Tag Archives: design your own fabric

Fabric Projects the Kids Will Love

The Australian spring hasn’t quite begun the way we are used to. The sunny beach trips have turned into rainy weather days at home, meaning it becomes all that more difficult to keep the kids entertained. With a gloomy couple of months ahead, we understand the need to reduce screen time and find some indoor activities to keep the young ones busy. So, get ready to swap their iPads for some creativity as we have put together a list of really easy and simple fabric craft projects for kids to keep those rainy-day blues away!

Reusable Sandwich Bags | by A Beautiful Mess

The average Australian household uses 170 zip-lock sandwich bags per year, so this project will not only bring a little flare to school lunches, but will also save you money and bring down your carbon footprint. These reusable lunch bags can be brought to life with some cotton fabric, some thread and velcro, making it an easy project to occupy an afternoon. With the money you will save from buying plastic zip-locks, you can further customise these bags with our designer fabric shop that will no doubt become a household hit. How about these cute fruity fabrics?

Reusable lunch bags. Image: A Beautiful Mess

No-Sew Capes | by Little Pink Monsters

Halloween is just around the corner so why not get ready for some trick-or-treating with this easy project that is totally needle free. All you need is 1.5 metres of fabric, 90cm of ribbon and a pair of scissors and you’re on your way to the unveiling of the next Superman or Wonder Woman. And, let’s be honest, Halloween is fun for adults too, so don’t be surprised if you need some longer fabric! Shop our Halloween inspired fabrics here.

DIY Little Red Riding Hood. Image: Little Pink Monsters

Trick or Treat Black - Kathrin Legg

Trick or Treat Black Halloween fabric – Kathrin Legg

Making Memories

With Christmas around the corner, we know you’re always looking for ways to create memorable gifts that friends and family will cherish. We may be biased here but our custom product printing service is ideal for this time of year! Give the kids some colouring pens and task them with drawing the whole family, even down to the houses they live in, or drawing them with their favourite things and pets. Scan them into your computer then jump onto Digital Fabrics and choose some fabulous homeware items or gifts to print these designs onto. It could be our cushions, tea towels (a favourite for gifting!) scarf, pillow case or tote bag. Or order our Creatives Starter Pack with a little bit of everything! Our team will gladly help bring these designs to life.

Now, if the kids are no modern-day Picasso, there’s another thoughtful option to create memorable gifts. You can send us an image of your favourite holiday moment, family or pet portrait and we’ll print them onto a product option of your choice! Leave it with us and we will turn these masterpieces into a special gift to be adored for years to come. We’re in for a rainy summer ahead, so keeping some of these ideas in your pocket to help the kids unleash their creativity will sure come in handy! We can’t wait to see what they’ll create!

 

‘Aussie Cuties’ Textile Collection by Meredith Simpson

We’re super excited to announce that our next featured artist from The Designer Project will be ever so talented, Meredith Simpson! 

The ‘Aussie Cuties’ collection was inspired by our beautifully unique Australian native animals. Meredith feels that we are so lucky to have such wonderful creatures that are native to our home and finds them so gorgeous to draw.  Created from pastel pencils and that she finds to be the perfect medium for capturing the texture and softness of animal fur. 

 

Keep reading to find out more about Meredith Simpson and her adorable animal designs! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_walter wombat

Walter Wombat on pink

‘Walter Wombat’ is a fluffball full of fun. Paired with our beautiful native gum blossoms, this print is pretty and playful. 

‘Walter Wombat’ would be such an adorable design for kitchen homewares and garments such as aprons! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_native cuties

Australian Animals on white

‘Native Cuties’ is a super cute print that features four of our iconic native animals: koala, echidna, platypus and wombat. The natural colours of the animals and the green gum leaves against the bright white background make the colours shine! 

We love ‘Native Cuties’ for some fun fashion accessories like tote bags or even some kidswear! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_keeley koala

Keeley Koala on green

‘Keeley Koala’ is the most gorgeous green print that features the cute Keeley koala together with her favourite eucalyptus leaves! 

‘Keeley Koala’ is the perfect print for sweet accessories such as pouches and bags! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_quinn quokka

Quinn Quokka on peach

‘Quinn Quokka’, this cheerful, adorable print features the always smiling Quokka! The watercolour flower detail and warm colour palette make this such a joyful print that will make you want to smile too. 

