Tag Archives: diy with digital fabrics

‘For the Love of Australian Natives’ Textile Collection by Julie Bunyard

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest featured artist of The Designer Project…introducing the wonderful Julie Bunyard and her textile collection ‘For the Love of Australian Natives’! 

For the Love of Australian Natives‘ is a colourful mix of Australian native plants painted in watercolours.  Suitable for a range of textiles and products, from garments to homewares.  Some of the designs such as the ‘Silver Dollar Gum‘ and ‘Tasmanian Waratah‘ feature mesmerizing watercolour blends and bleeds, creating interesting colour blends.  While others such as ‘Pink Leaves‘ is more stylised and monochromatic.  It is the vibrant colours in this collection which are the standout feature and sure to bring a sense of style and luxury to any project! 

All of Julie’s beautiful designs can be printed onto any of our fabrics, which means you can order custom designer fabric that’s tailored to you. Below we’ve shared a bit about each of the designs and the types of projects we think they’d be great for so keep reading! 

‘Flowering Gum’ is a stunning, bright, watercolour design in pinks, purples, blues, and greens, on a crisp white background. It features an Aussie favourite, the Flowering Gum! 

We think ‘Flowering Gum’ is the perfect design for any women’s fashion garments such a sweet summer dress 

‘Silver Dollar Gum’ is an elegant hand painted watercolour design featuring the classic Eucalyptus leaf. It’s full of rich blues, greens, and a touch of yellow.   

‘Silver Dollar Gum’ would look incredible as some fashion accessories such as Tote Bags!  

‘Tasmanian Waratah’ is a fun and vibrant design in tones of rust, red, green and a hint of blue. We love the hand painted watercolour Waratah flowers! It has us thinking of our Waratah fabric. 

 ‘Tasmanian Waratah’ is utterly perfect for any and all Home and Interior projects! Think Cushion Covers and Tea Towels. 

‘Leucadendron’ features watercolour motifs of the Leucadendron plant in bright shades of pinks, purples and reds and brings a fun twist to the classic Leucadendron. The white background really makes those colours pop! 

 We think ‘Leucadendron’ would be fabulous for fashion accessories! We’re thinking Makeup Bags and Pouches, Tote Bags and Scarves of course! 

‘Pink Leaves’ is a crisp design of pink leaf illustrations against a white background. The watercolour texture of the leaves really brings life to this design. 

 ‘Pink Leaves’ would be super cute as a statement garment! A fun dress or pants? Perhaps a luscious long skirt! 

‘Wattle’ is a loose hand painted watercolour design featuring our beloved Wattle in it’s classic shades of green and yellow, with just a hint of pink.  That bright vibrant yellow always brings some colour to our Australian Winter. 

‘Wattle’ would be the perfect addition to your home! Whether it be on some lovely Cushions, Tea Towels or maybe even Curtains!  

‘Blue Native Flower’ features the most stunning bold blue tones that really bring an extra something to this design! It pairs well with the hand painted watercolour details throughout the floral motifs. 

‘Blue Native Flower’ would look great on a range of products from leggings to homewares! 

 

The possibilities are truly endless with Julie’s ‘For the Love of Australian Natives’ collection. Our ideas above are suggestions only and we hope they’ve gotten your creative wheels turning! Each of Julie’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop online. 

Aiai Zhang – The Designer Project

We’ve absolutely adored sharing the beautifully detailed work of Sydney-based designer Aiai Zhang and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! Aiai’s designs are inspired by the harvest season where the leaves turn orange and yellow while fruits grow ripe and juicy. To coincide with Aiai’s “Orange Harvest” collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which we’ve shared below! The blog takes a closer look at Aiai’s creative process, detailing every step from initial sketch to final design. The blog also includes gorgeous photographs and process images which really help tell the story of Aiai’s work and the “Orange Harvest” collection. Keep reading to find out more about Aiai Zhang and her stunning designs!

