Thank You
As we wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday, I just wanted to take a moment and thank each and every one of you for subscribing to this newsletter and supporting Alpha-Sketch: Art for the Smart. This is a one-man operation and my full-time job. Without the support of customers and schools, I could not continue. Whether you've hosted a school visit, implemented a book fundraiser, bought merchandise, or told a friend about Alpha-Sketch, you are appreciated.
S is for Sale!
Here it is, the best sale I hold each year: S IS FOR SALE! There are LOTS of new items now up for sale at Alpha-Sketch.com.
In addition to the offers listed below, I am adding a special bonus for newsletter subscribers ONLY. If you buy any four picture or activity books ($12 each), I will include a fifth picture/activity book of your choice for free (a $12 value)! Additionally, if you buy THE ALPHA-SKETCH CLASSROOM, I will give you a picture or activity book of your choice ($12 value) for free. To redeem your free offers, simply leave a note at checkout stating your choice. This sale is online only and ends on Saturday, December 1.
In addition to the offers listed below, I am adding a special bonus for newsletter subscribers ONLY. If you buy any four picture or activity books ($12 each), I will include a fifth picture/activity book of your choice for free (a $12 value)! Additionally, if you buy THE ALPHA-SKETCH CLASSROOM, I will give you a picture or activity book of your choice ($12 value) for free. To redeem your free offers, simply leave a note at checkout stating your choice. This sale is online only and ends on Saturday, December 1.
School Visits!
I've had a great time visiting schools this fall. As a former classroom teacher, I absolutely love being able to work with students directly and share my passion for writing and illustrating. I don't take as many photos as I should, but here are a few from a recent visit to Boiling Springs Elementary in Spartanburg (SC) District Two. Special thanks to Ms. Atkins, their fantastic media specialist, for going above and beyond with her preparation. She had read several of my books to the students prior to the visit and even had them draw their own Alpha-Sketch illustrations! Not only that, but check out the fabulous Needles stand-ups Ms. Atkins made.
Craft Show Season!
The fall is always a busy time with lots of great craft shows popping up everywhere. My next shows are all in SC:
November 29 - December 1
Holiday Fair (Greenville, SC)
December 8
Tinsel Town Craft & Vendor Fair (Taylors, SC)
December 9
Crafty Feast (Columbia, SC)
December 15
Swamp Rabbit Cafe Holiday Flea (Greenville, SC)
I have a variety of Christmas items that are only sold at shows like Alpha-Sketch ornaments and snow globes. If you're in the area and looking for some unique gifts that aren't in my online store, be sure to stop by the Alpha-Sketch booth.
November 29 - December 1
Holiday Fair (Greenville, SC)
December 8
Tinsel Town Craft & Vendor Fair (Taylors, SC)
December 9
Crafty Feast (Columbia, SC)
December 15
Swamp Rabbit Cafe Holiday Flea (Greenville, SC)
I have a variety of Christmas items that are only sold at shows like Alpha-Sketch ornaments and snow globes. If you're in the area and looking for some unique gifts that aren't in my online store, be sure to stop by the Alpha-Sketch booth.
Last Month's Contest Results!
Last month's newsletter featured a contest where you could guess what I was drawing with only 13 of the 26 letters shown. Thanks to everyone that played. The correct answer, as seen below, is a dachshund. All correct answers received were entered into a drawing for an exclusive magnet two-pack. The winner is...Ashley G. of NC!
New Contest!
It's time for a new contest! Here's another partially completed Alpha-Sketch illustration. Once you have a guess send it to braddparton@gmail.com. Guesses will be accepted through Dec. 7. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing for an exclusive magnet pack. Good luck!
Free Activity & Coloring Sheet!
Here's a cute reindeer activity/coloring sheet. I've also included a decoded version as well. I hope some of you can get a little classroom use out of this one! Permission to copy for classroom use is granted. Permission to re-distribute or sell is not.

nov_2018...free_alpha-sketch_activity_sheet...reindeer.pdf |
Now Scheduling School Visits and Custom Book Fundraisers!
If you work or volunteer at a school and are interested in an author visit or custom book fundraiser, please get in touch. I'm currently scheduling for the spring and into fall 2019. The school visits are reasonably priced and can possibly be free. The fundraisers involve a custom book being written/illustrated about what makes your school a great place. It includes custom drawings of your building, mascot, a town landmark, and more. The fundraiser also offers an Alpha-Sketch t-shirt (in SC: SC flag design; Elsewhere: currently a T-rex design). Each item sold earns your school $5 profit!