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In this Issue:

A Note from the Workbench

3 Things from the Studio

Pattern Drop

Between the Pages

Deep Dive

Upcoming Events

Hi friends,

Cozy season is in full swing, and the Interior has sure been showing off this year! Not only did we have a series of absolutely stunning days, but we also hit the latest frost of the year record. Most of the trees are bare now, and winter is definitely creeping in. Some of us (the kids, the dog, and maybe even me) were thrilled about our first snow just earlier this week.

Lately, the studio has been all about packaging! Every project on my desk seems to revolve around creating custom artwork for labels, cups, boxes or bags. It’s been exciting to dive deep into the details — designing something that not only looks good but tells a story and brings the product to life. And I’m not mad about it, either. Packaging hits that sweet spot between art and design, and I’m loving the variety and challenges all of it brings!

I’ve just finished designing new hot cups for Bucko’s, and I think they’re sure to turn heads (but I may be biased)!

These were designed to match their re-brand we launched in 2022, and feature bold pops of their signature colors and edgy diagonal color blocking. With funky, stacked lettering to top it off, these cups capture that Bucko’s vibe.

It's October so that means it's INKtober! Inktober is a daily drawing challenge to create a fully inked drawing every day for the entire month of October, and it happens every year. I've participated many times throughout the years, though I've only made it the full 31 days just a handful of times.

While I haven’t fully committed to the challenge this year, I’ve been using it as a creative outlet to develop illustrations for my patterns. Because, you know, I want to make 100 patterns like a crazy person...

And, while finding time to draw every day can be hard, finding the 2+ hours needed to create the pattern is often more of a hurdle.

But, I'm stoked to share that I have created at least one new pattern from this Inktober spinoff! This freshly hatched chickadee design (which I'll totally be making into a classy wrapping paper this season) is now available on Spoonflower for all you crafty peeps. Did you know they have decor too, like pillows and bedding?!

Over the past couple of years, I started a journey to prioritize reading as part of my self-care routine; getting lost between the pages is instrumental for my mental well-being.

I've also learned to have a book with me at all times, like when I'm waiting for the kids to get out of school, or when the coffee drive thru line is hella long, or when the husband needs to visit Home Depot... I read in between moments instead of scrolling on the phone, which is a much more enjoyable use of my time.

Here are my recent reads:

The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu -

Set in a magical Scotland, it was incredibly imaginative but a little anti-climactic. And had little to do with a library of the dead. And had typos?!

A Botanist's Guide to Parties & Poisons, by Kate Khavari -

I'm kind of glad I read the second book of this series first, but I still enjoyed this historical mystery. It was fast-paced, which makes for an enjoyable fast read.

The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides -

Un-put-downable, this psychological thriller has a wicked twist that haunted my mind for a few days.

With the holiday markets and bazaars just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your booth or table market-ready! In lieu of my usual Deep Dive, I’m excited to offer this Craft Market Vendor Guide as a FREE download.

A collaboration with Fairbanks Arts Association, inside you’ll find tips for preparing for a market and setting up a stunning display.

You’ll also get a helpful Pricing Guide, and a Packaging 101 info sheet—everything you need to make your products shine this season in one snazzy packet.

Creating this guide has been such a fulfilling experience, allowing me to share the knowledge and expertise I’ve gained over a decade (uggggh, I feel old AF saying that). Collaborating with Fairbanks Arts Association to support our local artisans was once again a great fit, and this packet will also be shared with their Handmade Holiday Market vendors.

My passion for helping small businesses find growth and success has really thrived these past few years, and I hope this guide will be a valuable resource for our community of artists and makers. Share it and enjoy!

Speaking of holiday bazaars, here’s my (tentative) lineup:

This year, I’m limiting myself to just three holiday markets (crossing fingers I get accepted to the two pending). These are the shows where I’ve found my art is most appreciated — not everyone likes bones, lol — plus, they’re also truly exceptional events.

By focusing on just these three, I can reduce the stress of juggling multiple markets, spend more time with my family during the holiday season, and even enjoy being a shopper myself to get my own gift-giving done! I hope to see you at one of these bazaars!

As always, thank you for giving me space in your inbox. Stay creative!

Your friend,

Brianna Reagan

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