And the prize goes to...

...Tumbleweed Trails! Today was the day for our One World - One Heart drawing, and when I drew Tumbleweed's comment from our hat, I was so happy to see that our copy of Commonplace Mouse would go to a grandmother who loves to read to her grandchildren. I wrote the book with my heroic younger daughter in mind, so I hope the grandchildren enjoy this story of one adventurous mouse's escapades.

Many thanks go to everyone who participated, both as giveaway hosts and as commenters. And of course, kudos to Lisa Swifka for putting on another successful and fun One World - One Heart event this year.

One World - One Heart 2010

I'm happy to announce that Castle in the Air is participating in this year's One World - One Heart event. One World - One Heart is the creation of Lisa "Oceandreamer" Swifka. Lisa began the event in 2007 as a way for more people in the blog world to say hello to one another and share their art.

Everyone who takes part announces their participation on their blog, then posts about an item they are giving away. Visitors to each blog involved leave a comment, and at the end of the event each participant randomly selects a visitor to win their prize.

Lisa describes One World - One Heart as not so much a contest but a virtual "open homes" tour with a chance to win a door prize at each stop. It really does feel that way as you click through to all the participating blogs and get to know so many people.

Last year was our first time to participate in the event. For our prize, we gave away a signed copy of Castle in the Air, the first book from Dromedary Press. Dromedary's newest book, Commonplace Mouse, was published recently, so it's a natural pick for this year's prize. Click here to see our many posts about this tale of perseverance and high adventure. One lucky winner will be sent an autographed copy.

If you'd like to enter to win the prize, all you have to do is leave a (non-anonymous) comment on this post. One World - One Heart ends on Monday, February 15, and that's the day we will draw the winner's name from a hat and announce it here.

To learn more about this event, visit the One World - One Heart blog.

"Prints, Charming" is here!

Once upon a time...well, late last night, to be honest...we put the finishing touches on Prints, Charming, the new exhibit at the Castle in the Air gallery. Because this is our second show, we had the luxury of being used to the gallery space and how to put up the art. We do have some rather unique pieces this time, however, including a ten-foot long framed print, several portraits only a few inches wide, and books (glorious books!) from the Dromedary Press line.

I've been living with some of the original images from the show for many years, some for just a number of months. Now that they are all dressed and gathered together, they all seem fresh and new and as though they are all part of the same family, which of course they are--princesses, magical animals, and my hero, Commonplace Mouse, who has been immortalized in time for the show not only in print through Dromedary but also in doll form by Caron Dunn!

Dromedary Dreams

One of my greatest joys of the past year has been to devote more time than ever to my book projects. For years, Dromedary Press has been a dream that I've been able to bring more and more into the waking world to share with everyone else. The gallery show is shaping up to be a grand celebration of my books and illustrations.

I hope many of you will be able to come to the book signing at Castle in the Air on February 11. But even if you can't join us, you can be a part of the adventure by getting your own copy of Commonplace Mouse through our Online Shoppe!

Commonplace Mouse is Here!

Callooh! Callay! After many adventures, Commonplace Mouse has arrived at Castle in the Air! Today a large truck pulled up alongside the store and a couple of nice fellows helped us unload box after box of the brand new book, the latest publication from our publishing company, Dromedary Press. We're still getting our little hero situated, but soon you'll be able to take this heroic story of a brave little mouse home with you. Hooray!

Setting off...

Castle in the Air's smallest hero sets off on the first leg of his adventures today -- Commonplace Mouse has gone to press! Only a month or so before the books are here! Stay tuned for news about the festivities we have planned to celebrate the publication of the second title from Dromedary Press.

Sketches at the Gates of Slumber

Not long ago I was talking with my dear friend Laurey about the frustration I feel from not being able to fit in making art with all the other things going on in my life. She told me about how she sketches every night just before bed. She's been doing it since finishing art school years ago, and says that she loves having the habit. It's sometimes the only art she's able to fit into her life as a busy mother, but it's something every day, which is so important.

I started the practice myself, and I find it to be really satisfying. Each night I take just enough time to make something before drifting off into dreamland. It's productive, too -- in fact, all the drawings for my next book, Commonplace Mouse, started as bedtime sketches. Thank you, Laurey!

Introducing...

...Commonplace Mouse! I've made a new friend, and I want you all to meet him. Commonplace Mouse has been sharing his story with me for a while now, and just last night I put the final touches on a book of watercolors illustrating them. The book is dedicated to my younger daughter, as she and Mr. Mouse have a lot in common.

In the not-too-distant future, Commonplace Mouse will be the second title from the Castle in the Air publishing imprint, Dromedary Press.