We’re thrilled to announce that the next feature artist in The Designer Project is surface pattern designer Sarah Ossitt! Sarah is based in Sydney and is the creative genius behind Sazerelli Designs. Sarah creates fun prints and patterns with bright colours which are intended to make you smile. All of Sarah’s designs begin with hand-drawn elements or are digitally drawn onto her iPad. Sarah believes it’s the small imperfections in her initial drawings which give character to each of her designs.
As part of The Designer Project Sarah has made a range of her gorgeous designs available as print-ready artwork. Sarah’s “Dancing Flowers” and “Moments” collections can be found in our Fabric Shop online! The range features quirky florals, organic renditions of geometric staples and a warm colour palette. Below we’ve shared a little about each of the designs and the types of DIY projects we would love to see them used for. Keep reading to find out more about Sarah Ossitt’s designs!
“Dancing Flowers” Collection
“Autumn Days” features a leaf print with warm oranges and peaches offset against navy and sage. The tumbling leaf arrangement in the design feels like the embodiment of Autumn!
We think “Autumn Days” would be the perfect print for silky pyjamas and camisoles.
“Honey Spots” is a warm ditsy polka dot which balances a bright golden honey colour with deep raspberry coloured spots.
“Honey Spots” would be a fantastic design for soft accessories and short-sleeved button up shirts.
“Spring Flowers” features boldly shaped pink florals set against a warm watermelon backdrop. The variety of shapes found amongst the floral motifs makes the print feel dynamic.
“Spring Flowers” would be a gorgeous design for summer dresses and kitchen accessories.
“Ditsy Flowers” is a fun and colourful ditsy floral design filled with vibrant flower and leaf motifs.
We would love to see “Ditsy Flowers” used for either summer dresses, mid-length silky skirts or soft accessories.
“Summer Flowers” is the perfect statement floral print! The design features boldly illustrated flower motifs in a gorgeous golden hue.
“Summer Flowers” would be a great design to use for skirts or retro inspired jumpsuits.
“Retro Vibes” is a retro inspired floral balancing a soft warm colour palette of cream, pink and soft mustard.
We think “Retro Vibes” would a fantastic design to use for summer pyjamas and cosmetic pouches.
“Rusty Heart” is a wonderfully minimal design with delicate pink leaf motifs set against a deep rust coloured background.
“Blue Grid” is a wonderful example of why simplicity sometimes is the best! “Blue Grid” is a bold blue grid designs with softer edges than your usual grid or check print.
“Blue Grid” would be an ideal choice for boxer shorts, board shorts or cigarette trousers.
“Diamonds for Days” is a playful design featuring diamond motifs. “Diamonds for Days” feels like a quirky graphic take on the classic snake print.
We think “Diamonds for Days” would be stunning choice scarves and skirts.
“Dance” is a big, bold and beautiful floral print with flower and leaf motifs which feel as though they’re dancing!
We would love to see “Dance” used for statement bedding and cushion covers!
“Moments” Collection
“Squares and Stripes” is a statement graphic print created from hand-drawn shapes and elements. “Squares and Stripes” reminds us of mid-century textile designs.
“Squares and Stripes” would be the perfect design to use for activewear, button-up shirts and blouses and shift dresses.
“Windows” is a bold geo pattern which balances warm peach and mustard hues with a dusty blue background.
We think “Windows” would be a great choice for singlets, t-shirts and headscarves.
“Dots and Dashes” takes a really fun approach to creating a stripe print! This mid-scale print allows the motifs to really pop by setting them against a mint coloured background.
“Dots and Dashes” would be the perfect print for beach bags and tote bags as well as cute summer playsuits!
“Spotty Stripe” features a decorative stripe print reminiscent of hanging fairy lights against the setting sun.
We think “Spotty Stripe” would be an excellent choice for bikinis, over-sized scrunchies, bow-ties and pocket squares.
“Bricks” is a really versatile graphic print balancing perfectly imperfect navy motifs with a rich mustard background.
“Bricks” would be a great choice for summer shorts and cropped jackets.
“Whale” is a playful print with graphic motifs which look like whales swimming in the ocean!
We would love to see “Whale” used for button up shirts, co-ordinating sets and tailored shorts.
