Hi friends! How’re you all doing?? Happy September already! It gives me a thrill to say it - I love this month so much for all of it’s transitions and, of course, the beginning of autumn.
Since this whole monthly newsletter thing is a new endeavor, I thought I might just chat a bit about what I’ve been up to in terms of art as well as life in general. A few days ago I asked you on Instagram what sort of things you enjoy seeing in newsletters and your responses were so helpful, so hopefully there’s a little something for everyone here. Onward!
What I’ve been up to
This past August has been a bit of a whirlwind of appointments, goals, deadlines, punctuated with anxiety here and there. My primary focus is publisher work at the moment, so I’m often hunched over my sketchbooks scribbling away and guzzling tea (I think of this as the “Jo March editing” phase). Outside of work and busy life stuff (lottttts of traveling back and forth for Delilah’s dermatologist appointments) I’ve been stealing away outside any chance I get, picking SO MANY apples and appreciating the cooler evenings.
Goals for this month
In a nutshell: staying organized, balancing work and play, and manage stress. I’ll have a bit more time for extra projects this month, so I’m going to try to focus a bit more on my Etsy shop and creating new products for autumn, including the felt badges you might have seen on my Instagram several weeks ago. Additionally I want to do more daily sketch journaling to loosen up a bit and overcome perfectionism.
Favorite things from last month!
I’ve a newfound appreciation for the simple Moleskine sketchbook and Micron pen, especially for journaling and travel.
M. Graham landscape watercolor set - I was given these as a birthday gift way back in February but ever since they’ve been my go-to watercolors. They’re made with blackberry honey, which is just the most lovely-sounding thing ever, isn’t it?? It’s a set of 5 colors, and more often than not I find it’s all I really need.
Cozy Grove on Nintendo Switch - I’ve not bought a new game in ages but couldn’t resist this one (ghost bears?? Cooking?????? MUSHROOMS). It’s become part of my bedtime routine lately because it’s just so chill and calming. Even the dialogue is so heartwarming and often makes me laugh.
This baked apple crisp from Flora & Vino. I made this for dinner a few weeks ago after a particularly stressful day, it was just the right amount of easy and comforting.
The beautiful videos by @Guinevere von Sneeden on Instagram. She always takes my breath away.
Downloadable phone wallpaper!
I’ve also painted a new mobile wallpaper for you to use if you’d like! Click here to download the full-res version.
Aaand I think that’s all for this time! I hope you all have a wonderful start to your month and all the wonderfully cozy autumn days to come.
Love, Taryn