Reading · Reagan’s Substack

Hello friend!

If you’re here because of this year’s holiday card, welcome!! I’m so glad you’re part of this little community.

Before you dive into today’s newsletter, I want to remind you that my print shop closes on Friday. You can get 20% off your order with the code HOLIDAY20. Get your order in soon!

With that out of the way, here’s what you can expect in today’s newsletter:

Holiday cards - Sign-up
Holiday card - Block print process
Link roundup

My holiday card list is open again! For the fourth year running, you can sign up for your free card.

No matter where you are in the world, I’d love to send you one of these!

The form closes on Thursday, December 14 at 8pm ET. Don’t miss your window!

👉 Sign up here

Can I be honest with you?

I almost didn’t think I could pull off the tradition this year. 🙈

Wrapping a big exhibit and rushing straight into the holiday season left me short on energy. But I wanted to continue the tradition, so I started brainstorming.

My first attempt at a block print went terribly. I chose a design that was far too small and too detailed.

As I’m sure you can relate, I panicked a little. My entire plan for this year rested on block printed cards. And I didn’t have enough time to hand illustrate 60+ pieces this December.

So, I began to review my options: should I create a larger design? Can I create a different concept that requires fewer tiny details? Do I need to rethink my carving technique? Should I just throw in the towel and mail prints this year??

Thankfully, I decided to give block prints one more try. After picking up a larger rubber block from Curio, I decided to increase the card size from 4x6 to 5x7.

Additionally, I started watching more process videos on Instagram to troubleshoot my issues. For example, this video shows how to carve around the outline with the tiny carving tool before moving to the larger blades. Feels like an “oh duh” in retrospect, but I’m the kind of person to dive in and troubleshoot as I go.

Equipped with more knowledge, I went back to the drawing board.

For my first design, I was inspired by the deer I painted this year and its frame.

The other designs were inspired by some of the lines and poses from Calvin & Hobbes. You can see this most clearly in the Fox & Bun design!

For each piece, I created a digital sketch. I printed and copied these with graphite onto tracing paper so I could transfer them to the rubber block.

Then we started carving! I forgot to take pictures of the carving process for you. 🤦‍♀️ Because I was so focused on the process, it completely slipped my mind! But to give you an idea, here’s how the carved block looks next to the final print.

Caerved rubber blocks next to their prints!

Finally, we were ready to ink. I tested out oil-based and water-based inks.

While I prefer the rich depth of oil-based inks, it takes DAYS to dry. Also, it was a total nightmare to clean up. Ugh. I kept finding smudges of ink all over my house and body for days afterward.

So, I decided to try water-based ink. In comparison to oil, it dries pretty quickly, so I have to work fast. But I’m pleased with the results!

The final step: mailing them to you. 💛 First batch should go out tomorrow!

While I’m no expert, I’d love to hear if you have any questions about this year’s cards! This process has given me SUCH a heightened respect for print artists.

If you’d like a card, make sure you sign up before Thursday, 12/14 8pm ET! After that, the list closes until next year.

👉 Sign up here!

Book: Howl’s Moving Castle

Confession: I’ve never seen the movie. (Yes, yes. I knowwwww.) Almost a year ago, my friend Jordan recommended the book to me, and last week, I finally picked it up from my library! Super charming with relatable characters. Worth a quick read! Middle grade level.

And don’t worry, I finally picked up the Ghibli movie adaptation from my library TODAY. I promise I’ll watch it soon!

Art exhibit: Rooted at the Brandywine Museum

A few weeks ago, I took myself on a solo art date to the Brandywine Museum. I had learned that there was a picture book exhibit, so of course I had to check it out.

What a magical experience!

First of all, the museum is absolutely charming with panoramic views of the Brandywine river. The main exhibits are feature the many artists of the Wyeth family.

But most importantly, the children’s illustration exhibit was phenomenal! You can learn so much by getting up close to the original illustrations.