This Month

I promise I won’t make a habit of sending this out late. I don’t have a good excuse. I honestly just forgot it was the end of the month and I’m supposed to send out a newsletter lol. So let’s just get into it...

What I’m Making

Working on a book cover has been so much more intimidating than I originally expected. I’ve been second-guessing myself at nearly every turn, BUT the front layout is almost done! And I’m so excited to move onto color! That’s where the real magic will happen!

Of Storm & Sea is a newly released nautical anthology from Sky’s the Limit Press. The original cover is a beautiful hand painted seascape and I feel so honored to get to be part of this project with the hardcover edition. Get the book HERE!

It has evolved so much more than this, but this is the only version I had a picture of.

I have been keeping very busy with other projects. This is the first time since opening that I’m actually booked full for the next couple months! I’m so, so grateful that God has honored my efforts with this business, and so thankful to the authors that have trusted me with their stories!

More to come on the specifics next month. For now, let’s finish up that cover!

What I’m Planning

I’ve had the privilege to edit and proofread book 3 of The Elements of Love series by Ms. Mary Henderson. I’m pretty sure she’s been in every newsletter I’ve published because I love supporting her and her work. So much of herself and her own story is in her writing and it’s a gift to see that. Go check out her books here!

Because I’m a stay at home mom and time is precious with my littles, I’m thinking about pulling back on social media just a little. I’m in a season where my kids need me a bit more, especially more than Instagram does. I want to create meaningful, engaging content expressly for USERS, not to chase an algorithm. So that means I may only be posting one or two times a week for now.

And if you don’t already know this, I have a Bookstagram where I (used to at least) post regular reviews. I’ve read (listened to) more books than ever this year and I feel a great need to talk about them. So come chat with me over there!

What I’m Reading

I’ve taken a break from Harry Potter series. I have many many thoughts. Most of which has to do with the fact that I don’t have the nostaligia factor that a lot of readers my age do, and I think that heavily affects my opinion of the series.

I’m on the last book of the Falling for Summer series and it’s so cute! I can see why it had all the hype in 2024 and I’ve loved preparing for summer this way.

Here is the full April lineup:

If you’ve read any of these or want to talk books, reply to this email or DM me! Books are one of my favorite things to discuss!

Final Thoughts

Thank God for new creation in spring! It’s so joyful to see flowers blooming, baby rabbits burrowing, and birds hopping out of nests. What’s your favorite thing about this season?

Much love,

Katie

Stowe Away Studios

A quiet space. A clear mind. Time that stretched on without interruption. Time to finish a project to its completion, or at least time until I’m ready to move on.

I remember clearly a time when my life looked like that. But these days, I create in the margins. In small pockets of time between everything else. And I’m (slowly) learning that that’s enough.

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Working in Small Windows

Most of my creative time happens in 15 minute to 2 hour blocks. That can sometimes feel frustrating, like I can never fully “get into it.”

But instead of asking myself: What project can I get done today?

I’ve started asking a different question: How can I move forward today?

Not everything. Just something.

Some days it’s sketching. Some days it’s refining one small section. Some days it’s writing newsletters. Some days it’s behind-the-scenes admin work that keeps me organized.

It all counts.

Choosing One Thing That Matters

When time is limited, I keep it simple: I choose one main priority.

It can be so easy to try to do everything, but instead, I just move forward. There are many questions I ask myself when considering what that looks like, including:

• What project has the nearest timeline?

• Do I have social media scheduled for the week?

• How much time do I have today?

And then, I choose based on what fits that day. And I think it’s notable to mention that it’s important to me to follow a task through to completion, and I make sure I allocate the time so I’m not jumping around from task to task.

Focusing on one thing keeps me from feeling scattered, and helps me actually move forward efficiently.

Letting Go of “Perfect Time”

This has been the biggest shift. If I wait for the perfect moment to create or to work, I won’t do it often. So I’ve stopped waiting and simply started doing.

I start even if I feel a little distracted. I work even if I might get interrupted (I do have 3 kids, so that’s bound to happen A LOT).

It definitely doesn’t look perfect; it sometimes looks a little chaotic. Sometimes it means that I’m fighting to fit those 15 minutes in with spelling practice or seeing how fast my boy can run or getting the baby away from the dog food (again).

But it’s enough, because it’s still progress, no matter how small it may seem at times.

Small Time Still Builds Something Big

Creating this way is not this big monumental act, but it’s steady.

It’s showing up in small ways, over and over again. And those small efforts add up.

If you’re in a season where time feels limited, let this be a gentle reminder:

You don’t need a perfect schedule. You just need a place to start. Even a small pocket of time can hold something meaningful.

This Month

Hi friends!

Praise the Lord for a slightly calmer month. If you know me or my family, you know that we’re in a bit of a crazy season. One that’s been lasting far longer than we ever expected, and it just kept getting crazier and crazier there for a while.

