What I’m Creating for Autumn: Fairies, Fantasy & New Bookish Décor

August seems to be flying by, and although we’re still enjoying the last few weeks of summer, my little art studio is already beginning to feel distinctly autumnal and magical.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been experimenting with lots of new ideas — from vintage-inspired fairy illustrations to wooden fantasy bookshelf decorations — and I thought it would be nice to share a little behind-the-scenes look at what I’m currently creating and where my inspiration is taking me next.

Creating More Than Just Art Prints

One of the things I’ve really been enjoying recently is finding new ways to turn my artwork into something a little different.

I've started experimenting with a wood cutting and engraving machine, which has opened up so many possibilities for creating fantasy wall art and bookshelf décor.

Think little cathedral windows, moons and stars, gargoyles, dragons, magical library signs and pieces that look as though they could have been discovered inside an old curiosity shop.

I especially love the idea of creating pieces that can sit between your favourite fantasy books on a bookshelf, adding a tiny bit of magic to your home library.

There are lots of designs currently being sketched and tested in the studio, so I’m excited to see where this new collection goes.

A Little Vintage Fairy Inspiration

Another source of inspiration recently has been the beautiful illustrations found inside old fairy and children's books.

There is something so special about vintage book illustrations. The delicate linework, tiny woodland details, flowers, toadstools and little fairies all feel wonderfully nostalgic.

I've been creating some new fairy illustrations inspired by that magical vintage storybook feeling, and I'm considering developing them into a collection of their own.

They also feel like the perfect direction for September's Book Mail Club.

I don't want to reveal everything just yet, but if you love fairies, enchanted forests, old books and whimsical fantasy artwork, I think you might enjoy what's coming!

Blue & White for September

I'm also beginning to plan September's Art Mail Club, and this month I'm being drawn towards something quite different.

I've been looking at beautiful vintage blue-and-white pottery and Blue Willow-style designs, with their intricate patterns, birds, flowers and delicate decorative details.

I'd love to take inspiration from that classic colour palette and create my own illustrated interpretation featuring birds and flowers.

I'm imagining rich cobalt blue artwork against soft white backgrounds with lots of little hand-drawn details — almost like discovering the design on an old piece of treasured pottery.

It could be a really beautiful contrast to all the warm autumn colours appearing everywhere at this time of year.

Moving Into Autumn

Autumn is always one of my favourite seasons for creating.

It's the perfect excuse for darker colours, magical creatures, old books, woodland details, moons, stars and slightly gothic artwork — basically all the things I love drawing!

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing more of the new fantasy wall art, bookish décor and wooden bookshelf decorations I'm working on, alongside little glimpses of September's Art Mail and Book Mail Club designs.

There are currently far more ideas in my sketchbook than I have hours in the day to make them, which is probably a good problem for an artist to have!

Thank you as always for following along with my little creative world and supporting my work. I can't wait to show you what I'm making next.

Holly x.