New Keys to Joy...

Keep Finding New Keys to Joy

Well, I'm back, as promised, with an update (and sooo many thanks to the people who got in touch saying that this is a good thing, in one way or another).

And as you'll see, the new art that's emerged during the break (and is still emerging) is very, very different to the old. But now I'm used to the bright shock of it, am loving it, which is a great start.

Where this will all go, I really don't know at the  moment. (Though I did have a peek at how it looks on a few things, and specially enjoyed it on this greeting card).

Keep Finding New Keys to Joy Greeting Card

But more than anything, it's lovely to be back in the land of colour and joy. And even lovelier that you're there with me.

Next step is to let this new style tell me where it wants to go. I'll update you as soon as I know myself.

Thanks so much for being here.

More soon.

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Rudbeckia-And a Summer Break

This yellow Rudbeckia flower,
which I've painted in digital watercolour,
 was growing in a park we visited recently.

Hello there

Hope you're doing well out there, in heat (if you have it/have had it) or whatever else life has in store for you at the moment.

Here, it's a strange season, for reasons well beyond the heat (though with so much else going on in the world, the Computer Man and I both still very much realise the extent of our good fortune-we, in ourselves, and together, are fine).

What it does mean is that it's time for a blogging break here. Not just because of "events," but also...After over 700 posts, (and therefore-yikes-nearly 15 years of this blog)...I need to take some time, not just to re-charge, but also to re-think, and re-align myself.

And it is a very different self from the one who started on the "Can I, of all the artistically-challenged people, really learn to draw?" exploration all those years ago.

Yes, I've answered that question. Yes, I can definitely draw, paint, cartoon, create cards, design patterns and more, both traditionally and digitally. And so, by the way, can anyone else who really wants to do so.

If nothing else, I, and this blog, are living proof that it isn't inborn talent, but a huge degree of desire, which makes the difference, and keeps you practising happily enough, for long enough, to get to your own point of, "Yes, I can do this."

But with the original question answered, the new ones that have been whispering for a while are, "What's next?,"  and even the old chestnut of, "Is any of this helping the wider world enough?"

On a less navel-gazing note, at the moment, it feels very much though, like more cartoons may be involved... Because, isn't life serious enough already?

And so...

And so, as you can see, it's time for a re-alignment, a re-think, and a re-jig. Wish me luck, and thanks so much for being here.

As soon as there's more than that solidly in place, I promise to let you know.

In the meantime, take good care of yourselves out there, and have a great summer.

Clare

Update on July 22nd 2026: It turned out that the re-jig didn't take that long, and the blog continues (yay!). Tap or click here to read the next post now.
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New-A Whimsical Summer Meadow Gif

Blooming Summer Meadow Gif
Tap or click here to download and share

Hello there

Hope all is well with you where you are. Here, it's most definitely summer, and here's an animated gif that celebrates that, with blooming flowers and a happy butterfly.

 (You're welcome to download and share it if you'd like-please just keep the watermark in. It's already at a small size.  Links back always appreciated, but never required).

Also, as befits summer, I'm keeping this brief, and maybe popping in here a little less than usual over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, thanks so much for being here. Stay cool if you're in the heat, and there'll still be...

More soon, from here.

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Free Happy Solstice Graphic-No Matter Where You Live

Free Happy Solstice (Combined Summer and Winter Circular Illustration)
by Clare Walker, BoundingSquirrel.Com
Tap or click here to download and use.

Hello there

As I type this, going to be the Solstice on Sunday. How can we be that far through the year already?!

But as we are, it's time to unveil a graphic I've been wanting to create for ages, but never quite worked out how best to do it simply...Until now. 

Finally, it's here. The Happy Solstice illustration that works just as well (and I hope, just as fairly) whether it's currently (approaching) the Summer or the Winter Solstice wherever you are.

Please do feel free to tap/right-click/click here (depending on your device), or on the image itself to download and use in any Solstice-related projects at any time.

And yes, as ever, credit is always appreciated, but never required. (Full terms of use are here).

However, as this particular illustration has been soooo long-promised, if you use this and could possibly find a way to link back to this post, please

 (ie https://www.boundingsquirrel.com/2026/06/free-happy-solstice-graphic-no-matter.html ) 

that would be absolutely magical.

I'll leave that with you. Enjoy using this image in any event, and have a great week.

More soon.
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A New Father's Day Card You Can Print...

"Absolute Best at Being A Dad Card"
by BoundingSquirrel at Zazzle

Hello there

Hope all's well with you.

Unbelievably, (given that Father's Day in lots of the world is a full 10 days way, as I type) I'm sending this post as a "last call" for 21st June 2026 Father's Day.

But if you still have to even think about it, then fear not, as the card above (which is soooo much cuter in close-up...tap or click here to see) can also be downloaded and printed for you to give to the recipient.

And just in case you think that it seems a little harsh, bear in mind, that all the text is fully editable, and that the inside, by the default you can see below, also says..."But you are the ABSOLUTE BEST at being a Dad...Happy Father's Day!"

Inside the "Absolute Best at Being A Dad Card...

Other options too...

Yes, if you've been here before, you have probably guessed that I'm going to include him again in my list ('cos I really do love him...) the "Bear on a Bicycle," is printable too...

Cute Bear on A Bicycle With Balloons Father's Day Card
by BoundingSquirrel

As are the majority of cartoon cards in my CartoonsbyClare store. And whilst none of the cards in there are for Father's Day specifically, most are editable.

So, if for example, you need a "bowls themed Father's Day card", you could simply Edit the "Happy Birthday" section on this card...

Funny Cartoon Bowls Birthday Card
by CartoonsbyClare

and get a funny downloadable printable card right away.

Other cartoons of mine there that might fit a Father's day bill also involve: seabirds, cricket, golf/potholes, and more...

Finally

I hope this has given you the inspiration you need if the deadline for sending a card to your Dad is looming.

And if Father's Day is a bit of a trigger for you, I do get it, being not that many years from loss there myself. However, I decided in the end that it wasn't very honouring of great dads in general to give up on designing for them.

Besides, drawing bears and other fatherly creatures is so. much. fun...:-)

Equally though, I can absolutely reassure you that the topic will be a different one next week.

In the meantime, thanks so much for being here, and have a great week.

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