Ornaments-Schmornaments!

Toasty Tree

Last year, Sandra and I went to Display and Costume here in Seattle to check out their Christmas ornaments and our mouths dropped to the floor - we had never seen trees decked out so fabulously before! In addition to ornaments, there were dripping gems, glitter strands, garlands of butterflies, glass flowers, hip glittered fronds, and the list goes on and on. In the end it made us say ornaments-schmornaments!
Roses Tipped With Glitter and Pewter Glass Money-Tree Fronds
Glittered & Jeweled Fronds, Flowers & Branches
Woodland Creature Decorations

So this weekend we went to Display and Costume again to see what we might discover. And once again, they did NOT disappoint! I snapped some pictures for you this time, so I could share the holiday inspiration. The trees were so stuffed with such beautiful things, that the actual tree was outnumbered!
Close-up of Toasty Tree

What is really fun, is that they have a variety of trees decked out with different theme's and color stories. In a little cove next to the tree, all the coordinating elements are hung from the ceiling, on the wall, and put into beautiful baskets allover, which really makes a statement!
Super-hip, Pewter Art Deco Tree
Luscious Vintage Gold & Warm Olive Tree
Silver & Gold Tree
Winter Wonderland Tree

I almost took this cute little feathered friend home with me. Once we put up our Christmas tree, I might need to go back to Display & Costume and pick him up! Our tree is always in shades of turquoise, teal, green, white & silver. After looking at all these tree's, I may want to try to incorporate some pewter, bronze and white gold this year. All of the metallics are so beautiful! What is your favorite Christmas combination for decorating?

Matryoshka Tattoo

Artwork by Josephine Kimberling

A few months ago my fabulous sister-in-law Sandra asked if I would be up for designing her a tattoo of one of her favorite things that is part of her ancestry - a Matryoshka doll. First I was extremely excited and flattered that she would ask, and second...super-scared. Why? Because I'd be creating art that would be forever on her body...emphasize-FOR-EV-ER. So, my ultimatum? That if there were things she didn't like about it, that she would need to be extremely honest with me, so I could re-work it and change it to her liking...because it would be there FOR-EV-ER. So after a pinkie-swear, I set out to create a Matryoshka doll tattoo.

She wanted one that resembled her, had a cat, was bright & colorful, had vines swirling in the background, and if I could incorporate a tiger-lily and a dahlia, then that would be a bonus. After a few months of working on it a little here and a little there, I finally finished and unveiled her Matryoshka, and to my happiness, she loved it and had a couple super-simple change requests. Once her Matryoshka was complete, she took it down to her tattoo artist (Jibo from Majenta's Diamond Tattoo) to have it created on her left forearm. Here's a picture of the finished tattoo! SO fun to see my art on her! Sniff, sniff.


It's funny, FOR-EV-ER didn't seem to bother her one bit! I think that might be because she has a few tattoo's already (and me...zilch) and has been wanting a Matryoshka for quite a long while now. The Matryoshka tattoo was to be her "next" one and she was all set to get the tattoo done much earlier this year, but Memorial Day weekend her father had a stroke, which of course was quite devastating to the family. Once they knew that he was going to be OK, in the spur of the moment, she and her sister went out and got matching tattoo's with the heart and sparrows that said "dad" (instead of mom) and unveiled them to him for Father's Day a few weeks later. Made her dad sprout tears, of COURSE! I really don't think any dad would be able to hold in tears on that one. It meant a great deal to him, and they don't regret the quick decision one bit, as it was the best way they could show him how much he meant to them.

So after the "dad" tattoo, the timing for the Matryoshka tattoo came, and the rest is history. I'm just so glad I got to be a part of it.

Hot Blossom finds on Etsy!

Made by KaraMiaSofia: Medium Make-up Pouch/Clutch in Paisley Spring

I came across some handmade products on Etsy that are using my Hot Blossom fabric collection. So fun to see! I've been dying to see what you crafty creatives out there are making with my fabrics, so this was a sweet treat. I thought I'd post some of the images, and links to the Etsy sellers in case you would like to check them out!!

Made by KaraMiaSofia: Medium Make-up Pouch/Clutch in Paisley Sunset

Made by KaraMiaSofia: Pleated Clutch with wrist strap in Paisley Spring

Made by KaraMiaSofia: Digital Camera or Cell Phone Pouch

Made by KimberlyJonesDesigns: Large Clutch Purse

Made by Lireca: Zipper Pouch

Made by gillygoose: Hot Blossom Handbag

Made by minigilmore: Hot Blossom Bag Tote Purse

Made by trendysisters: Knotty Top Shirt Outfit

Made by magicalscraps: Modern Patchwork Scarf

Made by PersnicketyHome: Throw Pillow removable cover

The Classy Crib helps you design perfect baby bedding! You can choose your baby bedding set or bedding component, and then choose your designer fabric collection. She then custom makes your request! I was excited to see my Hot Blossom fabric collection among her list of designer fabrics!