Aiai Zhang

Hi everyone! Aiai here from @breezybirdstudio. I’m very excited to let you know my Orange Harvest collection is now up on the Digital Fabrics shop. You can choose any of these designs to print on a variety of fabrics for your next sewing project, whether it be a garment or homeware decor, we can’t wait to see what you make! 

Now you might be curious to know how this all began. Well, nature provides the biggest source of inspiration for everything I create. Travelling to new places definitely helps keep the creative juices flowing. However, most of the time I gather ideas from little things in everyday life. It can be a blooming flower in the garden, unusual patterns on the trees, shrubs waving in the breeze or a cute animal running through the neighbourhood. When I intentionally look for ideas, they seem to appear everywhere. 

Mood Board for Collection

An inspiration board provides a reference point for the entire collection. It helps pull together all the ideas swirling in my head. This is why I have a habit of taking and collecting random images that stand out to me in my surroundings or online. Once I decide on what elements to use, I move onto the most enjoyable part of the process – painting up motifs and choosing a colour palette! 

Floral Watercolour Painting

My favourite mediums to use are watercolour and gouache. I paint each element in various forms. The image on the left is an example of the original scan of “earthy bouquet” & “earthy bouquet blue”. I then clean and edit the artwork in photoshop and turn it into seamless repeats. Because of the variety of forms and values within this large motif, I created two prints from it with two colour ways. It is definitely the most versatile print out of this collection that is suitable for both fashion and Interiors. 

Here are examples of how “Earthy Bouquet” and “Earthy Bouquet Blue” would look like on children’s PJ sets. Which one do you like more? Get in touch with the team at Digital Fabrics to chat about printing base fabric options that are available for your sewing DIY project. 

Earthy Bouquet Floral Mockup

 

 

Earthy Bouquet Floral Mockup

Now let’s look at another print from its original form. “Orange Bouquet” was inspired by the ripe and juicy oranges bursting with colours from the harvest season. I used my favourite earthy tones to paint this design, such as flesh tint, yellow ochre, permanent rose and burnt amber. I then took it to the computer, cleaned it up and turned it into a seamless repeat. 

Watercolour Oranges

Watercolour Stripes

Below is the final print “oranges on stripes” looks like after digital adjustments. The second colour way with a blue background creates a lovely contrast against the foreground. This design is to celebrate the earthy colours and shapes from nature. I hope you love it as much as I do! 

Oranges on Stripes Blue

Oranges on Stripes Pink

So, all the magic happens here – my home studio! This is where I emerge myself into creativity. I absolutely love experimenting with colour palettes. From soft subtle tones to happy bright colours, I love to incorporate them to express different feelings in my designs.

Aiai’s Studio Space

Thank you for reading this far! Having a great idea of an upcoming project that you can use one of my designs for? Please check them out via my Digital Fabric online shop. 

We can’t wait to see what you make! Please tag both Digital Fabric & myself in any crafty projects you undertake with this collection of fabrics. If you would love to follow my creative journey, I can be found via Instagram and Facebook. See you there! Warmest regards, Aiai 

Oranges Bouquet and Floral Ditsy Orange Gingham

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!

Kathrin Legg – The Designer Project

It’s been amazing sharing all of the wonderful designs by textile designer Kathrin Legg with you! We hope you’ve loved them just as much as we have. To coincide with Kathrin’s ‘Nostalgic Florals’ 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 self-taught design process, what inspires her designs as well as bit more about herself. 

Keep reading to find out more! 

‘Kathrin Legg’

Hello! My name is Kathrin Legg. I am a Surface Pattern Designer from Newcastle, NSW.

I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Newcastle and I have a background in Art Teaching. These days I work from my sunny studio for global companies in the fabric, greeting card, stationery, homewares and tech industries.

‘Retro Florals Textile Design’

When I start with a new brief for clients I firstly think of the colour scheme, the audience I am designing for plus the end product. Then I focus on the motifs and layout of the pattern or stand alone illustration.

I love traditional art supplies, the calming sense of using watercolour paints and the smooth texture of layering acrylics but most days I use digital mediums to create my designs and patterns. I draw all of the motifs in procreate and then create the final seamless repeat pattern in photoshop.

