Welcome to Beneath the Bookshelf,
a quiet little corner of the world where forgotten stories find their second life, and where every item is steeped in the quiet magic of the written word.
There’s something quietly magical about what lies just beneath the bookshelf.
In those forgotten corners—where dog-eared pages rest, handwritten notes linger, and candlelight flickers against well-loved spines—stories live on, waiting to be rediscovered. Beyond the Bookshelf was born from that very magic, created by a lifelong reader and maker who believes in the quiet power of storytelling, both written and drawn.
Here, we celebrate the timeless relationship between literature and art—where a line of prose and a brushstroke can stir the same feeling, where illustrations bring characters and moods to life in ways words sometimes can’t.
Many of the treasures you'll find here are our own: original stories, hand-drawn illustrations, and thoughtfully crafted designs that blend narrative with visual beauty. Each piece—whether it's a bookmark, print, journal, mug, or cozy tee—begins with an idea rooted in story, then shaped into something you can hold, wear, or gift.
We believe in the power of stories—not just the ones printed in books, but the ones you live, the ones you share, the ones you carry with you every day. Our work honors both the written word and the creative spark that gives it form.
Whether you're a scribbler of margins, a collector of beautiful things, a teacher of young minds, or a dreamer who finds comfort in fictional worlds, Beyond the Bookshelf is your quiet sanctuary of story and art.
This is more than a shop.
It’s a literary lifestyle—for the keepers of keys, candlelight, and creativity.
Welcome to our little world.
Thank you for stopping by. We’re truly glad you’re here.
ARTISTS
Art Foust
Art Foust is a lifelong artist and occasional poet whose work blends traditional techniques with modern storytelling. With a strong foundation in pen and ink, Art creates detailed, expressive illustrations that reflect a deep appreciation for line work and composition. While this classic medium remains a favorite, much of Art’s work today is done digitally, allowing for greater flexibility in exploring narrative and visual ideas.
In addition to visual art, Art enjoys writing poetry and often incorporates storytelling into his creative process—especially through comics. Whether working on standalone illustrations or sequential art, Art’s focus is on telling meaningful stories and creating characters and worlds that resonate with viewers.
Art’s style bridges the gap between hand-drawn tradition and digital innovation, resulting in work that feels both grounded and imaginative. His creative practice continues to evolve, driven by a love of drawing, writing, and the endless possibilities of visual storytelling.
Jennifer Foust
Jennifer Foust is a lifelong crafter and former preschool teacher with a deep passion for nurturing young minds through creativity, storytelling, and hands-on learning. With years of experience in early childhood education, Jennifer brings a thoughtful, playful approach to everything she creates—whether it’s in the classroom or at the craft table.
Her love for children and their development shines through in her work, especially in how she uses art and storytelling to spark imagination and support early learning. Jennifer believes that creativity is one of the most powerful tools for growth in young children, and she continues to weave that belief into her craft.
Now focused full-time on her creative pursuits, Jennifer can often be found at local craft shows, connecting with other makers and sharing her work with families and fellow enthusiasts. Her approachable, warm spirit and her background in education make her creations both meaningful and full of heart.
Every item is inspired by the wonder of what lies just out of sight, beneath the shelf, between the lines, beyond the last page.
Here, we believe that not all stories live on a shelf.
Some are waiting just beneath it.
Thank you for stopping by. We’re truly glad you’re here.
Behind the Magic
We’re Jennifer and Art—partners in both life and creativity—and we’ve been on this storytelling journey together since 2014.
Art is the artist, writer, and dreamer of the two of us. He’s the one who fills sketchbooks with moody illustrations, jots down half-poems on napkins, and brings characters to life with ink, texture, and imagination. His love of literature runs deep, and his art is often inspired by the quiet corners where stories linger.
Jennifer is the heart behind the craft and the voice you’ll most often hear. She brings the vision to life with care and intention, handling the details, the design direction, and connecting with our beautiful community of readers, makers, and fellow daydreamers. While Art may be the artistic influence, Jennifer is the face (and the steady hands) of the team.
Together, we create Beyond the Bookshelf—a small shop filled with original illustrations, handmade designs, and bookish treasures that reflect our shared love of stories, mystery, and meaningful art.
We believe the magic isn’t just in the books—it’s in the people who read them, the spaces they make cozy, and the gifts they give with love.
Thanks for being here. We're so glad you've found your way to our quiet little corner of the world.
