The December holiday season is a time of magic, brimming with opportunities to capture cherished rituals and unexpected moments. It’s in the spaces we gather with friends and family that the season truly comes alive—each of us adding our personal touches, from stockings on the fireplace to the glow of a Christmas tree.
This year, we wanted to celebrate the holidays in a way that transcends the limits of a single photograph. So, we partnered with Sonia Cavallini, a Paris-based illustrator, to craft a unique, collective Mootsh vision of the holiday scene—one that brings the warmth and wonder of the season to life through her artistry.
Collaborating with Sonia was pure magic for us and we had the opportunity to sit down with her and ask her a few questions about her art and the moments that matter to her during the holidays.
What was the moment you realized you wanted to be an artist?
Sonia Cavallini:
I’ve always loved drawing, but I didn’t study it formally (I have a Master’s degree in Art History). I always felt I wouldn’t find a job in that field, so after my Master’s, I traveled to Australia and Asia for a year. It was during that trip that I realized I wanted to make a living from my paintings.
What moments spark your inspiration and imagination?
Sonia:
My subjects are inspired by nature and flowers, as well as medieval paintings and patterns (especially for plants). I do a lot of research beforehand on Pinterest, building a large catalog of images and ideas that I “mix together in my head” to create my drawings.
I start with an idea from my imagination or a mix of several photos to create something unique, and I add small details or emotions from my own experiences. I’d love to create larger paintings of gardens or flowers using oil paint (instead of watercolor).
What are your favorite holiday moments?
Sonia:
I really love the time leading up to the Christmas holidays—the moments when I think about surprises and little thoughtful gifts I can prepare for my family. There’s such joy in realizing I’ve found the perfect gift. I love the anticipation leading up to the big day.
When I was little, my brother and I loved falling asleep under the Christmas tree, staring at the lights and waiting for our mom to come home from the cinema to wake us up. That’s such a wonderful memory!
What is the magic of Mootsh for you ?
Sonia:
I love photography and preserving little, seemingly insignificant memories. For example, I have a collection of stones I picked up during my travels, city maps of places I’ll probably never visit again, and so on.
I think Mootsh is the perfect idea for keeping your memories intact in beautiful sleeves. For this sleeve design, I was inspired by something joyful and colorful, a vibrant world that evokes the magic and excitement of Christmas. I included a little cat and dog making mischief, too impatient to wait to open their beautiful presents.
Where can you find Sonia and the many beautiful things she creates?
Sonia on Instagram
Sonia on Etsy
How can you get your hands on a Mootsh Holiday sleeve?
All December print orders— the ones delivered to you and all your friends and family you are sending Mootsh photos to— will arrive in this limited edition Holiday sleeve.
You can also buy extras of this limited edition via our Mootsh Boutique.