Each of the designs from Sarah’s “Dancing Flowers” and “Moments” collections are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online, choose the design and then select the base cloth that’s right for your project!
We’ve been very excited having the super talented creative Rachel Darling as our current feature artist as part of The Designer Project and have adored sharing her breath taking textile designs. To coincide with Rachel’s “Peninsula” designs being added to our Fabric Shop online, Rachel has put together a guest blog which shares some background information about the artist herself, the inspiration for the collection and how Rachel likes to work creatively. The blog is simply a joy to read! Keep reading to find out more about Rachel Darling and her “Peninsula” Collection.
Rachel Darling at her home studio
My partner and I recently bought our first home and we were over the moon that we managed to stay on the LeFevre Peninsula, in the suburb of Largs Bay. We both mostly grew up on the peninsula, so we had personal connections and community here, plus we love the historical and industrial vibes of the area. And of course, the beach! Our house is just a short walk from the coastline and while I love all the usual things one would love about the beach, I have always thought the foliage in the peninsula sand dunes to be uniquely beautiful. This is what inspired my collection “Peninsula”.
Largs Bay, South Australia
Foliage found around Largs Bay
Foliage found around Largs Bay
I spent a lot of time photographing and sketching different plants and flowers from the dunes and walkways, observing their unique shapes and textures. I also love the overall colour palette of the landscape, how it looks different according to the time of day, but always has an underlying muted feel to it. Some of the flowers I found offered crazy pops of colour, but I chose to stick to the overall colour scheme of the landscape for this collection.
“Beach Wattle”
Process artwork for “Wisp”
“Wisp – Sand”
At the moment, I “balance” full-time work with my creative freelance work. I am a marketing officer for the government by day, and a creative by night (or by very early mornings, which is when I most like to work!). Because of this, my creative process can be a little disjointed, and I’ll fit creative work in wherever I can. I also do a lot of my creative work on the weekends.
Rachel’s home studio
“Yellow Daisy Magic” designs
Rachel’s home studio
On an ideal day, I will go for a walk in the morning with my dog, Lottie – this is her favourite part of my creative process! Along the way I’ll collect photos of plants, flowers, textures and colours to take back to my studio. Once I’m back in my studio I use the photos as reference to sketch out my designs (either with pen/pencil or directly onto the computer, using my Wacom tablet). I like to include as much detail as I can. While I am not going for a ‘realistic’ look, as such, I am trying to capture textures, impurities and fine points that make up the overall look. I will then colour my sketches digitally, and this is where I loosen up a bit. I do not stay within the lines and I take the time to colour my designs in a ‘manual way’ so that these imperfections come through. I feel that this contributes to my illustrative style. I will often add some little markings made up of tiny dots, circles and star shapes. I am not sure why or when I started doing this, but the markings have become part of my style and I have started to describe them as “bits of magic.” These feature a lot in my “Peninsula” collection.
“Spring Begins – Sky”
Rachel and her studio manager – Lottie the pup
Floral illustrations for the “Peninsula Collection”
You can check out more of Rachel Darling’s work at Rachel Kate Darling and via Instagram @rachkatedarling.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!
Next up as our feature artist in The Designer Project is the ultra talented creative Rachel Darling and we are so thrilled to be sharing her work with you all! Rachel is a self-taught illustrator, artist and designer living in the coastal suburb of Largs Bay, South Australia. The designer finds inspiration from nature, everyday encounters with interesting textures and colours, and her home studio which she shares with a very cute and curious Jack Russel pup called Lottie.
Rachel has worked on a variety of different projects including children’s book illustrations, branding, stationary, event signage and public murals. Fortunately for us Rachel has a sweet spot for surface pattern design and has made a range of her gorgeous designs available in our Fabric Shop online! Rachel’s “Peninsula” Collection features beautifully illustrated motifs and a rich colour palette, and is inspired by the natural wonders around Largs Bay. Below we’ve shared a bit more about each of the designs and the types of projects we would love to see them used for. Keep reading to find out more about Rachel’s “Peninsula” Collection.
“Peninsula Posy” is the hero design of the collection, featuring delicately drawn motifs of flowers and plants which can be found on the LeFevre Peninsula in South Australia. “Peninsula Posy” is available in three colourways; “Black”, “Sand” and “Rust”.
