Flat tires and caterpillars
It’s been a shockingly busy post-launch season over here. You know that “calm before the holiday storm” everyone talks about? Yeah… I stuffed mine with a full collection launch and a sale.
Am I okay? Probably not.
A HUGE thank you to all of those that purchased, cheered me on, and chose to trust in my art to bring some delight to your home. It’s an honor, and I’m so excited to have this collection out in the world.
Once my husband’s birthday hits in the summer, it’s basically a fast pass on the rollercoaster into the second half of the year. Blink, and it’s 2026. (did elves decorate all the stores overnight?!).
And wowza - November 4th?! I’m also starting to understand the pull to decorate for Christmas the second Halloween candy goes on clearance. I used to be firmly in the “decorate after Thanksgiving” camp, but between work events, school programs, and family gatherings… I’m now tempted to hang a wreath before I’ve even packed away the pumpkin candles. Gotta enjoy it while we are home, right?!
Anyway, I digress. A little holiday cheer sounds nice, doesn’t it?
I’m over here making gifts already (see below), dreaming about my holiday tablecloth design. Maybe it’s not even a tablecloth - maybe it’s a hand-stamped pattern or a painted centerpiece. Either way, I’m team make it with what you’ve got.
Inside My Studio
Currently: resting. (Or at least trying to.)
The Wonder Collection is officially out in the world! I’ve added new paper types and sizes to the shop - because who doesn’t love options?
Painting has also been my therapy of choice lately.
Case in point: this morning I was supposed to play in a work golf tournament - a rare beautiful day in Houston—and WHA-BAM when we walked out to hop in the car… flat tire.
So, while waiting for AAA, Bonnie and I did what any rational humans do: we ran upstairs to paint. Mostly me frantically googling tires, and her painting. She made two caterpillars (naturally), and I was reminded that painting can rescue even the most deflating mornings.
Later, when I found myself at the tire shop waiting for two new tires ($$$ of course), I pulled out my paints again when I got home. Deep breaths. Small joys. And hey, if you’ve been eyeing an art set or new supplies, now’s a good time as sales are popping up everywhere.
What I'm Cooking
I’ve been making Mark’s famous giardiniera from Good Things (aka the ultimate holiday gift for friends and family). It’s a bit of a production: chopping a billion veggies and mixing a gallon of oil and vinegar—but it scales beautifully, and it only gets better after three weeks in the fridge. Perfect timing for December gifting!
This stuff on leftover turkey sandwiches? It’s going to be that perfect acidic bite.
We’re also firmly back in our hotdish and roasted chicken era now that it’s cool enough to turn on the oven without melting.
And because cozy cooking season is upon us, here are my go-to cookbooks of the year - the ones I’d grab if I could only keep a handful on a desert island that also had a library:
Everyday cooking (a.k.a. my weekly meal plan staples - I usually pick a book and cook from it for a week of meal ideas):
- Home Is Where the Eggs Are
- The Minimalist Kitchen
- The Defined Dish: Comfortable Kitchen (and while I like her first book, the layout drives me absolutely bananas)
For parties and gatherings:
- Wishbone Kitchen
- Alison Roman’s Nothing Fancy or Dining In
For learning and everyday-meets-party recipes:
Creative Sparks
Children and their sheer immunity to the time change. Unbothered. Thriving. Living their best 25-hour day.
What I'm Reading
Mate was a delight (no notes).
Now I’m into Road of Bones—and yes, I impulsively downloaded My Oxford Year, Done and Dusted, and another mystery mid-scroll because my self-control is nonexistent. Waiting impatiently for Brimstone to drop mid-November.
Coming Up...
Next up in the studio: I’m sketching out ideas for a holiday table design that feels meaningful and low-stress — less “Pinterest pressure,” more “use what you have.” I’ll also be sharing a few behind-the-scenes peeks at my next print inspiration and how I’m planning a handmade holiday that feels a little slower and a lot more special.
With gratitude and even more caffeine,
Katie
