I fall in love with fall every year and this October is no different. I was driving home yesterday and I was entranced by the rich contrast of hues in the changing trees set against the surrounding fields. The area we live in is just so beautiful. The light kept changing as the sun peaked through overcast skies and leaves fluttered to the road in shimmering cascades.

After the first cold snap, I was hit with a sudden urge to curl inward, make a cup of tea, and work. Not just in my studio, but in the evenings as well. I’ve rediscovered knitting! Such a cosy way to spend an evening watching The Walking Dead on Netflix, don’t you think?

Spring is associated with rebirth and newness, but I feel just as invigorated when autumn rolls around. Perhaps it’s the lingering association with going back to school and a new football season, crystal clear blue skies, and so many goodies… from Halloween candy to fresh apple butter.

So, what about my new work? It’s weird, but  everything I’m working on now seems to feel like a autumn collection of sorts.

First of all, I’m pleased to announce I finally finished up my “Tea Time” prints. They are now available in my shop.

This was the first project on my new letterpress, which I bought from a printmaker friend. It is so much fun to have the ability to make small linocut prints in my own studio.

I do love my occasional cup of tea, but I’m truly a coffee fanatic. It seemed dishonest to make a tea print without making a corresponding coffee-themed one. I’m still in the carving phase, but it is coming along:

I also have a new Moleskine to unveil. Based on my former cupcake design, this hand-drawn pocket notebook is also in my shop right now:

And on to a couple of new paintings, one of apples I picked from our ancient apple tree right outside. We’ve already enjoyed a delicious pie and an apple crisp, courtesy of its laden branches:

And (drumroll, please), last but not least, my new bread painting!

This painting is of a bread roll type unique to Germany, I believe. It’s like a pretzel on the outside and like a fluffy dinner roll on the inside. It was a lot of fun to paint!

More, soon. In the meantime, what new projects are you working on this fall?