We think ‘Quinn Quokka’ would be an amazing design for home and interior projects such as Cushions! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_titch the tasmanian devil

Titch the Tasmanian Devil on grey

‘Titch the Tasmanian Devil’ is a celebration of all things Tasmanian! This lovely print features Titch the Tasmanian Devil together with the beautiful Tasmanian Blue Gum. 

‘Titch the Tasmanian Devil’ is a super fun print that would be perfect for projects such as a DIY laptop case or homewares such as Tea Towels! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_native cuties 2

‘Native Cuties 2’ is a sweet print featuring three of our unique native animals: dingo, quokka and Tasmanian devil together with our beautiful blue gum leaves. The natural colours of the animals and the native foliage against the bright white background make the print come to life! 

‘Native Cuties 2’ would work perfect for some cute fashion garments like an adorable skirt or even some kidswear! 

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Meredith’s adorable animal collection! Each of Meredith’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project! 

Print on organic cotton. New Organic Cotton Fabric – Poppy!

Print on organic cotton. Organic cotton fabric Poppy

This year our focus is to test as many new fabrics as we can find and get to know fabric mills worldwide. Through our exploration, we came across our new fabric base which has won our hearts.

Say Hello to our latest addition to the fabric family, Poppy! This fabric has a soft handle, a lovely texture when washed (you probably won’t even want to iron it!), brilliant colour reproduction and most important of all, colour fastness.  We simply couldn’t resist introducing this glorious fabric to our range.

Keep on reading to find out more about our brand-new natural fabric print base and get inspired for your next project!

holiday theme fabric

Fabric design: Sunday Drive to the Coast – Sue Michael

designer fabric Digital Fabrics

Printed Poppy fabric. You can print your own artwork online or select a unique design from Australian artists and designers in our Fabric Shop! 

 checkered fabric

Fabric design: Checkered Lavender – Britney Munday

sunflowers fabric

Fabric design: Sunflower Fields – Andrea Maurer

Poppy is a luscious 100% Organic Cotton fabric woven in fine sateen weave with a slight sheen. It has beautiful colour reproduction when printed due to its bright white base and washes well keeping the print lovely and bright. Even though this fabric washes well, the pigment inks are one of the most fragile inks on the market and require special care. For the best results, we recommend washing the fabric gently by hand with cold water or a cold, gentle machine wash with phosphate free detergent.

unprinted Poppy fabric

Unprinted Poppy fabric

colour wash testing

Left side: colour chart before wash. Right side: colours and shrinkage after wash.

It’s a wonderfully versatile, easy to sew fabric with a maximum printable width of 145cm. It has a weight of 140 GSM making it a perfect lightweight print base for fashion garments and accessories such as skirts, dresses, pants, shirts, bandanas and hair scarves. It would also be suitable for some homewares such as table linen, pillowcases or even a sweet wedding banner!

textile design inspiration

Image source: Rachel Antonoff

textile design inspiration

Image source: Poppy and Honesty via Etsy

Sample swatches of Poppy are available through our Sample Pack Order Form in our ‘Natural Fabrics’, ‘For the Little Ones’ and ‘Super Pack’ sample packs on the website. Contact us to find out if this fabric is a suitable option for your next textile project!!

red poppy fabric

Fabric design: Sunset Poppy – Jenni Rogers

snake fabric

Fabrics design: Snakes in Leaves Peachy Pink – Dominique Collins

Poppy fabric printing base samples

Samples of Poppy fabric can be ordered online

Emilie Otto – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these fun loving designs by creative Emilie Otto and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Emilie’s ‘Life of the Party’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind creative process and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Emilie Otto and her unique design process! 

Emilie Otto 10‘Emilie Otto’

Hi, I’m Emilie Otto (aka Em). 

Let’s get creative friends, I’m so excited to share these fun filled fabric prints with you all! It has been one of my wildest dreams since I can remember to create bold, eccentric and joy filled designs to inspire people to create and feel authentically themselves. I am never someone who likes to blend into a crowd or follow the leader and I wanted these designs to reflect this. 

