Threads From the Studio

There is a simple beauty and feeling of welcome on a well-used front porch.

Welcome back! Earlier this week, this front porch was a whole lot more comfortable, but the humidity has made a return. It sure was nice to give the air conditioning a break. Allowing fresh air to waft through your home is such a simple way to bring the outdoors inside. I hope your week was delightful.

Halfway through the week, a thought popped—like a little popcorn kernel. I realized I forgot to put Rosie’s coloring pages in the garden. With my heart set on creating Dolly’s tribute bookmark, I accidentally overlooked Rosie’s coloring pages. As soon as I realized it, I made sure her pages found their place in the garden this week.

Dolly’s exodus from this world stays on my mind. It’s ironic that my brother feels the same way. There was something special about Dolly, something that made her passing feel like losing a family member. To borrow an old computer term, Dolly was a true WYSIWYG— “what you see is what you get.” She lived with authenticity, and the world felt that.

So this week, you’ll find Rosie’s coloring pages waiting for you in the garden. I don’t think Rosie would mind sharing the spotlight. None of the canines in Evergreen Valley are egotistical—they’re far too busy spreading kindness.

👩🏻‍🎨 Studio News

Creativity in the studio right now is all about Bernie’s story. I’m pleased to share that all of the illustrations are complete, placement has been synchronized with the manuscript, and the first physical print will test the accuracy of the layout. The Dawn of Evergreen Valley is coming soon. Next week, I hope to share the book cover and an approximate release date. A few things need to happen first.

I need to learn about publishing to Apple Books and Amazon KDP. I may use one or both for the e‑book editions. I’ll also be researching POD companies for physical copies. If any of you have experience with e‑book publishing or print‑on‑demand, I would love to hear from you as I navigate this multi‑step process.

I’ll also be obtaining an ISBN number and learning whether each version requires its own. A future goal is to create a toddler and young‑child edition with simpler language and gentler illustrations. There is so much I dream of doing, and each step brings that dream closer to life.

The completion of Bernie’s story—and its reveal to the world—opens the door to the next story. It will be shorter, serving as a bridge between Bernie’s epic tale and the next chapter of Evergreen Valley. I don’t know if I can get it all done, but I’m sure going to try.

🎨 Seasonal Designs & Useful Crafts

Speaking of getting things done, I hope to add new items to the Evergreen Yuletide Etsy shop this coming week. I have autumn acorns completed, small seasonal embellishments for the next few months, a set of winter snowflakes for December and January, and a special January wreath. A new line of items for the studio will involve embroidery patterns. I have one design sketched and awaiting layout in PixelMator Pro.  I’ve also begun planning a new line of handmade card kits—and I even used one this week.

Using the butterfly I painted for Dolly’s tribute, I created a uniquely handmade birthday card for my sister‑in‑law. I simply removed Dolly’s information and changed the words to “Happy Birthday.” Using leftover cardstock strips, I built a colorful base that complements the butterfly’s vibrant nature.

I would love to know if any of you would be interested in making handmade cards if all the materials were supplied and assembly was your only task. Please send me a message if this is something you’d enjoy.

🖼️ Studio Gallery

Speaking of things you might enjoy, take a moment to look at the gallery of photos below. Within those photos is a little hint of what the studio has been producing. Each week I learn another skill—a new paint stroke, a new brush, a new function in my programs, or a better way to fulfill my schedule. The joy isn’t just in the destination; it’s in the journey. Both the studio and the valley are blossoming.

This week’s puzzle piece shares more blossoming morning glories. They add a pop of color to the lush green valley—and they’re Glory’s favorite flower. When next week’s piece is added, you’ll meet another friend. Loyal and lovable, you’ll want to adopt this next little guy.

Now, as you turn to this week’s story card you’ll find yourself visiting  lovable Glory. If you read it closely, you’ll notice a little clue about something cherished by the next furry friend who’s on his way.

Be sure to visit Inspiration Gallery as well. I’ve decided the gallery will now hold your completed coloring pages — whether they’re colored by you, your child, or another generation of your family. If the page comes from your Secret Garden, you’re welcome to share your finished gift here, adding your touch to the gallery’s growing collection.

📧 Stay in Touch and Claim Your Gifts

Do you have a need for a special product that you cannot find anywhere? My studio awaits your request! You can always send me an email at: paula@evergreenyuletide.com

⛲️ Newsletter and Your Garden Gifts

By signing up to receive my weekly newsletter, if you so choose, you will be given the password that opens Your Secret Garden. You can always access the garden by clicking on the golden key at the bottom of this post. Within that garden, you will find every gift that has been given since the inception of this blog. Nothing ever leaves—it is ready when you are.

Gently tapping the below images brings you to your treasure chest and magical book. The newest button takes you to Inspiration Gallery—a great place to view the work of your Creative Kindred Spirits. Don’t forget, you can always email me a photograph of something you’ve created with one of my products, or send in a colored coloring book page that was shared with you in the garden. I would love to feature it in the gallery.

🌞 Closing Reflection

As always, thank you for spending this time with me. Sharing my front porch with you is one of the sweetest parts of my week, and I look forward to these gatherings every time. Let’s meet again next week, and as long as the weather holds, we’ll continue enjoying each other’s company right here on the porch.

Until next time… may your days be filled with sunshine and a touch of gentle rain. May your life be filled with pleasures that soften every pain. So long for now.