Nancy Lessard Downing

I initially went to college to become a commercial artist/cartoonist via Mass College of Art as well as the New England School of Art & Design but realized there are so many more mediums that I loved to work with. I have since worked full-time in the business world and experiencing the empty nest has actually given me a new spark in pursuing more of my creative side.

I have two beautiful children who I love dearly and who are now young adults. Michelle is working full time and has graduated with her Masters degree and is now a scientist. While my youngest Michael, has completed his military career and has returned to college and pursing a degree.

My parents were the first contributors by feeding my love for arts & crafts by encouraging me to try different things. My gifts were often various arts and crafts to complete - which I loved and expanded my knowledge across different mediums and crafts. My father loved working with his hands and fed my interest with wood and the musical world whereas my mother provided me with her love of the arts encouraging me to draw, crafts, knit and so much more. My kids taught me to try even more with their past school or community projects, painting murals, etc...

People will always find me craving and trying to learn new crafts, artistic techniques and adventures where it could be on paper, film or working with wood, yarn or whatever may come across as something new to try and expand upon.

Writing children's books has always been a hidden drive for me and with the recent covid environment, it became a reality. I began with the alphabet, sitting in front of the TV sketching the drawings just to keep busy. My son suggested that I publish it as a children's book, which I did, and it has since been my current drive leading to over twelve books in under a year and in two languages for some.

I hope you enjoy them and welcome suggestions for future books.