What attracts me to designs on Spoonflower

People are funny, yes, we are!  Some of us want everything just so -- colors must match in a pleasing manner, things must line up correctly.  Some of us don't care.  We are attracted to a specific design for no other reason other than that we like that design or the colors used in the design.  The design does not have to coordinate with anything else.  We appreciate it for what it is: creativity, art, an expression of an individual.

On Spoonflower, though, there is another reason I like specific designs.  If there is a story that goes along with the design or if that particular design has a unique name, I am hooked.  I'm a lover of words and stories.  If a designer takes the time to pick a unique name for his or her design or if there is a story that goes with the design, you've got me.

Spoonflower is full of talented designers.  What I like best about Spoonflower, though, is that if one browses through the designs and takes the time to read the specifics of each design, then maybe click on the designer's name and read what the designer wants to share about himself or herself, that knowledge adds another dimension to the design.

Spoonflower is one of the easiest web sites to use that I've come across.  There is a wonderful blog that has instructions about how to prepare files for uploading.  Rarely have I had a problem with my shop.  When I do, I shoot an email to Spoonflower and receive help within 24 hours. 

Signing up is free.  How many on-line sites are free anymore?  A designer can upload an unlimited number of designs.  There is a size limitation to the file: 40 MB, but, hey, how big does a file really need to be.

And there are weekly contests. What I like about contests is the challenge.  

Also, a designer gets a designer's discount when purchasing one's own designs.  And, now, in addition to fabric, there is wonderful wallpaper and decals.

Spoonflower -- check it out.

Change of Life

I am slowly rolling out a new collection of designs on Spoonflower called "Change of Life."  The designs are based on one papier mache mask which I did several years ago.  The mask was covered with bleeding tissue paper, then coated with a clear acrylic coating.  In the eyes sockets, I placed two small square mirrors.  On top of those mirrors are images of my eyes. My husband and children find the mask creepy, but my grandchildren love it. The slide into menopause is as traumatic as changing from a little girl to a teenager.  So many changes, so many different feelings, so many highs and lows.  I tried to reflect this in this mask.

Fabric and some designers on Spoonflower

When I was small,  there was a department store, JC Penneys, located in the old Capitol Hill section of Oklahoma City. In late July my mother and I would drive there, walk down the stairs, and, in the basement of the store, were beautiful bolts of fabric.  Late July meant school would be starting in about a month and we were there to pick out fabric for my school dresses.  I could take a long, long time . . . probably what seemed like forever to my mother . . . deciding on what designs I wanted.  More importantly, though, was how did the fabric feel?  

When I found Spoonflower, I ordered one of the sample swatches books.  Lovely textures, especially the organic cotton sateen and the organic cotton interlock knit.   If you are involved with fabric, you are a tactile person too.  I used to do handmade papermaking, but making handmade paper is physically intense and the energy to do it has faded.  I still have quite a stash of handmade paper, though, and I enjoyed the years that I did it, taking workshops and sharing my craft.

There are so many imaginative, creative, talented people currently contributing to Spoonflower.  When I look at the designs, I feel like I can see a tiny bit of how that designer looks at things.  That is what art is, isn't it?  A manifestation of what is inside a person coming out.  It's a brave thing to do -- to create and let other people seen what one has created.

Here are some fabrics I have purchased recently from designers on Spoonflower:

I'm currently working on a pillow using designer Su_G's fabric design Manly Lines of Chalk. 

From left to right, back row: My Garden by Nekanen; Johnny Bump Ups by Beebumble; 18th Century Karakuri Tea
Serving Doll by Zandloopster.  Front row, left to right: Pick Me! by whimzwhirled and FlowerJournal II by weavingmajor. 

These images were taken out in my little house, Summersgaze, where there is only natural light, and a morning light at a northern angle at that.   I did not use a flash.  The colors are much more intense to the naked eye.  Maybe I should have used a flash, but I've provided links to all the fabric designs so they can be viewed in detail.