Have you ever wondered how a pattern goes from a simple sketch to a tea towel or tote bag? Today I’d love to take you behind the scenes of my design process — from inspiration to the moment it’s ready to order.
This post is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It’s a little window into my values and creative life. I believe in gentle business, purposeful design, and making everyday moments beautiful.
🌿 Inspiration Blooms
Many of my designs begin with something small but meaningful — a potplant on the windowsill, the soft rustle of eucalyptus in the breeze, or a cluster of hydrangeas in bloom. Evening walks through the garden or early mornings at the local market are where ideas often take root.
I believe in finding beauty in the everyday. From garden blooms to country markets, the heart of my work is rooted in the quiet moments of daily life.
🎨 The Pattern Process
It all begins with a sketch or a photograph of something that caught my eye. I map out a rough design on grid paper, then draw or paint each motif by hand.
Next comes the digitizing stage. Sometimes I scan the artwork in and tidy it up in Adobe Illustrator. Other times I draw digitally from the beginning.
When it’s time to choose colours, I either work from an existing collection palette or create a brand new one. (My Easter Collection, for example, has its own bright, happy tones.)
Finally, I create the seamless repeat — carefully making sure it flows smoothly in every direction. This is where the technical magic happens — making sure the colours are soft and true, the lines are crisp, and the repeat flows smoothly no matter where it lands on a product.
I create with purpose, not pressure. I don’t follow trends — I follow what feels true. Patterns that tell stories. Products that bring joy. Collections that last beyond a season.
🖥️ Print on Demand: The Finishing Touch
When a pattern is finished, I prepare the product mockups. My Print on Demand provider speaks directly to my WooCommerce website. So when I’m ready to publish, the product appears automatically. Then I fine-tune the descriptions and SEO.
This part is where the designs truly come to life — printed on items people use and love.
🛍️ Products & Collections
You’ll find my patterns on a curated range of items — mugs (a customer favourite!), tote bags, notebooks, weekender bags, pillows, and more.
I only choose a small number of patterns that align with my brand. At the moment, that includes:
- Blue Finch Collection: Blue Finch, Blue Finch Canopy, Finch, Blue Finch Stripe
- Cows & Country: Friendly Cows, Mocha Mouse Plaid
- Woodland Series: Woodland Lavender Breeze, Woodland Bloom
- Everyday Market Collection: Basket of Berries, Country Mandala, Country Markets Print, Peach Tree, Potted Plants, Blue Sky Hydrangeas
I make art you can live with. My patterns aren’t just for looking at — they’re meant to be used and loved.
✨ The Joy of Seeing It in the Wild
Seeing the final printed product is always a joy. I love sitting with my Blue Finch Pillow when I’m relaxing, remembering each and every brush stroke that went into the design.
I often see similar patterns repeated everywhere. It reminds me that so many surface pattern designers are out there, waiting to be seen — and that there’s so much beauty just waiting to bloom.
This isn’t just a shop — it’s a creative community. Every message, every order, every idea shared is part of something meaningful.
💡 Why Print on Demand Works for Small Creative Businesses
Print on demand is perfect for small businesses like mine. There’s no need for bulk stock or large upfront investments, and it’s easy on cash flow.
When someone places an order, the money comes straight to my account — and the print provider takes care of the rest: printing, packing, and shipping. The cost of the item, production, and postage is simply deducted from my account.
It’s also wonderfully low-waste, gentle on the planet, and gives me the freedom to run my business at a mindful, sustainable pace.
Plus, it opens the door to collaborations and custom requests. Businesses who want to stock my products can still order in bulk — with much lower overheads.
I believe in gentle business. Creativity flows best when it’s not rushed. I’ve built my work around slow, steady growth — where each pattern is made with care, not urgency.
❓ Questions I Often Get (FAQ)
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes.
Are my payments secure?
Yes. My shop uses Stripe, WooCommerce Payments, and PayPal — all fully encrypted.
Can I buy your designs on fabric?
Yes! My Australian print provider has recently released a range of beautiful fabrics. I’ll be adding these to the store soon. I also have plans to create summer cotton scarves and bandanas. More on that soon!
Do you print these yourself?
No — everything is printed professionally by my print partners.
Will the colours look the same as on screen?
Yes — I find they match closely to what I see on my laptop. When viewed through my iPad’s protective lens, the colours sometimes appear darker or with a slight golden tint.
💌 A Quiet Invitation
I’d love to hear from you. Is there a product you’ve always wished had a touch of nature or whimsy? Or would you like a peek at how a specific pattern was made?
Your ideas often inspire my next creations. This is our little creative community, and I’m so glad you’re here.
I’d love to hear from you. Is there a product you’ve always wished had a touch of nature or whimsy? What would you like to see next? Your ideas inspire me to create more beautiful things.
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