Studio Notes: Overcast mornings, Mabon on the horizon & 99 days of festive crafting
Pamela HainingIt's cold, overcast, and a little drizzly here in Norfolk today. A stark contrast to the sunny mornings we've had recently, but a very welcome shift. There’s something about the soft grey skies and autumn rain that makes it so much easier to lean into cosy, festive thoughts (even thought it's only September). With Mabon (Autumn Equinox) just around the corner, we're stepping right into that magical time of balance and harvest, where the days grow noticeably shorter and nature quietly invites us to turn inward.
I haven't been working on new design launches this week. Instead, I’ve been kept busy fulfilling orders, answering emails and pottering about with a few personal craft projects. As well as conjuring up new festive gift-wrap ideas for family and friends. Rather than skipping our weekly catch-up because I don't have a new print to unveil, I wanted to simply turn up, share what’s on my mind.
Hedgerow Shifts in the Drizzle
Running along the country lanes lately, I’ve been watching the hedgerows change almost daily. Bright red hawthorn berries are a brilliant burst of colour against the moody grey skies, while the blackberries seem to be quietly on their way out already. I suspect our extended summer heatwaves made it a short season for them, a gentle reminder of how nature constantly adapts.
99 Days to Christmas & Textile Printmaking
When this newsletter lands in your inbox, there will be exactly 99 days until Christmas!
Now, I fully appreciate it is only mid-September, and for many, Christmas isn't quite on the radar just yet (and rightly so!). But having recently finished, shared, and released my newest holiday card, Festive Poinsettia, my mind has naturally skipped forward a few months. When you're constantly designing a season ahead in the studio, your head is often already sitting by a crackling fire!
So it's probably no surprise my head is already filling up with cosy crafts and homemade gifting ideas. This year, I’m planning to add a little block-printed textile magic to the mix. When I first started out in printmaking, my natural go-to was playing around with block printing on fabric. Everything from tea towels and cushion covers to hand-printed napkins and homemade Christmas crackers.
If you’ve ever fancied having a go at block printing your own textiles or wrapping touches this season, here are my two non-negotiable top tips:
1. Use Screen-Printing Ink for Fabric: My absolute favourite is Speedball and yes, I 100% mean using the screen-printing ink to block print. It mixes beautifully so you can create your own custom colour palettes, it dries much quicker than standard fabric inks, it's water-based so easy to clean, and most importantly, it leaves the fabric with a much softer, nicer handle once dry.
2. Invest in a Textile Roller: Pair your ink with a dedicated textile roller (I love the ones by Essdee). It distributes the ink far more evenly across the block, giving you a clean transfer onto fabric without clogging up your carved details. The textile roller is a must to use screen printing ink for block printing.
This Week's Creative Inspiration
A quote to carry
💬 "It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn." B.C. Forbes
📖 The Christmas Companion by Skye McAlpine. Aside from having a gorgeous marbled cover, this book is filled with cosy crafting ideas, beautiful festive table inspiration, and delicious seasonal recipes. It’s been providing a lovely bit of quiet inspiration in the evenings as I lean into the coming autumn.
