| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
This past week I had the privilege of leading a private retreat at a villa in Montecito. Most of the time, my work happens alone in my cool, rainy Seattle studio. It is quiet, anonymous, and safely unseen. To step into a space where eyes were on me in real time felt like an unveiling. I don’t feel anxious, but my skin betrays me, turning blotchy and hot, as if revealing what I would rather stay an observant artist and witness.
I love the comfort of anonymity, but I also know that to grow the dream in my heart, I have to be willing to speak aloud, to be seen, and to share what matters most. My mission has always been clear: to invite others into beauty, slowness, and a deep discovery of their own inner magic, which the world desperately needs.
In Montecito, I felt this unveiling take shape as my dream came alive, not in solitude, but together, witnessed in the presence of others. The three seals released to the public today carry those same themes: trust, intuition, beauty, and the courage to step into the unfolding moment.
   PS: you might notice another seal in the photo—one that hasn’t launched yet. |
The Snake and Key Seal
This seal was inspired by a conversation with my friend Silvana Perelli, an evolutionary astrologer. We wanted something to mark eclipses, but also a design open to interpretation. The result was a snake curled around an antique key.
| Snake and Key Seal |
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The snake represents intuition, deeper knowledge, and the mysteries of creation. It is a sign of renewal, of what we fear and what we are asked to embrace. My friend Silvana Perelli sees the snake as a symbol of Hecate, the goddess of thresholds and crossroads, the one who guides us when we step into the unknown. The key, too, belongs to her: it unlocks the hidden paths of wisdom, belonging, beauty, and even the riches of the spirit.
Together, the snake and key invite us to trust our ancient knowing, to honor our intuition, and to step with courage into the doors that are waiting to open.
During my workshop this week, I found myself speaking words I hadn’t planned; they were given to me in the moment. That trust, that something ancient and wise will show up when I make space for it, is what the snake and key mean to me. We just need to be open to what arises.
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| Yes, I want one! |
The Cauldron & Witch Penny
On one side is a cauldron with the inscription ars magica semper aeterna (the magical art, ever eternal). On the other, a witch’s hat and broom with the playful motto all have their hobbies.
The cauldron is a vessel for the ingredients life gives us, but the most important ingredient is the desire in our hearts to envision the world as we would like it. Our unique magic is continual and timeless.
The witch hat is a wink to humor across generations. The phrase plays on the idea of a hobby horse, but substitutes a broom. It reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, even while engaging in the work of letters, art, conversation or personal growth.
| Cauldron Witch Penny |
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The Guillotine Penny
The second penny reads we listen and we don’t judge. It is a phrase often said when someone shares a wild story, teaching us how to hold space with compassion, but also with humor when we hear stories that might tempt us toward judgment.
The reverse shows a guillotine with the inscription stay sharp. The word “decide” comes from the Latin decidere, meaning “to cut off.” This seal reminds us to use discernment, cutting through illusions and falsehoods to reach clarity.
| We Listen and We Don't Judge Guillotine Penny |
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In Case You Missed It (we did too!)
Silvana and I went live today with some technical issues; so we decided to record on Zoom instead. We talk about the autumn equinox, autumn rituals, the new snake/key seal and the symbolism of Hekate.
| Watch Here |
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Color of the Week: Medusa
What better figure to call to mind this week than Medusa, the woman of serpents and decapitation (albeit not by guillotine). She has been cast for centuries as a monster, her gaze feared, her head severed by Perseus. Yet if we look closer, her story is not one of horror but of transformation.
| Medusa Sealing Wax Bundle |
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The snakes that crown her are not simply menace, but ancient symbols of renewal, intuition, and the hidden knowledge that comes from shedding what no longer serves us. Even her so-called punishment gave her protection. After Poseidon violated her in Athena’s temple, she was cursed with a power that made her untouchable. No one could harm her again without consequence.
And the decapitation? Even in death, her power remained. Her head was carried as a weapon, her blood birthed Pegasus, and her image was carved into shields and temples to ward off evil. Severed, she was still unstoppable.
Medusa reminds us that what is feared is often what is most powerful. She is not only snakes and stone. She is the misunderstood radiance of someone whose power could not be contained.
Pre-Order Holiday Seals Gallery Showcase
The pre-ordered holiday seals should ship within the next two weeks or so. If you would like these early editions of the holiday seals, be sure to order today.
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This past week I had the privilege of leading a private retreat at a villa in Montecito. Most of the time, my work happens alone in my cool, rainy Seattle studio. It is quiet, anonymous, and safely unseen. To step into a space where eyes were on me in real time felt like an unveiling. I don’t feel anxious, but my skin betrays me, turning blotchy and hot, as if revealing what I would rather stay an observant artist and witness. I love the comfort of anonymity, but I also know that to grow the dream in my heart, I have to be willing to speak aloud, to be seen, and to share what matters most. My mission has always been clear: to invite others into beauty, slowness, and a deep discovery of their own inner magic, which the world desperately needs. In Montecito, I felt this unveiling take shape as my dream came alive, not in solitude, but together, witnessed in the presence of others. The three seals released to the public today carry those same themes: trust, intuition, beauty, and the courage to step into the unfolding moment.