‘Kathrin’s Watercolours’

My favourite design theme is florals and I gather my inspiration from the native flowers in my backyard as well as international flora from my European heritage. My other illustration passion is drawing intricate and engaging designs for the baby and children’s market.

‘The Simple Life sketches’

I am always inspired and amazed by the creative community out there and the ways in which they use my fabric designs. If you are a sewing enthusiast and would like to share your amazing creations using one of my designs, tag Digital Fabrics and me in your Instagram post, I can’t wait to see what you make!

‘Design work in progress’

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!

‘Nostalgic Florals’ Textile Collection by Kathrin Legg

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest featured artist of The Designer Project for the month of May! Let’s welcome the talented Kathrin Legg 

Kathrin was born in Germany and raised in Australia, she works as a surface pattern designer from her sunny studio, where she uses both traditional and digital media to create her designs and collections. 

Finding inspiration from both her surroundings and European heritage, her designs are a blend of aesthetically pleasing colour palettes, modern floral designs and trending themes. 

Each of Kathrin’s wonderful prints 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 Kathrin Legg and her ‘Nostalgic Florals’ collection! 

‘Back to School’ is a nostalgic design featuring blackboards, pencils and notebooks. 

We think this is so fitting for kids school projects; Whether that be some DIY pencil cases, book bags or even an apron for art classes! 

‘My Two Geese’ is a ditsy repeat floral pattern with a homey, country feel to it. A warm colour palette of orange and yellow blossoms and complimentary deep blue flowers sway between the farmyard geese. 

‘My Two Geese’ is such a perfect print for any homeware projects. We can definitely picture this print on a lovely Tea Towel in the kitchen. 

‘Retro Floral’ is a geometric repeat pattern featuring a 1970’s inspired flower. The bold yellow and orange colour palette is sure to brighten up any space.  

We would love to see ‘Retro Floral’ on some statement cushions or curtains! 

‘Seashells’ is a soft flowing, nautical print featuring underwater life in shades of blue and highlights in peach and white. 

‘Seashells’ is the perfect project for beachwear. Think beach towels or a beach bag, perhaps even a kaftan! 

‘Spring Bee’ is a fresh, colourful springtime floral featuring an array of hand drawn flowers, busy bees and honeycomb dripping with sweet honey. 

These adorable little bees would look amazing on any DIY project! From homewares to fashion garments, the ideas are endless. 

‘The Simple Life’ is a detailed, imaginary village with everything you need. From a delicious bakery to a small lake with fishing boat, a children’s playground and a town fountain. 

‘The Simple Life’ is perfect for kids room homewares! We think it would look amazing on a playmat or even some decorative cushions. 

 

The possibilities are truly endless with Kathrin’s ‘Nostalgic Florals’ collection. Our ideas above are suggestions only and we hope they’ve gotten your creative wheels turning! Each of Kathrin’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop online. 

Katrina Potter – The Designer Project

We’ve absolutely adored sharing Katrina Potter’s designs with you all and hope you’re all enjoying this installment of The Designer Project! Kat is on a mission to make the world a happier, brighter place with her art through her label Little Black Kat creative! The designer’s ‘Funky and Fruity’ collection has been made available in our Fabric Shop and features a wonderful range of designs inspired by our adorable native critters and all things funky and fruity! What’s more is we’ve been so very fortunate to have the artist herself put together a guest blog which is shared below! Keep reading to find out more about Kat’s work, inspirations and typical creative process! 

‘Katrina Potter

Hey, I’m Kat Potter …and I love colour! 

I’m on a mission to make the world a happier, brighter place! So, making artwork and seeing it out there in the big beautiful world, gives me an incredible amount of joy. 

