After taking some time out over the Christmas and New Year period we are so excited to be kicking off our first instalment of The Designer Project for 2021 with Daniela Glassop! Daniela is a Newcastle based artist and designer who was trained as a visual artist and graphic designer. Despite her technical training Daniela also loves working with her hands, and loves to make things with fabric, cook, and garden.
After completing a degree in Art and Design, along with an art teaching qualification, Daniela has worked in the design industry in both Sydney in Newcastle, has freelanced as a graphic designer and illustrator and taught at the University of Newcastle.
Daniela is inspired by design history, vintage goods, trompe l’oeil (the art of creating optical illusions on a flat surface), fashion and the natural world. As part of The Designer Project Daniela has made a range of her stunning, nature inspired designs available as print-ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online! Below we’ve shared a little about each of the designs and the types of projects we think they would be great for. Keep reading to find out more about Daniela’s designs!
“Botanical Collage” is inspired by traditional botanical illustrations. Daniela puts her own spin on this style of illustration by creating the flower motifs from collaged paper. The background features faded lettering reminiscent of field notes used to capture new flora species.
“Botanical Collage” would be a fantastic design to use for tableware, soft accessories and garment lining.
“Australian Flora, Birds, Butterflies and Bees” features a range of native flora and wildlife in a tessellating grid pattern allowing each of the individual scenes to sing. The design balances vivid and muted colours to create a rich yet versatile colour palette.
“Australian Flora, Birds, Butterflies and Bees” would be perfect for statement tableware and cushion covers.
“White Butterflies” pairs a simple mauve and white colour palette with illustrated butterfly and botanic motifs. “White Butterflies” is a gorgeously whimsical print!
We would love to see “White Butterflies” used for camisoles, undergarments and soft accessories.
“Flannel Flowers” is a stunning example of less being more! “Flannel Flowers” features delicate Flannel Flower motifs set against a soft jade green background.
“Flannel Flowers” would be a great choice for t-shirts and hair ties.
“Native Wildflower Silhouettes” celebrates the unique beauty of native flowers by creating this statement silhouette print. The block shape motifs are set against a textured, soft blue background.
We think “Native Wildflower Silhouettes” would be perfect for summer dresses, a-line skirts and oversized bags.
“Superb Flannel Flowers” uses a restricted colour palette of the soft green shades that can be seen in Flannel Flowers. The design nestles Superb Fairy Wren and Common Blue Butterfly motifs amongst the floral motifs, to create a fantastically detailed print.
“Superb Flannel Flowers” would be a great choice for button-up short sleeve shirts and cosmetic pouches.
“Wildflowers Woodcut” was inspired by woodblock designs, and uses Australian native flowers for their incredibly beautiful shapes. “Wildflowers Woodcut” uses a restricted colour palette to allow for the focus to be on the unique shapes of the floral motifs.
We think “Wildflowers Woodcut” would be great for both fashion and homewares applications and would especially love to see the design used to create dresses or bedding.
“Australian Bush Flowers” is bursting with gorgeously detailed native floral motifs. This design is simply a joy to get lost in!
“Australian Bush Flowers” would be a stunning design to use for bedding as well as tailored blouses and jackets!
The possibilities are truly endless with Daniela Glassop’s heavenly designs and our ideas above are suggestions only! Each of Daniela’s designs 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!
Next up as our feature artist in The Designer Project is prolific artist Sue Michael who hails from South Australia! Sue began her working life as a Registered Nurse but later completed a Bachelor of Visual Art and Applied Design in 2004 and has continued working and studying in the creative space. Most recently Sue completed her PhD in Visual Art researching the wider understandings that painters can consider when exploring the meanings imbued within places.
Sue is a painter of everyday life using lived experiences and field studies rather than imaginings and we are so thrilled to be sharing her work with you! The artist has made a range of her stunning hand-painted works available as print-ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online through her “Everyday Life” Collection. Differing from a lot of our previous feature artists, Sue’s collection is predominantly made up of captivating placement prints rather than yardage designs. Below we’ve shared a little about each of the designs as well as the different types of projects we think each would be perfect for.
“Carol’s Garden” is inspired by Sue’s friend Carol picking flowers from her garden in Clarendon, South Australia. “We used to raid her family’s dairy farm for ‘black gold’… the large nuggets that grew the most incredible vegetables back in the city.” “Carol’s Garden” is a placement print design 30x30cm in size.