“Peninsula Posy” would be a fantastic design to use for tableware, cushion covers and slip dresses.
“Spring Begins” captures the yellow flowers which first begin to appear in Rachel’s seaside suburb just as Winter comes to an end. Along with the blooms come sunshine, sweet-scented air, an eagerness for warmer weather and an abundance for new life. “Spring Begins” is available in two colourways; “Moss” and “Sky”.
“Spring Begins” would be a perfect design for either mid-length skirts and dresses as well as hair scarves.
“Train Station Blooms” is a fantastic reminder that beauty really is everywhere if you’re willing to look. The design is inspired by pretty yellow flowers unexpectedly found tucked away against a grey sky and railway tracks while waiting for the train one morning. “Train Station Blooms” is available in three colourways; “Dark Moss”, “Deep Sea” and “Stone”.
We think “Train Station Blooms” would be a gorgeous design to use for bedding, napkins and tablecloths.
“Neapolitan” is inspired by the array of unexpected colours found in the sand dunes of the LeFevre Peninsula. The design features intricately drawn botanic motifs and is available in three colourways; “Deep Sea”, “Foliage” and “Stone”.
“Neapolitan” would be a gorgeous design to use for evening wear and garment lining and trims.
“Wisp” features one beautifully illustrated floral motif which is carefully repeated to create an organic feeling design, balancing long strands of delicate leaves with gentle buds. “Wisp” is available in two colourways “Black” and “Sand”.
We think “Wisp” would be a stunning design to use for curtains and statement cushion covers.
“Beach Wattle” is inspired by the plant of the same name which grows in abundance along the LeFevre coastline, adding a sprinkle of sun yellow to the walking tracks. “Beach Wattle” is available in three colourways; “Green”, “Mustard” and “Sea”.
“Beach Wattle” would be a great design for overall dresses and wide leg summer pants.
“Yellow Daisy Magic” is inspired by the cute daisies which grown in bunches amongst the sand dunes of the LeFevre peninsula. The design is available in two different styles across four different colourways; “Moss”, “Basic Mustard”, “Ocean” and “Basic Ocean”.
“Yellow Daisy Magic” would be ideal for short-sleeved button-up shirts, small accessories and garment lining.
The possibilities really are endless with these designs and our suggestions above are just to get the creative wheels turning. Each of the designs from Rachel’s “Peninsula” Collection is available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online, choose the designs and then select the base cloth that’s right for your project!
Our current feature artist as part of The Designer Project is the wonderfully creative designer Tammy de Zilva and we have been so fortunate to have her talents on board! Tammy has offered a range of her colourful and figurative designs as print-ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online, with each being available to print onto any of our stock fabrics! What’s more exciting is that the artist herself has shared with us a guest blog which discusses her primary inspirations and creative processes. Keep reading to find out more about Tammy de Zilva and her “Playground Stories” Collection!
Hello friends! Tammy de Zilva here from Loopla. I’m a Surface Pattern Designer from Brisbane and am so excited to join The Designer Project with Digital Fabrics. I love to create playful retro designs for both kids and adults, using bright bold colours to inject a punch of happiness into my work. My biggest goal is to bring joy to others with my art.
Tammy de Zilva
Today I’m sharing with you my collection “Playground Stories”. This playful collection was inspired by the creative storytelling of an imaginative 4-year-old and his mum, me! From bunnies frolicking through gardens to pink bananas rolling down hills, this collection has sweet, playful and happy tones. The designs are perfect for fashion, bedding, homewares and interiors for kids and big kids (like me!) alike.
“Floral Lines” tote bag mock-up
My son loves creative storytelling, especially a progressive story where we will take turns adding to the story which often adds many crazy twists and turns or something just plain silly. They give me so much inspiration for my designs and often make me think outside the box.
Tammy’s wonderfully colourful studio
Quite often I will start my design development on my iPad Pro and then take the designs into Adobe Illustrator on my computer to turn them into a repeat pattern. I love having the flexibility to change things around easily by working digitally from the start.
Tammy sketching motifs for “Floral Lines”
Occasionally I do go back to the sketchbook and do some initial doodles there first before digitising them.