What fun and fashionable items you guys are making out of my Hot Blossom collection! Yay! And by the way - I have a Hot Blossom group on Flickr that I would LOVE for you to load your projects that include Hot Blossom fabrics! I haven't had any takers yet - and I think that's just how it goes for beginning designers (such a lonely road!), but I would love for you to take part and share your work!

Also, I get a bit of requests from you asking where you can find my Hot Blossom fabric collection. Unfortunately I don't know the whereabouts of the line, unless a retailer or e-tailer contacts me, or I happen to stumble across a shop online. So since I'm chatting about Etsy shops here today, I thought I'd give you the links to a few shops who are carrying my fabrics.

CutterGurlCreations
MyHeartandSew's
ColorsFabric's

Free Updated Ruffle Tote Pattern Download Available Now

Back when the Hot Blossom collection was released, we created a "Hot Blossom Ruffle Tote & Coin Purse" pattern for Quilt Market. These patterns are currently posted on Robert Kaufman's website.
However, after sewing up the Ruffle Tote bag myself, I stumbled across some incorrect information in the pattern instructions. I believe the mistakes are pretty small, and once you've seen the photo of the tote, you would be able to make the adjustments yourself, however I wanted to update the instructions with my findings.

So, I can't believe that I am just now posting these updates for you! {Blush} Soooo sorry for the delay! If you haven't had a chance to download the Ruffle Tote pattern, it is now posted on my website under the Project Ideas page. It's a great sized tote, with a fun ruffle down the front, and loads of mixed patterns! Enjoy!

Book Review: Digital Textile Design

In my last Amazon.com shipment, I purchased a few different design books. One that I would like to share with you today in this book review is called Digital Textile Design, by Melanie Bowles and Ceri Isaac. This book contains a plethora of wonderful information ranging from current and future textile industry printing techniques and technical knowledge, to a range of Photoshop and Illustrator tutorials with a focus on creating textile patterns.


This book is a must read for anyone interested in the textile industry, printing techniques and wants to learn how to put patterns into repeat in Photoshop and Illustrator. I would recommend though that you have a standard knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop in order to follow along with the tutorials. For more experienced Textile Designers who currently work in these programs and in the industry, the tutorials will likely be things you already know. There is however so much wonderful industry information, that I found it quite engaging, and learned quite a bit, even with being in the industry for over 10 years.


The last few seasons, the runways have been overrun by unique and jaw-dropping digital prints. See the Basso & Brooke collection from the Fall/Winter 2009 runways to get a glimpse of the fascinating and amazing full garment prints that are happening. (I have also blogged about it in my previous post). Digital printing is infiltrating the fashion industry, and year after year the prices are inching down little by little so that someday, hopfully, the world can do more digital printing at a mass-market level.

Example of Basso & Brooke digital printing from the Fall/Winter 2009 runway

It's quite inspiring to see what can be achieved with digital printing, as well as types of prints and repeats, that you are not able to achieve with traditional methods of printing. Digital printing opens the door for the textile designer to a whole new world, which will allow for a lot of creative growth. I'm excited to see what happens in the industry!


For the book review, I want to give you in-depth information regarding what's inside in order to help you decide if it is the book for you. Below I have listed the tutorials included. I have also posted images of Tutorial 20 on Amazon.com, so you can read through it step by step to see how they are written. Ok, here we go!

CHAPTER 1: Textile Design and Print in the Digital Age

This chapter introduces and explains digital printing in the fashion industry.

CHAPTER 2: Digital Design Tutorials

• Tutorial 1: Using Filters in Photoshop
• Tutorial 2: Creating Complex Color Blends (Illustrator)
  
• Tutorial 3: Building Floral Motifs ( (Illustrator)
• Tutorial 4: Cross-stitch Effects (Illustrator)
• Tutorial 5: Engineered Prints (Photoshop)
• Tutorial 6: Sequin Effects (Photoshop)
• Tutorial 7: Photomontage (Photoshop)
• Tutorial 8: Building a Brush Palette (Photoshop)
• Tutorial 9: Textured Effects (Photoshop)
• Tutorial 10: Creating a Color Palette (Photoshop)
  

CHAPTER 3: Patterns and Repeats

• Tutorial 11: Photoshop Basic Block Repeat
• Tutorial 12: Photoshop Block Repeat with Offset Filter
• Tutorial 13: Photoshop Simple Half-Drop Motif
  
