Christmassy :: Q&A :: Mel from A Cosy Reader Designs

Tonight I’m delighted to be chatting with my friend Mel from A Cosy Reader Designs. Mel makes gorgeous stationery and other goodies for book lovers (like that gorgeous mug in the photo there!). She also hosts a really sweet Twitch channel where she streams craft and reading session (I’ve raved about her Twitch a bit here and here). I’m super excited to have Mel here on the blog for a Christmassy chat today.

Hey Mel! Thanks so much for joining me to talk Christmas and books today! To start with, could you please tell us a little bit about your business and what inspired you to start it?
A Cosy Reader Designs came about during 2020’s lockdown when I had lots of time, and needed something joyful to focus on as an outlet for anxiousness and restlessness. I’ve been so humbled by the continuous support of the lovely community of readers and crafters I’ve found on Bookstagram (and beyond) that lets me continue making gifts & stationery for bookworms and lovers of anything cute!

Do you like to read Christmassy books and/or do you have a favourite Christmas story?
I LOVE Christmas and enjoy a good Christmas book…or movie! My favourite contemporary Christmas book was One Day in December by Josie Silver. It had drama, romance, Christmas vibes and more. I definitely need to get started on some holiday reading this year! I’m eager to get my hands on some cute Christmas mysteries I’ve heard so much about…

Is there a particular book you’d like to find under the Christmas tree this year?
I wish I had a more profound book to wish for but honestly, I’d love to see Best Wishes, Warmest Regards under the tree – I love Schitt’s Creek! I’ve also been eyeing off Love & Virtue so I’d also be stoked if Santa delivered that.

Do you have a favourite book you’ve read that you are recommending (or gifting) to everyone?
Choosing a favourite book would be like choosing a favourite child (I imagine). I have recently finished up the Cormac Reilly series by Dervla McTiernan though and loved all three so I’d definitely recommend that to Crime Fiction lovers. I also always recommend Talking to my Country by Stan Grant to all my Aussies. Neither are particularly Christmassy…though at least the Cormac Reilly series is set in cold and rainy Ireland… 🙂

Can you share a favourite Christmas tradition?
I just love getting together with our big family for Christmas each year – there’s always new wacky ways we find to have fun. I also love reading the Christmas Cracker jokes with everyone at Christmas lunch – just my kind of humour. My fiance’s family do a self-run trivia each Christmas and I’m excited for when we can join them for that, as they’re international!

Do you have anything special in the shop for Christmas? 
Christmas really snuck up on us this year but I’ve got some cute Christmas gift tags & bookmarks in store this year! In the New Year we’ll be running a sale and releasing some new kinds of  products in the shop that we haven’t had before which is exciting!

Do you have a favourite small business you’re shopping with this year that you want to shout out?
I’m making a lot of gifts this year but any bookish gifts will be coming from my local bookshop, Gleebooks, and crafty gifts from Life with Bess.

Thanks so much for having me on the blog, Bron!
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Big thanks to Mel for taking the time to chat with me! You can find Mel on Instagram here and her shop here.

xo Bron