Emilie Otto 04‘Emilie painting in her studio’

This a slice of my first collection “Life of the Party” an eccentric mix of colourful coordinates. Curated for fun lovers, sun-seekers, and most importantly good times! These designs are created from hand carved stamps, which have been elevated using a variety of digital techniques. The bright colour palettes embody my favourite parts of summer. These designs where made to suit fashion and accessories projects, but the sky’s the limit. 

  Emilie Otto 07‘Carving design stamps’

These designs didn’t come about in a conventional way, in fact it woke me up at 2am! I couldn’t stop thinking about carving little stamps and creating little still life artworks. It all happened within a matter of hours, I was listening to my favourite playlist hand carving wine bottles, crabs, lemons, and a range of flowers. I fell in love instantly and after finishing the carvings I could head back to bed for some more sleep. 

  Emilie Otto 06‘Emilie using her handmade stamps’

Most of the designs are inspired by items I have in my studio, which spark happiness. Items have been collected from thrift stores, gifted, and saved to remind me of special moments. I love bright colours and love high contrast patterns, so these colour combinations feel very true to my style as a designer. 

  Emilie Otto 05‘Emilie painting in her studio’

All of the designs I create are something that I would love wearing, most of the time they don’t start out with a purpose in mind. I focus on enjoying the making process and more often that not they turn into whatever they were meant to be, these stamps started as card designs but evolved into statement fabric designs. 

  Emilie Otto Fabric Design‘Clothing Mockups of Designs’

Here are a few clothing examples that really get me excited, they have an element of comfort, are carefree and also let people’s personalities shine through. Any of the fabrics in this collection would work well on their own, they can also be mixed and match to really turn up the fun. 

  Emilie Otto 01‘Emilie Otto’

My studio space is full of dancing lights, disco balls and prims hanging from the windows along with artwork from other designers who inspire me. It’s a chaotic space, but I always feel so inspired when I sit down at my desk and start painting. 

I hope that these designs bring some energy and fun into your next DIY project. 

Em xo 

 

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch! 

‘Life of the Party’ Textile Collection by Emilie Otto

We couldn’t be more excited to announce that our next featured artist from The Designer Project will be none other than the amazing Emilie Otto! 

Her ‘Life of the Party’ collection is an eccentric mix of colourful coordinates. Curated for fun lovers, sun-seekers, and most importantly good times! These designs are created from hand carved stamps, which have been elevated using a variety of digital techniques. The bright colour palettes embody the best part of the Australian Summer. 

Keep reading to find out more about Emilie Otto and her fun loving designs! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_play time ocean bluesEmilie Otto - Play Time Ocean Blues - Tote Bag

Play Time Ocean Blues is a feel-good vibrant print, featuring a few items that you would find at a celebration with friends. The colours are inspired by warm sunny days and sparkling blue oceans.    

We think this is the perfect print for some funky swimwear, can’t you picture it as some board-shorts or a bikini? 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_picnic rug candyEmilie Otto - Picnic Rug Candy

Picnic Rug Candy is a vibrant gingham print, inspired by picnic catchups with friends. The colours are warm and are like those you can enjoy during a candy-coloured sunset.   

This print would look fantastic for fashion garments and homewares! We love this colourway for a super fun picnic blanket or perhaps a summer dress. 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_picnic rug dawnEmilie Otto - Picnic Rug Dawn

Picnic Rug Dawn is a vibrant gingham print, inspired by picnic catchups with friends. The colours are cool and soft like those you can enjoy during a dreamy early morning.  

Another amazing print for a range of fashion and home and interior projects, think flowing pants or cushions! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_stripey bubblegumEmilie Otto - Stripey Bubblegum

Stripey Bubblegum is a bold geometric print; it is a statement and fun take on traditional tartan. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by watermelon flavoured candy.  

This design is perfect for some summer accessories such as bucket hats or tote bags/beach bags! 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_stripey violetEmilie Otto - Stripey Violey - V2

Stripey Violet is a bold geometric print; it is a statement and fun take on traditional tartan. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by wildflowers.  

We think this print would work so well for a statement beach towel or even a new onepiece. 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_sunday sesh mintEmilie Otto - Sunday Sesh Mint

Sunday Sesh Mint is a hand carved print inspired by long days in the sun with friends, sipping on your favourite drinks. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by Mint & Pink Gin cocktails.  

