July 2025
Hello, my dear friend,
The weather has been wonderful lately. Aside from one heat wave, we’ve mostly had temperatures between 20–25°C and just enough rain to keep the plants happy. I’ve been dreaming about what to plant in our new garden and enjoying my daily walks with Luther. In July, the brambles along the roadside started bearing fruit, and we’ve been able to enjoy a (often sour) treat along the way.
I started reading Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, but I don’t really like it. We’re nearing the end of Nobody’s Boy by Hector Malot, and I still love it.
I want to make more forest-themed drawings. The other day, before mowing the grass, I noticed some tiny ferns growing up through the blades. I picked them, photographed them, and pressed them in a book. They’ll be great inspiration for later.
To stay within the forest theme, I painted a pattern featuring a stag. I’m still exploring how to combine traditional painting with digital techniques.
I much prefer painting with real paints, but I find the process of assembling the pattern less enjoyable. Even so, I’ll keep refining and improving it.
You can find this pattern through Spoonflower and Redbubble.
I also made a digital pattern with Peonies and Luther!
I thought I’d try working more with negative space, but I’ve noticed that I’m most drawn to my busier patterns, where a lot is going on.
You can find this one too through Spoonflower, Redbubble and a as a digital wallpaper.
Sketchbook
I love both creating and looking at these intricate, intertwined patterns that feel never-ending, like the second-to-last one here, in blue, with the forest, stag, and wizard. I think I’ll make more!
That’s all for now—see you next month!
Find all my patterns and illustrations below:
As an illustrator and pattern designer, I believe in the power of imagery to bring joy.
My work centers on hand-painted repeating patterns, inspired by the fantasy and magical realism stories I love to read.
I work in both traditional and digital mediums.
Long walks with my little dog are one of my favorite pastimes.
If you're interested in collaborating on a project, feel free to reach out and ask about my availability.