But in this season, one thing that has been made so clear to us is the Lord’s provision. We have seen it in many unexpected ways lately. One of which is the calm in the storm He’s given us this month. It’s allowed us to breath and take time to see a way forward, and I’m so incredibly thankful for that.

(Ok, yes, I know. This is super cryptic and vague. And we really are completely fine, I promise. But ya’ll are still strangers on the internet and I’m not about to blast all my problems for all to see. I’m happy to chat privately (about this or just about anything else)!)

Ok, now on to the good stuff...

What I’m Making

I recently finished a commission for a chapter header pack and matching page numbers and I honestly love it so much. This is the first project I’ve done that isn’t just linework, so I had a lot of fun playing around with different brushes and getting to know some more features of the drawing app I use. This was for a cozy gothic fantasy that will be coming out later this year (and I’ll give more details on that when the author officially announces the book).

So, do you remember that big project that I was hoping would work out? Well, it didn’t. BUT I’m not at all disappointed. It was for a children’s book that a mom and daughter wrote together, and I so loved the idea of working with them, but the Lord closes some doors and opens others.

Yes, that’s right! I still have another big project lined up that I’m equally (if not more) excited for! And I won’t make you wait this time. It’s for a *drumroll for effect* BOOK COVER! You may be saying, “Wait, I thought you did INTERIOR art? Like, for the INSIDE of books.” Well, yes. You would be correct. But there’s a first time for everything!

What I’m Planning

I am actually booked solid for the next month, so most of my time will be working on those. One of those projects includes a concept design for my dad to get his first tattoo. And let me tell you, it’s not a simple one. He’ll be in that tattooists chair for a hot minute!

My third round of “You pick it, I draw it” will be posted on Instagram this week, and I think you’re going to love it! (I totally would have given you a little sneak peak if I wasn’t putting this newsletter together past my bed time lol.) If you don’t know, this is a series where one of my sons picks out what I draw, but with each round, he gets to be more detailed in his request. It is seriously one of my favorite activities we do. There’s something about doing your craft for your kid and trying to get it perfect but knowing they’re going to love it anyway...it’s a hard feeling to describe, but such a joyous one!

What I’m Reading

I’m honestly in the middle of too many books & series’.

I’ve been listening to Harry Potter (my first time reading), and they are very middle grade. I don’t dislike them, but I find myself just wishing I was watching the movies instead. I think my younger self would have eaten them up though.

For book club, we’re reading We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida. I’m not very far in, and it’s definitely out of my comfort zones. It’s ok...we’ll see how I feel when I’ve finished it.

I read Love by Accident by Mary Henderson as a beta and now rereading since the release, and I don’t know if I can explain how connected I feel to this book. The MMC, Niko, has so many of the same qualities as my husband, and parts of the book were like reading about him and I when we first met. It’s so, so, SO special. I highly recommend this one, and the first in the series, Love by Design.

Final Thoughts

As it’s Easter week, I hope you spend time with your loved ones celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection. How amazing is it that we have a Savior who loves us so much that He would take our punishment on that cross, so that we may have eternal life with Him. PRAISE THE LORD!

“Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.”

Much love,

Katie

Creation, Flood, and Re-Creation

When sin spread across the earth, God judged humanity through the flood (Genesis 6–9). But the story doesn’t end in destruction. After the waters receded, the Lord brought forth newness: a restored earth, a renewed covenant, and hopeful reminder in the symbol of the rainbow. Creation didn’t stop in Eden; God continued His creative work even after judgment.

There’s something deeply moving about this.
God doesn’t abandon what He has made. He restores it.

New Creations in Christ

Paul says it plainly:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

God’s creativity now reaches into the human soul. Salvation is the start of a new heart inside us, a re-creation more miraculous than the sunrise, more immaculate than the mountains.

When we create (whether art, words, music, photographs, gardens, businesses, homes, or anything else we make), we’re reflecting the work of God’s redemption. We aren’t making perfect things, but we are pointing to the Perfect One who makes all things new.

The Potter and the Clay

Isaiah gives us another picture of God’s creative heart:

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8

Clay doesn’t shape itself. Clay doesn’t choose its own form. The Potter molds with intention, patience, and purpose. As believers, we are continually being reshaped through sanctification. Our hearts softened and our desires aligned with His.

And that transformation is, in itself, an act of creation. God, in His mercy and His grace, continues to shape us. Sanctification is not a one-and-done thing. It is a continual process of renewing our minds, hearts, and spirits. God, as the potter, continues to work the clay until His work in us is completed on the day we meet Him face-to-face.

The New Heavens and the New Earth

Scripture ends with a promise that mirrors the beginning:

“According to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
— 2 Peter 3:13

The Bible opens with creation and closes with re-creation. Everything broken will be restored. Everything damaged will be made whole. Even our bodies will be remade glorious, fit for eternity.

