Purple Clover

Patterns of China

2013-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Today we continue our journey through patterns with a look at the patterns of China!

Many of the elements in Chinese patterns derive from Chinese mythology and religion. The fierce dragon is, perhaps, the most well known element of Chinese art. It represents male power and yang energy (part of Taoist religion based finding balance within yourself and the world between two main elements - ying and yang). The bottom most left pattern shows two other common Chinese symbols - the phoenix (symbolizing either yang/female or good fortune) and the cloud (symbolizing the celestial realm). Flowers, particularly the six-point flower are also prevalent in Chinese patterns. The middle right pattern, featuring figures and a pagoda, is known as a willow pattern. Though not strictly Chinese, the willow pattern is a popular European interpretation of early Chinese textile patterns and embodies typically Chinese patterns in its use of color and design.

Happy Valentine's Day - The Upcycled Way

2013-02-14T16:56:00.002-05:00

Check out this post on upcycled Valentine's Day gifts from Love2Upcycle, featuring two Purple Clover products. Can you spot them in the collage?

Follow the link above to see where you can score each of these eco-friendly beauties!

Pattern Love

2013-02-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

A collection of geometric and floral patterns I'm loving right now. Enjoy!

Inspiration Fix

2013-01-17T17:36:00.000-05:00

Today's inspiration fix from the garden of The Textile Museum...enjoy!

New Items in the Shop!

2013-01-10T03:45:00.000-05:00

I added a few new upcycled pieces to my Etsy shop this week. Check out their fabulousness for yourself below!

Magnet Board in Pink Flower - made from repurposed wood floor tiles!

Winter Coasters in Sage Green

Magnet Board in Green Diamond

Winter Coasters in Red

Patterns Through the Ages

2013-01-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked at a chevron-patterned armchair and thought, "Ah! The chevron is the modern-day descendant of the ancient Egyptian Nile motif. How interesting to see how it has evolved over the ages!"?

Unless you are me (or another sleep-deprived interior design student) chances are that you haven't had the above experience. But, believe me, seeing how patterns have evolved over time due to various cultures and social circumstances is actually pretty neat. (really, I promise). We'll be starting with the patterns of early indigenous Indonesia and Polynesian cultures, and in future installments traveling through ancient China, medieval Europe, colonial America, the arts and crafts period, the swinging sixties and ending with current day. Enjoy the journey!

Patterns of Early Indonesia

Indonesia patterns are typically known for their vibrant colors and floral designs. The batik (a traditional method of resist dyeing) textiles from this region are as highly sought after today as they were when trade routes first opened up in the region. Indonesian designs typically derive from nature and have strong symbolic meaning. The examples above feature delicate flowers, which were all painstakingly hand-dyed, indicating refinement and prosperity for the owner.

Patterns of Early Polynesia

The patterns of the Polynesia Islands rely heavily on geometric designs, and heavily influenced later cultures that adopted similar geometric designs. Grid patterns, seen here in the top two examples, are common in Polynesia patterns. The bottom left example shows a leaf design - vegetation and aquatic life are also commonly used motifs. Compare the top right and bottom right examples. The top right is a traditional star-shaped Polynesia design. The bottom right is a later (much later) version of the same traditional star-shape incorporating muskets and using the star-shape to represent musket fire. Even within this one culture, we can see how patterns evolve to fit changing societies.

*Photos are courtesy of 1000 Patterns: Design Through the Centuries, ed. Drusilla Cole

Observation is Inspiration

2012-10-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

Today (or tomorrow) when you walk out your front door, take ten steps then stop. Look to the right for ten seconds. Look down at the ground for ten seconds. Look up at the sky for ten seconds. Look to your left seconds. I would bet your morning coffee that you noticed something beautiful and inspiring that you would have normally walked right past. We all get caught up in the day to day, but taking time to observe and enjoy your surroundings is a great way to recharge and revive up your creative juices. Taking pictures of your usual surroundings is also a great way to narrow in on those quietly amazing moments you normally miss.

The below photos are from a school project involving circular forms. For two days I walked around with a camera in my hand, and these are just a very small sampling of the everyday beauty I encountered during that time. Try it for yourself - what will you rediscover?

MoMA Lecture at GWU

2012-10-02T11:48:00.000-04:00

Next week GWU's Interior Design program is hosting Paola Antonelli from MoMA. The lecture is free and open to the public, so if you are in the DC area don't miss it! Plus there will be tasty treats and fancy balloons at the reception (I should know, I'm on the planning committee).