Initial sketches for “Bear Faces”
Initial sketches for “Bear Faces”
“Bear Faces” will make the most adorable children’s clothes. I just love these cute little baby harem pants. The wonky lines just add that extra element of playfulness to them and the darker background really makes the colours pop.
“Bear Faces”
“Bear Faces” baby harem pants mock-up
I also love creating some designs in a larger scale to add impact. “Happy Flowers” and “Going Bananas” are both large scale designs in this collection and would look amazing as a dress, cushion or tea towel. I love having bold colourful tea towels in the kitchen to brighten things up.
“Happy Flowers” dress mock-up
“Going Bananas” t-shirt mock-up
I cannot wait to see what fabulous things you make with my designs. Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook so I can see them and cheer you on!
Tammy de Zilva
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and we will be in touch.
We’re so excited to announce that our newest feature artist in The Designer Project is designer Tammy de Zilva. Tammy is the surface pattern designer behind Loopla – a Brisbane-based business which creates vibrant, retro-inspired designs with striking graphics and colours. Tammy’s designs are inspired by nature, everyday encounters, playing with her son and her extensive travels.
As part of The Designer Project Tammy has made a range of her eye-catching designs available to use in our Fabric Shop online – introducing the “Playground Stories” Collection. “Playground Stories” is inspired by the imagination and creativity found with children’s storytelling, with designs featuring whimsical motifs and colours that pop. Below we’ve shared more about each of the designs and have included some DIY ideas we think each would be perfect for. Keep reading to find out more about Tammy’s “Playground Stories” Collection!
“Happy Flowers” is a bright and cheerful floral print that features crisp shapes and a colour palette that packs a punch! With the vibrant colours set against a muted navy background “Happy Flowers” is a fantastic example of a versatile statement print.
“Happy Flowers” would be great design to use for summer dresses, cushion covers and towels.
“Floral Lines” is inspired by flowers blowing in the breeze on a sunny day in spring! The wonky lines nestled amongst the floral motifs adds a touch of playfulness to the gorgeous design.
We would love to see “Floral Lines” used for a cute summer playsuit or a retro style full piece swimsuit!
“Spring Joy” celebrates all the things we love about spring – birds chirping, pineapples being in season, flowers blooming and fun in the sun. This design is bursting with motifs and details and we simply can’t get enough of!
“Spring Joy” would be such a cute design to use for button-up, short sleeve shirts, hair ties and bandanas.
“Garden Bunny” was inspired by stories of bunnies frolicking through gardens and features super sweet, vintage inspired motifs. The combination of pink, blue and white results in a really fun feeling design.
“Garden Bunny” would be a great choice for kids clothing, pyjamas and summer bed robes.
“Bear Faces” is a super sweet novelty print featuring adorable bear motifs. The loosely drawn stripe in the background frames the bears beautifully and gives the design added dimension.
“Bear Faces” is a perfect design for kids clothing, kids bedding, boxer shorts and pyjamas.
“Going Bananas” is a playful, fruity print that transforms the humble everyday banana into an unexpected explosion of pink and orange fun! The design features gorgeously illustrated banana motifs with sweet spotty skin textures.
“Going Bananas” is a fantastic design to use for statement bedding, beach bags and wide leg pants.
“Beach Days” instantly evokes images of a summer beach holiday – chasing seagulls and indulging in tropical drinks and afternoon ice creams. “Beach Days” is wonderful, smile-inducing novelty print perfect for kids and big kids alike.
We think “Beach Days” is perfect for kids clothing, kids swimwear, pencil cases and cosmetic pouches.
“Licorice Allsorts” is a tribute to the old days of riding bikes to the corner store and buying lollies with your friends. This design pairs geometric forms and deliciously sweet colours to create the perfect nostalgic print.
“Licorice Allsorts” would be a wonderful design for co-ordinate sets and cute shift dresses.
Who doesn’t love listening to rain falling on the roof? “Raindrops” perfectly captures the joy of being warm and snuggled-up inside on a rainy day.
We think “Raindrops” would be a gorgeous design to use for tailored summer shorts and swimwear.
Each of the designs from Tammy’s “Playground Stories” collection is available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop online, choose the designs and then select the base cloth that’s right for your project – it’s that easy!