“Carol’s Garden” is a fantastic design to use for cushion covers and tote bags.
“Beach Shack Green Fields” is inspired by a scene from a mid-20th century 35mm slide. The location of the beach is unknown. “Beach Shack Green Fields” is a placement print design 32x32cm in size and is an accompanying piece to “Beach Shack Fields”.
“Beach Shack Green Fields” would be perfect for cushion covers and tote bags.
“Beach Shack Fields” features an aerial view of beach shacks from another era when there was plenty of space between the structures. The soft grey shacks really pop out from the emerald background. “Beach Shack Fields” is an accompanying design to “Beach Shack Green Fields”.
We think “Beach Shack Fields” would be a stunning design for slip dresses and garment lining.
“Eyre Beach Shack” features the interior of a beach shack on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. There is comfort in these simple dwellings, that seem to beckon and welcome the playing of board games whilst the summer flies buzz and the sunshine streams in. “Eyre Beach Shack” is a placement print design 32x32cm and is an accompanying piece to “Eyre Polka Ovals”.
“Eyre Beach Shack” is a perfect design for cushion covers, backpacks and tea towels.
“Eyre Polka Ovals” features delicately painted framed ovals reminiscent of traditional picture frames and elaborate buttons. “Eyre Polka Ovals” is an accompanying design to “Eyre Beach Shack”
We think “Eyre Polka Ovals” would be a fantastic design for soft accessories, full-piece swimsuits and bags.
“Second Valley Shells” is inspired by Second Valley; a secluded seaside village, seemingly untouched from the commercial modern world. It still hosts small, quaint shacks just a short walk from a view of endless ancient hills. “Second Valley Shells” is a placement print design 31x31cm and is an accompanying piece to “Second Valley Pebbles”.
“Second Valley Shells” would be a gorgeous choice for cushion covers, scarves and throws.
“Second Valley Pebbles” is also inspired by the secluded seaside village Second Valley. Here the grey stones can have white cake icing like marks. “Second Valley Pebbles” is an accompanying design to “Second Valley Shells”.
“Second Valley Pebbles” is an excellent choice for soft accessories and garment lining.
“Shack Bay” features the old shacks well-known to travellers south of Adelaide. The shacks are surrounded by ancient hills and have only a dirt track to their doorways. “Shack Bay” is a placement print design 32x32cm in size and is an accompanying piece to “Polka Dots Shack Bay”.
“Shack Bay” is a great design to use for cushion covers and tote bags.
“Polka Dots Shack Bay” features delicately painted, organically shaped dot motifs. The polka dots set against a navy background feel like stars against a dark sky. “Polka Dots Shack Bay” is an accompanying design to “Shack Bay”.
We think “Polka Dots Shack Bay” would be an excellent choice for bikinis, evening hair scarves and garment lining.
“Wendy’s Garden” features a petal arrangement made by keen gardener Wendy. The flowers were picked from her home in Adelaide. “Wendy’s Garden” is a placement print design 30x30cm in size.
“Wendy’s Garden” would be a stunning design to use for cushion covers and panels for quilting.
“Squatter’s Dream” is inspired by the early Australian, Alistair Clark bred rose of the same name which has just a handful of soft yellow and blush petals. Featured in the design is a petal arrangement, which are often made when there are only a few flowers left in the summer garden. “Squatter’s Dream” is a placement print design 33x33cm in size.
We would love to see “Squatter’s Dream” used for cushion covers and picnic throws.
“Island Spray” features a stunning landscape painting with a graphic monochrome border framing the scene. “Island Spray” is a placement print design 30x30cm in size.
“Island Spray” would be a perfect design for cushion covers and tote bags.
“Cloud Puff Bay” captures a scene of early beach shacks at Willunga, South Australia and is inspired by old 35mm slides. There isn’t as much space between the shacks now. Once upon a time you could see the slight curve of the earth from your window here as it was an endless view. “Cloud Puff Bay” is a placement print design 30x30cm in size.
“Cloud Puff Bay” is a fantastic design to use for cushion covers and panels for quilting.