Upcoming Craft Shows

2012-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Purple Clover's fall craft show schedule is set! If you are in the DC-area, come visit at one of these upcoming shows...

Saturday, September 29
Fenton Street Market
10 am - 4 pm
Veteran's Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland

Sunday, October 14
Oktoberfest at the Kentlands
12 - 4 pm
Kentlands Village Green, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Saturday, November 3
Handmade on Hamilton
12 - 7 pm
Hamilton Street & Queen's Chapel Road, Hyattsville, Maryland

Saturday, November 10
Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair
10 am - 4 pm
Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Saturday, November 24
Fenton Street Holiday Market
10 am - 4 pm
Veteran's Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland

Exploring Other Genres of Art

2012-09-25T11:48:00.000-04:00

The regular readers of this blog are familiar with the upcycled collages I create for Purple Clover, but have you ever wondered what other type of artwork I do? Probably not. But that's ok! Many artists may have a certain style or medium they are known for, but generally artists love to explore all of their creative avenues even if it's outside their normal box. Here are a few examples of my "out-of-box" work. I hope it inspires you to try something new!

Charcoal and Conte Crayon on Paper, Summer 2012

Conte Crayon on Paper, Summer 2012

"Pattern makes Pattern," Original Photograph Collage, Fall 2012

"Light and Shadows on Water," Original Photograph Collage, Fall 2012

Inspiration Fix

2012-09-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

An end of summer sunset...just look at those beautiful pastel colors courtesy of mother nature!

Bright Textiles

2012-09-15T11:29:00.000-04:00

Hi there blog readers! My apologies for the extended absence. A few weeks ago I started grad school - an MFA program in interior design. The downside is the seemingly unending amount of work. However, now that I'm a bit more adjusted to bring back in school full time, I will be regularly posting once or twice a week again. The upside, at least as far as this blog, is exposure to inside world of interior design which I will be sharing with you!

Today I have a few of my new favorite fabrics for your viewing pleasure. The bright, bold colors in these fabrics will stand out in an otherwise neutral space or pair them together for a look that won't soon be forgotten. Enjoy!

Above two textiles from KnollTextiles

Above two textiles from Clarke & Clarke

Above two textiles from Holly Hunt

Inspiration Fix

2012-08-28T14:33:00.000-04:00

Today's inspiration fix is from the Finnish Embassy in DC. I went on a tour earlier this summer, and came away feeling very inspired. Between the oxidized copper, glass panelling and lush greenery (yes, lush greenery does occur in DC) the exterior of the building almost looks like a building forgotten by time.

Fun Finds: Back to School Bags

2012-08-25T14:13:00.000-04:00

I'm in the market for a new messenger bag. In my search for the perfect one, I came across lots of great options on Etsy. Here's a few of my favorite back to school bags for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure. Highlights are below, and be sure to check out the full collection. Enjoy!

Elessa Bag by milloo

Gray Messenger Bag by ZeroBags

Purple Messenger Bag by sineminugur

Design Your Own Wallpaper

2012-08-21T17:30:00.000-04:00

I recently saw this on Apartment Therapy and fell in love with the idea. DesignYourWall.com gives everyone the opportunity to design wallpaper perfect for your personalized space. Their designers can take any pattern, photograph, drawing, etc. you provide and turn it into custom wallpaper. Customers can also choose the type of wall covering (removable wallpaper, grasscloth, etc.). The images here are some of my favorites from their existing collection, just to get your creative juices flowing!

DIY Painter's Tape Projects

2012-08-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

Recently DesignSponge asked readers to submit innovative DIY projects using painter's tape. The finalists are have been selected and waiting for your vote! Best of all? Each entry has one final picture and one in-progress picture, so you can see just how easy it is to do the project themselves. Many of the projects are simple enough to do at home and unique enough to show off your artistic skills!

The entries that earned my vote are below. Voting closes tomorrow at 7pm EST.

Ombre Stripe Pillow - Erin Souder

Geometric Painted Wall - Donna Yu

Inspiration Fix

2012-08-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

Today's inspiration fix. Feel the sun.

Fun Finds: A Retro Summer Picnic

2012-08-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

There are still a few days of summer left, so enjoy them by picnicking in style with goodies from this collection of handmade and vintage picnic gear. Highlights are below, and be sure to check out the full collection on Etsy. Enjoy!

Vintage Picnic Plates by krankyk

Antique Picnic Basket by DACAIS

Picnic Blanket in Chevron by LemonSqeezies

Inspiration Fix

2012-08-09T13:53:00.001-04:00

Today's inspiration fix, can't you just feel breeze?