This design is so perfect for beachy/pool attire, think a loose over shirt with matching shorts! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_sunday sesh violetEmilie Otto -Sunday Sesh Violet

 

Sunday Sesh Violet is a hand carved print inspired by long days in the sun with friends, sipping on your favourite drinks. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by Lemons & blueberries.  

We love this print for a fun kaftan to throw on at the beach!  

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Emilie’s super fun collection! Each of Emilie’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project! 

Indie Designers Worth Knowing About

Being in the fabrics manufacturing industry, we are lucky to work closely with some incredible indie designers and brands. Not only do they design beautiful collections, but are closely aligned with our sustainability values as well. Being ‘indie’ categorises independent designers, artists, and craftspeople who design and make a wide array of products − without being part of large, industrialised businesses.  We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Australian indie designers worth knowing about.

tara-whalley australian fashion designer

Tara Whalley Australian Fashion Designer

Tara Whalley an Australian designer with a heavy focus on bold prints (the way to our heart!) In 2020 Australian designer Tara Whalley was invited to premiere her fashion collection at New York Fashion Week, and in 2021 she stole the runway show again at Paris Fashion Week. Tara established her self-titled fashion brand in 2015, after returning to Australia after a year of working with war-affected Mayan weavers. It was this time in Guatemala that formed Tara’s painting practice- translating experience into artwork for fabric print and a clear direction for the basis of her fashion signature style. Her collections are made in Melbourne with natural fibres, digitally printed to reduce environmental impact and utilise offcuts to minimise waste. Her designs are available in sizes XS to 10XLovely and feature Tara’s hand painted artwork.

deadly-denim australian fashion brand

Deadly Denim Australian fashion brand

Deadly Denim is a beloved customer of Digital Fabrics. Sustainability is at the heart of their brand; a natural fit with our ethos and connection to caring for country. Deadly Denim was founded in 2018 by Rebecca Rickard, a Ballardong, Whadjuk woman from the Nyungar nation living and working on country Perth W.A.

It all begins with recycled denim from local Boorloo (Perth, Western Australia) op shops. Then, a Deadly Denim artist creates a unique design that is sent to us at Digital Fabrics to be printed. The artwork is worked into the denim to create a unique Deadly Denim garments.

Frida Las Vegas Photographer Eamon Donnelly

Frida Las Vegas Photographer Eamon Donnelly

Where to begin with fashion icon Frida Las Vegas. Designer Stavroula is a customer of Digital Fabrics, she is a talented illustrator who is fascinated by Australian icons and infuses that with her Greek background. Her iconic haute kitsch label Frida Las Vegas has been worn by incredible personalities such as Katy Perry, Sam Smith and Kate Miller-Heidke as well as her affectionately dubbed ‘Glamazons’ around the world.

Variety Hour Australian fashion brand

Variety Hour Australian fashion brand

Variety Hour is a Melbourne based design studio started by textile designer Cassie Byrnes in 2016. At its core they remain a textile focused studio, exploring the technicalities and craft of print design and using Digital Fabrics products as the canvas. All their prints are hand painted by Cassie using gouache, inks and markers which are then digitised and adapted into artworks, homewares and clothing designed with flattering shapes in mind, focusing on the stunning prints.

At Digital Fabrics, we love supporting Australian designers in their quest for a more sustainable world of fashion, and of course bold prints that are to die for. Custom printing designs onto our fabric ensures an angle of individuality, and less harm to the planet with our low minimum order requirements. We can’t wait to see what you’ll design!

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 3

Madeline Hawkins – The Designer Project

It’s been such a treat sharing these wonderfully sweet designs by illustrator and pattern designer Madeline Hawkins. We hope that you’ve enjoyed all of her amazing prints as much as we have!  

