Whimsy Workshop Graphics (Giveaway)!

Hello, hello! I am introducing my newest friend and find for adorable clipart and products..

Susanna from Whimsy Workshop Graphics! 

This sweet and successful lady has been selling products on TPT, and she has amazing products that are fit for many grade levels (centers, printables, no prep art lessons) and she also has been blessed with the adorable talent of art!

 

I thought it would be fun to do a Q&A with Susanna :] Here is the fun info I got!

1. What inspired you to get started with clipart?

I spent many years doing more traditional art and illustration styles, and I've always used drawing during my lessons to help students connect with whatever concept I'm teaching. However, my clip art drawing style actually emerged during a very difficult time for my family. One day I said to my husband, "Things are so sad right now - we need more whimsy in our lives!" I started doodling cute little animals to cheer myself up, and they did cheer me up! So when I joined TPT, Whimsy Workshop seemed like an appropriate name.

2. What advice do you have for people starting out with creating clipart?

There's a steep learning curve if you're not techie - I spent SO many hours watching tutorials online while learning photoshop. Once you've got the basics down, try to develop your own style and have fun with it! I like clean lines, bright colors and characters that make you smile when you see them. Those three qualities do more than just decorate a page - they are meant to capture students' attention and inspire them to engage in the activity.

I find it helps to have a specific lesson or concept in mind before you start. For example, my fairy tale clip art and mask sets were made specifically for my own class Reader's Theater lessons. The Whimsy Town graphics were inspired by a trip to Carmel, California and all the adorable houses near the ocean.

3. Where are you from?

I'm from near Vancouver, BC where I've lived most of my life, apart from traveling around Europe during a house exchange with my family. I have two teenage boys, and my husband teaches music and computers at my school. It's quite fun when he has to come and take my class away twice a week!

4. What do you teach?

I've taught K-3, and currently I'm teaching a split grade 1/2 class. The abilities are so varied (reading levels from 1-45 in the same class) that differentiated activities are a must! My teaching philosophies involve teaching the whole child, meaning that social/emotional issues are given equal weight to teaching academics.

This year was one of my most challenging classes with 14 out of 23 reading below level when the year started! I soon realized it was not an academic problem, but rather a self-regulation problem. After a year of trying everything I could think of and many new ideas, there are only 3 students still below level now - but I still have two months to get them caught up as well!

5. What are your hobbies?

 My hobbies are art related: traditional painting, writing and illustrating childrens' books, and puttering around in my garden. I'm always busy adding new products to my TPT store, blogging and collaborating with all of the amazing teachers I've met online.

 

 

Her clipart is some of the best out there I have seen with incredible prices.  Adorable animals, backgrounds, color, b&w!

Below are images of her clipart that are available at her store:

 

Now for the great part... a giveaway!  Susanna is generously donating any TWO clipart products of your choice to one lucky winner... This is such a wonderful giveaway, and even if you don't win, become a follower of Susanna and stay up to date on freebies, sales, and the latest of her adorable, easily afforded products. Good luck... there are many ways to enter.. be sure to share ;)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88e1c38/