Warning: a completely weary post ahead. Maybe it's a global issue, as I've read more discouraged artist blog posts within two weeks than ever before.

I didn't mean to be gone so long. But you know how sometimes it feels like you fail at everything you try. Well, I didn't even feel like trying. I know it's partially because of the winter. The snow I longed for came surprisingly quickly and it'll stay until Saturday at least. It's so Christmassy outside. And I'M NOT READY! Christmas should be at least two months away! I'm not stressing about the gifts exclusively, but about the whole Christmas thing. It'll be our first Christmas here in Turku, and the first Christmas we're celebrating together and not with my parents or with my in-laws. And you know, I'm not a Christmas person. Not at all. I enjoy exchanging gifts and spending time together, but the religious part just isn't for me (neither is the commercial gift exchange part!).

I'm trying to enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts, but I can't escape the people who feel the need to talk about the nearing Christmas the whole duration of my 5-hour work shift. And that's the money-spending kind of Christmas talk. I don't feel like spending a lot of money just because it's that one special day of the year. Any non-commercial Christmas spirits lifting ideas? I like making decorations and such, but I'm in need of ideas of what to DO on Christmas to make it feel like Christmas.

One of my Christmas traditions is card-making. Not for me, but for my father's business. (I try to stay away from card-sending traditions myself. I'd only forget someone important and people would get upset.) Last year I stenciled some reindeer, this year I gocco printed some snowflakes on dark blue mulberry paper. The lighting this time of the year is rather challenging (not a surprise) so I don't have photos of my pretty brown snowflake gift tags yet. I do my best to snap a picture really soon. Just so you would see what is included in all things ordered from Paperiaarre Etsy shop between today, Nov 25th (which happens to be my name day), and Dec 3rd. The shop will be taking a vacation too (Dec 4th-12th), but all orders placed and paid by the 3rd will be shipped before I leave to London and should arrive in time for Christmas.

PS.
I'll skip the introduction of books and pouches that were a part of the last shop update. What's in the shop is in the shop. But I thought I'd mention that the shop is still/again well stocked and prettier than ever :)