There are so many lovely colors in the world's paintbox! While I enjoy a particular few (red, pink, robins egg blue!) as my go-to colors, I really do love them all. I have always had a deep relationship with colors, from my first crayon box to my many dyes. I associate many objects, ideas, feelings in my mind with their own color.
Magnolia and Marmalade
I am constantly running into color inspirations for my many projects. Sources are so varied, so I must keep my mind and eyes tuned to what falls into my path. For instance, Magnolia and Marmalade came from a lovely word association. My sweet daughter Carmen was telling the family a story of her stuffed poodle- Magnolia. Later that day I read about the store Marmalade in Stampington's Where Women Create magazine. Magnolia, Marmalade. Those words just BELONG together. They must be created with, side by side. I am almost feverish when it comes to an idea that needs to be created, sometimes dyeing several lengths of ribbon before I get what I am sure is the look I desire.
Easter Eggs Vintage Swiss Bird's Nests
inspired by the beautiful colors of spring
Magnolia and Marmalade ribbons in a pretty jar.
Hydrangea and Rose ribbons
inspired by watercolorist Marjolein Bastin
I love examining other artist's work- Marjolein Bastin (of Hallmark fame) uses the most beautiful combinations of colors for her works. I also enjoy Cicely Mary Barker (Flower Fairies). Nature itself can be most inspiring. I also love creating colors based on foods (what does cotton candy, circus peanuts, cherry bombs, mint chocolate chip ice cream make you think of?).
Magazines, catalogs, and other photographs are great sources as well. I love the children's catalog "Chasing Fireflys" with their pretty boutique clothing- lovely texture, as well. And check out
Wedding Chicks ! Wedding photography is just teeming with gorgeous color combinations just waiting for the artist to lift onto their palette.
What inspires you?
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I also heard some desire for Earthtones. I imagine I may do more along those lines in Autumn (thinking pumpkins already!), but I did find some inspiration for a few sets now. The first set "Fire and Blueberry" came from a Marjolein Bastin painting...
And I am thrilled to say that I hope to add real SILK ribbons to the shoppe soon, too. The roll I purchased to experiment has a GORGEOUS soft hand to it, with nice solid sides unlike some silk bias ribbons. Look forward to some new spring and summer palettes soon!