The Snake and Key SealThis seal was inspired by a conversation with my friend Silvana Perelli, an evolutionary astrologer. We wanted something to mark eclipses, but also a design open to interpretation. The result was a snake curled around an antique key.
The snake represents intuition, deeper knowledge, and the mysteries of creation. It is a sign of renewal, of what we fear and what we are asked to embrace. My friend Silvana Perelli sees the snake as a symbol of Hecate, the goddess of thresholds and crossroads, the one who guides us when we step into the unknown. The key, too, belongs to her: it unlocks the hidden paths of wisdom, belonging, beauty, and even the riches of the spirit. Together, the snake and key invite us to trust our ancient knowing, to honor our intuition, and to step with courage into the doors that are waiting to open. During my workshop this week, I found myself speaking words I hadn’t planned; they were given to me in the moment. That trust, that something ancient and wise will show up when I make space for it, is what the snake and key mean to me. We just need to be open to what arises.
The Cauldron & Witch PennyOn one side is a cauldron with the inscription ars magica semper aeterna (the magical art, ever eternal). On the other, a witch’s hat and broom with the playful motto all have their hobbies. The cauldron is a vessel for the ingredients life gives us, but the most important ingredient is the desire in our hearts to envision the world as we would like it. Our unique magic is continual and timeless. The witch hat is a wink to humor across generations. The phrase plays on the idea of a hobby horse, but substitutes a broom. It reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, even while engaging in the work of letters, art, conversation or personal growth.
The Guillotine PennyThe second penny reads we listen and we don’t judge. It is a phrase often said when someone shares a wild story, teaching us how to hold space with compassion, but also with humor when we hear stories that might tempt us toward judgment. The reverse shows a guillotine with the inscription stay sharp. The word “decide” comes from the Latin decidere, meaning “to cut off.” This seal reminds us to use discernment, cutting through illusions and falsehoods to reach clarity.
In Case You Missed It (we did too!)Silvana and I went live today with some technical issues; so we decided to record on Zoom instead. We talk about the autumn equinox, autumn rituals, the new snake/key seal and the symbolism of Hekate.
Color of the Week: MedusaWhat better figure to call to mind this week than Medusa, the woman of serpents and decapitation (albeit not by guillotine). She has been cast for centuries as a monster, her gaze feared, her head severed by Perseus. Yet if we look closer, her story is not one of horror but of transformation.
The snakes that crown her are not simply menace, but ancient symbols of renewal, intuition, and the hidden knowledge that comes from shedding what no longer serves us. Even her so-called punishment gave her protection. After Poseidon violated her in Athena’s temple, she was cursed with a power that made her untouchable. No one could harm her again without consequence. And the decapitation? Even in death, her power remained. Her head was carried as a weapon, her blood birthed Pegasus, and her image was carved into shields and temples to ward off evil. Severed, she was still unstoppable. Medusa reminds us that what is feared is often what is most powerful. She is not only snakes and stone. She is the misunderstood radiance of someone whose power could not be contained. Pre-Order Holiday Seals Gallery ShowcaseThe pre-ordered holiday seals should ship within the next two weeks or so. If you would like these early editions of the holiday seals, be sure to order today.
Two Turtle Doves Seal – Holiday Pre-Order
$375.00 USD
The Two Turtle Doves, the second gift of the Twelve Days of Christmas, are a classic emblem of devotion, peace, and enduring love. This finely detailed seal captures the tender pair perched among holly, a timeless reminder of companionship and harmony during the holiday season. Available now for pre-order, this limited-edition seal will ship by the end of October. A perfect keepsake for sealing letters, adorning gifts, or adding a meaningful touch to your holiday rituals.
Partridge in a Pear Tree Seal – Holiday Pre-Order
$375.00 USD
The Partridge in a Pear Tree is the first gift of the Twelve Days of Christmas and a timeless symbol of generosity, hope, and fresh beginnings. This detailed seal depicts the graceful bird among pear branches, its presence evoking abundance and the joy of giving. Available now for pre-order, this limited-edition seal will ship by the end of October. A beautiful way to add heirloom charm to your holiday correspondence, gifts, and seasonal rituals.
Hellebore Seal – Holiday Pre-Order
$375.00 USD
The Hellebore, often called the Christmas Rose, is cherished for its rare ability to bloom in the heart of winter. In floriography, it carries meanings of serenity, peace, hope, and quiet strength—a flower that reminds us of resilience and grace even in the coldest season. This limited-edition seal captures the delicate elegance of the hellebore’s blossoms, bringing timeless beauty and renewal to your holiday correspondence. Available now for pre-order, the Hellebore Seal will ship by the end of October.
Twelve Days of Christmas Bundle – Holiday Pre-Order
$699.00 USD
Bring the magic of the season to your letters with this special bundle featuring the first two designs from the Twelve Days of Christmas series. The Partridge in a Pear Tree symbolizes generosity and new beginnings, while the Two Turtle Doves represent devotion, peace, and enduring love. Together, they tell a story of beauty and connection, making this set a meaningful way to mark the holidays. Offered as a limited-edition bundle, these heirloom-quality seals are available now for pre-order and will ship by the end of October. Perfect for collectors or anyone wishing to add timeless elegance to their holiday correspondence and gifts.
With Love, Kathryn |