On the Path

Welcome!

Field Notes

Creating Bespoke File Folders Creatsy - 30% off Mockups Until 8th July Analogue Designing

Inspiration

Catherine Marion 2nd Edition of Bärbel Dressler's 'The Patternpedia'

Studio Notes

A Change in Circumstance What I'm Working On

Final Thoughts

Trust the Process

Welcome!

And just like that we begin the second half of 2026. A very warm welcome to all the new subscribers this month. It's so lovely to have you here! Hopefully you've found a place that understands what you're trying to achieve and supports your creative journey.

Creating Bespoke File Folders

I've been creating my own computer folder icons for a while but recently used them to solve an ongoing problem that you may be experiencing too. As I was creating my entry for the recent TwoPages competition I became increasingly frustrated with how long it took me to make the mockups I needed for my submission. I knew my mock-up filing system was a bit ad-hoc but when the pressure was on, and time was running out, I realised it was time for a revamp. So as soon as my entry was sent off I set about fixing the issue.

My solution was to re-sort all my mockups into specific categories. While sorting them, not only did I rediscover mockups I'd forgotten about, but I was also surprised at how many mockups I already had! And to keep things very me, I created bespoke folders.

That solved the first issue. But the second problem was being able to find a particular mockup quickly. So I created a separate folder for each mockup, with an image of the mockup as the folder for reference. Now I can see at a glance all the different mockups I have for each category!

Creating your own folders covers is very easy, so I thought I'd share with you how I did it for my PC. (The process is slightly different for Mac users, but a quick Google search should help you find the steps for your Apple computer.)

1. Convert Your Image to an ICO File

Save the image you want to use as a Jpeg. You can also save them as PNG, GIF or BMP. They must be less than 4MB. Make sure you save your image as a square, so you don't get white borders appearing around your icon.

Convert your image to an ICO file. ICO files are used for computer icons and favicons for websites. I chose 256 pixels and at 32 bits to ensure the best visual output. I used the free website below:

Free ICO Converter Website

Save your ICO files in a specific folder on your computer. The file will be linked to the folder you apply it to, so if you move your ICO files, you will lose the link.

2. Apply the ICO File to a Specific File Folder

Create a new folder where you need it on your computer. Right click your folder. Choose PROPERTIES >CUSTOMISE>CHANGE ICON. Browse to find your image, click OPEN>OKAY>APPLY.

It's a really simple process. Some of the mockups I'd saved didn't have a Jpeg so I took a screenshot of the mockup file open in Photoshop, and cropped it to a square.

You can expand on this idea to really stay organised. I've created bespoke folder covers for all sorts of things. It's a really good way to see what's inside a folder at a glance. So the next time you're finding yourself frustrated trying to find a specific file or image consider creating a bespoke folder.

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Creatsy - 30% Off Mockups Until 8th July

Creatsy are holding a summer sale - 30% off mockups purchased through their website but only until the 8th. Enjoy!

Creatsy Website

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Analogue Designing

The Folded Paper Technique - Straight Repeat

There's just something magical about drawing with only a piece of paper and a pencil. I've been doing a lot of that lately, just for fun, in my sketchbooks. I love using analogue techniques to develop my illustrations or motifs into repeating patterns so I thought I'd share the techniques I've learned in case you find them fun too.

I first learned the folded paper technique when I was figuring out how to create a repeating pattern at the beginning of my surface design path. It's easy, fun and perfect for developing a single straight repeat tile. Hanna Wendelbo taught it in her course 'Hanna's Pattern Workshop' and I instantly fell in love with it all over again. I find it works best with for me when I'm working on an all-over busy or ditsy design. If I was still a primary teacher, this method would be perfect for teaching children the fun of creating repeating patterns because the process is so easy.

All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil. I prefer using a square paper, but a rectangle will also work. I used a 15cm x 15cm square in the following example.

Start by drawing your pattern in the middle of the paper, avoiding the edges.

2. Turn the paper upside down and fold the top and bottom edges into the middle. The folds do not need to be even.

3. Continue your pattern by drawing motifs over the fold.

4. Open the paper out. Turn over, and fold the left and right edges into the middle, just like you did in step 2.

5. Again, extend your pattern over this fold.

6. Fold and refold the paper while you add motifs and fill in any gaps to ensure the motifs are aligned and the pattern will repeat seamlessly. Filling in the corners can be a bit tricky.

