An Interview with Sally Murphy

We’re delighted to introduce the incredibly talented Sally Murphy, the artist behind our 2026 Christmas Collection, The Season of Joy.

Sally’s feminine, whimsical illustrations bring a beautiful sense of nostalgia and playfulness to this year’s collection, capturing the colour, wonder and joyful magic of Christmas. Inspired by treasured traditions and Christmases past, her artwork comes to life across our Christmas Cards, Christmas Gift Wrapping, Christmas Crackers, Puzzles and new Kids Puzzles, festive stationery and so much more.

We sat down with Sally to chat about her creative journey, the memories and traditions that inspired her illustrations, and what it was like bringing The Season of Joy to life together.

Pictured: Artist Sally Murphy in her studio in Boston, Massachusetts

Hi Sally! It’s been so wonderful collaborating with you on our latest Christmas Collection. To begin, can you tell us a little about yourself, where you’re based and what your journey as an artist and illustrator has looked like so far?

First of all, collaborating with Alischa and the Bespoke team has been a dream come true!

I live outside of Boston, Massachusetts in a small, rural town with my husband, two kids and crazy dog. For the last 20 years, I have worked as a shoe designer. In 2019, I decided to start Sally Murphy Design out of my home where I could continue to contract footwear design, while also allowing myself more time to create and illustrate. I thrive when I have a range clients and projects to juggle because it keeps me creative and curious.

How would you describe your illustration style in a few words?

My style is feminine, whimsical and uplifting. I have a graphic design background and therefore I find my style tends to have a graphic simplicity. I also love working in a limited colour palette.

Pictured (left to right): Christmas Shopping Bags, Christmas Gift Bags & Christmas Cards

What inspired the illustrations you created for our 2026 Christmas Collection?

Alischa had some nostalgic, vintage images on her mood board that I fell in love with right away. I loved the idea of capturing old-time nostalgia in modern holiday scenes. The images of wooden sleds, ornate metal post boxes and antique carousels really set the foundation for this charming collection.

Were there any particular Christmas memories, traditions or moments that inspired your work for the collection?

I was inspired by two memories for the collection. The first was my childhood Christmas Eve tradition when my grandmother would decorate her staircase with overflowing stockings for my siblings and all my cousins (think large Irish family!). We would get to open them together on Christmas Eve and there was nothing more exciting to kick-off the holiday season.

The second inspiration came from the collection of mantel carollers that has been growing over several generations in my family. The carollers are detailed to perfection with beautiful felts, trims of fur, lace collars and tiny brass buttons. I wanted my Christmas characters in the collection to capture the same festive costume personality and detailing.

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles, Christmas Stockings & Santa Sacks & Christmas Crackers. 

Where did you begin when creating the illustrations? Do you start with an idea, a colour palette, a sketch or something else entirely?

I always start with colour. If my colour theme is right, I navigate through the designs more confidently.  I find that if I am not happy with the direction of my work, it is often because the colour palette is off, not the illustration itself. I was also listening to plenty of holiday music in my studio!

Do you have a favourite illustration, product or little detail from the collection?

Oh, so hard to choose! My favourite illustration might be the little angels. They are so simple and sweet. I drew them to look like my daughter when she was younger and used to wear a holiday nightgown my grandmother made me when I was a kid. I also love how the baking apron turned out!

What was your favourite part of collaborating with Bespoke Letterpress on this collection?

Working with Alischa and the team at Bespoke has been a dream come true. The team has such a clear vision on what will make their products unique, special and inspiring. Bespoke has such an incredible sense of style and quality that I knew that every detail would be considered from the print quality, to the touches of gold. It is so rewarding to see my work come to life with such quality and care.

Pictured: Christmas Recipe Book Journal in Christmas Treats.

What are some of your own favourite Christmas traditions?

The last few years I have taken my kids to a candlelight mass on Christmas Eve. There is something calm and magical that happens when it is dark outside and the church is only lit with candles. It takes the moment of heightened stress, excitement and chaos and allows everything to be still and quiet.

And finally, what can we look forward to seeing from you next?

I recently illustrated a book of floral illustration that is being published in May, 2027. I am currently working on the second book of the collection, which is a book of bird illustrations, so keep an eye out for those in book stores soon!

Explore our full Christmas Collection here