Each of the designs in Sue’s “Everyday Life” Collection is available to be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Simple head to our Fabric Shop online, choose the design and then select the base cloth that’s right for your project!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
We are so excited to share with you that designer and artist Tracy Hall is our new The Designer Project feature artist! The Canberra-based creative combined her natural artistic abilities and hand-drawing techniques with her graphic design skills to create her bespoke business Trace of Colour. Trace of Colour focuses on creating gorgeous surface pattern designs and we couldn’t be more thrilled that Tracy has added a series of her beautifully detailed designs to our Fabric Shop online!
Tracy’s designs are inspired by the beauty found in the everyday and the natural world, and are all hand-drawn before being refined and put into repeat digitally. Tracy’s intricate illustrative style and her affinity for using both neutral and vivid colours creates a body of work which is rich and versatile, with each design telling it’s own story. Below we’ve shared a little bit more about each of the lovingly created designs and the types of projects we imagine them being perfect for – keep reading!
“Bouquet of Dahlias” features soft pom-pom like flower motifs inspired by Tracy’s own patch of dahlias in the garden. Unlike Tracy’s dahlias, these stay in bloom all year round!
We think “Bouquet of Dahlias” would be a fantastic choice for statement decorative cushions.
Tracy’s “Dragonfly” designs are personal favourites for the artist and were inspired by dragonflies zooming around the garden. The design features delicately drawn dragonfly and flower motifs and is available in three colourways “Dancing Dragonflies” (pale blue background), “Dragonfly Garden” (purple flowers) and “Dragonfly Green Garden” (green background).
The “Dragonfly” designs are a perfect choice for a flowy summer dress!
“Brilliant Glowing Jellyfish” is a glorious celebration of vibrant colour and soft magical forms and transports you to an underwater party. The bold design was inspired by Tracy’s fascination with the ocean and its weird and wonderous creatures.
“Brilliant Glowing Jellyfish” would be a fantastic choice for men’s boxer shorts or briefs.
“Maypole Flowers” is a stunningly bright and colourful design which features clusters of quirky bouquets set against an intoxicating vermillion backdrop. The design is a perfect choice for those who love adding colour to their outfit or space.
We think “Maypole Flowers” would be an incredible design to use for swimwear.
“Tapestry of Butterflies” is also inspired by Tracy’s garden and captures the change of the seasons, with flowers beginning to bloom and butterflies fluttering amongst them. The design pairs warm autumnal colours with pops of cyan and blue which gives the artwork a contemporary feel.
We think “Tapestry of Butterflies” could be used to create a gorgeous blouse, swimwear or dress, it also will be great for upholstered footstool or ottoman.
Be swept away by Tracy’s “Tower of Giraffes” design, which features majestic giraffe motifs nestled amongst a deep and brooding background. This a mid to large-scale design with the largest giraffe motif approximately 20cm in length.
“Tower of Giraffes” could be used for a super cute children’s tipi design.
“Lush Tropical Paradise” brings the tropics to you! The very lush design features carefully drawn bird and leaf motifs. The selective use of colour allows for hints of red and pink to really pop against the green rich artwork.
“Lush Tropical Paradise” would be a great choice for halter neck dresses, blouses, jumpsuits.
Tracy’s “Octopus Lace” designs were inspired by a visit to the local aquarium where she was particularly intrigued by the tentacles and underside of the gorgeous creatures. Tracy’s approach to illustrating the octopus motifs results in the intertwining of their tentacles appearing like fine lace. The designs are available in two colourways, “Octopus Lace” (soft pink background) and “Octopus Lace Dark” (rich brown background).
The “Octopus Lace” designs would be a gorgeous choice for tableware, activewear, wide-leg pants, jumpsuit, dresses and tops.
“Tropical Paradise Leaves” is a timeless rendition of a tropical style print with beautifully drawn botanic motifs. Tracy adds pops of pink to the otherwise warm, neutral colour palette which gives the artwork dimension and personality.
We think “Tropical Paradise Leaves” would be a stunning choice for decadent feeling curtains.
“Zebra Heard Stripes” was inspired by a dazzle (herd) of zebras stampeding through a savanna. The result is a fantastic monochrome print which puts a spin on classic striped designs.
“Zebra Heard Stipes” would be a great choice for a co-ordinate two-piece outfit or women’s suit, leggings, board shorts, swimwear, jumpsuit and rashvest.
