French Terrier And A Colored Pixie

There have been a lot of "firsts" in my life...
First stubbed toe
First art show
First real job
First kiss (you knew that had to be in here somewhere)
First freelance client
First trip to Europe
First college loan payment
First anniversary

First... blue pixie illustration?

Yes, despite my mounting years and wisdom (hah!) I still have many fun "firsts" to enjoy.  This couple recently celebrated an anniversary and she contracted me to create this portrait as her gift to him.  It was so fun to illustrate and to top it off, she is a darling (always adds to the overall enjoyment of a job!).
And, of course, we had to include their sweet french terrier, as he is one of the family!

Order your own portrait of you and your loved one(s) here!

Bridal Portrait: A Gentle Kiss

My favorite part about wedding season (besides for celebrating my own marriage and the new adventures that our friends are beginning) is the custom portraits!  This is a busy time for my little business as former bridesmaids, grooms and brides seek a unique anniversary gift for friends and family.
Capturing the beauty of the bride, the excitement of the moment, the sweetness of a gentle kiss... each drawing gives me the opportunity to celebrate with the happy couple and their families.

Interested in a portrait of you and your loved one(s)?  Grab some coffee, pick through some favorite photos and send me a line, we'll have your custom illustration hanging up in no time!

Calligraphy Name Hearts

I've added a few new printables in the shop!  I've had this in the works for a couple of months, but I just have not had the time to get my thoughts past the notebook in my purse.

UNTIL NOW!

I did a quick sketch over the weekend and shared it on my personal instagram to get a feel for how it would be received by "the public".  And I was excited to see that my instinct about design/general idea was correct!
So I set to work.  I was out of town earlier this week, but I was able to dedicate my Wednesday afternoon making a few trial designs and setting up some mocks for you all:

Of course, I had to include a favorite story book couples... and, well, somebody is re-reading Anne of Green Gables this summer.  I won't name names.

(ps. Todd just read the above over my shoulder and was slightly offended that he and I are not my favorite "story book" couple.  Of course, I assured him that after he wrote the thrilling novela about us, I would be sure to make a switch.  But until then... Team Gilbert)

You also have the option to include leaf and/or floral accents to your print—or the simple black and white names.  After making a floral version for the hubbard and I, I am getting excited to print it off and hang it in our little abode.
Because, even though we're not in a story book—we're still my favorite couple ;)

Order your own here!  They're $20 for the month of June, but the price will be going up in July!

Bridal Portrait: 10 Year Anniversary

I recently finished a custom portrait for this lovely couple, as they celebrate their 10th anniversary!

I illustrate a lot of first year anniversaries (traditionally a "paper" gift), but it is always fun to have a couple who has been through a few more years together.  A marriage that continues to say "I do" to the other, and "no" to self.

Interested in your own custom portrait? More details here!

The "Princess" Bride

Pretty much the entire time that I was working on this portrait, I was thinking of this particular bride as "the princess bride".
She just has that look of the perfect princess, enjoying her special day with everything just as you wish.  Flowers, ceremony, make-up and manners all at their best.
This is, after all a princess' wedding!

These illustrations make great birthday or anniversary gifts.  Order one for yourself here!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Getting Creative: Pregnancy Announcements

Some people are getting more and more creative with their wedding and pregnancy announcements!  I love getting a chance to celebrate with others as they reach exciting milestones.  Working together to create something that captures their personality and the exciting news!
I love being "in" on the big secret, but I don't have to worry about spoiling the fun by spilling the beans too early ;)

Custom portraits for pregnancy, engagement, or wedding stationery / print can be ordered here: KatrinaIllustration.etsy.com


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission    

Watercolor Couple Portrait

A sample of my "Valentine" work from this past week :)  See updates as they come here, or order one for your loved one (or treat yourself) HERE

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Custom Couple Portrait

I finished this custom just last week for my first (official) international piece!  Shout out to Northern Ireland

Like what you see and want one of your own?  Order a custom portrait here!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

In The Shop:: Illustrated Portraits & Save the Dates

 Special "thank you" to my former roomie who allows me to continually use drawings of her for my props!

There's a new product in my Etsy shop!  It's a little late (okay, super late) in wedding season for this style of work, but I was working on a few things earlier last week when I made it and didn't feel like waiting for another year to reveal it—so here it is!

I am now offering more than just a custom portrait/couple illustration!  With this listing you will receive the custom digital portrait along with a set (5, 10, 15 or 20) of custom stationery to use either as your Save the Dates or for your Bridal Shower!

What I really love about this, is that you get the stationery along with the custom portrait—and since the portrait is on the opposite side of the event information, you can keep it long after the event has passed!  (perfect for the frame-happy aunts and grandmas ;) )

 

Go order yours now!

 

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Custom Portrait: Mr. & Mrs. Polumbo

 

Don't you just love this couple? I was asked to paint this for their first anniversary last weekend, working from two photos showing off their signature dance moves!  I just thought that was the best idea, and it was so much fun to create for them.

Like what you see? Order your own custom portrait here!

   

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Sketchbook: Welcome Home (in color!)

 

Remember this sketch?  Well, now it is in color!

Still playing around with the digital painting.  It takes (way) too long for me to be able to experiment with it very often at this point.  Hopefully, as I grow more skilled in this area, I will be able to create more pieces :)

Until then, I'll just advertise my love for my favorite husband!

   

  All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Honoring an Anniversary

How adorable is this couple?

Seriously, this piece was a ton of fun to make.  They are so.stinkin.cute.

This piece was created as an anniversary gift, ordered by a girlfriend of the bride—how sweet is that?

 

Like what you see? Order your own here!

 

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Sketchbook: Welcome Home

 

My husband has been extra busy the last few weeks (and will be for the next month or so) because he is a high school track coach!  I love it, I support him, I encourage him, but I hate nights when he has a meet—because he often isn't home until almost 10 o'clock at night! Yikes
Leaving this newly wed with a case of the blues.

Thankful for friends, family and phones, but nothing beats hearing his footsteps right outside our door!

 

  All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind... Love helps with the dishes when you're panicking about your "to-dos" and you don't know how you are going to get everything done!

 

I remember saying to my mom when Todd and I were first hanging out: "even if this relationship doesn't go anywhere, my standards have skyrocketed now that I know a guy like this is out there!" Sometimes I still can't believe that he married me.

  Happy <3 Day, Hubbard.     All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Competitions: Minted's "Let's Celebrate"

 

Trying more new things this month—why not?
I recently stumbled upon this stationery site, because... well, I LOVE me some stationery!  That's why I design my own, so that I can have tons of options at my fingertips!

Anyway, turns out this site has competitions... and the winners get $$ (always nice on a teacher salary), and their design(s) are sold on this site.
"oooh" (I said to myself)
I've missed the atmostphere of art competitions.  And while I will probably not be as heavely involved in competitions as I was during my undergrad (when I was helping everyone cut/frame mats and even hanging the gallery before the big reveal), it would be fun to enter a few designs.

So I did.  I entered the "Let's Celebrate! Wedding Parties Challenge"

And here are my designs:

       

PLEASE go here (or click on the designs above) and vote on some of the designs (especially if you like any of mine!)

    All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission