These adorable animal greeting cards would be a HIT for any special occasion. She especially loves giving the ‘odd’ animals some of the spotlight, like a sloth or an aardvark. Her ‘Little Bunnies’ series draws inspiration from two of her very own house bunnies that are best friends, and also a bit mischievous!
Abi Cushman
Random Facts About You?- I was once commissioned by ESPN to create a Super Bowl painting
- I live with two house rabbits, who are the inspiration behind my Little Bunnies series
- I am a co-editor, contributor, and illustrator for an educational site about animals (animalfactguide.com)
- I find it much easier to draw a rabbit riding bike, or an aardvark driving a bulldozer, or a hippo pole vaulting than drawing a person doing any of those things.
What got you started crafting?
I've always enjoyed drawing animals. I've used traditional mediums like pastels and acrylics to create wildlife art and pet portraits. I started Grizzly Bear Greetings in 2011 after I created a birthday card for my niece. I thought it would be fun to make more designs and open a shop. Later in the year, I expanded my product range to nursery art and recipe cards.
What is your source of inspiration?
My two house rabbits are the inspiration behind my Little Bunnies series (cute brown rabbits who go biking, rowing, sledding, etc. together). While my pet rabbits don't engage in people sports, they are still very playful and mischievous, and they enjoy each other's company. I think those qualities come through in the illustrations.
I'm also inspired by odd or funny-looking animals. I like to showcase animals that don't always get the spotlight, such as aardvarks, sloths, or capybaras. I think these animals display so much character, and they're so fun to draw.
What have you made recently?
I recently made some Christmas cards featuring mice. I tried to think of winter activities that mice would look cute doing. I came up with mice ice skating using paperclips as their skates. I figured those would be the appropriate size. Then for the next one, I tried to think of what object a mouse could use to go sledding. I decided it would be great if the mouse used a doughnut as a snow tube, and so that's what I drew!
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
My cards and prints are available online on Etsy (www.grizzlybeargreetings.com) as well as at an artisan gift shop in Niantic, CT called Raspberry Junction. I also sell my products at various local craft fairs.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
When you buy handmade goods, you're directly supporting a person or small business. You know they put care, effort, and a personal touch into creating something unique.
Find Me
LocationNew London, CT
Email Address
Abi Cushman
Personal Website
http://www.grizzlybeargreetings.com
Store Website
http://www.grizzlybeargreetings.com
HEARTHM
@grizzlybearart
http://www.facebook.com/grizzlybeargreetings