We’ve been absolutely thrilled to have paper artist and surface pattern designer Ariane Nijssen of Aribombari take part in our latest instalment of The Designer Project and have adored showcasing her work! Ariane has made a range of her unique, detail-rich designs available in our Fabric Shop online with artwork that is suitable across both fashion and homewares applications. Ariane has also put together the blog below which details the different steps she takes to create her comprehensive body of paper-based materials, which are then transformed into her gorgeous designs. Keep reading to find out more about Ariane’s fascinating process!
Hello, I am Ariane Nijssen and I would like to tell you about how I create my patterns.
Ariane Nijssen in her home
I have recently joined Digital Fabrics as part of their Designer Project, so it seems like the right time to tell you about how I transform my ideas into digital files ready for printing on fabric. My patterns feature colourful, textural mini collages that all started as mono printed pieces of paper.
Hand-made printed and paper-cut elements
“Flower Power” homewares mock-up
It’s quite a process actually and that is what I like! It all starts with coming across shapes and textures around me; in my garden, my neighbourhood and even in my kitchen. I work out how I can get these ideas printed using a home-made gelatine plate. I sketch the patterns that I like and create stencils from them. Or I collect leaves or other objects that I know will work as masks or stencils in mono printing.
Hand-made printed and paper-cut elements
Most weeks I aim to spend a few hours printing, using the stencils I have made and layering older prints. I end up with interesting, colourful pieces of paper that are ready for collaging.
“Fish Market” design
“Fish Market” apron mock-up
Side note: gelatine printing is absolutely fantastic! Affordable, available, and lots of fun. But I have to warn you too – it is addictive! You’ll end up with stacks and stacks of prints! If you want to know more about gelatine printing, have a look at Pinterest.
At home gelatine printing
My collage process starts by choosing a colour palette and selecting matching prints from my stash. With those, a pair of scissors and a scalpel I kind of ‘paint with paper’ to create mini collages. I actually mostly do this at our dining table, which means that I have to stop working when my family is ready for dinner. I actually started collaging as a simple way to be creative in between family commitments – it is easily packed away and started again.
Ariane creating designs use her paper art
Once I have the mini collages ready, I scan them and use Photoshop to create the patterns that are ready for printing on fabric.
Development of “Zesty Citrus”
“Zesty Citrus” design
“Zesty Citrus” cushion mockup
I hope you like my quirky colourful patterns as much as I like creating them. If you would like to see more of my work (some designs are stand alone pieces, not repeat patterns for fabric printing), you can find me on Instagram @aribombari123.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
Next up as our feature artist in The Designer Project is print and collage maker Ariane Nijssen and we’re really excited to be sharing her work with you! Ariane is the ultra-talented powerhouse behind surface design focused studio Aribombari. Ariane is a self-taught surface pattern designer from Perth, Western Australia, and after a twenty-year career in marketing she decided she wanted to focus on her creative side. Ariane ignited her love for paper, bright colours and texture when she discovered the endless possibilities that gelatine printing provides. Once Ariane’s designs began to stack-up she began branching out to collage and surface pattern as a way of sharing her work with others.
Nature proves to be one of Ariane’s biggest sources of inspiration, and she often uses real leaves and floral elements when printing designs at home. Ariane’s analogue print, papercut and collage methodology creates designs which retain the type of magic reserved for the hand-made. We absolutely love that Ariane has made a range of her gorgeously rich and detailed designs available to use in our Fabric Shop online and have shared the different types of projects we think they would be perfect below!
Ariane’s “Summer Treats” design began as a series of hand-printed paper pieces which were used to create individual mini collaged icy pole motifs. The layering of so many different textures and colours is what gives this nostalgic print it’s character!
“Summer Treats” would be a fantastic choice for children’s clothing and swimwear.
Oranges, lemons and kumquats – oh my! “Zesty Citrus” is a fresh feeling print with wonderfully bold fruit imagery. The original fruit slice motifs are made from small paper collages and is reminiscent of artwork from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.
We think “Zesty Citrus” would be a gorgeous design to use for kitchen accessories, tableware and statement cushion covers.
“Fish Market” is inspired by Ariane’s early morning trips to a local fish monger and features quirky paper-cut fish motifs nestled against a soft net-like check. The design offers a really playful approach to layout with the variation in motif size and direction.
