September Studio Recap: A Month of Making and Momentum
Share
September has been such a full and exciting month! I began the Leverage Your Art (LYA) course with Stacie Bloomfield of Gingiber, and let me tell you it kept me glued to my computer. Between watching modules, filling out worksheets, and brainstorming product ideas, my brain has been buzzing nonstop.
Despite all that learning time, I managed to pop out of my studio to participate in a Pop Market at my local Anthropologie, where I shared some of the new products I’ve been developing. It was such a fun event (as usual!) and I always love chatting with Anthro customers and fellow artists in person.
Now, about those “new” products… I’ve been busy designing, ordering samples, and fine-tuning details for this holiday season. I’m so excited to finally share a sneak peek with you!
(Sidenote: I still haven’t figured out how to reply to blog comments yet, so just know your notes don’t go unnoticed 😄).
Keep reading to see what I’ve been cooking up—because, well, ’Tis the Season for Florals! 🌸
Calendars
I’ve always loved the idea of functional art, pieces you can use every day and still feel inspired by. Creating a calendar has been on my mind for a long time, and this year I finally made it happen!
Of course, I couldn’t choose just one format, so I designed two: a wall calendar and a desk calendar. Each features a different floral drawing from my original artwork—some taken directly from my existing pieces, others reimagined with a cleaner, minimal aesthetic.
I can’t wait to see them in your homes and studios, adding a bit of beauty to each passing month.
Sticker Sheet
This month I also created a sample sticker sheet, partly to see all my designs together, and partly to decide which ones might make the cut for individual stickers. But as soon as I laid them out, I thought, "Why not just sell the sheet itself?"
It’s a whopper at 8.5x11 inches, featuring multiple designs inspired by my artwork. Would you be interested in a full sheet like this? I’d love your feedback before I finalize it!
Coasters
My coasters continue to be a fan favorite and I can see why. The quality is top-notch, which is always my first priority when sourcing new products. These are ceramic stone with cork backing and naturally absorbent. In summary, beautiful and practical.
This season, I’m planning to offer two versions:
One with the flower’s symbolic meaning, and
One with the flower itself front and center.
I even asked for a little help on social and in the LYA community with choosing fonts, and this one came out the winner!
Mugs
When I launched The Mallorca Blues Collection last year, I received a few questions like: “Do you have mugs?” At the time, I didn’t, but this year I decided to look into it!
Below is my first 15oz ceramic mug sample, and I absolutely love it. The larger size feels substantial, and the glossy white really makes the art pop.
I’m planning to create a set of four designs, which will be available individually or as a bundle. Perfect for cozy mornings or gifting this season.
Tea Towels
Earlier this year, while planning for Mother’s Day, I ordered a sample tea towel with one of my floral designs. Timing didn’t work out back then, but I never stopped thinking about it.
Now, I’m revisiting the idea and developing two additional designs. I’m hoping to get samples soon to confirm the layout is what I envisioned.
If tea towels are something you’d be interested in, let me know. Your feedback helps guide what I bring to life next!
Pencil Pouch
And finally! How could I resist this one? Since I create all my art with pencils, it only makes sense to add a pencil pouch to my product lineup!
I'm testing two more designs but this is my initial sample on my flower-filled table.
Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to know which product are you most excited about? Leave me a comment below so I know! (But if you want a response, email or message me on social media)
Until next time, stay inspired!
—Renee
And oh yea… my works in progress are still just that. 😉
