So I’ve been on a big popsicle 🍡 kick lately. I’m finding they’re quick to grab, fun to make, and a healthy-ish snack-hack when you’re trying to stay in the creative flow, amidst this ridiculous humidity 🥵 Maybe it’s just me, but somehow it makes the sticky-ness of thighs and craft supplies a little more tolerable 🤷‍♀️

A friendly suggestion from a human who’s body does not tolerate heat well…yet has sh*t to do and things to CREATE!

I’m not married to the idea that pops have to be “fruity”. So, lately it’s been a combo that turned out to taste a little like coffee ice cream (ugh, yum)!

CURRENT RECIPE

Peanut butter powder (or Sunbutter), milk, cinnamon and a dash of maple syrup. If I’m feeling frisky, I’ll toss some carob chips in too.

TOOLS

A popsicle mold tray (I snagged a silicone one off Amazon, truthfully), and a blender. I use our smoothie blender, since it’s only about 1.75 cups worth of liquid. TIP: It’s helpful to initially fill molds with water, to gauge how much “mixture” to make.

MAKE

Takes me all of 5-8 minutes to make a batch. Simply dice up any solid ingredients, toss solid and liquid ingredients in blender, pour in molds, set in freezer for a few hours, and enjoy!

Suggestions…

My world was rocked at a music festival mid-August a few years ago…by handmade pops someone was vending. They were my saving grace amidst the heat, and it was literally just coconut milk and mango. They slid the wooden popsicle stick through the center of a cupcake wrapper…no drips. Boom! By the end of the festival I was on first name basis with them.

In addition to mango and coconut milk, I’ve enjoyed herbal tea (like chamomile), combined with milk, honey and a little lemon. I’ve also had fun with cucumber, culinary lavender, basil, and a dash of honey!

A Quick Thank You!

I use this space to go beyond a post caption. Sharing here, is an extension of the physical thing’s I create.

It’s the experiences, learning and growth, that is ingrained in me, therefore in my work!

Illustrated Patterns
(Process)

Source for Inspiration

Like my jewelry, my pattern designs are illustrated with roots in nature treasures I’ve found outdoors! My eyes are always scanning for something curious to take pics of for reference 🕵️‍♀️ I snap different angles and views, so I have options when I’m back with my sketchbook, or nature journal! I wish I had time to draw everything I find, when I find it. But, much is in the “archives” and comes out in the winter, when much is sleeping under a blanket of white.

*The initial sketchbook study that inspired my Lunar Hill pattern. A collection of species and findings, native to my family’s house in western, MA.*

Relationship

Taking pencil to paper, I start with a quick sketch that evolves into a decently rendered version. Sometimes, I’ll also draw the multiple angles or separate the various parts from one another, like the leaves. Drawing more than one version” opens up opportunity to build stronger spatial relationships in the composition, with the other elements I’m illustrating.

For example, a round mushroom cap tucks nicely inside the empty space left by a curved stem. Yes, the mushroom could live next to a straight stem, but anything straight in a pattern (unless geometric), creates a visual “block”. It lacks connectivity between each element, if that makes sense?

I like the eye to “serpentine” the empty space between my drawn elements, when I can! It really is like a puzzle. And to have the ability to move and shift elements to work together, I typically transition my drawings to a digital format on my iPad, or computer.

*An early pattern of local ‘mushies’ - see the blue line showing the relationship of the shapes fitting next to one-another and offering intentional open space for the eye to travel.*

Color

Sometimes I struggle here. The style of drawing I continue to develop for n’GRAINED, lends itself to more subdued, traditional, colors. Which, can be a catalyst for stepping outside the box. So, I find myself combining “expected” colors with some pops! I pull color-inspiration from photographs by fellow adventurers, and eco-focused gear that I admire.

I typically create two to four color-ways for a design, for appeal across the range of furniture, decor, apparel and accessories that I currently offer between my shops! To avoid the rabbit-hole of creating color combinations, I found a sweet spot by focusing on color-ways that represent any of the four seasons 😍 I’ve found my approach offers up a range of dark to light…making something for everyone!

*Two color variations of his pattern, both in jewel tones for autumn/winter.*

Making them real…

Once all colored up, I export the digital files, in multiple sizes to accommodate height and width that will produce best on various items. Uploading is similar to creating a listing for a new physical item I’m’ offering in my Etsy shop. There are fields to share a description of the pattern, characteristics, colors, and tags to increase your chance of someone finding it when searching! Aside from the time collecting inspiration, and the detail in my style, I estimate I put in at least 10-12 working hours creating a pattern, from start to finish. To be fully transparent (because why the hell not), this equates to approx. $600-$1000 in working hours, for me. Then, there’s the waiting game (and hope) that it’s well-received, and maybe some orders will even be placed!

Availability

I currently am partnered with Society6, where I have a curated collection of print/made-to-order items, chosen specifically for my patterns! And, as mentioned before, I am building-out my Spoonflower online shop! Spoonflower is focused on patterns in rolls, like fabric and wallpaper, with a smattering of printed items. They are also very pro supporting artists making an independent career for themselves! 💁‍♀️

I’m really excited to make my patterns available on all their yummy fabrics and materials, for your crafting and decorating projects! I’ll happily share the link to my Spoonflower shop, as soon as it’s ready!

Why not do it myself? Well, I work full time (not for n’GRAINED) right now, and because print partners are exactly that…Partners. They work alongside the artist handling various tasks we don’t have capabilities for. For me, this free’s up the time and space for pattern illustrating and jewelry making!

Therefore, I don’t make 100% of that $600-$1000 back, as quickly, as I would if I was printing, making and shipping, myself. Though, I do make a percentage of every sale you kindly put through, in my web shops! A THANK YOU in advance!

These are just a few of the patterned goods available in my Society6 web-shop.

Take a look at the rest HERE!

Originally shared via e-mail in 7/2023

Pops and Patterns!