7. You have created a straight-repeating tile!

Scan it in to your computer, or print out a few copies and tape them together to see how successfully it repeats. I often import this tile in to Illustrator and use it as my template for tracing over the motifs on the iPad.

Over the next few newsletters I'm planning to share other analogue techniques.

Catherine Marion

New Zealand-based artist Catherine Marion was one of the first surface designers I discovered when starting my journey. Known then as Folklore and Flora, her intricate flowing botanical designs and vivid colour palette drew me in immediately. I purchased one of her art prints many years ago featuring a cute trio of finches surrounded by intricately detailed leaves, flowers and branches. She now works primarily as Catherine Marion Art.

Catherine is an ambassador for Adobe and has lots of knowledge she's willing to share. She's had many of her designs licensed with many well known brands such as Milton & King, Bespoke Press and Casetify. If you'd like to see more have a look at her website.

Catherine's Website

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2nd Edition of Bärbel Dressler's 'The Patternpedia'

I'm so thrilled that Bärbel Dressler has updated her inspiring pattern encyclopedia, The Patternpedia. This beautifully illustrated 72-page guide features over 170 classic pattern types, historical styles, and decorative motifs, all organised from A–Z for easy reference. It's an invaluable resource to deepen your understanding of pattern design or spark fresh creative ideas. It's the perfect inspiration before you start your next project!

Access a Copy of Barbel's 'The Patternpedia'

A Change in Circumstance

Big changes are afoot at Green Acre. As I look to planning the next quarter, I am entering unchartered waters. Eleven years ago, during a severe storm we call an 'east coast low' in Australia, we had a tree fall on the back of our house. The ceilings fell down, our house was flooded and we had a tarp over a gaping hole in our roof for months. Repairs were carried out, the walls and the roof were rebuilt and we moved on with living our lives. But just before Christmas, a structural engineer found that the repaired trusses had come apart. So we are faced with moving out of the house for six months as they repair the roof again. But with chickens, goats, two dogs and a large garden to keep up, it's not easy to move out. So we've made the decision to stay onsite while the repairs are carried out, not only for practicality, but to stay together as a family, and also to make sure the house is secure. Thank goodness we have caravans! We are not sure when the work will start, but now my thoughts are moving to the day-to-day reality of living in the backyard for six months! What should I pack in the van? Which books, art supplies, and tech will I need to continue working? Where can I set up my desktop computer? This has made me realise just how much I’ve come to value — and perhaps take for granted — the comforts of everyday life. At least I won't be having to spend a lot of time each day cleaning the house!

My Indoor/Outdoor Workspaces for Six Months

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What I'm Working On

Since my 'Riverview' fabric collection was released in May, Phoebe Fabrics have asked me to create a follow-up, so I've been working on a new collection. I usually move on from one thing to the next, going where my inspiration and thoughts take me. But in this case, I've been asked to create with a given theme. That's a first for me. And to be honest, I'm finding it a little tricky.

'Riverview' was inspired by the Myall Lakes National Park, where my husband's family have been camping for well over 50 years. Luckily, I have loads of inspiration for the follow-up collection - last year's trip down the Murray River. It's definitely a different kind of river, and it changed dramatically as we moved along it's 2500 kilometres, so there's lots of ideas to pull from. We began in the mountains, where the water was crystal clear, fast running and surrounded by lush green pastures. As we travelled further downstream, the river widened, the riverbanks transformed into towering cliffs and the familiar muddy waters of the Murray were busy with paddle steamers carrying tourists on day trips. It was hard to believe it was the same river! I will be interesting to see how things come together in the end.

But in true Alison style, I found more inspiration during last month's trip to Jervis Bay. So I'm working on that collection as well. I have created two collections at once before, totally by accident, and it worked out, so I'm happy to go down that path again. When ideas for one collection stall, I move to the other. By working this way I seem to avoid the 'all or nothing' problem. Wish me luck!

Trust the Process

I am a regular listener to Tyler Brown's 'Wake Me Up' Podcast. It gives me a positive boost at the beginning of every day. There's one episode I come back to again and again - 'Trust the Process' from 1 May 2024. He's right - finding the right process is a process in itself! I hope you're on the right path to finding yours.

Until next time,