‘Katrina in her studio’

 

I studied Visual Art straight out of high school, majoring in illustration. It was there I learnt and developed a love of digital art and design, which led me toward a career in the print and graphic design industry. An industry I’ve worked in for the past 20 years. I’ve freelanced on and off during that time and started my Graphic Design and Illustration business “Little Black Kat Creative” in 2014. I took my biz full time in 2020 and more recently, I’ve been obsessed with learning all things surface pattern design. 

‘What a Galah work in progress’

My patterns are inspired by everyday little things, happy memories and family adventures with my children. Most of which involve pets, animals and the outdoors, which you can no doubt see in my work.  I’m thrilled to be a part of the Digital Fabrics Designer Project and even more excited to see where this little turn in my creative career takes me. There are a couple of different ways I work when it comes to developing a pattern. Sometimes I’ll start by drawing whatever is inspiring me that day (usually a collection of different animals) and eventually make it into a pattern.  

‘design layout ideas’

 

But when it comes to client work, or if I have too many ideas and need to be a little more structured, I’ll start with a theme and keywords (like “bright happy summer” for example). I’ll then jump onto Pinterest and search for all things “bright happy & summer” related. I’ll pull out images and colours that I feel will work well together to fit that description and put them together to form a mood board. From there I’ll cull back my images, so there’s a cohesive theme, develop my mood board and create a colour palette. The images from my Pinterest search usually give me lots of ideas on the motif subject matter, but I’ll also write a list of possible motifs to draw.   

‘Collection Moodboard’

 

To find even more reference images to work from, I’ll either do a “google images” search, take photos on my phone, or refer to the thousands of photos I have saved to my camera roll. Photos don’t have to be great, as it’s usually just the shapes I’m looking at. I’m a little old school …I don’t have an iPad, I either draw directly into Adobe Illustrator using my keyboard, mouse and/or Wacom table, or I’ll draw basic line sketches, scan them in and redraw them in Illustrator. My Illustrator pasteboard is (much like my tiny home studio) messy, with oodles of reference images that I can refer to for each motif. It doesn’t exactly look amazing in the development stage, but it works for me. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_what a galah WEB RESIZE CROP

‘What a Galah design’

 

Once my motifs are finished, and I’ve decided which ones I want to use, I’ll create a new file and start the process of building my pattern. For me, putting together a pattern feels like doing a puzzle. Getting all of the pieces in just the right spot!  I adjust the scale of each motif, rotate, flip and really just have a play around to see what fits and looks the best. When I’m happy with the pattern, I’ll fine tune the colours and motifs if needed, to ensure everything is working well visually, and voila, she’s done! 

‘Katrina Potter’

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! 

‘Funky and Fruity’ Textile Collection by Katrina Potter

For our latest installment of The Designer Project, we’ll be featuring the work of surface pattern designer Katrina Potter from Little Black Kat creative! 

Kat’s “Funky and Fruity” collection is inspired by everyday little things, happy memories and family adventures with her children. Most of which involve pets, animals and the outdoors, which you can no doubt see in her work. She is a digital artist, who loves to use bright, happy colours. Her work includes illustrations of animals, abstract shapes and florals, drawn in a style that’s quite flat, minimalistic and a little bit quirky.  

What’s more fantastic is that the whole collection has been made available in our Fabric Shop online, meaning each of the designs can be printed onto any of our stock fabrics. Below we’ve shared a bit about each of the designs and the types of projects we think they’d be great for so keep reading! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_she'll be apples WEB RESIZE CROP

‘She’ll be Apples’ is a bright, yet vintage feeling design, featuring overlapping digital apple graphics in the most wonderful shades of red and pink. 

We think ‘She’ll be Apple’ would be perfect for some fun fashion accessories such as tote bags! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_aussie animals WEB RESIZE CROP

‘Aussie Animals’ is a bright and fun feeling design, that was inspired by family day trips to the country. The blue colour palette pairs perfectly with some of our favourite native animals such as Koalas, Kangaroos and your classic Cockatoo!  

