If there’s one thing that has shaped my creativity more than anything else, it’s books. I’ve always been a reader, the kind who gets completely lost in a world and wants to stay there long after the last page. My love of storytelling, rich world-building, and timeless themes has influenced so much of my creative journey—including the designs I create for my Etsy shop.
Tolkien’s Middle-earth: The Heart of My Inspiration
It’s no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien’s works are a huge influence on me (my shop name, Library of Rivendell, says it all). The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have been a source of comfort and inspiration for years. There’s something about Tolkien’s attention to detail, the immersive landscapes, and the deep-rooted lore that sparks my creativity. The sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty in his world-building is something I try to reflect in my own designs.
Whether it’s an elegant quote from The Fellowship of the Ring or a piece inspired by the ethereal beauty of Rivendell, Middle-earth’s magic is woven into so much of what I create.
Purchase The Hobbit on Bookshop.org*
Purchase The Hobbit on Waterstones*
Jane Austen: Books full of Wit, Romance, and Timeless Aesthetics
On the other end of the spectrum, Jane Austen’s novels have influenced my love for classic, elegant design. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma are filled with sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and slow-burn romance. I love the refined aesthetic of the Regency era—the handwritten letters, the delicate florals, the candlelit ballrooms.
My Bridgerton-inspired Valentine’s print was a perfect blend of my love for Austen-esque romance and vintage-style typography. I find that blending period drama elegance with modern trends makes for some of my favourite designs.
Purchase Pride and Prejudice on Bookshop.org*
Purchase Pride and Prejudice on Waterstones.com*
Greek Mythology Retellings: Reimagining the Classics
I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology retellings for years. Books like Circe by Madeline Miller and The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker breathe new life into ancient stories, bringing long-forgotten voices to the forefront. There’s something so powerful about reinterpreting myths through a modern lens, and I find that same energy inspiring when I create designs.
The drama, symbolism, and poetic nature of these myths make them perfect for artistic inspiration. Whether it’s an illustration of a goddess or a quote from The Iliad, mythology is a constant thread in my creative work.
Purchase The Silence of the Girls on Bookshop.org*
Purchase The Silence of the Girls on Waterstones.com*
Fantasy Romance: My Newest Obsession
In the last few years, I’ve deep-dived into fantasy romance, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Books like The Serpent & The Wings of Night, Bonded by Thorns and When the Moon Hatched have completely taken over my reading life. There’s something about the mix of high-stakes fantasy with emotional, character-driven romance that I can’t get enough of.
I love incorporating the dreamy, atmospheric feel of these books into my work—whether it’s moody celestial themes, intricate typography, or designs that capture the essence of epic love stories.
The Book Club That Keeps Me Inspired
Beyond reading on my own, I also run a book club on Fable, where we read a fantasy book each month. Right now, we’re reading The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang. Discussing books with other passionate readers keeps me engaged and constantly discovering new ideas to inspire my work.
Join my Fable book club here 🙂
Bringing My Love of Books Into My Designs
At the heart of my Etsy shop is my love of books. Whether I’m designing a literary quote print, a reading tracker, or something inspired by my latest obsession, every piece is a reflection of the stories that have shaped me.
Books are more than just entertainment—they’re an escape, an education, and a source of endless creativity. And I love bringing that magic to life in a visual way.
Do you have a book that has inspired your creativity? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Amy x
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