And in the here and now in the moments in time that we exist, in between the beginning and the end, God grants us the joy of creating as His image-bearers.

Why We Create

This is NOT to say that we create the same as God. God creates ex nihilo (out of nothing). Simply by the power of His word, He brings into existence what did not yet exist. We, on the other hand, create ex materia, out of materials He has already made. We rearrange, shape, and refine what He has already provided. Our creativity depends entirely on His prior act of creation. Even this reminds us that He alone is the Creator, and we create only as finite image-bearers working with His gifts.

We don’t create for approval or for perfection, but because we bear the image of the Creator.

We draw because He drew the boundaries of the seas.
We paint because He painted skies.
We write because He wrote redemption into history.
We build because He built the mountains by His might.
We restore because He restores us daily.

A Final Encouragement

Your creativity is not wasted.
It is not trivial.
It is not separate from your faith.

Your creative work, however humble, can point back to the One who made and remakes us. It is a small reflection of a God who creates, renews, and will one day make all things new.

So create boldly. Create joyfully. And create faithfully.

This is the final opportunity to book new illustration projects at my Early Bird pricing.
When March ends, so do these prices.

Early Bird pricing includes:
• Dividers & footers — starting at $25
• Chapter headers — starting at $42
• Page number packs — $95–$190
• Half & full-page illustrations — starting at $110

All projects include custom, story-inspired artwork created specifically for your book.

Ready to book?

Reply to this email or send me a message to get your project on the schedule before the sale ends.

Know an author who’d love this?

If you have a writer friend who’s working on a book and could use thoughtful, story-supporting artwork, I’d be grateful if you shared this with them.
A quick forward or repost helps more than you know!

Thank you for supporting my work and helping it reach the stories it’s meant for!

This Month

Hi friends!

The snow and cold has kept us cooped up a bit this month. Praise the Lord for rising temps this week! We’ve finally been able to enjoy the outdoors once more without freezing our faces off!

Hope you had a productive, enjoyable month!

What I’m Making

I am so grateful for the amazing people I’ve been working with! I created this page divider for an upcoming fantasy novel, This Celestial Wish. Check out Morgana’s page here!

I’m in the talks with an author about a really fun project. I can’t share many details quite yet, but PLEASE PRAY! If this works out, I’ll bring you along through the whole journey on Instagram. I’ll just give you a little hint: it’s not on my list of services and it’s a way bigger project than I ever thought I’d be doing. Pray, pray, PRAY!

What I’m Planning

You may have already seen on my Instagram, one of my 2026 goals has already been achieved! Praise the Lord! I was able to buy a tablet from the commissions I’ve earned from this business. That’s HUGE! It’s already been a game changer!

Right now, I’m focusing on finishing some commissions, and then sketching, sketching, sketching. I’m wanting to hone some new skills on the tablet. And in tandem, get some more done on Etsy illustrations!

I also will be posting a monthly blog-style newsletter once a month in tandem with this one, starting this month! I’m still working out the schedule, but I’ll likely be shifting this newsletter to the end of the month, and have the other be somewhere around the 15th.

What I’m Reading

So, I just discovered audiobooks. I’ve tried them out before, but could never really get into them. I need something I can listen to while kids are being crazy and chores can still get done. The only genre that’s included so far is rom-coms. Am I particularly proud of that fact, no. But I am continuing to branch out. I just listened to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and found I enjoyed it! The March pick for book club is Far From the Madding Crowd, so I’m also listening to that as well. I can’t keep up with it quite as well, but it’s still quite enjoyable.

I just posted some mini-reviews of some of these audiobooks that you can find on my Booksta page!

Final Thoughts

The Lord is so, so good as always. Praise and honor and glory to Him for all things in all times. Thanks for being here!

Connect with me here on Instagram | Need a commission? Email me!

This Month

Hi friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! December was a little bit crazy, as I’m sure it was for most. We were able to celebrate with my husband’s family for the first time in 5 years which was so joyful and good for the soul. Our boys especially loved digging the biggest holes they could on the large property in the 75° weather. A very unusual Christmas for sure.

We’ve also had some big life changes this month. My husband started a new in-office job where he’ll be working nights. It’s a huge answered prayer with much more stability; it will also be a huge transition.

What I’m Making

It was so fun to work with Mary Henderson for her new release, Love by Design. She knew exactly what she wanted and gave such good direction, and I loved bringing her vision to life. This was inspired by a Turkish wishing tree that becomes an important part of her story.

Be sure to check out Mary’s books here. I’ve read all of her fiction novels and can confirm that they’re so sweet!

I just finished another page divider for a fantasy novel that I’ll share soon.

And I have some super fun mini-series’ coming soon on social media. One is a series where I let me kids pick what I draw, and each level gets harder. They can choose whatever they want, and there are some fun (yet seemingly hard) rules I (and they) gave me to follow. All the details are now posted on my Instagram, and more will be coming soon!