• Tutorial 14: Photoshop Half-Drop Repeat
• Tutorial 15: Photoshop Gingham
• Tutorial 16: Photoshop Creating Stripes
• Tutorial 17: Illustrator Basic Pattern Swatch
• Tutorial 18: Illustrator Diamond Pattern
• Tutorial 19: Illustrator Plaid Patterns
• Tutorial 20: Illustrator Half-Drop

CHAPTER 4: Introduction to Illustration

• Tutorial 21: Texture-Mapping with the Pen Tool
• Tutorial 22: Texture-Map and Line Drawing
• Tutorial 23: Creating Graphic Silhouettes

CHAPTER 5: Digital Craft
This chapter includes information on combining digital techniques with traditional artistic methods. For example, hand painting & digital print, screen printing & digital print, foiling & flocking with digital print, digital print onto vintage fabrics, and many more. There are also Designer Profiles on Patricia Belford, Helen Amy Murray and Rebecca Earley.

CHAPTER 6: Technology for Digital Textile Printing
This chapter covers textile printing methods and technology for both traditional and digital printing. There is also a little bit of information regarding CAD software options, and how to work with color with regards to color management.

Whew! Ok, that was pretty in-depth! I hope after reading this review you are as excited about this book as I am! Enjoy!

My Fall/Winter 2009 Runway Favorites!

Anna Sui Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

The fall/winter 2009 runways have been out for a little while now, and I wanted to post my favorites to share with you the wonderful prints that are inspiring me right now. I am so ready for fall! I got all my images from Style.com. Be sure to head over there and look through the runway designer collections! There's a plethora of beauty and inspiration to peruse.

Paul Smith Women Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

The two designers who stole the show for me were Anna Sui and Basso & Brooke. Both of their collections were full of stunning prints! I just adore Anna Sui. Her looks this fall were breathtaking, beautiful and boho-girly! Psst...look for Anna Sui's collection for Target coming out tomorrow, September 13th!

Anna Sui Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Basso & Brooke's collection is so awe-inspiring to me because of the digital printing techniques they used. It's amazing to me to see how they custom designed the placement of pattern on their silhouettes - when you zoom into the garments, you will see that the different designs are not cut and sewn, but rather digitally engineered.

Basso & Brooke Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Dries Van Noten did a wonderful Asian inspired patchwork/origami print collection. I love how the patterns are spliced into unique geometric shapes and contrasted with bold color. What's also inspiring to me is how in one garment you will see the same print and it is used at a different scale or in a different version of a colorway.

Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

I absolutely love the soft knit dressing Missoni did this season! The soft and warm color palette combined with the diffused and airbrushed florals are breathtaking!

Missoni Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

D&G did a beautiful baroque and ornate collection full of wallpaper prints and digitally printed photographic paintings from old world masters.

D&G Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Marni is always chic and feminine, which I LOVE! These were two of my favorites from the collection. High-shine and opulent fabrics, and amazing statement necklaces!

Marni Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Etro is always one of my favorites because of their amazing paisley and ethnic prints. This season was no different. I am really inspired by the patchwork trend that is running throughout many of these runway collections. What's fun is that it's not patchwork sewn into squares, but patchwork designs that are printed into a variety of shapes.

Etro Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Check out Kenzo's sweaters this season! I heart the rose sweater coat! Kenzo's collection is full of beautiful textured designs and print mixing.

Kenzo Fall/Winter 2009 Runway

Don't all these designs, textures and colors get you excited for fall to start? I know I'm sure ready! Hope you had fun looking at some beautiful and inspiring runway prints!

Book Review: Naive - Modernism And Folklore In Contemporary Graphic Design

For those of you who know me well, you know that I am a HUGE book lover! The particular category of books that I love are those that have a focus on pattern, art, crafting, fashion illustration and design - ones that are done really well and include a plethora of inspiration. I am definitely a researcher and collector of information! Jake and I are often at Barnes & Noble and there I am perusing books and gathering my list of must haves and duds. My personal Amazon wish list is about 8 pages long - ok I think you get the point! So I thought I'd start sharing with you my book findings and give you information so you can decide if the book is right for you. Please do let me know what information would be helpful to you, and leave comments if you have any particular questions about the book. Enjoy!

The first book up is:
Naive - Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design.
I first came across this wonderful book on one of my trips to Anthropologie, flipped through it and immediately knew it was a true gem! It's 176 pages are loaded with beautiful and contemporary illustrations ranging from textiles and stationary to poster art and book covers. The editors did an impeccable job at selecting the artwork to go into this book because every page is inspiring, vibrant and shows a variety of modern artistic techniques. The artists chosen to be represented in this book are of high caliber, and their work speaks for itself. Some of the artists represented are: Helen Dardik, Matte Stephens, Jenn Ski, Hanna Werning, Public Domain & James Gulliver Hancock. The only text in this book are captions at the bottom of each page giving credit to the artist who's work is being shown. I highly recommend this book, as it's one of the most well done inspiration pieces I've seen in a long time.

