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Dear Reader,

Oh my goodness! How is it already over halfway through September?! If you've been with me for a few months you know that I took July off and spent lots of time making art (it was fantastic!). In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I kept doing the same thing in August as well.

This break from writing blog posts, launching courses, and doing a lot of the "businessy" parts of my business has led to so much relief, happiness, and clarity. After a lot of contemplation, I decided to spend the next year (yes year!) just making art and pretty much doing what I want to do when I want to do it.

Will I pitch my work? Maybe.

Will I make a new Skillshare class? If I feel like it.

Am I nervous about how it's going to go? Sure am. BUT if I decide this isn't the way forward I can always make a shift. Nothing is set in stone (not for me...or you). Just a little reminder in case you are feeling like you need a change.

Yours truly,

Kristi

What happened in August

I made a 2025 calendar! I've been holding off on sending this email because I wanted it to be officially available and in my Etsy store, but alas, the shipping gods have thwarted me. My print sample hasn't arrived yet so I don't feel good about hitting publish on the listing just yet. BUT I always love a sneak peek and hope you will too. Here's an image of what each month looks like!

This was by far the biggest project I've ever set for myself, plus I've never really taken on any illustration projects so this felt REALLY out of my element.

If you ever decide you would like to create a calendar or a large series here are a few tips to help you along the way:

1. Choose a theme. I went with Joshua Tree plants and animals. You can choose any theme you like: dogs (always a winner), cats (so much opportunity for sass), coffee, folk art, astronomy, or astrology. The sky's the limit here.
2. Brainstorm ideas on your theme and assign one idea to each month. I wrote down a huge list of possibilities, whittled it down, and made a rough plan for each month.
3. Start sketching and drawing your first illustration. Take note of the details you use to add texture, what your linework looks like, what brushes you use (including brush size), colors, etc. You will want to use the same elements each month to bring it together.
4. Keep going. There will come a point where you will grow tired of this big project. For me, that moment came when I started illustrating October. I was so close to finishing but was growing tired of the process. It's not easy, but keep going. Turn to an artist friend for support and honest critique. Share sneak peeks of your work on social media or give your newsletter list a glimpse at the process. Let the excitement of others reignite yours.

What’s inspiring me lately…

I joined Bärbel Dressler's Repertoire course! I've been thinking about joining her course for over a year, and when it opened up for enrollment recently I took the plunge. Repertoire dives into the history of patterns and given my day job which is also very steeped in history I couldn't resist. So far I'm loving it. I've learned about the history of polka dots and paisleys and have been thoroughly enjoying using her analog process for pattern creation.

Before joining her class I watched several of her Skillshare classes to get a feel for her teaching style (which is lovely).

I'll be sure to share more as the class progresses and will give a full review in a few months.

One more thing worth sharing...

Alderwood Studio's Coda Coat SAL Last year I watched Alderwood Studio's Coda Coat SAL (sew along), but didn't feel like I had the time to join in the fun. This year I decided to give it a go! ​ If you'd like to join in the fun you still can! It runs from September 16th to October 7th. I can't wait to see how it goes! ​ Join the Coda Coat SAL Alderwood Studio IG

Rare Book Inspiration This month brought some early printed books and one musical score. If you're new around here and want to see images from previous months, here are all the images I've shared so far. ​ September Rare Book Images

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Warmly,

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Support from people like you helps me continue to do what I do, and it is much appreciated.

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