From our Corner | Winter '26 Musings

A life + studio update,

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, but don’t be alarmed. The studio stayed busy through the end of 2025 with holiday art markets, last-minute leather production, and shipping online orders. Add in time at my town job, a major basement renovation, and a trip to Ohio to be with family over Christmas—and whew, what a whirlwind.

Now that we’re firmly into the new year, I finally feel like I’m finding my footing again. Big projects are still happening, but nothing feels quite as urgent. January used to bring me down—the cold temps, dark early evenings, and the mixed-feeling birthday blues—but these days I welcome the slower pace and the return to routine after a jam-packed December.

This season gives me space from the constant making of the leather-things and the clarity to focus on administrative work, website updates, and yearly planning—the must-dos that take a back seat during the busy season. Nothing is pressing, but I welcome this time to build healthy routines that will support me come July, when life feels a little wild again.

I’ve loved being in touch with you each month through this newsletter, but I’ll likely be toning things down this year. You may start seeing me pop into your inbox every few months instead, sharing studio updates or new product releases as they come.

Before moving forward, I want to pause and share a few Kinshop highlights from 2025—tangible markers I can sit with and feel proud of:

• Over 150 cribbage boards made and sold

• My highest sales ever at a single art market, which I then exceeded just a few weeks later at a different show

• In keeping with my commitment to give back, a donation I am proud of to Clifton Cultural Arts Center in honor of my sister, Becca

• A new product launch: canvas bags! I’m excited to continue this work into 2026

• After nearly five years of growing my Instagram, I finally hit 1,000 followers (lawl). A gentle reminder that social media is not an indicator of a successful business, brand, or individual. Period.

• My first ever employees! While I was initially hesitant to bring others into the work, the added support with hand-stitching has been a welcome and meaningful step forward

2025 allowed me to grow Kinshop in a way that continues to prove I can do work that resonates with my soul, feels good in my hands, and supports me financially. Thank you—truly—for being here and accompanying me on this journey.

Until next we meet,
Sarah + Kinshop