It’s always when I least expect to be starting something new, that a “Mini-Collection” will fall into my lap.
No matter how hard I try to make a plan and stick to it, sometimes things just evolve all on their own. And that’s what happened with this little group of patterns. “Woodland” came together much on accident one day, but I love that it’s a fun large scale group of patterns. These have wallpaper vibes all over them and have actually got the ball rolling on a few new ideas as well (more on that later).
A few weeks ago, I’d gathered together some bits of ferns and foliage that I’d grabbed on a rainy walk and shoved between paper into a big heavy book. Eventually, (much later..asis often the case) I scanned them into my files for what I thought would be a bouquet- like floral composition. Instead I found myself drawn into the world of the woods. And this little group came together. It’s the thing about pattern making that is the most fun to me. You can have an idea but then what you end up with might be totally different than what you were expecting. And that’s ok. In fact, it’s the process of discovery that keeps it interesting. Much like a hike in the woods, what you find along the way is what keeps you coming back for more. The fact that these little ferns grow in layers and hide and protect each other from the rain is where the idea for the pattern “Hidden” came from. It might be overly simple, but I love the textural quality of the single fern.
“Foraged” in green is another large scale pattern in the Woodland Collection. I love this as an accent pillow sham. What an easy way to incorporate that “woodsy” feel into a room without going overboard. When it comes to detailed botanicals, I personally love to see bold graphics like this paired with more textural accents. Think super soft overstuffed lounge chair, in warm camel colored boucle with this eye-catching graphic print resting on the seat cushion. Ah. Like an art piece. So fun.
Last week I took my kids to the Hoyt Arboretum at the Washington Park just outside of Portland. If you’ve ever been, you know it can be pretty busy on a good weather day. Luckily, it was Presidents’ Day and very drizzly, so we had the the trails almost to ourselves. It’s amazing to me to see the transformation in kids as they hike in the woods. It’s a slow start sometimes to get out of the “discomfort” of walking in the mud and getting rained on. But sooner than later, they usually find something amazing to go “check out” and the Wonder sets in. My daughter is almost 11, and loves to start with a complaint about being “bored” on hikes like these. But this time of year we all get a bit too comfortable with snuggly blankets and hot drinks, and it’s easy to forget that the fresh air is what we really need. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of getting the oxygen in and the muscles warmed up, and soon enough she’ll be the one leading the expedition. This hike was no exception.We did get muddy. And the rain increased despite the sunny forecast we had been given. But we had a lot of laughs, and found some giant redwood trees. We looked for owls and had a snack. My 7 yr. old took charge as the “mud slick” alarm, keeping us informed of all the slippery spots. It was just another day in the woods. And exactly the kind of “reset” we all needed. Nature has a way of soothing and centering that is unlike anything else. I always feel bad for people who don’t like to be outside. How tragic it must be, to not be able to connect with what seems to me to be so foundational. As an “PNW girl”, I’ve always loved hiking. Rainy days don’t stop adventurers here. In fact, some of my favorite hikes have been underneath the massive fir trees during spring downpours. You feel like a little kid playing in a fort when your under those giant trees. With needle covered branches protecting you from most of the rain, it’s a magical place to be. Sure the soupy days can get old. And the rain and clouds take their toll as well. But the smell of the fresh air is unbeatable. The abundance of green life is undeniable.
Found Is another pattern that takes you into the woods. I helped plan a baby shower once for a friend with the “woodland” theme and would’ve loved to have mushroom printed napkins to go with the wildflower decorated cake. Although mushroom themed accessories are easier to find these days, I think these are a fun compliment to the rest of the patterns. Napkins and Table linens are also available on Spoonflower. As February winds down, I can feel my nervous system gearing up. March can be a tricky month for some. Sunny days will sometimes tease you into thinking Spring has sprung, when in reality we usually have 3 more months of clouds and rain. March is usually the end of the long wet Marathon I like to call a “Northwest Winter” and can be tiring, when you just want it to be warm again. One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that March has often been a “hurry up already” kind of month for me. This year, I’m going to try something new. I’d love to see how much I can squeeze into this month out of the ideas I have going in my pattern making book so far. I have at least 3 collection ideas brewing and I know there’s no way I can do them all. However, I am energized by the thought of not missing out on other things, because it’s just March! Hahah. It’s usually gross outside anyways. Anybody relate to this? When you are planning out your months, do you choose a few “yuck” months to buckle down and get lots of work done? I know summer is challenging for lots of productivity, as are the Holiday filled ones. So really, by contrast, March should become our golden unicorn of great accomplishments! So what are we waiting for? I’d love to hear what you think about hiking in the woods. And grabbing March by the horns and getting stuff done.
As always, thanks for reading.