To coincide with Madeline’s Scenes from a Daydream’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Madeline Hawkins and her beautiful designs! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 6‘Madeline Hawkins’

Heya! I’m Madeline, Artist behind Wilder Studio. I create whimsy illustrations, from which I design into repeat patterns for textiles. I work from my home studio based in Murwillumbah, NSW – a beautiful, creative and vibrant town where my little family and I reside. I have lived and breathed drawing since I could hold a pencil and have in recent years found a love of home textiles. When I put two and two together and began teaching myself online, I knew I had found where I wanted to play – textile pattern design! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 5‘Madeline Hawkins in her studio’

 I’m super excited to have an array of Wilder Studio repeat patterns available here at Digital Fabrics. This collection of handcrafted, stand-alone patterns speaks of romance, femininity, nostalgia and wonder. Inspired by the likes of Lewis Carrolls ‘Alice in Wonderland’, these patterns are an ode to day-dreaming. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 3‘Madeline creating in her studio’

An ideal start to a morning in the studio consists of music, a brew and a little playtime- sketching or painting anything that comes to mind with no pressure to turn it into anything. Then I’ll get stuck into whatever I have on the to-do list. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 4‘Madeline working on original paintings’

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 1‘Madeline colour matching her design’

When designing a repeat pattern for a client, I generally write down a bunch of descriptive words of what the general feel is I’m wanting to create, and a rough description of the colours, layout and orientation and any other parameters the brief has set. I then have a little rough sketch of motif ideas. Sometimes these may be used in the final design, otherwise they are set aside with the rest of my notes for when I begin illustrating. I love using watercolors and gouache for romantic florals, but I’m most fond of inkline pens, poscas and pencils for whimsy, detailed illustration. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 7‘Close up of Madeline’s studio’

I love watching my illustrations come to life on fabric and seeing others make something with a piece of my imagination. It’s really a collaboration with other creatives. I think there’s the most magic in collaboration. The coming togetherness of it. Expressing ourselves and inspiring others to do the same. A ripple effect of creativity. It brings me deep joy as I hope my prints inspire joy in others. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 8‘Madeline’s studio’

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_juni bloom 1

‘Scenes from a Daydream’ Textile Collection by Madeline Hawkins

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest featured artist of The Designer Project for the month of August! Introducing the wonderful talented Madeline Hawkins.

Madeline is an illustrator, pattern designer and artist living on Bundjalung country, creating from her home studio. This collection of handcrafted, stand-alone patterns speak of romance, femininity, nostalgia and wonder. Inspired by the likes of Lewis Carrolls ‘Alice in Wonderland’, these patterns are an ode to day-dreaming. 

Each of Madeline’s beautiful designs can be printed onto any of our fabrics, which means you can order custom designer fabric that’s tailored to you. Keep reading to find out more about Madeline Hawkins and her ‘Scenes from a Daydream’ collection!

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_sadie haze 1

Pink Gin at golden hour! ‘Sadie Haze’ shows off her neon water colour petals against and delicious honeycomb backdrop. 

‘Sadie Haze’ is a fantastic print for some luxurious pyjamas and hair accessories like scrunchies! 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_posie pink 1

‘Posie Pink’ is ultra feminine and super sweet. This tossed print sends dainty floral motifs in various directions and speaks of an old fashioned romance.  

We think ‘Posie Pink’ is a great print to use for soft accessories and baby clothes. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_posie picnic 1

‘Posie Picnic’ is a fun take on her sister – ‘Posie Pink’. Sporting a gingham backdrop and sending her dainty floral motifs in various directions. Afternoon picnics were made for her.  

‘Posie Picnic’ is a divine print for any homeware products. We would love to see this on some Tea Towels or even oven mits! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_peggy plaid 1

‘Peggy Plaid’ is a little vintage inspired number with cheerful cheek! She was made for both sophistication and play! A fun plaid with a delicious combination of colours.  

We think ‘Peggie Plaid’ is a great print for a springtime pant suit or perhaps as some statement pillowcases for your bedroom. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_maggie may 1

‘Maggie May’ is all the whimsy, nostalgic thoughts dancing like stardust. Wildly scribbled pansies in vivid green and the yummiest pink make Maggie the dreamer she is. 

‘Maggie May’ is the absolutely perfect choice for spring garments like slip dresses and skirts and accessories such as bandanas 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_lola lilac 1

Dreamy ‘Lola Lilac’ is the lullaby before we slip into dreamland. A ditsy tossed floral number, her combination of soft berry blue and silky lilac tones is oh so flattering.  

