Snow on the Ranges, Christmas Cards in the Studio, and a Little Winter Reset

Winter has come early this year, with two generous snow falls, blanketing the ranges. After a long, busy autumn filled with markets, orders, and projects, we’re now in full swing with the annual tidy-up around the property. Weed spraying, fallen branches, and plenty of tree lucerne to chop down — which our boys (the alpacas) are very happy about. There’s something satisfying about this kind of seasonal rhythm, even when it leaves you with sore arms and a to-do list as long as your arm.

In the studio, things are no quieter.

I’m currently working on a new set of Christmas cards for Brushstrokes for Kaimanawa Horses, my ongoing charity project supporting the rehoming of wild Kaimanawa horses. The goal this year? A truly Southern Hemisphere Christmas. It’s a fun challenge to design something festive that doesn’t rely on snowflakes or sleigh rides, and instead reflects the kind of Christmas we know — pohutukawa blooms, sand between our toes, and cicadas singing in the background.

Another piece of the puzzle has been gathering reference photos for a new illustration inspired by the delightful mid-century novelty song The Horse in Striped Pajamas. I remember hearing it as a child — the silliness of it stuck with me. First recorded by Eddy Arnold in the 1950s (around 1954–56), it’s quirky and whimsical — right up my alley — and I’ve had it on my creative list for a while now. While we were in Sydney for our cruise, I made time to visit the zoo and snap some photos of zebras, penguins, and seals to use as references. A bit of research mixed in with the holiday, as it tends to go.

I’m also doing a weekly challenge for myself — combining quick mug illustrations with looser art. The idea is to keep it spontaneous and fun, not too polished. They’re pretty rough, but there’s a kind of magic in letting go of perfection and just seeing what comes out.

A Little Winter Reset

With winter now properly settled in, I’ve also put together something new: my Winter Reset Bundle. It’s a small collection designed to help bring a bit of calm, order, and gentle inspiration during these colder months. Think of it as a little seasonal refresh — whether you’re curling up inside or trying to get back on top of the to-do list after the busy lead-up to winter. It includes a mix of my artwork, practical planning tools, and a few special touches to bring some joy into the season.

If you’re curious, you can find all the details in my shop.

So yes, life remains full — of animals, art, and muddy gumboots — just the way I like it.