When One Chapter Ends, a New Adventure Begins

My assistant. Mia,. hard at work doing some critical research for me.

Ten years ago, I launched my very first online shop on Society6, selling whimsical designs like my beloved Baby Zodiac prints. It was an exciting and formative chapter. Then recently, Society6 changed course, closing my shop and leaving me wondering, “Now what?”

At first, it felt like a rejection—like somehow, I hadn’t made the cut. But after some reflection (and journaling—a LOT of journaling), a new thought emerged: maybe this was actually a redirection. I decided that my success wouldn’t be determined by a platform; it would be determined by me. And with that, the seed of my next adventure—my own shop, under the name Starthistle & Quartz—began to bloom.

Why Nordic Folklore?

I’ve always felt a deep pull toward my Scandinavian heritage. The rich stories, magical landscapes, and mythical creatures from those northern lands enchant me. I grew up loving Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, and recently, I fell completely in love with the graphic novel and TV series “Hilda,” filled with whimsical deer foxes, trolls, and gentle giants.

Inspired by these tales, my sketchbook is filling up with early explorations: enchanting forests, rune carvings on ancient stones, and mysterious underground pools lit by glowing crystals. The creatures I’m sketching are still evolving—sometimes they're cute and cuddly; other times they're long, graceful, and elegant.

I keep asking myself: Do they all share the same magical world, or does each creature have its own hidden realm? This question keeps me happily awake at night.

Choosing a Palette: Cozy Warmth or Frosty Elegance?

I'm currently caught between two equally beautiful paths. Do I lean into cozy warmth—filled with rich forest greens, warm earth tones, and splashes of sunlit yellows—or do I create something with more frosty elegance, invoking misty greys, shimmering blues, and touches of icy silver?

One thing’s clear: I'm obsessed with Holbein’s Shire Green, and it will definitely play a starring role, no matter which path I choose. I'm exploring pops of bright colors too, wondering if a touch of whimsy might make my art stand out among traditionally moody, mythical artwork.

From Sketchbook to Sticker or Mug?

Thinking ahead, I can already imagine my mythical creatures on stickers (because stickers are irresistible), but what excites me even more is the idea of someone sipping morning coffee from a mug adorned with these creatures. Imagine starting your day with a little sprinkle of magic, whimsy, and beauty.

The Interactive Journey Ahead

Here’s where things get exciting—my plan is to launch my first collection this fall, hopefully by October. But before I get there, I want your help! I'll be sharing sneak peeks on Patreon and asking my community to help name characters, choose color palettes, and vote on designs.

This collection won’t just be mine—it’ll be ours. It’s an invitation to collaborate, play, and dream together.

Come Along on the Adventure!

If you'd love to be part of this journey, you can follow along on my Patreon, where you'll get behind-the-scenes glimpses and special early access. I’ll be sharing every step of the process—from early sketches to final designs. Let's create something magical together.

👉 Join me on Patreon here.

Here's to new beginnings, authentic creations, and the magic of building dreams together. ✨