‘Lola Lilac’ is a great choice for full piece swimsuits, camisoles and men’s button up shirts. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_juni bloom 1An effervescent, wildly cheerful moment of ‘Juni Bloom’ leaves you radiating for the day. Her clashing colours and large, innocent blooms invite you to play!  

‘Juni Bloom’ is an excellent choice to create show-stopping homewares and fashion pieces! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_julia joy 1‘Julia Joy’ wears large acrylic painted pansies in the most enchanting pastels. She is the dance between soft and bold. The ‘head in the clouds’ type, but sophisticated. She is a joy to gaze at and to get lost in her spectrum of colours.  

We think ‘Julia Joy’ is such a beautiful choice for flowing garments such as maxi dresses, blouses and even some men’s shirts. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_joan meadow 1Let ‘Joan Meadow’ take you on a trip, through boundless fields of wildflowers in the misty spring mornings. Joan knows the way. It’s zero business and all play.  

We would love to see ‘Joan Meadow’ used for spring fashion! We’re thinking flowy dresses and skirts, perhaps some lovely pants! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_georgie pebble 1

Collecting pebbles creek side in the summer glow of the afternoon, ‘Georgie Pebble’ sports an array of lovely organic shapes. She is joyous, imaginative and her colours reflect the warmth of the incoming sunset. 

We think ‘Georgie Pebble’ would be a gorgeous design to use for swimwear and tea towels. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_francess gingham 1

Complete Strawberry Shortcake vibes. ‘Francess gingham’ is a classic gingham with the most sugary sweet colour combo.  

‘Francess Gingham’ is the perfect statement print for playful tableware, bedding and picnic rugs. 

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Madeline’s beautiful ‘Scenes from a Daydream’ collection! Each of Madeline’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project! 

Brianna Pawlik – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these beautiful designs by designer Brianna Pawlik and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Brianna’s “Sink and Sun” collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Brianna Pawlik and her stunning designs! 

 

‘Brianna Pawlik’

Hello! I am Brianna, Owner/Surface Pattern Designer of Lulu Pawlik Collections and Mumma of three cheeky cherubs. My nickname is Lulu and my designs are the perfect combination of all things kitsch and coastal. My treasured hand drawn and hand-crafted designs and patterns can be printed on any surface such as beautiful fabrics, clothing, homewares, accessories, stationary, wallpaper, even footwear. They are crafted for beautiful brands and businesses to license and use on their products, to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique for their customers! 

‘Brianna’s Studio’

My patterns are playful with a retro vibe and my love for the sea and surf are key elements. I find wonder and inspiration from the ocean and a lifestyle growing up on the east coast of Australia. Family surf holidays and travel adventures run through my designs, in combination with my love for vintage coastal treasures and retro eras. 

‘Design sketches’

Before I became a Surface Pattern Designer, I created a women’s clothing label called Miss Lulu which I designed and manufactured myself successfully for many years. After my first baby, I found little to no time to pattern make, source fabric, sample, sew, press and sell my clothing collections. At this new point in my life, homewares and mumma accessories danced around in my mind. 

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 4‘Sewing printed Linen Deluxe fabric’

I went on to create a small slow made accessories label, The Sailor Siren & Co. after my second baby which took on a similar design aesthetic to my clothing label. I create retro coastal inspired accessories for mummas and bubs, with natural fibres and sustainability in mind. It was always a struggle to find the fabric prints that I desired for my style and creations. This is what naturally lead me into the world of surface pattern design.  

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 5‘Brianna’s workspace’

Now as a busy Mumma of three, I can dream and create beautiful, playful, coastal, kitschy patterns that I want to see in the world and I hope other brands will love too. Lulu Pawlik surface pattern design collections are just for you to purchase and print on your beautiful products for your adoring customers. They are sure to stand out and make a wow statement! 

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 1‘Brianna and 2 of her children’

Follow me and my journey on Instagram or get in touch via email to connect about exclusive custom pattern designs or collaborations for your brand or business. I have a beautiful pattern library of ready to go patterns, that are exclusive to your selected product categories and yours forever after purchase.  

