Hi friends,
How are you all holding up? Times are, and have always been, a bit uncertain and I hope you’re all doing okay and you’re able to share how you’re feeling. As always, I hope you’re able to take some time for yourselves and do the things that bring you comfort and happiness.
The weather has at least been okay… though I am ready for some consistency haha. New York has felt like it’s been going through all four seasons in just the last few days! Though, when the weather is warm and sunny, I’ve been able to enjoy some longer walks. The trees are finally starting to bloom. :)
On one of those walks, I noticed an old white house with cornflower blue shutters and a variety of tulips planted all around the front yard. Passing by their window, I heard someone practicing Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” on their guitar.
I was really inspired by the moment and you can hopefully see that reflected in this month’s postcard and sticker sketches below. I’ve been wanting to practice drawing more anthropomorphic animals and this month’s main character will be a crow in their magnolia treehouse. Here are the rough sketches so far…
(If you’re interested in this month’s snail mail, I’ll send them out to any new patrons that sign up for the $10 tier between now and the end of the month. Please note, I will mail April snail mail during the first week of May.)
⚘ Some Shop Thoughts ⚘
I think it’s important to take a few moments to talk about these new tariffs. They suck! 🤬😅
Things will likely be changing everywhere and many people and small businesses will be going through some tough times.
When it comes to my shop, as some of you know, I was able to make a lot of changes over the last year in order to make my items more affordable. First, I started printing most of my paper goods at home. With other items I was able to connect to new manufacturers directly (rather than through a middle-person/company) which brought my costs for production down.
I am hoping to be able to keep my items at the same price that they are now - and will experiment with making more changes if needed (with things such as packaging). Things are definitely uncertain, and I am sure that a lot of items/materials will start to get more expensive. I just wanted to let you know how important it is to me to make things affordable for everyone (while also still continuing to source responsibly). I will, of course, update you along this journey - and I wish you all good luck and fortune on yours!
⚘ Small Shop Update and Seconds Sale ⚘
Speaking of the shop…. Haha! There's a new water buffalo pin. I also updated the card drawing too.
The rabbit pin, sampaguita/jasmine flower patch and pin, and needle minders are restocked.
I included a Spring bookmark in last month’s snail mail and if you’re interested, there are extras in the shop.
I’ve finally had time to update my Seconds Sale and included more items. Thank you for your patience - it takes me a long time to organize and count inventory. 😅
⚘ In Transit ⚘
I sent out the March snail mail last week. Here are the completed drawings below.
(Apple Tree Bookmobile postcard, Bookish Squirrel sticker, and Spring bookmark)
⚘ Favorite Little Things & Book Finds ⚘
My friend recently mailed me some cute postcard art prints that she picked up when she visited Japan, so cute! They’re from cozyca. I especially love the petal detail on top of the cat’s head.
(Art by Sayuri Fujimaki and Akira Kusaka)
Some secondhand and new books I recently picked up! I loved reading The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry but never had a copy until now. Also, I was so giddy with excitement to see one of the Penguin threads series in the used bookshop!
That’s all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter and I hope you have a great new week!
💛🌸 Justine