If only we could paint or even wallpaper in our little apartment! I love the prints from Walnut Wallpaper and am jealous of those of you out there who can actually brighten up your rooms with a splash of patterns. Oh well!
decorating, patterns Below are a few of the pics from the flickr group, Pyrex Love. I'm a lover of all things pyrex and have taken up the hobby of collecting vintage patterns...so please excuse me while I compare my inventory...
[Images are from t-b: dwstucke, merebearlandon, see margaret, sqecial, quiltingmick/michelle, halloweve1977]
patterns Check out the new Amy Butler fabric collection. Due out in April, the color palettes are so vibrant and fresh! Here is what she has to say about them on her website:
"This line is inspired by the vintage modern spirit of my lifestyle book Midwest Modern. With luscious palettes called Ohio Sky and Pink and Orange Dahlias, the colors from this group come from beautiful summer days in my Ohio garden. The mix of organic prints are perfect for fashion, quilting and home dec projects, everything you need to create Midwest Modern style!"
designers/artists, fabric, patterns Echino is a medium weight fabric that is made by Japanese textile designer, Etsuko Furuya. The patterns and color combinations always make for unique projects. Below are some of my favorite styles that incorporate different types of animals. I love it because it is quarky, fun, yet stylish and interesting at the same time!
You can find these particular fabrics at reprodepot.
designers/artists, fabric, patterns 
When I am trying to get into the creative zone on a rather dull day, sometimes I have to dig a little deeper to get a spark. I can usually grab an old-faithful book or magazine to get me started -OR- I can turn to the fabulous blog, print & pattern. This is one of my favorite blogs dedicated to surface design...oh how I love patterns! It contains image after image of prints, patterns, colors, and more...on every surface imaginable.
I spent the evening buying gifts for Christmas and then ran straight home to try out the new wrapping paper....and ta-da! I like the way it turned out, my only dilemma was when I ran out of tape and I was forced to use glue (would not recommend it!).
I take a lot of pride in wrapping presents, it is one of my favorite activites during the holidays. Choosing the perfect paper and then matching it with the perfect bow is an event unto itself, but this year I decided to do something different. I pulled out my block printing supplies, bought craft paper for $2.05/roll and went to town. I hope to pair my "Red Twinkle" paper with a twine ribbon and blue gift tag (I have to buy something to wrap first, eek!). Like usual, my dog just had to get in on the action, evidence below.
One of my favorite fashion designers is Akira Minagawa. In his brand minä perhonen he creates lovely hand-drawn patterns to use for clothing and furniture. His use of embroidery in his textiles is one of my favorite characteristics of his work..besides the fact that his patterns are so unique.
