The Agony of the Pre-Order
There’s nothing quite like the hum of creativity mixed with the tension of waste not, want not. As a devoted store owner and artist, I, Hannah at Maltry Creative have been lovingly painting my way through every single North American bird—and now, with two new 2026 calendars ready to take flight, the pre-order countdown has officially begun. Every year I make these calendars, every year they are far and away my most popular product and every year I STRESS about the big question: how many calendars do I make?!
Spotlight on the Stars
2026 Abstract Bird Calendar
A fresh spin on a fan favorite, this version delivers moody, expressive watercolors of avian silhouettes. In a brand new, never before offered size each page is perforated to be snipped off and framed in a sleek 5×7″ print. The 5×11″ layout unbinds effortlessly and includes perforated edges and a chic single-hole punch for easy display. Pre-order pricing ($20, down from $30) is available until September 15, 2025, and orders will ship starting October 1, 2025.
2026 Bird Calendar
Back by popular demand, this edition showcases the most beloved bird paintings of 2025. At 8×14″, with perforated, frame-ready 8×10″ prints each month, it’s perfect for decor that doubles as art. Pre-order pricing ($30 versus $40) runs until September 15, 2025, with shipping to begin around October 1, 2025.
The Artist’s Perspective: Production Under Pressure
I am currently juggling marketing, production, and fulfillment prep all at once. Managing these timelines while keeping the art on point is no small feat. Each calendar comes with its unique flavor. One abstract, the other a collection of the highly recognizable avian portraits. The guess work of making the right quantities for each, especially since waste reduction and environmentally friendly production practices are cornerstones of my business is such a hassel. Every single person that pre-orders helps alleviate the stress or making sure I’m not producing too many calendars and thus wasting our planet’s precious resources.
Despite the pressure, I’m always buzzing with excitement in the studio this time of year. Every brushstroke is an act of care, every printed page part of a collaborative story between artist and collector. Seeing each order that means my calendars are bound for new homes gives me the stamina to meet the deadlines.
Why These Calendars Incredible
Frame-worthy artistry: Designed to be displayed long after the year has ended.
Perforated monthly pages: Easily remove the practical date section so you end up with 12 fine art prints
Unbound designs: Loose leaf pages reduce the waste produced by this incredible calendar
Pre-order discounts: A chance to snag an early bird price—and support a solo artist doing something special.
Running a small creative shop is part artistry, and a lot of operations with a hefty sprinkle of panic thrown in. As the pre-order windows close on September 15, the pressure mounts. Yet, there’s magic in delivering something handmade and heartfelt to people who will love it all year long.