“Fish Market” would work really well for kitchen accessories and bedding.
“Flower Power” is a colourful, abstract floral design made-up of individual paper collages and hand-printed paper. “Flower Power” is available in two scales: “Small” where the largest flower is approximately 2.5cm in diameter and “Large” where the largest flower is approximately 10cm in diameter.
The different options in scale ensures the “Flower Power” design can be used in a variety of ways. We would especially love to see it used for summer dresses and swimwear.
“Echinacea Flowers” features three different paper-cut echinacea flower motifs set against a bright turquoise background. The white framing around the elements really allows the colours to pop!
We think “Echinacea Flowers” would be a great design to use for summer dresses and bedding.
“Aussie Gum Bricks” feature individual brick designs made from hand-printed tissue paper. The rich, jewel-like colour palette was inspired by a flowering gum tree.
“Aussie Gum Bricks” would be a gorgeous design to use for a fun jumpsuit that can be dressed up and down.
“Flower Breeze” is a dreamy floral print that captures leaves blowing in a warm summer breeze. This design was made by mono printing actual lupin leaves and bits of grass. “Flower Breeze” is available in two colourways, “Yellow” and “Pink”.
“Flower Breeze” is perfect for silky, mid-length skirts, hair-ties and face masks.
All of our DIY making ideas above are suggestions only and we think the possibilities are truly endless with each of these designs. All of Ariane’s designs are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop, choose your design and then select the fabric base cloth – it’s that easy!
Hi, I’m Louise from Radge Design. I’m a graphic designer & surface pattern maker based in outback Australia. I’ve always enjoyed creating. Art was my favourite subject at school and a bit at odds with my other maths/science subjects although they come in handy when working out repeats.
Louise Addison in her studio
My process is a little backwards in the day and age of digital design (I don’t own an iPad or digital sketching device).
I love pen and paper, almost all my designs start from sketches in my sketchbook.
I may have an idea in mind when I start, or I could be filling in time and in that case you never quite know where the illustrations will go as often. I sketch at night when sitting on the couch and watching TV.
Louise sketching motifs
After creating the random sketches, I scan them in and convert them to digital formats so that I can then edit and manipulate the motifs in Illustrator.
Some designs I design on the page as a repeat, others I create each individual element and then layer and arrange them on the screen to create a repeat pattern I am happy with.
Process works by Louise
The “Paintbrush Faces” collection is based on a few different sets of illustrations that I layered together to create the collection that is available at Digital Fabrics.
Printed fabric from the “Paintbrush Faces” Collection
I’m inspired by artists from a range of different movements and styles and especially like the Art Deco period for design in particular. I tend to design with limited colours in any one design. There may be a number of colours within the collection that complement each other without being evident in each pattern from the collection.
Louise sketching motfs
“Funky Friday”
“Funky Friday” dress mock-up
When working to a brief I will look at the information and then go away and brainstorm/sketch ideas for what I feel will work. Before then taking the next steps of scanning, altering motifs, adding colour and creating the repeat design.
“Mondrien Monday”
“Basic Sunshine”
“Blue Sunday”
I enjoy the challenges associated with taking the elements and creating a pattern that is pleasing to the eye and versatile so it can be used across a range of items from fabric to paper products or homewares items.
Louise in her studio
You can check out more of Louise Addison’s work at Radge Design and via Instagram @radgedesign & @radgedesignfabric
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that our new feature artist as part of The Designer Project is graphic designer and surface pattern maker Louise Addison. Louise is the creative genius behind design studio Radge Design and brings fabric to life through her surface designs! Louise has always loved art and being creative and now enjoys working as a designer to help make people’s ideas a reality.
Louise’s surface designs include hand-illustrated motifs and textures and tend to be informed by a love of movements throughout art history. We feel very fortunate that Louise has made a range of her gorgeous hand-drawn designs available in our Fabric Shop online – introducing the “Paintbrush Faces” Collection! The collection features a rich colour palette and gestural motifs and linework which feel playful and versatile. We’ve included a little more info about each of the designs below including DIY project ideas to get the ideas flowing.
