas, but I knew this would be a festive and cheerful place to take a quick break. You have the right idea, being organized and ready to enjoy a relaxed holiday season. Thanks for sharing all of your sweet characters that make us smile throughout the year. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones- may there be more happiness for all of you in 2013!

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  21. Merry Christmas Shirley!!!

    ♥♥♥(((HUGS)))♥♥♥

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  22. Wonderful idea, I love to see your little creatures celebrating christmas :)
    Happy holidays, Shirley!!

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  23. Happy Holidays Shirley, your work is as beautiful as ever.

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  24. Merry Christmas, dearest Shirley. Tsup!!!

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  25. what a sweet drawing and generous paper craft gift! thankyou for sharing.

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  26. Sooooo cute.... I can't stop saying it: but I totally love your characters.

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