My New Christmas Rubber Stamp Designs at Impress Rubber Stamps

About two months ago I worked on some Christmas designs for Impress Rubber Stamps, and now they are in the stores and ready to ship! Christmas already you ask? Oh yes! This weekend I pulled out all of my old stamping supplies and went to town playing with the new images, which was a LOT of fun! After spending a few hours creating cards, I am now excited and ready for Christmas to come. I really enjoy working with my hands, and this weekend has been so refreshing to step away from my computer and create fun things while getting messy with ink and glitter. Note to self: do this more often!


Impress Rubber Stamps is a Seattle based company, and has been around since 1987. They have three retail locations in Seattle and ship their stamps all over the world. They were around before the scrapbook boom and were known for creating modern looking cards as well as using unique supplies and techniques before anyone else. Check them out, peruse their stamps and ideas pages online - and yes they DO ship directly to you, so if there are some fun doodads you must have and some pretty stamps you want to work with, you can order online. Yay!


I had the joy of working retail for Impress while I was in college, which was so much fun because I got to play with all the new stamps, supplies and papers, as well as test out new techniques in order to create cards for display. What a fun job, right? I continued working for them when I got out of college and started my career because it was such a fun experience that grew into designing artwork for their stamp line as well as teaching stamping classes. So working with them again after so many years was quite nostalgic and fun.

Stamps used from left to right: Card 1) 5093D-Berry Branch: $7.75,
5092D-Ornaments: $7.75, Card 2) 5094D-Cozy Snowman: $7.75,
5086E-Etched Snowflake: $8.75, 5087D-Lacy Snowflake: $7.75,
5088D-Flurry Snowflake: $7.75

How many of you out there stamp and scrapbook? Do you make your own Christmas cards? Or if you don't do you plan to do so this year? Every year I used to make my own Christmas and Valentines day cards. I would design one and then buy all of the supplies and set-up my assembly line. I haven't done so for the past few years now, but perhaps sometimes in the years to come I will once again indulge in the creativity of working with my hands around the holidays.

Stamps used from left to right: Card 1) 5089E-Baubles Tree: $8.95,
Card 2) 5090E-Beaded Flourish: $8.75, 5096D-Happy Holidays Frame: $7.75,
5087D-Lacy Snowflake: $7.75

Stamps used from left to right: Card 1) 5086E-Etched Snowflake: $8.75,
5095D-Let It Snow: $7.75, 5087D-Lacy Snowflake: $7.75,
Card 2) 5090E-Beaded Flourish: $8.75, 5088D-Flurry Snowflake: $7.75,
5091E-Ornate Swirly Reindeer: $8.75

Free Downloads Available Now!

Well, I have finally gotten around to adding some free pattern downloads to my website! Click here to go to the Project Ideas page. For now, I have 2 different fabric flower patterns available: Cheery Blossom and Ooh-la-Bloom! Check them out, download and have fun making some beautiful blooms!!
Soon to come will be the Hot Blossom Ruffle Tote you've seen in the Hot Blossom inspiration photo's, as well as the cute neck scarf. Stay tuned for some fun new accessories!

My original flower patterns are free to download. However they are protected under copyright and are for personal use only. Please do not make flowers for commercial use. If you are a fabric store, please feel free to use these patterns to make kits using Hot Blossom fabrics!

Hot Blossom Fabric Giveaway at "My Aim is True"!

Just in - Amber over at the crafty blog "My Aim Is True" is hosting a Hot Blossom fabric giveaway! We've been scheming this behind the scenes for a little while now and are so excited it's out in the open! She'll be giving away four, yes FOUR, prizes of one yard of 44-inch wide Kona cotton Hot Blossom fabric to each of four winners. To enter, please leave a comment on her blog, telling her what you’d make with your yard of fabric. You may comment until 11:59pm on Thursday, June 26. Four winners will be randomly chosen on Friday morning, June 27 and she will ship your packages out that day!

Thanks so much Amber for all your support! I truly appreciate it and have enjoyed chatting with you! To let you know a little about Amber, she is a graphic designer, web designer, craft maker and 24 hour craft daydreamer (love that!) who helps run the 7 Cities Crafters, a collective for indie artists and crafters in southeast Virginia. Hop on over to Amber's blog "My Aim Is True" to check out the fab things she is up to, as well as to enter for the Hot Blossom fabric giveaway!