When Amisha from Gorgeous and Fun Things suggested that we talk about scale, I immediately thought about how much I have learned about scale since I started to design fabric.
I used to love to paint in all sizes and scale...
large oil paintings,
medium size canvas collage,
tiny acrylic ones
and medium size watercolor paintings.
when you are designing fabric, you have to be conscious of patterns and scale, and you need to learn what works best on each fabric.
Fabric design is calling me...
In order to create fabric designs I have to learn about fabric.
Reactions that my own artwork create on swatches. Although I have tried many designs in my Design gallery on Spoonflower, not every design works. I have experimented and learned so much in this last year. But there is so much to know.
The different types of fabric and what things they are best used for.
Then when my swatches arrive, I need to ask what kind of things might
someone make with these fabrics.
I have been searching fabric places,
Looking at nature for shapes and colors.
Browsing through blogs and videos that show off the art of patterns. And then there are those incredible aisles and aisles of bookshelves in the library. Filled with books by Patternistas like Kaffee Fassett, Mary Engelbreit, Laura Ashley and Mary Emmerling.
I don't sew, so it doesn't come naturally to me to know what one might create out of different kinds of patterns.
Yet, I am thinking that it is a bit like watercolor painting. The best paintings are not necessarily created by someone who can draw. These paintings focus on the color and shapes of things.
So, here I am lost in the land of fabric design and feeling so thrilled.
I can't wait for my Spoonflower order to arrive. I tried fat quarters of their dreamy Sateen Cotton.
My goal is not to learn how to sew, because the Lord knows I failed bobbins and I can't even thread my sewing machine. No, I think I'll leave that to the talented people who sew. Instead I am going to create fabrics for those people.
Perhaps a connectiom between some incredible seamstress and me creating dreamy one-of-a-kind designs just for them to use for their creations.
Sigh, until then I will continue to learn, enter the weekly contests,
drool over the amazing designers on Spoonflower, and dream of new fabric designs.
Now, Let's fly over to visit Amisha's blog, you will enter the world of lots of artists sharing their inspiration and creations.
Karen,
That was fascinating...many things I have not thought of before. As usual, it was just beautiful. I found myself staring at the first picture for a long, long time. The colors were a treat for my eyes.
The candlelight parade would be wonderful stretched on a wood frame like a canvas. Are you old enough to remember the days when we hung Marimekko's on the wall. I miss those days!
Thank you. That was lovely!
Suz
Good morning precious one. I spent all Saturday celebrating my 29th wedding anniversary which is actually today, SUNDAY. We went to a wonderful town filled with antique stores and I thought of you, for there are many ribbon shops and artist galleries. What a town, right up my alley!
LOVELY WORKS and OH! I was playing around with your fabric yesterday. I have some left over and I am making a little pillow. SO LOVELY!!!! Anita
Interesting conversation you've got going on in that head of yours. I had never thought of all the considerations necessary. So like me! You had me grinning at "I failed bobbins." Yes, I think that doing a few simple sewing projects would teach you a great deal about the ways your fabrics can be used and give you many more ideas for new ones. Have a lot of fun!
Design is difficult, trying, and yet rewarding. You just have to think about all the factors :D
Lovely post : )
Oh Karen, I love all your work. I think you are really good at working with so many different sizes.
When I tried painting watercolors on a 9x12, I was overwhelmed and I froze.
And you are good at doing so many things! And I am so impressed with the work you are doing with fabric design - it's a whole world in itself!
Have you ever seen the blog http://printpattern.blogspot.com/? I think you might like it!
Thank you so much for taking part in the creative party. It is an honor to have you participate.
Hi Karen,
I'm so happy you stopped by Etcetorize! I love your paintings and other creations. Very inspiring.
Fabric design is something that I've only recently opened my mind to. As you say, there are so many things to consider, and so many incredible designers out there already.
I can't wait to see what you come up with. Have a great week~
Dear Karen! YOU CAME TO SEE ME and I thank you for your kind comments!!! See that picture of me and Ruben at BOSTON UNIVERSITY!!!!! We were in Mass. for 11 years, and it took him 2 years of course work at the U, but 12 years while here in MN to FINISH HIS THESIS! So in 2008, he finally graduated and going back to Boston was a charm. So wish I would have known you then to meet at Concord or your favorite spot. Some day again, I hope.
BISOUS! Anita
What beautiful pictures and I think your fabrics are so sweet!
Mary
Hi Karen,
Your work is wonderful, I love the paintings and the fabric, that you have designed.
It must be so interesting coming up with your clever works of Art.
Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn
Oh my! Your fabrics are so yummy. How cool to see something you created put onto fabric. It's like a Project Runway challenge right in your own home. :) Maybe you could send some samples to a quilter who blogs to get your fabrics to catch on with more folks? They really are such beautiful patterns!
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