Good morning, friends. As the Missouri woods outside my studio begin to stir, I’ve been finding myself caught between worlds—the delicate, tiny details of the moss and the grand, sweeping movements of the ancient guardians.
Here is a look at what’s currently on my drafting table as we prepare for the spring thaw.
The Great Gateway: The Eighth Threshold
I am so close to finishing The Eighth Threshold. This piece has been a journey of its own, exploring the boundary between the known world and the spirit realm. Watching the light play across the scales of the dragon and the feathers of the avian guardians has been a lesson in patience.
There is a specific weight to this moment—the point where the portal is almost ready to be stepped through. It feels like the centerpiece of this season's work, a sacred boundary finally coming into focus.
Small Wonders: The Firefly Study
In contrast to the grand scale of the portal, I’ve been spending time with this Firefly Fairy. In the spirit of a true fantasy naturalist, she isn't just a creature of flight; she is a student of the light.
I loved the idea of her traveling at the "speed of snail," taking the time to truly observe the rhythmic glow of the fireflies. It’s a reminder to myself—and perhaps to all of us—that as spring rushes in, there is still immense value in moving slowly and noticing the tiny magic at our feet.
From the Sketchbook: The Owl Shaman
I’ve also been spending some time with a familiar face: the Owl Shaman. You might recognize her as the companion from my previous painting featuring the pink forsythia and the little mouse.
I’ve always been fascinated by the owl as a keeper of wisdom, and in this new iteration, the addition of the antlers feels like a natural evolution—connecting her even more deeply to the spirits of the forest floor. I am currently filming the entire process of this piece for a new YouTube video, so you’ll be able to see this Shaman evolve from these graphite lines into a fully realized watercolor and colored pencil painting very soon!
Spring Shop Launch: Bring the Magic Home
I am so excited to officially announce that the Spring Shop Launch is coming! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 3rd, at 10:00 AM CST.
As you can see from the painting above—the original Pink Forsythia piece featuring our Owl Shaman and her mouse friend—I am leaning heavily into the soft, hopeful colors of the season. I’m thrilled to share that this piece will finally be available in the shop as both high-quality prints and greeting cards!
Alongside these prints, I’ll be debuting a new collection of luxury stationery, including my Lunar Moth Daily Planners (pictured above). I designed these to help you organize your own "Spring Awakening"—whether you’re tracking garden seeds, daily tasks, or creative sparks. I’ve been crafting some special packaging details behind the scenes as well, and I can’t wait for you to see how the whole collection has come together.
Which of these characters are you most excited to see finished?
Between the garden planning and the steady hum of the studio, this season feels full of quiet potential. I’m currently watching the native grasses outside my window begin to stir, and it’s a constant reminder that even the smallest sprout has a story to tell.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for letting my creatures into your homes and hearts. I’ll be sharing more "behind-the-scenes" look at the luxury packaging and the final Owl Shaman painting on Instagram and Facebook as we get closer to the launch on April 3rd.
Until next time, may you find a little magic in the changing light.
Warmly,
Heather