‘Aussie Animals’ is such a great print for kid’s room projects, whether it be a decorative cushion or a custom toy! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_what a galah WEB RESIZE CROP

 

The ‘What a Galah’ print is a bright and happy design, inspired by the Galah’s you see every day in your backyard or on your afternoon walk with the dogs. We love the mix of peach pink tones with the minty green to make those Galahs pop! 

‘What a Galah’ would be super cute for kids wear like a sweet little romper or leggings! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_fruity possums_katrina potter WEB RESIZE CROP

‘Fruity Possums’ features everyone’s favourite house guest, the possum! Paired with some delicious Dragon fruit, Kiwi and Passionfruit motifs! We love the colour palette of this design. The green, pink and yellow mixed together with the splash of great from the cute possums. 

We think ‘Fruity Possums’ is a perfect pattern for funky fashion accessories such as bucket hats and scarves! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_eat your veggies WEB RESIZE CROP

‘Eat Your Veggies’ makes you think of your dream veggie patch! It features a range of yummy vegetables in tones of blue and pink against a dark background (which definitely brings those veggies to life!) 

‘Eat Your Veggies’ would be so perfect for homewares such as Tea Towels and Cushion Covers! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_look at the bears WEB RESIZE CROP

 

‘Look at the Bears’ features the cutest little bear motifs, paired with some adorable mushrooms! The earthy colour palette of this design makes it feel so warm and cozy; the grey-brown tones with pops of green and orange.  

The cozy vibes of ‘Look at the Bears’ make it perfect for kids garments like pyjamas! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_kat potter_arctic animals WEB RESIZE CROP

‘Arctic Animals’ is an adorable frosty print, full of sweetest arctic animals! This design features a wonderful cool toned colour palette, that gives a soft, delicate feel to the print. 

We think ‘Arctic Animals’ is another design that would be great for babies and kids projects. Think baby swaddles, little beanies and blankets! 

 

The possibilities are truly endless with Kat’s “Funky and Fruity” collection. Our ideas above are suggestions only and we hope they’ve gotten your creative wheels turning! Each of Kat’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop online.

 

 

Marie Schmitt – The Designer Project

We’ve absolutely adored sharing the beautifully detailed work of Sydney-based designer Marie Schmitt and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! Maries designs are modern and elegant creations that are sure to delight. To coincide with Marie’s ‘Natural Wonder’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which we’ve shared below! The blog takes a closer look at Marie’s creative process, detailing every step from initial sketch to final design. The blog also includes gorgeous photographs and process images which really help tell the story of Marie’s work and the ‘Natural Wonder’ collection. Keep reading to find out more about Marie Schmitt and her stunning designs! 

Marie Schmitt

Hi, 

My name is Marie Maignan. Since I was a child, I loved to draw and I love nature. I developed my own style, drawing floral motifs with lines in different thickness and shape creating movement and elegance. 

I am born in France where I spend all my childhood. After a while living in Germany, I moved to Australia in Sydney with my family. The surrounding nature is fantastic source of inspiration. 

As an adult I really enjoyed again the pleasure of creation and drawing. It is such a magical moment. 

Marie’s Workspace

Marie’s Nature Inspiration

My designs start as hand drawn illustrations, line by line, first with pencil, then with my beloved Waterman ink pen. This way of using the lines create elegant motives, all in finesse, simple but with its own movement. Modern, graphic and somehow fascinating. 

These were then scanned using a printer to create a digital version. Once I had the scans, I then opened them up in photoshop and got started on cleaning up the background. Pretty much just removing everything in the file except the drawn motifs. 

Finesse Original Sketches

Once everything was nice and cleaned up, I started working on the layout, copying and rearranging the motifs to create a nice flowing design. Once I had a layout that worked and that I liked, I cropped it so that each side joined up to the other so that it would be seamless when you repeated the tile.  

From here, I made all my colour edits, changing the background colour and colour of my illustrations. 

Illustration Sketches

I am very happy to be given the opportunity to valorize my drawings and patterns with Digital Fabrics. I was so delighted by the first design project I did which was a wonderful cushion, that I thought it was maybe time to do more with my drawings and share them through the Designer Project by Digital Fabric. 

