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Stefan Karlsson

@stefankarlsson.bsky.social

Poet & kidlit writer. Marbling & book artist. Based in Portland, OR 🌲 https://stefankarlssonwrites.wixsite.com/author https://linktr.ee/nautiluspaperco

901 Followers  |  657 Following  |  914 Posts  |  Joined: 20.09.2023
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Posts by Stefan Karlsson (@stefankarlsson.bsky.social)

I loved reading your work, Lisa, and I’m looking forward to checking out Woody’s Words & Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony as well! 😊

02.03.2026 04:25 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Hi Laura & @troystory.bsky.social, thanks so much! I wish I had a good/shareable template for making these videos, but I just took screenshots of book covers from Goodreads then compiled them in a video on Canva. I used the blank β€œInstagram reel” template & added pics. Wish this was more helpful! πŸ˜…

02.03.2026 04:15 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Four quadrants showing (clockwise, starting from top left) a poetry zine for kids, a purple handmade notebooks, handmade bookmarks, and marbled paper pattern wall art.

Four quadrants showing (clockwise, starting from top left) a poetry zine for kids, a purple handmade notebooks, handmade bookmarks, and marbled paper pattern wall art.

2 days left for my Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition fundraiser! I’m donating 50% of all Etsy sales this month to support PIRC’s fight for immigrant justice.

Order notebooks, bookmarks, zines, or wall art and support a good cause!

#WritingCommunity #Etsy #Handmade

27.02.2026 20:54 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Sure thing, Sheri! 😊

24.02.2026 06:09 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Haha I’m the same way! I need those deadlines to stay focused πŸ˜…πŸ˜‚

23.02.2026 23:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thank YOU for offering such a fun contest for writers! 😊

23.02.2026 23:13 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Another #kidlit writing opportunityβ€”this one closing soon!

@hauntedwordspress.bsky.social closes March 2. Theme: Ruined Worlds.

Please feel free to mention other opportunities!

(3/3)

23.02.2026 19:52 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

More upcoming opportunities for #kidlit writers!

#50PreciousWords International Writing Contest hosted by @viviankirkfield.bsky.social. Open from March 2-3.

@thecaterpillarmag.bsky.social Poetry Prize judged by @robertschechter.bsky.social closes March 31.

(2/3)

23.02.2026 19:52 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Upcoming opportunities for #kidlit writers!

@TheToyPress.bsky.social opens March 1. Theme: Celebrations

The Dirigible Balloon open from March 1-14. Open theme.

@littlethoughtspress.com w/ special guest editor @steenahernandez.bsky.social from March 1-April 10. Theme: Traditions & Rituals

(1/3)

23.02.2026 19:52 β€” πŸ‘ 16    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 2
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Happy Friday everyone!

Hip hip hooray - our 'celebrations' edition opens for submissions on 1 March!

#submissionscall #kidlit #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #illustrations

20.02.2026 08:06 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

New theme just dropped πŸ‘€ πŸ₯³

Issue 14 opens for submissions on March 1st with special guest editor @steenahernandez.bsky.social!

And the theme will be...

TRADITIONS & RITUALS

(🧡 for full description.)

20.02.2026 12:55 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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Messy heart marbling πŸ’—πŸŒ€

Pink and red suminagashi swirls layered over a ghostly sumi pattern for Valentine’s Day 🎨

#crafts #suminagashi #ValentinesDay

13.02.2026 18:04 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Four images arranged in quadrants, including: a marbled piece of wall art, a blue handmade notebook, a children’s poetry zine called Chatting Poems, and handmade woven bookmarks.

Four images arranged in quadrants, including: a marbled piece of wall art, a blue handmade notebook, a children’s poetry zine called Chatting Poems, and handmade woven bookmarks.

50% of my Etsy sales this month will be donated to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition to support their fight for immigrant justice.

Order notebooks, bookmarks, zines, and wall art and help support an important cause!

Link in bio, thank you!
#Crafts #WritingCommunity #WritingLife

10.02.2026 19:49 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Marbled revolutions πŸŽ¨πŸŒ€

Taking some retro colors for a spin around the marbling tray. Wishing you a happy Marbled Monday!

#papercrafts #badbunny #marbling

09.02.2026 20:27 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Holding the book Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

Holding the book Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

Last night I got to see Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis read and talk about their new retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and my heart is full from hearing them share about this incredible book πŸ’œ

07.02.2026 18:55 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Creative Challenges (and Other Challenges) Reflections on the value of reading and writing challenges, including StoryStorm and Poem-a-Day challenges.

I wrote a blog about #StoryStorm, picture books, poetry, and the benefits of creative challenges!

Check it out here: stefankarlssonwrites.wixsite.com/author/post/...

#KidLit #PictureBooks #PoetryCommunity

04.02.2026 18:55 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
StoryStorm winner badge showing an illustration of a girl writing at a desk

StoryStorm winner badge showing an illustration of a girl writing at a desk

This was my second year completing #StoryStorm, and it’s become my favorite annual tradition. Thank you to @taralazar.bsky.social and all of the guest contributors for offering inspiration and encouragement πŸ’œ #KidLit

03.02.2026 19:12 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Here are the picture books I read for this January’s #StoryStudy reading challenge that I started, inspired by @taralazar.bsky.social’s #StoryStorm writing challenge.