Here is a little insight into my design process. Each design element or motif begins as individual hand drawn pencil sketches that are then inked in a bold felt tip pen. I also love watercolour paints for a more imperfect playful vibe. My motifs are then scanned and vectorized in Illustrator. Beautiful pattern repeats are then created with intention, time, and magic! Colours will vary depending on the surface and texture of the selected fabric, paper, or product, so test prints and samples are then a must to confirm the final desired looks. As a sewer I like the hands-on feel and authenticity of sewing up my mock-ups for shoots and display.  

digital fabrics_designer fabric_custom fabric_brianna pawlik 6‘Palm tree illustration’

Want to get your hands on some gorgeous Lulu Pawlik pattern designs printed on your choice of beautiful fabrics?! The Designer Project at Digital Fabrics displays a selected range from my Sink & Sun collection that you can have printed on any fabric you choose, for your own textile products. You can order by the metre to create magic and please share what you make with me!  

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!

‘Sink and Sun’ Textile Collection by Brianna Pawlik

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest feature artist in The Designer Project and we are so excited to announce that the amazing Brianna Pawlik will be our designer for the month of July! 

Brianna finds wonder and inspiration from the ocean and a lifestyle growing up on the east coast of Australia. The “Sink and Sun” print collection is inspired by coastal treasures and remnants from holiday roaming. Think vintage finds like sailing hooks and sinks, bountiful sunshine, seashell collections and playful waves. Soft pink and blue, a muted navy, yellow, tan, and rustic red runs through the patterns. The retro muted colour palette contrasts with old school, bold ink strokes to take you back to easy times, slower days, and getaway good vibes. 

Each of Brianna’s designs can be printed onto any of our fabrics, which means you can order custom designer fabric that’s tailored to you. Keep reading to find out more about Brianna Pawlik’s beautiful collection! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Gypsy Skull 2

The ‘Gypsy Skull’ print is all things kitsch and boho. Inspired by bohemian island gems. The bold hand drawn motifs pop out against the soft pink background and golden sand spots, to create a simple yet kitschy boho feel.   

We think ‘Gypsy Skull’ would work super well as some beach towels or even throw blankets! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Ocean Folk 2Ocean Folk print_rattan chair cover_by SSCO

The ‘Ocean Folk’ print features a retro hand drawn sun and rope frame. Inspired by ocean roaming from sun up to sun down. The muted retro inspired colour palette of soft yellow, pink and blue against the tan background, is reminiscent of warm, hazy coastal holidays. 

‘Ocean Folk’ would be so amazing as some lovely home projects for your kid’s bedroom such as curtains or cushions! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Compass Coins 2Compass coins and Ocean Folk prints_ Linen throws_by SSCO

The ‘Compass Coins’ print is inspired by holiday roaming for lost coastal treasures and sea remnants. It features hand drawn vintage compasses and wondering eyes. The muted retro inspired colour palette is reminiscent of slow hazy coastal getaways. 

‘Compass Coins’ is the perfect print for the sweetest kids’ bed sheets or even some throw blankets! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Flower Shields 1Flower Sheilds print_ linen tote bag_by SSCO

‘Flower Shields’ is a fresh coastal inspired print featuring the sunken ship and sunrise shields and retro flower motifs. The playful muted colour palette contrasts with the old school, bold ink strokes for that perfect combination of retro, kitsch, and coastal vibes. 

The ‘Flower Shields’ design would work great for some fashion accessories like tote bags or even some pillow cases! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Hook Sun Sink 1

‘Hook Sun Sink’ is a simple, understated print. Featuring the hand drawn old school sailing hooks, retro suns, and water droplets in a tan colour on a fresh white background. 

We think the ‘Hook Sun Sink’ print would be absolutely perfect for some cute kidswear such as some little t-shirts or tights! 

Digital Fabrics_Designer Project_Brianna Pawlik_Peace Suns 2Peace Suns print_cotton jersey kids set_by SSCO

The ‘Peace Suns’ print is all about sunshine and good vibes. Dominated by simple lines and marks to create the Ying yang and peace sign suns that ooze rays of warmth and goodness. The navy and white is a simple, coastal and gender-neutral colourway to suit a range of textile products for yourself or home. 

‘Peace Suns’ is another adorable print that we think would work great for some kid’s clothes, a cute matching set perhaps! 

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Brianna’s wonderful collection! Each of Brianna’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project!