Children's Illustrations

#3081 in Arts
Rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 0 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Don't Let The Name Fool You

13 Black Cats Designs is an odd name for a store that sells delightfully fanciful, brightly colored illustrations aimed at children and the young at heart.

When you get to the site it is definitely not what you would expect yet her reason for naming it that way is interesting. Her quote from the website states "Some people ask why 13 black cats when they have a bad rap for being unlucky? Well I have always liked the number 13 and when it falls on a Friday it is always a good day for me. I have never met a cat in any color that gave me bad luck, only love and I figured, or at least hoped that two negatives should turn out to be something positive."

I find that an interesting perspective much like the artwork she imagines.

Unique Children's Gifts 

and adults too!

The artwork Nikki Cutro conjures up has the innocence of times gone by when stuffed animals came to life and everything was a wonder. She combines this old time charm with bright vivid colors that are not overbearing or domineering and it is not easy finding children's designs that are not mass produced, too commercial or age appropriate.

Each scene seems to tell a story that most people can trace back to their childhood, fishing with Dad or Grandpa, jumping in puddles, tea parties with your imaginary friends or spending the day at the beach and getting sand between your toes. The artwork here also has a certain charm and tenderness. I Wub You reminds us of being cuddled and reassured by mommy. It provokes a feeling of safety and warmth. A Day at the Beach captures the moment perfectly, you can almost hear the seagulls in the background and smell the salty air. There are many scenes like this one, all telling a tale and all relatable.

Of course not everything is aimed at children. Uh Oh! gives the viewer a chuckle as they see a tiny mouse that happens upon a basket full of playful kittens above them reads "It is going to be one of those days" perfect to give someone that can't seem to catch a break. Feed Me Now is a cat sitting by an empty bowl, staring at you with those eyes. This design shows up on a funny greeting card. The cat wishes his person a happy birthday and promptly reminds him he needs to be fed.

13 Black Cats Designs offers many different types of products so you can create a theme gift for that new little bundle on the way, or remember someone that is close to you. Along with the apparel, baby items and adult gifts there are also invitations, congratulations, thank you cards and matching postage too.

This store offers custom work and personalization and has a sister shop on Zazzle and on Greeting Card Universe where you can do that all yourself.

Nikki also is a talented photographer as well as a painter. Her photography catches things we might not see or perhaps we glance by with out a thought. As with her illustrations, each photo tells a story. Her home page can be found on www.13BlackCatsDesigns.com

The designs you see below are all available on children's apparel and bibs, keepsake boxes, baby journals and more. I chose to feature larger items so the artwork could be seen easier.

Give 13 Black Cats Designs a try. I am sure you will like it as much as I do.

Original Children's Illustrations on CafePress 

Whimsical characters for children

A Day at the Beach Throw Pillow

Sun, sand and surf, the perfect combinations for a lovely day at the beach. This is an original illustration by the artist and comes on not only baby products but some adult ones too.

Price: 22.99

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Quilted Zoo Throw Pillow

These little friends will keep your little one snuggly warm. A collection of stuffed animals make up this quilted painting. This design is also on several items including baby and toddler apparel.

Price: 22.99

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The Line Up GIRL Yard Sign

Announce your baby. Just add some balloons to this cute stuffed animals yard sign. Look for other coordinating accessories here. This is an original illustration by the artist.

Price: 19.99

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Doodle Bug Butterfly Ornament (Round)

This is one in a series of cute little bugs that no matter how squeamish you are, you have to love them. This makes a great gift tag! These are original designs done by the artist.

Price: 9.99

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Nothing beats cuddling your little one. This is an original design done by the artist.

Price: 0.00

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More cool designs... 

Puddle Jumper/Rainy Day Fund Keepsake Box

Splish splash, make sure you get every happy minute out of a rainy day and some pennies too! This is an original design done by the artist

Price: 28.99

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Tubin' Tote Bag

Floating down a lazy river, sun shinning, warm breeze, now that is a summer day.There are plenty of adult things too! This bag is great for the pool, there is one for the beach too. This is an original design done by the artist

Price: 17.99

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Fishing With Dad Kids Light T-Shirt

Almost everyone went fishing with their dad why not commemorate the occasion with this incredibly cute design. This is an original design done by the artist

Price: 17.99

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Sunday's Best Infant Bodysuit

A pretty new dress and a matching bonnet, spring bulbs and baskets full of flowers. Spring is here and this little bunny can't wait to show off. This is an original design done by the artist

Price: 14.99

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The Line Up Note Cards (Pk of 10)

Shower invitations, baby journals and matching thank you cards can be found in her shop too! If you need something added to her designs she is willing to personalize it for you.

Price: 15.99

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Easy links to 13 Black Cats Designs pages: 

Home Page on CafePress
Takes you directly to the shop.
Home Page on Zazzle
This site has many of her designs that can be found on postage stamps, high quality prints with custom framing and other items you can't find on CafePress
Home Page on Greeting Cards Universe
This site has quite a few unique designs that are not found on the others. Exclusive designs on high quality paper cards. Affordable too!
Illustrations Section
This will take you directly to her illustrations
Baby and Toddler Section
This will take you directly to her illustrations that are on baby and toddler products.
Holidays Section
This will take you directly to her illustrations that are Holiday themed.

Buy Paper Greeting Cards 

Only $2.50 each!

New Guestbook 

Norval Arbogast

You are surprising! My wifes birthday is on the 13th, also 3 friend, and many of the Blessed Mother's visitations have come on the 13th. I do not think of it as an unlucky day.

Posted May 01, 2008