“By The Light Of The Moon” features intricately drawn moth motifs set against a textured olive green backdrop. If you look closely in the background you can see hints of the moon captured at it’s different phases.
“By The Light Of The Moon” would be an excellent design to use for gorgeously upholstered footstool or ottoman.
We’re over the moon that Tracy is taking part in The Designer Project, with each of the designs show above being available to print onto of our stock fabrics. Simply head to our Fabric Shop, select the design you would like to print and then choose which of our fabrics you would like it printed on – it’s that easy!
We couldn’t be more excited to announce that the ultra-talented, Goulburn-based Sami Sparrow is our latest feature artist in The Designer Project. Sami is an artist, author and designer who explores her creativity through illustration, design and painting. Sami’s current creative pursuits include creating cute and vintage inspired illustrations for surface designs, some of which have been made available for our Fabric Shop online – introducing the ‘Favourite Things’ Collection.
Sami’s ‘Favourite Things’ Collection brings together a variety of fun and heart-warming designs inspired by the things the artist loves. The collection features artwork created from watercolour paintings and digital illustrations, balancing rich and muted colours with both soft textures and graphic shapes. Each of the designs have a distinct personality and we have shared some project ideas below for each of the lovingly made prints so keep reading!
‘Indoor Plants’ is inspired by the type of ceramic plates everyone’s nanna had when you were growing up and an adoration of house plants. The small-scale print features motifs painted from Sami’s own collection of plants and are bursting with inky details.
‘Indoor Plants’ would be a fantastic choice for a plush cushion cover, curtains, table or kitchen wear – this surely has someone on your Christmas list sorted!
‘Cityscape’ is inspired by the skycrapers crammed into small spaces seen in cities around the world. The design really captures the way light and shadows play on the hard surfaces and edges of these structures throughout the day.
Strong shapes of the ‘Cityscape’ elements would be the perfect for the power suit or blazer.
‘Dragons’ is inspired by the often misunderstood mythological creature. Sami’s dragon motifs have been carefully hand-painted using watercolours, revealing their cute and sensitive qualities, and are set against a rich charcoal backdrop.
We think the ‘Dragons’ print should be used for a silky set of pajamas or summer bedrobe.
The ‘Floral Fungi’ design is dripping with texture and detail and celebrates fungi illustrations nestled amongst floral illustrations. The small-scale artwork puts a quirky spin on a botanic print.
‘Floral Fungi’ would be perfect for a cute button up shirt with short sleeves or Gypsy style dress.
‘Butterfly Collector’ is reminiscent of a specimen drawer from a natural history museum, proudly presenting a collection of stunningly intricate butterflies. The print is available in two colourways, with the ‘Pink’ colourway mirroring the delicate nature of the motifs whilst the ‘Charoal’ colourway results in a design which feels much more dramatic.
‘Butterfly Collector’ would be a fabulous choice for a long slinky dress with spaghetti straps.
‘Donuts’ is a super fun print with big bold donut motifs and the adorable scattering of sprinkles throughout. ‘Donuts’ is available in two colourways ‘Magenta’ and ‘Purple’ with both feeling playful and vibrant.
‘Donuts’ would be such a fun idea for board or boxed shorts, Hawaiian style shirts for the little ones and big kids alike.
‘Caravan’ is a fun celebration of pastel automotive history and reveals Sami’s love of vintage style prints. The design is available in two colourways, with the ‘Yellow’ looking like a lemon coloured dream and the ‘Grey’ offering a more versatile print.
‘Caravan’ would be a great choice for a quirky a-line skirt.
‘Bugs’ has been created from Sami’s strong curiosity in the natural world, and a particular fondness for the beautiful intricacies found amongst bugs and insects. ‘Bugs’ is available in two colourways ‘Blue’ and ‘Leaf Green’ with each colourway providing a rich colour palette for the vibrant motifs to be set against.
‘Bugs’ could be a fantastic choice for fun table accessories such as table-runners and napkins.
‘Floating Butterflies’ features a variety of beautifully illustrated butterfly motifs which appear to be gracefully flying throughout the design. ‘Floating Butterflies’ is available in three gorgeous colourways ‘Green’, ‘Pink’ and ‘Purple’.
