Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! Each issue explores a fresh theme to inspire new ways of thinking about garden design and graphics.

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This week, we’re diving into DRAWING...the simple act of putting pencil to paper and watching your ideas come alive. It’s one of the most essential tools for communicating your vision, which is why we dedicate time each year to building your drawing confidence. (Details about our annual drawing class are below.)

MESSY + MAGICAL + MEANINGFUL

I’ve been spending a lot of time at my drafting table lately…pencils scattered, sketches taped to the wall, tracing paper stacked in messy little piles. Honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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There’s something magical about watching ideas take shape on paper. I love the messy, imperfect, idea-filled kind of drawing...the sketches we make when no one is watching, when your hand is free to explore, experiment, and discover.

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I’m talking about drawing today in part to give you a little heads-up: my 8-week drawing course, Garden Graphics Tool Kit, will be opening again in January 2026. Every time I teach it, I’m reminded just how transformative drawing can be. It builds confidence, sparks creativity, and helps designers bring their visions to life.

WHY I LOVE DRAWING

Drawing isn’t just a skill...it’s a way to think, explore, and express your ideas.

⚘ Ideas come alive on paper. Pencil in hand, fuzzy thoughts become shapes, edges, and spaces.

⚘ Mistakes are part of the fun. Messy sketches often lead to your most creative ideas.

⚘ It reveals your style. Over time, your hand starts making marks that are uniquely yours. That’s when your graphic and design voice really begin to shine.

⚘ It builds confidence. Confidence grows when you show up, even with imperfect sketches. Quick studies, messy lines, and tracing paper scribbles all strengthen the muscle that lets you trust your ideas.

INSPIRATION

Read more about my drawing process in Developing Your Graphic Style

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Explore how hand-drawing sparks creativity and helps you communicate ideas in The Benefits of Hand-Drawing

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If you’d like to join us for Garden Graphics Tool Kit in January, make sure to join our waiting list here. I’ve also included a full outline there of what’s included so you can see if it’s the right fit for you.

Try This: Take a photo of a space you love (or want to redesign) and trace over it with loose, exploratory lines. Don’t aim for accuracy…aim for ideas.

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If you know someone that needs a bit of garden inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Here’s to smudges, sketches, and the joy of seeing your ideas bloom...on paper and in the garden.

From the studio + garden,

Lisa

PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.