Fun Finds: National Lighthouse Day

2012-08-08T14:09:00.000-04:00

Lighthouse Watercolor by yankeegirlart

Here in the U.S., yesterday was National Lighthouse Day. Of course, I had this special post all ready to go and then life got in the way and it didn't get posted. Anyway, it may be a day late but what's wrong with giving lighthouses another day of honor? :)

Lighthouses hold a unique place in America's history. When American relied heavily on the ocean for transit and trade, lighthouses served a vital function in the community. For the lighthouse keepers and their families, it was dangerous and difficult work with little reward (Have you ever visited a lighthouse? They aren't exactly roomy.).

To me personally, lighthouses are a reminder of simpler times and are worthy of preservation and attention. Enter the American Lighthouse Foundation. The organization behind National Lighthouse Day is also leading the fight to save and restore these aging structures. Learn more about the lighthouse way of life at ALF's website. And, take a look at this collection of handmade finds celebrating the lighthouse. Highlights are below, and be sure to check out the full collection. Enjoy!

Lighthouse Ring by tadastudio

Lighthouse Photography by SeeWorldThruMyEyes

Lighthouse Print by jennasuedesign

Celebrating the Seahorse

2012-08-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

Tale of Love Print by kellybermudez

Seahorses are one of the quirkier creatures created by mother nature. Among their interesting traits there are a few worth mentioning: seahorses are lousy swimmers, their eyes move independently of each other and when mating they are known to change color and swim with their curly tails intertwined. Not to mention the fact that they are only one of two species where the males birth the young. Their uniqueness has made the seahorse a darling of the ocean, so let's celebrate the quirky seahorse with these beautiful artworks!

Seahorse Painting by WhitSpeaks

Seahorse Print by GreenGirlCanvas

Seahorse Print by DianaMartinStudio

Seahorse Watercolor Painting by anitarogulj

Don't be Afraid of the Floor

2012-08-02T14:23:00.000-04:00

One of the newer trends in home decorating is beneath your feet - bold, bright patterns on the floor. Below are a few of my favorites. but with enough tape, paint and imagination the sky (or the ground, ha ha!) is the limit.

Via HuesAndCues

Via Things That Inspire

Via Curbly

Via CRAFT

Pinners I Love: Fabulous Furniture

2012-07-31T14:18:00.001-04:00

Curtis Popp Sidetables

I get a kick everytime I stumble across a new board on Pinterest full of amazing, adorable and super fun things just waiting for me to dive into. Of course, Pinterest is all about sharing, so I'll be passing these great boards right along to you! Today's board is Fabulous Furniture from Christine Martinez. With tons of brightly colored, mid-century modern pieces, this board is a must-see for design lovers. Here are some of my personal favorites:

CBY sideboard

Canteen Utility Chairs

Anthropologie Amorphous Nesting Tables

Sustainability at the Olympics

2012-07-26T15:22:00.000-04:00

You may have heard by now the uproar over the Team USA's Olympic uniforms being made in China. This is not a political blog, so don't worry, I won't be adding my voice to that issue. I only bring it up because that side of the story has overshadowed another side which is way more positive. All USA track and field uniforms are partially made from upcycled materials, including plastic bottles and recycled fabrics!

These uniforms are just a small part of a new change in environmental attitude we're seeing from the Olympics this year. Due to the scope of the games, the Olympics have a hugely negative environmental impact - from the venue construction to the transportation of all the participants and spectators to the waste created at the event itself. The 2012 London Olympics are billing themselves as the first sustainable Olympics, and this was a major factor in why London won the 2012 summer games. Under the program, "Towards a One Planet 2012" the London Olympics have built sustainable practices into every stage of the games. To list just a few: cycling programs are in place for spectators, permanent green spaces have been built alongside venues and all food vendors are required to use compostable packaging. I applaud this long overdue change and expect future Olympic cities will follow suit.

Full details on these sustainable plans and the environmental impact of the games can be found at London 2012.

Fun Finds: Simple Summer Accessories

2012-07-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

Summer is a great time to play with your accessories, when they won't be over powered by sweaters, coats or other bulky winter gear. Here's a few of my current favorites from Lilyshop. Highlights are below, and be sure to check out the full collection here. Enjoy!

Bird Cage Necklace by Nell'amore Jewelry

Linen Cluth by BlackGipsy

Shabby Chic Bracelet by Wilwarin Designs