‘Floating Butterflies’ would be a fantastic choice for a formal style hair scarf.
‘Book Worm’ is inspired by Sami’s love of books, with children’s books in particular inspiring many of Sami’s illustrations. This small-scale print is available in two colourways, with the ‘Blue’ colourway offering a fairly monochromatic design whilst the ‘Maroon’ colourway feels more decadent.
‘Book Worm’ would be a really cute print for mens shorts.
‘Cats and Dogs’ is a celebration of our furry friends and allows both cat and dog people to unite! The figurative design is available in two colourways, with the ‘Turquoise’ colourway allowing the motifs to really pop whilst the ‘Lavender’ colouray feels more delicate.
‘Cats and Dogs’ would be a fabulous choice for makeup and cosmetic pouches, tote bags or fun pet accessories.
The suggestions listed above and really just ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The possibility with each of these designs is truly limitless. Each of the designs featured in the ‘Favourite Things‘ Collection are available to print onto any of our gorgeous stock fabric print bases.
We are so thrilled to share the next artist in focus for The Designer Project along with her stunning range of vivid textile designs that are guaranteed to whisk you away. Introducing Anna Markula and her collection ‘Summer Nights’! Anna is a professional ecologist (wow!) who has spent years working on incredible projects in the field all around the world. After having her daughter, Anna decided to pursue a more creative career, and with the ocean as her muse, she created Girl and the Deep Blue Sea. Anna now creates unique pattern designs, custom illustrations and photographic prints. Girl and the Deep Blue Sea is the perfect fantasy escape filled with tropical vibes, lush iconography and playful designs.
Anna’s latest collection ‘Summer Nights’ perfectly captures the essence of warm nights with fragrant floral air and a salty ocean breeze, and is available now in our ‘Fabric Shop’ online. Below, we’ve put the focus on each of Anna’s designs, providing a little insight into each and sharing the types of projects we think they’ll be great for, so keep reading!
‘Blue Lagoon’ is a gorgeously ornate print featuring photographic motifs with a tropical theme, including hibiscus’ and shells. The mid-scale artwork pairs the detailed design with a minimal colour palette to ensure it feels timeless.
‘Blue Lagoon’ would be a fantastic choice for a training swimwear, rash west or accent cushions.
‘Bird of Paradiso’ is a playful textile print pairing graphic shapes with a bold colour palette. The design has been created using hand-cut paper motifs and is inspired by Birds of Paradise flowers.
‘Bird of Paradiso’ would be the perfect print for a fun Summer playsuit!
‘Blue Diamonds’ is a bright, abstract design inspired by days spent at the beach. The detail rich artwork achieves this look by layering different techniques including underwater photography, shibori and watercolour paintings.
‘Blue Diamonds’ would be a great choice for statement activewear garments such as rash west or a pool party outfit.
‘Palm Swirl’ is a beautifully hypnotic design featuring hand-painted palm leaves with a marbled background. The mid-scale print instantly calms with it’s soft colour palette and gentle flow.
We think the ‘Palm Swirl’ print would create an incredible table-set or upholstery fabric, the perfect flourish for a coastal inspired interior.
‘Pink Flutter’ is a fun and graphic print featuring quirky motifs and statement pink background. The small-scale artwork has been created using hand-painted elements ensuring that the design has texture throughout.
‘Pink Flutter’ is just asking to be made into the cutest possible low-back one-piec kids swimsuit for Summer!
‘Pink Palms’ pairs a simplistic layout with a striking colour palette to create a design which feels fun! The design features hand-painted palm tree motifs which are approximately 5cm in height.
We would love to see ‘Pink Palms’ used for a retro feeling bandana or ponytail scarf!
‘Yellow Flutter’ is a playful design featuring hand-painted, abstract motifs nestled in a bed of sun yellow and is sure to put a smile on your face. We think this small-scale print is a fantastic statement design for your wardrobe.
‘Yellow Flutter’ would be an ideal choice for a retro feeling bandana or ponytail scarf!
We are so excited to have Anna taking part in our The Designer Project and can’t wait for you to all fall in love with her designs just as we have. Each of the designs featured in the ‘Summer Nights’ Collection are available to print onto any of our stock fabrics and our suggestions above are ideas only, the possibilities for each of the designs is truly endless.