Happy week, everyone! We have been wrapping up new artwork, prepping for business shifts & trainings, and counting down the days until my upcoming trip. Here is a little glimpse into what’s been happening here in Alabama (which, by the way, it is extremely hotttt! Fall come quickly).
Sneak Peek: September & October’s Exclusive Free Print!
Before we jump into new artwork, I have an exciting update for our fine art collectors! If you’ve been eyeing a piece to bring home, our next Exclusive Collector’s Print ($56 value) launches September 1st!
This limited-edition artwork is completely free with any order of $125+, isn't sold in retail stores, and can't be bought on our site. We rotate these secret prints every two months, and the upcoming September/October print is one of my absolute favorites yet.
If you place an order over $125 while I’m away in September or October, this beauty will be tucked right into your package!
New Artwork Reveal: Mama & Baby Octopus
I am so excited to officially share the completed Mama & Baby Octopus piece! Rendered in watercolor and ink, this painting is part of a larger coastal collection (right alongside the blue whale) that will also feature coordinating wallpaper.
While the "mama and baby" theme naturally makes it a dreamy option for coastal nurseries, the aesthetic and rich detail make it versatile enough to elevate living spaces, bedrooms, or bathrooms throughout any coastal-inspired home.
Coastal Christmas Cards & A Wholesale Milestone
Holiday design season is in full swing! The Coastal Christmas designs are complete for both our classic notecard sets and our plantable greeting cards.
A few important launch details:
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Notecard Box Sets: Launching October 1st directly on amandakleinco.com!
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Plantable Cards (Wholesale Only): Our eco-friendly plantable greeting cards are strictly available for wholesale accounts. As part of our shift toward a healthier work/life balance, direct-to-consumer order fulfillment on these wasn't sustainable, as production makes the most sense in batches of at least 60 (our wholesale order minimum). Plus, plantable cards are already our top-selling retail item with our incredible stockists—especially museums, national parks, botanical gardens, and specialty boutiques!
Big News for Museum Partners (Through 2027!)
Speaking of museums, I just booked flights for the only two trade shows I will be attending between now and the end of 2027!
Both of these shows are focused heavily on museum gift shops and non-profit cultural institutions. I have one coming up this October, and then a much larger show in May 2027 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. New Mexico is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, but I’ve never been to Albuquerque itself—I am so thrilled to explore the city while connecting with incredible institution partners.
Local Connection & Business Training Milestones
Earlier this morning, I attended a local BNI networking event with Madison of Byndel. She invited me and another local business owner to join so attendees could see the real, tangible impact that buying local has on real people in our community. Listening to her story and seeing how her business gives back was such a grounding reminder of why we do what we do.
On the operational side, I’ve been working extremely hard on my internal business training systems. My goal is to have everything wrapped up before I take off for Italy so the business runs like clockwork while I'm away!
The Countdown to Italy: Packing & Repacking!
I leave for Italy on September 2nd and will be gone through September 25th!
To keep things manageable, I am packing absolute essentials only. We’ll have access to laundry every 5 days, so my plan is to bring 6 core outfits and continuously rotate them for the entire three weeks. Of course, this is alongside all my art supplies. I'll be blogging and posting throughout the entire trip & can't wait to share this once in a lifetime experience with you all!
Thank you for being here & for supporting small-business!
Amanda