My love for spiders.

I’ve always had a fascination with spiders. There’s something about their quiet patience and the way they create, weaving entire worlds out of silk, that’s endlessly inspiring to me. My first spider was a bold jumping spider named Lil Webbie, who passed away in 2022. He’s the one who started it all. Since then, my little spider family has grown to include four jumpers and two velvet spiders, each with their own quirky personalities. Watching them live, explore, and build has completely changed how I see the tiny ecosystems around me.

Cross Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus)

For this new piece, I decided to focus on four orb weavers: the Arrow-Shaped Orbweaver, Cross Orbweaver, Marbled Orbweaver, and Black and Yellow Garden Spider. These species are some of my favorites; you can find them right here in New York State. Each one spins incredible webs that glimmer in the sunlight like floating lace. I think their shapes and patterns are so unique, it almost feels like nature’s jewelry.

Marbled Orb Weaver (Araneus marmoreus)

To celebrate them, I hand painted charms featuring these four spiders and paired them with a mini zine full of fun facts and illustrations. It’s a little mix of art, science, and love, something for curious hearts like mine.

Webwork: A Tiny Guide to New York’s Orbweavers.

I wanted to make something that goes beyond just being a pretty collectible. I wanted this project to teach, to spark curiosity, and to invite others to see spiders differently, not as scary, but as fascinating, creative little creatures that share our world.

I’ve always loved learning and sharing what I learn, and I hope this zine inspires that same spark in you. Maybe after this, you’ll pause a moment longer the next time you see a web shining in the morning light, and think of the tiny artist who made it.