Thank you! 

Monstera Work in Progress Sketch

 

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! 

 

New Fabric – 100% Pure Linen!

After months and months of testing, we are super excited to finally announce that we have everyone’s favourite fabric in our range…introducing Pure Linen! 

Keep on reading to find out all about our newest print base fabric and get inspired for your next project! 

digital fabrics_digital fabric printing_linen_pure linen_fabric base_natural fabric 1digitally printed Pure Linen sample featuring ‘Gypsy Skull’ by Brianna Pawlik

 

Our Pure Linen is a divine mid-weight 245GSM fabric that is 100% Linen, and has a maximum printable width of 145cm. This woven fabric has the loveliest linen slub texture and a vivid white base colour, that ensures good colour reproduction when printed. This is an ideal fabric for home and interior purposes such as cushion covers, table linen, creative signage & banners such as wedding signs and curtains. 

digital fabrics_digital fabric printing_linen_pure linen_fabric base_natural fabric 3 unprinted Pure Linen fabric

digital fabrics_digital fabric printing_linen_pure linen_fabric base_natural fabric 4close up of unprinted Pure Linen fabric

When considering our Pure Linen for your next project please keep in mind that some fading after washing is normal for natural fabrics that have been used for digital printing. The fading often gives our printed natural fabrics a softer finish which suits the natural fibre itself. Fading can be minimized through the use of cold hand-washing and phosphate free detergent.

digital fabrics_digital fabric printing_linen_pure linen_fabric base_natural fabric 5digitally printed Pure Linen fabric featuring ‘Strawberry’ design

digital fabrics_digital fabric printing_linen_pure linen_fabric base_natural fabric 2

digitally printed HEX colour swatches on Pure Linen

Sample swatches of Pure Linen are available through our Sample Pack Order Form in our ‘Natural Fabrics’, ‘Home and Interiors’ 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!!

Carly Westbye -The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing all of the amazing floral prints by artist Carly Westbye, and hope that you’ve enjoyed them as much as we have!  

To coincide with Carly’s ‘Spring in Bloom’ 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 self-taught design process, what inspires her designs as well as bit more about herself. 

Keep reading to find out more about Carly Westbye and her wonderful floral designs! 

digital fabrics_designer fabrics_carly westbye

‘Carly Westbye’

I am honoured to share my art through Digital Fabrics and look forward to bringing more designs to this unique network of talented designers.  

At work in the studio‘Carly in her studio’

I am a Canberra-based designer and founder/owner of FinBok Publishing. I commenced my business as a Graphic Artist/Desktop Publisher and have spent the last eighteen years expanding on my design skills. My surface designs for interiors and fashion launched in 2016 and my designs have branched from collaborations, prints for personal use and expanding through to creators abroad in the textile industry.  

Flame Pea Image‘Flame Pea Moodboard’

We are often asked what drives our passion to create and generally speaking for myself, I gain much satisfaction viewing the appreciation of those who support my work. Sharing the love of art and bringing a smile is what speaks to me. I have been creative since I was a child and have also been fortunate to explore a number of art shows where I have been able to sell my paintings.  

My studio_Finbok‘Carly’s Design Workspace’

Most of my inspiration is drawn from nature and more recently I have spent some time observing my history and culture. I enjoy exploring nature’s contours, textures and colour palette. Together, I like to combine this with a variety of mediums, as I continue to explore new techniques and learn to work with organic materials sourced from Australian suppliers. I am currently working on many new designs to be released this year, all of which have been created using a unique self-taught technique.  This method combines natural pigments that I mix with inks and gel mediums. I find this to be a rewarding process to see my illustrations and paintings brought together, as I continue to develop on my seamless signature style. 

Whimsical in the making‘Whimsical Sketches’

The process in developing my designs will vary, depending on where I draw my inspiration from. Sometimes it begins with a walk in nature; other times a colour I am drawn to, a memory, or experience. My sketchbook is a big part of my life, and I never leave home without it. This is a journal that I hope will be treasured in my family for the years to come.   

