Magpie Monthly: Vol. 7
Moonbow Takeover
Photo Credit: Moonbow Creative Co.
I had the privilege of designing the entire August sticker sheet lineup for Moonbow's subscription packs. That's 18 sticker sheets total! The result is a delightfully random assortment of themes, ranging from koala gummy bears to MEOWliens in flying saucers.
I can't overstate how much I enjoy working with Steph, Moonbow's founder. In additional to the million responsibilities that fall to her as the business owner, she creates many of the final layouts (plus the occasional sticker sheet design, as time permits), and she writes the most darling descriptions for each sticker sheet. If you find yourself poking around the Moonbow shop, I encourage you to read a few of them. I guarantee they'll make you smile. Here are a few of my favorites from August - some of these are well on their way to selling out, so don't wait toooooo long to grab yours.
Featured Collection: Local Flora
These collections are a bit different from my usual trinkets, especially because these exist only in photograph form. While this may be further proof that my habit of collecting and arranging things neatly is borderline pathological, I hope it inspires you to look more closely at the natural world around you; you might find yourself surrounded by little treasures. (Case in point: everything shown here was found in the urban areas of the rather unremarkable triad region of NC).
New Product Launch: Postcard Packs
I'm excited to introduce a new product to the lineup: postcard packs! I'm kicking things off with two options, with more to come.
Treasure Trolls Postcard Pack - set of 10 (2 each of 5 designs)
Sticker Rainbow Postcard Pack - set of 12
What I’m Reading
August brought me so many good books I couldn't even narrow it down to two. Please enjoy this special supersized edition of "What I'm Reading." Honorable Mentions go to Dominion and The Persians. Connect with me on Goodreads to see the rest.
Katie Sturino, 2025
Sweet, spicy, and very funny, this delightful spun-sugar concoction is my ideal beach read. All that was missing for me was an actual trip to the beach. Despite being stuck at home, I still loved this happy little book. Body positivity meets fairy tale escapism, and the chance to live vicariously through someone who doesn't wear leggings and an ill-fitting teeshirt everyday.
The Goldfinch
Donna Tartt, 2013
This book is exquisite, exhausting, breathtaking, seemingly endless (clocking in at nearly 800 pages), and absolutely unforgettable. I have never felt so immersed in a world - it was like reading in three dimensions. For anyone who prioritizes character development, this is a must-read.
The Candy House
Jennifer Egan, 2022
"...an electrifying, deeply moving novel about the quest for authenticity, privacy, and meaning in a world where our memories are no longer our own..."
I almost gave up on this book two chapters in, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Making sense of the sprawling, interconnected cast of characters may test your patience, but it's worth it.
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir, 2021
"Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and Earth itself will perish."
I am very claustrophobic, and also horrified by the infinite vacuum of space, so stories that involve space travel are generally a hard no for me. Despite all that, this book was an absolute joy to read, and I cannot recommend highly enough. Even if you also don't like books about space ;)
