So, this blog post is about five months overdue. Oops!
Somehow, the year has flown by, and between traveling for shows, keeping up with orders, making new products, and trying to keep all the moving pieces of a small business running, updating this little corner of the internet kept getting pushed to the bottom of the list. But a lot has happened since my last update, so let's catch up!
Stationery Fest NYC: A Show Unlike Any Other
Back in June, I had the absolute pleasure of exhibiting at Stationery Fest in New York City, and I’m still so grateful I got to be a part of it. As someone who spends a good chunk of the year selling at craft markets and indie maker shows, Stationery Fest was a completely different experience from anything else on my calendar.
It was so exciting to be surrounded by people who love stationery as much as I do, from fellow artists and designers to retailers and shoppers who really appreciate the thought and creativity that go into paper goods. There was something especially fun about being in a space dedicated to the industry I work in every day, rather than being one of many different types of makers at a general craft market.
Being included in the show felt like such a big deal, and I loved getting to meet new people, connect with other creatives, and share my work with an entirely new audience. New York was also the perfect excuse to spend some time exploring, getting inspired, and, of course, visiting a few shops along the way.
Stationery Fest was a reminder of why I love what I do and how much opportunity there is to keep growing this little business. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it!
Big Crafty in July: My Best Summer Show Yet
In July, I headed back to Asheville for the summer edition of Big Crafty, one of my favorite shows of the year. Big Crafty has become a special part of my market season, and it’s always a treat to return and see familiar faces, meet new customers, and spend a weekend surrounded by so much creativity.
This year's summer show was my best summer Big Crafty to date! Considering the holiday shows tend to be more profitable thanks to the gift-buying season, that felt like a particularly exciting milestone. Summer markets can be a little more unpredictable, so having such a great weekend was a huge boost.
I always leave Big Crafty feeling inspired by the community of artists and makers who show up and support one another. It's one of those events that reminds me how much I enjoy getting out from behind my computer, talking to customers about my work, and seeing which designs people gravitate toward in person.
A huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by my booth, picked up a card or print, or took a little piece of my work home with them. Your support makes these weekends worth all the packing, hauling, and late-night prep!
A Little Honesty About the Market Circuit
While there have been some really exciting highlights this year, there have also been some disappointments.
I've experienced quite a bit of rejection and a lot of waitlisting for shows I was really hoping to get into this year. It's tough when you put time and energy into applications, make plans around the possibility of attending, and then don't get the answer you were hoping for. Especially when these shows are a big part of how I connect with customers and generate revenue for my business.
I'm incredibly grateful for the markets that have welcomed me over the years, and I know that not getting into a particular show isn't necessarily a reflection of my work. These events have limited spaces, and the application process is competitive. Still, it can be hard not to take it personally sometimes.
At the same time, it's pushed me to think more seriously about where I want to take my business next. I don't want my entire year to depend on which markets accept my application, and I want to build a business that feels a little more sustainable, both financially and logistically.
That means putting more energy into wholesale and developing relationships with retailers who want to carry my cards, prints, and gifts in their shops. I'd love to see my work in more independent bookstores, gift shops, and stationery stores around the country, and I'm working on making that happen one relationship at a time.
Markets will always be an important part of my business, but I want them to be one piece of the puzzle rather than the whole puzzle. Building wholesale relationships takes time, and there's plenty of work ahead, but I'm excited to keep pushing in that direction.
If you own a shop, know a retailer who might be a good fit, or have a favorite local store you'd love to see carry my work, I'd love to hear about it!
Wait, It's Already Time for Christmas Cards?!
I genuinely don't understand how we're here already. One minute I'm prepping for summer shows, and the next I'm printing Christmas cards in my studio and trying to wrap my head around the fact that there are only SIX shows left on my 2026 calendar.
Six! How is that possible?!
There is something deeply strange about working on Christmas products when it's still warm enough outside to question whether you should leave the house at all. But here we are, surrounded by holiday colors, festive designs, stacks of cardstock, and a growing list of things to get done before the end of the year.
I'm excited to bring my holiday cards and gifts to these last few shows of the season, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who makes shopping small a part of their holiday traditions. If you've been meaning to stop by a market, pick up a few cards, or get a head start on holiday gifting, now's the time!
I'll be sharing the remaining show dates and locations on my website and social media, so keep an eye out if you'd like to shop in person.
Looking Ahead
As I head into the final stretch of 2026, I'm feeling a mix of gratitude, exhaustion, excitement, and a healthy amount of disbelief that the year is almost over.
Thank you for continuing to support my work, whether you've purchased something online, visited my booth at a market, stocked my products in your shop, or simply followed along. Every bit of support helps me keep making colorful, slightly ridiculous, hopefully joy-inducing things, and I don't take that for granted.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have Christmas cards to print and six more shows to prepare for. See you out there! 💌