It’s the end of August, the kids are still out of school, the house is full of summer noise and empty lunch plates.
The shop (and our family) is on vacation, and I thought it might be the perfect moment to begin this new letter - a monthly hello from me, from Yens and Spinny, and from the small, slow world we share.

Each month, I’ll send a story (or two), a few notes from my studio, a quote I’ve been holding onto, and some fictional news from Yens’ corner of the world.

We are on vacation right now, visiting my parents in another state, and my schedule makes very little sense these days, though it’s worse it because laughter, play and endless tea and coffee breaks make perfect summer memories!
I’m in coloring pencils phase right now, sketching a lot in my sketchbook, just scribbles, nothing fancy, but I feel it gives me a lot of new ideas, and great memories as well.
In my digital world I’m working on a picture book for a client, and also finishing some Yens and Spinny illustration that will go in 2026 calendar.

🫖 This Month’s Stories

☁️ Between Carrots and Naps
Yens has been gardening all morning - tending to the hedge, checking on the carrots, sorting seed packets. This is a story about earned naps, quiet mischief, and what happens just beyond the vegetable beds.
Read here

💛 The Falls and the Yellow Cup
A hot day, a narrow trail, a shady creek, and Yens’ favorite yellow cup. It should have been an ordinary afternoon… until Spinny decided the cup was better suited as a boat.
A story of waterfalls, paddling legs, and one very adventurous cup.
Read here

The shop will reopen later this week. Get ready for some new things coming!
Yens plushie: Many of you remember the campaign earlier this year. It didn’t quite reach its goal, but I’ve found another source. You’ve probably seen all the stories with plushie Yens I’ve been sharing on Instagram lately. The plushie is now coming in early September.

Calendars: 2026 calendars will be available in late September. Quiet illustrations, small pauses for every month. I’ll share previews soon!

Lucky readers of this letter get additional 10% off with code 👇

• The blackberries are early this year - Yens is considering a pie.

• A spoon has gone missing from the kitchen drawer. Spinny insists it is on official business.

• In September, the apple trees behind the tool shed will be ready. Spinny says he’ll help, but we’ll see.

• The first yellow leaf was spotted by the garden gate. Yens says it’s a good sign.

• Yens was seen in the attic going through his yarn stash, probably thinking about cozy rainy evenings.

I’ve been rereading Tove Jansson’s story about Moomins and the Comet.
Though I’ve read it several times, I’m still thoroughly enjoying it, pausing a lot, saving thoughtful quotes. Here is my favorite:
“When we were in the valley you only talked about how wonderful other places were.” said Sniff.
“That was different,” said Moomintroll.
“But it’s true,” said Snufkin. “We’re all like that. You must go on a long journey before you can really find out how wonderful home is.”

This August I noticed something small but remarkable: the tiny ferns that grow on tree trunks can look completely dry and lifeless after a week without rain. I was brooding about it the whole day, thinking maybe landscapers had killed them. Yet after just one night of rain, they spring back as if nothing happened at all - green, delicate, alive again. That made me so happy on our final morning by the ocean!

Spinny has started dragging tiny twigs onto the windowsill - a sure sign that the seasons are turning, at least according to him. Wherever you are, I hope you notice one small thing that makes you smile.

Thank you for reading. I’m so glad you’re here.

With warmth,

Nina

(And also Yens, and Spinny, who is currently under a spoon)