Welcome to 2026!

I'm so excited for the new year and I'm hoping you're filled with the same optimism. My quarterly calendar is printed and pinned on my board, I've come up with some fun goals to work towards, and I'm buoyed by the fact that no matter what this year brings, as long as I am creating patterns, I will enjoy the ride. Anything else I accomplish along the way will be a bonus. I feel like I've prepared myself better than other years - I've done lots of intentional planning, deep thinking and reflection. One of my biggest takeaways from my teaching career is to understand that you move from the known to the unknown, so I took an honest look at where I am right now and where I really do want to end up. If I stayed where I am, would I still be happy? The answer is a resounding yes. I love what I do. I am sure that you do to. That's why we're still making patterns isn't it. It gives us joy. Knowing I've completed all this groundwork and I'm feeling prepared, it's provided me with motivation and a positive mindset to start the new year. I hope you've started the new year with a smile too!

Things to Consider on Your Path to Becoming a Successful Surface Designer

During my planning I asked Chat GPT to create a list of things I should keep in mind as I continue my surface design journey in the pursuit of success. I often use Chat GPT for idea-prompting tasks because it always reminds me of things I had forgotten, or suggests new ideas I hadn't thought of. It did such a good job I thought I'd share it in the hope that it might help you too.

Sourcing Companies for Products

I few years ago, in the pursuit of creating an income, I started designing my own products. Overall, it hasn't been a success, but the payoff is that I see my designs come to life!

I've always found researching production companies to be a real hit and miss affair. I love to work with local companies wherever possible, and as most suggestions come from designers that live in the U.S. or Europe, the logistics are often an issue.

But I also have to consider the cost per item and the MOQ (minimum order quantity). Pricing is always in the forefront of my mind as I don't have a reliable income yet. I also like to view samples when possible. Some companies have willingly sent me samples for free, or for a small fee, which is helpful. It also allows me to rule out or rule in some companies early on.

My first washi tape was produced by Washi Mill based in China about 18 months ago, and I was really happy with their product, their communication, and their pricing. They sent me samples of their washi tape before I placed an order with them but I had to pay for shipping. They also included samples of a lot of other products like post-it notes and stickers with my final order which was lovely.

I have used three local sticker companies to date - Bright Star Prints, Sticker Warehouse and Oz Sticker Printing. I have been really happy with the first two companies, but the kiss-cut return address labels I ordered exactly 2 years ago through Oz Sticker Printing are not sticking any more. Bright Start Prints printed my circular washi tape labels. They responded quickly when I asked if they could match my Pantone colours and their quality is really great. Sticker Warehouse is where I source my die-cut stickers that I sell online. They are so quick to proof my designs and were lovely when I spoke to them on the phone. I am exceptionally happy with their printing and vinyl quality, and speed of production too.

About 12 months ago I wanted to have some notebooks printed. I was able to rule out three local companies just from the samples they sent me. I must admit, it didn't help that I'd received a complimentary notebook from Denik, based in the U.S., as part of the Immersion Course a few years back and instantly fell in love with the quality and the texture of the cover. Sublime! So the local companies had to compete with a really beautiful product. But when I reached out to Denik they took forever to get back to me and the final pricing was way over my budget. It's really a gamble when you're starting out in products, especially when I've no idea what may sell. So I saw someone else's notebook in a gift store and found out who printed it. It was made by Print Together. I'd never heard of them. I placed an order within a few days and recently received my order. I'm really happy with the print and also the way it's constructed. Sometimes it pays to wait!

I'm still finding my way with products. The upfront cost is a big investment. I'm definitely not making as many sales as I hoped I would, and I have not been able to work out which product lines are best for me to continue with in the future. But the feeling I get when someone purchases one of my designs is the best! By far, my most popular item is my cicada washi tape. And a high percentage of orders have been placed by overseas customers, the majority being from the U.S., proving that you never can foresee what will happen!

TIP: Have a look at other artist's websites. Sometimes they list who they are using to manufacture their products. I've found several companies that I will consider if I choose to branch out in the future and expand my product range.

More Ideas to Spark Your Art

After participating in 'Repertoire' and Hanna Wendelbo's course last year, I had a creative thought that might help spark your art practice. My idea is a simple one. Sometimes giving yourself a basic design brief can help give your creativity a direction - that's one of the advantages of the Spoonflower challenges. Everything you need you can download through the link below.

To create your simplified brief, select:

• An Art Prompt - the overall theme of your pattern (e.g. curling leaves, quatrefoil, stylised tulip)
• A Colour Palette Prompt - and add to it to create a new colour palette (e.g. rust, denim and bone)
• A Pattern Prompt - the form your pattern should take (e.g. straight repeat, half-drop, trailing floral)

And then go and create! And it's your choice whether you design with an end purpose in mind (fabric or wallpaper) or you just use the framework to create just for fun.

'Jesse' Colour Palette

I felt my latest design 'Jesse' called for a muted colour palette which is a little out of my comfort zone. It took many versions to come up with something I was happy with. I thought I'd share the palette with you.

I'm not sure what I will do with this design. A couple of people have commented on how busy it is, but so far I'm happy with how it turned out. I'm thinking it might be the start of another fabric collection?

My New Products

My new 76-page lined notebook from Print Together was the perfect Christmas gift and I love to use my own copy everyday. If you're thinking of getting some notebooks printed I highly recommend them. View My Etsy Listing Here

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. My first order with Noissue definitely didn't turn out as I'd imagined. I wanted the natural rice paper as the background but I found the white parts of my caravans didn't show up as plainly as I wanted. I okayed the proof they sent through, but as it was on my computer screen I assumed the actual washi tape would be more cream. Oh well. Lesson learned. I'm giving them away and using them to package my Etsy orders.

Mood Boards

I use mood boards to help me set a clear direction, stay focused and organised, and as a gentle reminder of the aesthetic I’m aiming for as I design. About twelve months ago, I bought four inexpensive, lightweight grey felt boards (43cm x 43cm), and they’ve been perfect for the job.

Currently, one board holds my longer-term vision and goals for Green Acre Designs (see the little cute black shed on the top right - that's my backyard dream studio😊), another maps out my quarterly plans, and the remaining two are used for active projects—such as developing a new fabric collection. I also find them invaluable for refining colour palettes, testing combinations, and gathering images or swatches.

What I love most is their flexibility. I haven’t fixed them to the wall, so I can move them around, place them beside my desk while I’m working, or group them together when I want to see the bigger picture.

If mood boards aren’t something you currently use, it might be worth giving them a try. They don’t need to be anything fancy or time-consuming — just a simple place to gather ideas so you can see them together. I’ve found they really help bring clarity, keep projects feeling cohesive, and make decisions easier as I work.

Simplifying The Path

I was listening to an episode of the 'Wake Me Up' podcast the other day that I'd heard many times before, but I must have been listening a little bit more intently, because this golden nugget really struck a chord. I know I have a tendency to over analyse, hoping to get things right the first time, instead of simplifying my thinking and getting on with it. Hopefully the further along this path I travel, things will become more automatic and I will trust the process a little more.

Until next time,