Ruby Blomst in the making‘Ruby Blomst Sketches’

Each design is taken through a process that I have constructed over time. This process enables me to keep my designs on track during my creative thought process. My designs are structured with sketches, both initial and final stages, a colour selection process and consideration of purpose for print. All of my final designs are then imported to Adobe Creative Suite, where I then clean my files and prepare the layout for print production. 

Singapore Butterfly in the making‘Singapore Butterfly Sketches’

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!

‘Spring in Bloom’ Textile Collection by Carly Westbye

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest featured artist of The Designer Project for the month of February! Introducing the wonderful Carly Westbye 

Carly is a Canberra-based designer and founder/owner of FinBok Publishing. Her inspiration is drawn from nature, where some of her recent designs have captured some of the finer elements that are often missed on our tracks in nature. From her local nature reserves, to the coastline and mountains, places where she might be seen exploring natures contours, textures and colour palette. 

Each of Carly’s stunning prints 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 Carly Westbye and her Spring in Bloom’ Collection! 

 

Whimsical Peach & Teal feature the Rose Quartz, Rosehip and the Zebra Finch. Both designs featuring a striking red and pink Rosehip flower and the sweetest Zebra Finch Birds. There is a choice between the soft and harmonious peach tones or the more deep and moody teal blue. 

Whimsical Peach & Teal would work perfect for fashion projects such as kimonos, or silky evening wear and lingerie.  

  

 

Singapore Butterfly features a subtle image of rose quarts illustrations hidden beneath an array of beautiful black and white butterflies. There is also a honeycomb pattern added to the design, giving in a delicate hint. 

Singapore Butterfly would also suit fashion garments such as sarongs and shawls as well as scarves or a tote bag!  

 

Ruby Blomst is a striking design that features bold red florals mixed with a swirl behind the soft delicate layers of the Rhododendron. 

Ruby Blomst is a perfect print for activewear such as leggings! 

 

 

Spring Summer Orchid (Blue, Night & Tan) features delicate orchid illustrations that come to life in three colourways. The subtle red tones in the Orchid pair well with each background, creating a new look with a unique flow across all three. 

We think Spring Summer Orchid is perfect for skirts, dresses and blouses! 

 

Iris is a beautiful design featuring the divine Iris flower. The purple colourway for this design brings a sense of warmth, joy, balance and spirituality. Think of the sweet scent on a sunny day at Floriade – Canberra’s Flower Festival! 

Iris would is ideal for swimwear, dresses, blouses, or even a delicate scarf! 

 

  

Koimaroo & Koimaroo Waters feature the Japanese Koi Fish, a reflection in time. The beautiful red fish pair perfectly with either the periwinkle colourway or the aqua colourway; both soft, subtle prints  

Koimaroo Waters & Koimaroo are perfect for summer kaftans or sarongs, perhaps an outdoor cushion by the pool. 

 

Flame Pea Flower is a funky retro design contains both illustrated drawings and digital illustrations of the Chorizema varium, or the Flame Pea, and sadly, this flower is listed as a threatened species (endangered) in Australia. This design embraces curves with a fun, vibrant colour for summer and is a sweet match for the Flame Pea print and Flame Pea Lines. 

We think Flame Pea Flower would be amazing as a cool summer tote bag or zipper pouch! Maybe even a cute skirt or dress!

 

Flame Pea features the beautiful, bright Flame Pea flower. We are obsessed with this orange flower, which pairs perfectly with subtle floral motifs. This design embraces curves with a fun, vibrant colour for summer and is a sweet match for the Flame Pea Flower print and Flame Pea Lines 

This amazing Flame Pea design would look great as some swimmers, activewear, or even lingerie! 

Flame Pea Lines is a perfect match with the Flame Pea and Flame Pea Flower Designs. It features a digital illustration of the Flame Pea flower, coated in some wonderful stripes! 

Flame Pea Lines is the perfect print for swimmers, kidswear, cushion covers, or even a beach towel! 

 

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