Thank you for following along, & a BIG thank you @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social for joining me in sharing wonderful PBs! πŸ’œ #KidLit

03.02.2026 00:32 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0
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Melted ice marbling pattern πŸŒ€Cool colors nonpareil marbled paper 🎨

Throughout February, I’ll be donating 50% of all proceeds from my Etsy shop to Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, a non-profit org that fights for immigrant justice in Oregon.

Thanks for your support!
#marbling #art #crafts

02.02.2026 22:45 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Chasms by Carmella de Keyser, published by the Alien Buddha Press.

Chasms by Carmella de Keyser, published by the Alien Buddha Press.

'Chasms', Carmella de Keyser's second collection, an editorial preview.

'Chasms', Carmella de Keyser's second collection, an editorial preview.

Carmella de Keyser holding her second collection Chasms.

Carmella de Keyser holding her second collection Chasms.

It's finally here!πŸŽ‰
My new book CHASMS is now available.
A special thank you to my editor Red & to the Alien Buddha Press.
'Chasms is a soul steeped in sunlight.'
#booklaunch
#Chasms
#Poetry
#NewRelease
#CarmelladeKeyser
#intersections
@alienbuddhapress.bsky.social
www.amazon.co.uk/CHASMS-Carme...

02.02.2026 07:46 β€” πŸ‘ 33    πŸ” 19    πŸ’¬ 10    πŸ“Œ 2
White background with four quadrants showing, clockwise from top left, an orange handmade marbled notebook, a poetry zine for kids called Chatting Poems, a suminagashi piece of wall art, and marbled bookmarks.

White background with four quadrants showing, clockwise from top left, an orange handmade marbled notebook, a poetry zine for kids called Chatting Poems, a suminagashi piece of wall art, and marbled bookmarks.

For the month of February, I’ll be donating 50% of all proceeds from my Etsy shop to Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, a non-profit org that fights for immigrant justice in Oregon.

Order notebooks, zines, bookmarks, and/or wall art and support a good cause! Link in bio, thx!
#Portland #craftsky

01.02.2026 21:56 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory Christie

Cover of THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory Christie

For Day 31 of my PB reading challenge, I read THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory Christie. A poignant, award-winning book about family, libraries, & the Black community creating real-life magic. The best ending to my month-long reading challenge πŸ’œ
#StoryStudy #KidLit

31.01.2026 18:49 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat and Leslie Staub

Cover of Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat and Leslie Staub

For Day 30 of my PB reading challenge I was deeply moved by MAMA’s NIGHTINGALE by Edwidge Danticat & Leslie Staub, a story of family separation that shows the harm of inhumane immigration practices & also the power of the imagination & collective action to overcome them.
#StoryStudy #KidLit

30.01.2026 22:28 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Text reads: Ice Out! Nationwide Shutdown! No work. No school. No shopping. Jan 30, 2026

Text reads: Ice Out! Nationwide Shutdown! No work. No school. No shopping. Jan 30, 2026

#NationalShutdown #IceOut

30.01.2026 00:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili

Cover of Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili

For Day 29 of my PB reading challenge I enjoyed BEAR by Natalia Shaloshvili, a funny & relatable #PictureBook about sharing & bottling up emotions. I was inspired to read it after seeing @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social share a different bear PB for today’s challenge! 🐻🧸😊
#StoryStudy #KidLit

29.01.2026 23:35 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of Our Lake by Angie Kang

Cover of Our Lake by Angie Kang

For Day 28 of my PB reading challenge I was moved by Angie Kang’s Caldecott Honor book OUR LAKE. A deep & poignant portrait of family & loss. Such a beautiful book πŸ’™
#StoryStudy #KidLit

28.01.2026 20:34 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Covers of Blue and A Friend for Ghost by Suzanne Kaufman

Covers of Blue and A Friend for Ghost by Suzanne Kaufman

For Day 27 of my PB reading challenge I took flight with BLUE and A FRIEND FOR GHOST by @suzannekaufmanart.bsky.social. I love these beautifully illustrated & magical stories of unlikely friendship πŸͺ½πŸ’™πŸ‘»πŸŽˆ
#StoryStudy #KidLit #PictureBooks

27.01.2026 22:58 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Welcome to the Ssssssnake Hotel blog by a children's poet for young writers and readers

Thrilled to appear alongside @stefankarlsson.bsky.social @attielime.bsky.social & Jacqueline on @brianmosespoet.bsky.social blog celebrating reading @nationalliteracytrust #goallin @booktrust.org.uk brian-moses.blogspot.com?m=1

27.01.2026 16:57 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of What Is a Refugee? by Γ‰lise Gravel

Cover of What Is a Refugee? by Γ‰lise Gravel

Cover of Killer Underwear Invasion! by Γ‰lise Gravel

Cover of Killer Underwear Invasion! by Γ‰lise Gravel

For Days 25-26 of my PB reading challenge I read WHAT IS A REFUGEE? and KILLER UNDERWEAR INVASION! by @elisegravel.bsky.social. I love Gravel’s commitment to social justice & whimsy, and I wish more adults would read these powerful children’s books!
#StoryStudy #KidLit

27.01.2026 00:32 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Haha thank you so much Attie!! πŸ’₯😊

27.01.2026 00:27 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0