motif monday | no.3

This pattern is one I am still working on for a school project I am doing on an international product. My product is from India so I researched traditional patterns and textiles from the country and found so much beautiful inspiration!  The colors in my actual product packaging are much brighter but I took my cue for this palette from the Orla Kiely outfits below. 

orla kiely

If you've visited this blog or my website anytime lately you know of my love for prints, patterns, and color. Funnily enough, however, my wardrobe is almost void of all three of those things at the moment. I used to dress in bright colors, layering all sorts of crazy patterns; but I've found that my style has gotten significantly more simple over the last few years (ie: boring). That's why I love these Orla Kiely pieces. There is just enough color with a balance of neutrals and some fun patterns over simple silhouettes. Just what I need to spice up my otherwise ho-hum attire. And how great do those Fall pieces above transition into the Spring/Summer looks below? 

motif monday | no.2

Happy Monday everyone! I'm back with my second week of my illustrated patterns. This is an adaptation of some work I did for a holiday box wrap for a client. Even though the holidays are over, I think the cool colors in this design are still appropriate for our chilly January weather. Speaking of weather, I am more than ready for this winter season to pass- it has been a cold one here in NC! My husband has had to put up with me complaining about how unfair having a January birthday is. No fun outdoor activities, no camping trips or pool parties, just trying to stay bundled up, which is also not conducive to fun birthday outfits. Ha! But enough complaints from me, enjoy the rest of your week!

motif monday | no.1

I often find myself working on new patterns and motifs of repeated designs and illustrations either for a client, a school project, or just for practice. Playing with positive and negative space, balance, and repetition is honestly one of my favorite things to do. It's like exercise for my brain, it's a work out that leaves me feeling renewed and stronger. I know that sounds kind of silly but I really do love it, and since I have so many of these patterns stored on my computer, I thought I'd start sharing some of them here. Each Monday (hopefully) I'll be posting a new pattern here. Either something I've saved from another project or something I just whipped up for fun. Colors may be changed to better display here and I'll let you know what the pattern was a part of. 

This design is one I created for a school project that was a direct mail piece for our downtown farmer's market. I used the pattern on parts of the background of this multi-paged piece. (I'll let you know when I have photos of the final piece up on my site). I illustrated all of the produce and items and tried to do a mix of irregular, organic drawings with some perfectly geometric ones. I duplicated and repeated the items several times until I had a playful mix of shapes and space. Since this was simply a school project, and not something for a client, I may hold on to this design and try to use it again for something else. Maybe fabric? Anyways, thanks for letting me share. Hope you enjoy!

bundled up

It's kind of funny that my Friday post was talking about my desire to move with a quick pace and steady productivity as we enter 2014; because right now all I really want to do is cuddle up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe it's the 18 degree temperatures we've been experiencing, or the end of a long winter break, but I am in serious nesting mode. I've found myself wanting to be surrounded by warm woods and metals, rich textures, and neutral colors. Here are a few of the things I am craving for a cozy home and wardrobe. Stay warm friends!

Sweater (similar), rolling pins, mug, bracelet, beanie, boots, rug, scissors, plant ring. 

forward in 2014

Just like everyone else this week, I have spent some time reflecting on the year past and thinking about the one ahead. I liked the idea I've seen around the web of choosing one word to focus on this year instead of creating a list of lofty goals or resolutions. One word feels more attainable as well as more intentional, that word should be something that sort of encompasses all of your goals and hopes for the year. So after tossing around a few different words for my 2014, I have chosen FORWARD.

There are a lot of reasons why I think the word forward is appropriate for me for the upcoming year but most importantly it is because it is the direction I want to constantly be moving. If 2013 was for big changes, embracing opportunities and for learning to be quiet still while letting the Universe sort of speak to me, than 2014 is for grabbing my future with two anxious hands and running full speed ahead. Forward means I have no time to dwell in the past, to let anxiety or fear over-take me, because I am moving far too quickly for that. Forward means I am packing light and moving on. Clutter and non-essentials will not fit in my carry-on so they're just going to have to be left behind. Forward means my husband and I will be making big plans and taking on some big new adventures. Forward means motion in the physical sense to, creating more momentum and activity in my day-to-day routine to help keep me healthy and balanced while keeping up with this pace. Forward means instead of getting bogged down in the day-to-day details of life and letting them fill my time, I will devote more time to focus on what I want my future to look, feel, and sound like. I will take intentional steps to work towards that future. Two-thousand fourteen will be a good year, a year in motion.

I feel like I've taken a big step towards this goal already with the launch of my new site and am ready to take a few more steps forward into this big, brand-new year.

*I found great inspiration for choosing my 2014 word and for this post from here, here, and here.

photo from our trip this summer to the NC Outer Banks and design by me.