The “Paintbrush” design features loosely sketched forms and rough lines which create a deconstructed geometric style print. “Paintbrush” is available in six colourways; “Paintbrush Teal”, “Basic Blue”, “Mondrien Monday”, “Paintbrush Blue”, “Scarlett Saturday” and “Blue Sunday”.
We think the “Paintbrush” designs would be a fantastic choice for full, a-line skirts and summer dresses.
The “Basics” design is a contemporary take on the classic pinstripe design. The design features hand-drawn strokes in alternating lengths which don’t quite join up. The short perpendicular lines add dimension and fun to the print. “Basics” is available in four colourways; “Basic Blush”, “Basic Teal”, “Basic Scarlett” and “Basic Sunshine”.
The “Basics” designs are very easy to wear and would be a gorgeous choice for wide leg pants, jumpsuits and co-ordinate sets.
“Paintbrush Faces” is a bold, abstract print featuring deconstructed face motifs scattered amongst roughly drawn shapes, textures and linework. “Paintbrush Faces” is available in three colourways; “Wednesday Blues”, “Thoughtful Thursday” and “Funky Friday”.
“Paintbrush Faces” would be great designs to use for short sleeved button-up shirts, scarves and bandanas.
Each of Louise’s designs are available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics and we cannot wait for you to fall in love with the “Paintbrush Faces” Collection! Simply head to our Fabric Shop, choose your design and then select the fabric base cloth – it’s that easy!
Around two years ago, I decided to combine my skills as a graphic designer and an artist to create bespoke surface art. From this my small business, Trace of Colour, was born.
Tracy Hall in her studio
My designs have an arty feel about them and usually involve familiar shapes with curious perspectives and punchy colours. All my designs start from a quick pencilled sketch, then outlined and defined using ink markers. Whether it’s common objects or the fauna and wonder of seasonal change, it doesn’t matter, I love the simple process of drawing.
Every day I go on long walks with my two dogs and I always carry a sketch book with me – you’ll never know what you’ll see or what will pique the imagination. There’s an endless and amazing source of inspiration in this world.
Selection of Tracy’s designs
Once I’m happy with the finished image, I’ll scan it and use Photoshop to digitally enhance and create a repeat pattern. This way I can easily alter or adjust each element of the final design (colour, scale and/or texture) to suit any application or product. I’ve found this is the best way to personalise a pattern for my clients.
My dragonfly designs are a good example of this process. It started with two drawings and ended up being a collection of different colours and size patterns to suit fabrics for fashion and/or home décor.
Original sketches used for Tracy’s “Dragonfly” designs
“Dancing Dragonflies”
“Dragonfly Green Garden”
“Dragonfly Garden”
I have a lovely little room in my house that has become my studio. It’s decked-out with numerous bits of paraphernalia, material swatches and eclectic artwork. This is my creative space where I become completely immersed in the design process. I am not a hoarder by nature, but I don’t throw away any of my drawings and as a result, I have shelves full of sketch books. I tend to use my sketch books as others would mood boards. To me they represent a visual collage of ideas and inspiration for my pattern creations.
Tracy illustrating designs
I also love the history of textile design and have an extensive collection of pattern and textile books. It’s fascinating to learn about the origin of patterns – why they were created and their possible cultural connections. Did you know that the ‘animal skin’ pattern was created as a status symbol to give the wearer a sense of empowerment? This concept definitely influenced my animal skin patterns – we all need to feel empowered, right?
“By The Light Of The Moon”
“By The Light Of The Moon” Top
To me, patterns are what I call ‘usable art’. Generally we often wear dark or plain coloured clothing, and paint our homes in neutral tones. My style of artwork and patterns challenges this status quo.
A bespoke patterned piece of fabric can completely alter an outfit – giving it a ‘wow’ factor and make it look stunning. It can transform an old drab armchair into an eye-catching piece of furniture that everyone will rave about.
“Octopus Lace”
“Octopus Lace” Cushion Mockup
I truly enjoy the process of creating something from nothing and producing unique pieces of artwork that can be used as everyday items. I believe that most of us have an innate desire to style ourselves and the spaces we live in, so why not use my surface art and create something special.
You can view Tracy’s fabrics available in our Fabric Shop or follow Tracy’s creative journey on Instagram and Facebook.
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project initiative and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you want to be part of this and sure, we will be in touch.