What I’m Planning

You may have seen my 2026 goals on Instagram earlier this week. My Etsy shop is the number one priority. I wasn’t able to spend much time on more illustrations in December, but I’m gathering ideas and sketching thumbnails. I have a bit more of a timeframe in mind now, but I’m saving that for myself until the date is finalized.

One of my other priority goals is to be consistent on social media. I’m utilizing Anna Barroso’s sustainable marketing strategies. And, although it’s technically for authors, it’s very transferable to other brands and businesses. She has some extremely helpful advice and has compiled it all into courses that you can find on her website.

What I’m Reading

I’m really not a goal-oriented person, but here I am talking about all my goals. I guess it’s just the season for that. In line with what I want to focus on this year, I’m reading slower and reading books that will help me grow - spiritually and mentally. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop reading fiction. Not at all. It just means I’m more thoughtful and intentional with what I read.

Right now, I’m continuing the Archives of the Warden series with Veil of Mist by V.K. Dixon. I’m only 25% through, but it’s my favorite of the series so far. I love anything she writes.

The Iliad has been filling my ears during the day, with many notes being taken and conversations with my husband each time it’s on. I’m definitely not used to historical epic poetry (or poetry in general, really), but I like it as a story at least. It’s just a bit hard for me to follow. In the name of stretching myself and growth, I will continue.

Final Thoughts

We have seen the Lord's providence so much this month, and I'm truly just grateful. Thank you all for being here and reading if you got this far. Your support means so much.

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Short Book Blurb:

Love by Design is a beautiful love story, rich in God’s love, His perfect timing, and healing between a single dad who doesn’t believe he will ever be chosen and a younger woman who struggles with her body image.

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Story Blurb:

To master the practice of Celestialcraft, Astryd must complete the Celestia Ceremony—the turning of the Winter Solstice. But she can’t do it alone. She must work together with the other three covens, while keeping her splintered wand a secret from her enemy.

Disclaimer:

I am in no way affiliated with Wishtress or Nadine Brands. Just sharing my artistic take on a story I enjoyed.

This Month

Hi friends!

This month has been an absolute whirlwind! We have been fighting off an illness that has lasted the entire month. Believe me, I wish I was kidding. And yes, we are making it and slowly but surely getting better. Praise the Lord, it didn’t affect the kids!

On the other hand though, I OPENED MY BUSINESS!! And boy is that exciting! I have lots of big goals and some fun things coming, but for now, my plan is pretty much just keep up with all the things that come with a new business.

What I’m Making

I’m so excited that my first book illustration has made its way out into the world to be released on December 22nd. It’s for Anna Barroso’s winter short story, The Celestia Ceremony. I also happened to be a beta reader and can confirm that it’s such a cute story! Join The Barroso Book Nook to get fun perks like voting on character details and eARCs for her short stories!

You may have already seen the Christmas illustration I’m working on for the Advent season (also below). But I don’t yet know what to do with it. The original idea was to make it an ornament with some holly around it, but I’m toying around with the idea of changing around the composition and putting it inside a silhouette of a lamb.

What I’m Planning

My hope is to have an Etsy shop up soon! I don’t have a date in mind yet, but sometime early next year. I’d like to have around 10 illustrations done before launch. I’m currently sitting at one completed, and am working on a few others. I tend to do great with parameters, but since I have all the freedom, my brain’s frozen.

Other than that, I really just want to build daily routines of admin & social media work, illustrating, and working toward more future goals.

What I’m Reading

I’m finishing up Wishtress by Nadine Brands for my December book club (which already happened, I’m just a little late). I’m really liking it so far, but I’m in a bit of the end-of-year reading slump, so my heart’s not completely in it. But everything is pointing to a solid 4-4.5 stars.

Next up is The Raven’s Cry by V. K. Dixon. I have really loved this series so far and am so excited to get caught up! All of her books that I’ve read so far are the perfect amount of slow, and in this crazy season, it’s just what my heart needs.

Final Thoughts

This month truly felt like a blur, but I’m so thankful that the Lord has kept us and sustained us through it all. Here’s to a crazy month! Let’s pray this one’s slower in a much different way.

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If you use any of these in your journals, Bibles, books, or creative projects, I’d love to see them! Feel free to send a photo or tag me on Instagram!

I’m Katie–an illustrator creating faith-driven artwork inspired by the Creator, for authors, readers, and anyone who loves simple, meaningful design. Here on Substack, I share new illustrations, behind-the-scene process, small reflections on art & faith, and updates on commissions and shop releases.

If you’re an author looking for chapter headers, page dividers, or black-and-white interior art, you’re in the right place. And if you simply enjoy thoughtful, beautiful things–I’m glad you’re here too!

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