Coastal Views & Getting Crafty
Pacific Northwest trip, learning bookbinding, & shop updates (if the algorithm let's you see this)
It’s hard to believe we’re already deep into fall. The last several months have been a blur and I was a bit surprised when I realized that I hadn’t shared anything here since my four-part Iceland travel series.
So, here we go!
September in the Pacific Northwest
We spent about a week exploring a couple areas of Washington state that were newer to us.
Our trip started with a few nights in Gig Harbor at an Airbnb right on the Puget Sound. When the clouds were thin enough, we had an incredible view of Mt. Rainier across the water.
We spent time relaxing, watching harbor porpoises, finding delicious food spots, and exploring local parks.
Then we took a car ferry from Port Townsend over to Whidbey Island and made our way up to Bellingham, WA for our final few nights.
We had intended to go up into the mountains while in Bellingham, but the weather wasn’t great. We stuck to the coastline and visited parks that were new to us.
One of our favorite photography spots was a huge overlook above Samish Bay.
We also ended up taking several impromptu day trips back to Anacortes on the north end of Whidbey Island. I love the vibe of that area and its proximity to the San Jan Islands.
Already dreaming about going back someday to catch a ferry out to the San Juan Islands.
This wasn’t a big photography trip for us, but was more of a time to leisurely explore a couple of new areas.
Photography Wins
Over the summer, my husband and I both entered photos into the annual Iowa State Fair Photography Salon.
We each entered 4 photos for consideration (4 is the max) and patiently waited to find out if any were accepted.
I have been entering photos every year since 2010 (except 2020 when they cancelled it). And every year, I’ve had at least one photo accepted into the salon 🤯.
So now, every year I think…is this going to be the year I finally break that streak lol?
Well, not this year!
I was thrilled when I found out that one of my photos earned third place in this year’s theme category “Leading Lines”! I also had a second photo accepted and placed on display.
And, I have to brag about Jess for a moment, because he got a FIRST place in the International Places category, and a second photo on display!
And, one more little photography win — we captured the aurora borealis in Iowa again!
We’ve actually been able to photograph it twice this year: May 10th and October 10th.
The show on May 10th was the most incredible one we’ve seen yet. The lights showed up before it was even completely dark and later that night pulsed overhead in an incredible display.
My New Hobby: Bookbinding
I’ve finally jumped into a hobby that I’ve been wanting to do for ages: bookbinding.
If you’re like me, you have a graveyard of abandoned hobbies and projects: knitting, learning to craft tunes on a Moog synthesizer, wood burning lol (pyrography), creating custom recipe cards on a whim (database style), you name it.
BUT, I think bookbinding is going to stick around.
Usually, when an exciting new interest takes over my brain, I have to give it at least a couple weeks before I allow myself to buy anything for it. That’s my first test to see how serious I am, regardless of my enthusiasm.
I’ve been slowly collecting basic bookbinding supplies for the last 2-3 years.
Finally, FINALLY, a few weeks ago, I sat down to actually do something.
My first goal was to simply fold a few pages together and stitch them.
I did that a few times and then tried again, this time with a grandma floral softcover.
I was so happy and proud of myself, and then promptly felt anxious 😅, because of course my brain would do that.
God forbid I make something new (and out of my comfort zone) simply for the joy of it without an ounce of imposter syndrome, a self-imposed future obligation to excel, or a reminder of all of my past abandoned projects. Thank you brain.
Brain antics aside, I pushed on and bound my first hardcover journal!
When so much of my day is spent in front of a screen, bookbinding has been a great counterbalance to that thus far. It’s also oddly meditative.
I’m getting better each time and have many elaborate ideas for future creations (obviously 🙂).
Do you have a new hobby you’ve started recently??
Shop Updates that Social Media Doesn’t Want You To See
Last month I completed my annual shop update!
If you are reading this, I am thankful.
Anytime I share anything about my shop on Instagram or Facebook, I typically get <25% of the views and engagement that my normal posts do.
It’s quite disheartening.
So again, thank you.
What’s new in the shop?
This year I have FIVE different calendars for 2025. The calendars feature the landscapes of Colorado, Minnesota’s North Shore, Yellowstone & Grand Tetons, New Zealand’s South Island, and Washington State (NEW!).
I updated the cover design, increased the font size a little in the calendar grids, and added a 2nd format. Unfortunately I had to increase the price of the calendars a little this year to cover increased shipping rates and production costs.
For those interested in fine art prints, I’ve added 15 NEW prints from our recent travels to Iceland, Minnesota, and Washington.
As always, if fine art paper isn’t your thing, you can contact me for a quote on metal or canvas wraps. Check out the new prints in the shop!
And, if you are thinking of (or know someone) starting a new journal or need a smaller notebook, consider some of these options featuring my photos on the covers 🙂. I write a lot and I love these journals, especially the spiral-bound ones.
Holiday SALE!
As a reader of this newsletter, you are the first to hear that my entire shop will go on sale Nov. 20-25 AND Nov. 27 - Dec. 3!
Items will be up to 20% OFF. No promo code needed.
This will be my biggest sale of the year!
If you are purchasing Christmas gifts, I recommend placing your order by Friday, December 6th.
Happy shopping!
Self-Employment Journey Update?
It’s been 1 year and 7 months since I left my corporate job behind and began my self-employment journey 🤯.
I think it’s time for another update on how that is developing….but it deserves its own post, so you’ll have to wait 🙂.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. In a world of sensory bombardment, it means a lot.
Until next time,
Stephanie
Free Ways to Support
Not interested in items in my shop, but still want to support my projects?
Here are some FREE ways that you can support me year-round:
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