Do It: Sketching while Traveling

Next time you’re a passenger in a car, on the train, in an plane, or simply walking about, take a sketchbook and a fat black marker along with you. Carve out some time to focus on something spectacularly ordinary – a broken brick, an awkward divot in the sidewalk, a beautiful asymmetrical flower, the window grid of the office building across the street…the clouds in the sky.

Draw it. Draw it again. One more time.

Keep at it, until you’ve filled the page and have a few angles that look interesting. Before you know it, you’ll have enough material to weave a themed pattern together from your sketch.

When you’re done, we’d love to see it…share on #mypatternstudio. Also…for more prompt ideas, please do visit My Pattern Studio where you can pick up a book and challenge yourself to 49 more exercises!

October 14, 2016 | By: Shayna Kulik

Places that Intruiged in 2012

To creative folks, inspiration can be found pretty much anywhere and in anything. That sentiment is heightened when we’re traveling. New environments intrigue the senses and ignite our curiosities.

Get inspired with some of the places we visited in 2012:

1. Mosaic collages from around the world.

2. The patterned and zippered bags from Isetan in Tokyo.

3. Floral footwear from Paris.

4. The patterns and branding of Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore.

5. Looking at cities from a higher perspective.

6. This textile exhibition at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Ramat Gan, Israel.

7. The many striking tiles of Portugal.

8. An up close look at the weavings of Myanmar.

9. The textiles that flourish in Helsinki. (p.s. Did you know they were the design capital of 2012)

10. Tallin‘s technology boom and doll obsession.

December 26, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

A Portugal Tile Study

Big treat for you today! Our dear friend, (and super star stylist) Amy Stearley is on a bit of a world tour at the moment. Following her on Facebook’s been really fun, as she’s trekked through Slovenia, India, Frankfurt, Paris and now Portugal.

Viewing the world through the eyes of our friends is a gift and it’s been a treat to see her creative interpretations streaming through Instagram and Facebook…particularly as it relates to print and pattern.

Back in 2008 I visited Lisbon with a few girlfriends and everywhere we went, I was that friend who had to photograph everything…the floors, the walls, the subway ceilings, practically any and all exposed surfaces.

Without a doubt, Portugal’s one of the most colorful and geometrically adorned places you can visit. In Amy’s photos, cobalt grids appear to dominate with splashes of lime, terracotta, hay and blush.

While I collaged these spreads together for spacial reasons- the large-to-small ratio is quite popular at the moment (and a personal favorite). Abrupt mix and matching can be a cool fusion, so long as the silhouette’s polished.

The tiles are truly inspiring. Every building features a new color way, texture, print or pattern. I’m constantly dreaming about what cut of dress I would construct with each new blocking that comes my way. I hope everyone can enjoy as much as I have. Thailand is next on my list…excited to see what that beholds! – Amy Stearley

So that brings us to you, our lovely reader. What surfaces inspire you? Where do you find yourself snapping and are there any trips on the horizon before summer ends?

July 25, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review:150 weekends in the US & Canada

Many of us equate the desire to travel with the exploration of the countries and cultures outside of our own North American borders. In this line of thinking, we often forget the rich diversity and nuggets of culture that fill Unites States and Canada. Since 2002, The New York Times has been offering up dream weekends with practical itineraries in its popular weekly “36 Hours” column.

The many expert contributors, experienced travelers and accomplished writers have all brought careful research, insider’s knowledge, and a sense of fun to hundreds of cities and destinations, always with an eye to getting the most out of a short trip. For this book, the Times has brought together new and updated versions of “36 Hours” columns in 150 U.S. and Canadian locations, from the great urban centers on everyone’s travel list to surprising locales with undiscovered character and charm.

The paths lead to fashionable clubs in Manhattan, blues joints in the Mississippi Delta, architectural treasures tucked in the Pennsylvania hills, the French America of Quebec, the seaside cliffs and Hollywood cool of California, and well beyond. For a taste of adventure and a veritable journey throughout the continent, explore 36 Hours in America.

March 1, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Creative City Tour: Austin, Texas

So you’re Austin-bound for this year’s SXSW and you’re ready to be inspired. Guess what, you’re in luck! Last year’s trip to interactive was an extremely fun week full of interesting folks and creative must-sees. Be it shopping on South Congress, tunes on East 6th or five-star trailer grub, it’s hard to be disappointed when visiting this city. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or new to the Austin scene, follow along, take the tour and let us know what you think!

1. Austin Texas Music Mural, East 6th at the Driskill Hotel
2. Iron Works BBQ: Best corn on the cobb for the veggies- Great ribs for the carnivores. (100 Red River Street)
3. Stag: Freeman’s-esque men’s store with a burly meets hip lifestyle twist. Fantastic product and displays. (1423 S. Congress Ave.)
4. Uncommon Objects: Hands down, the most inspirational store on S. Congress. The owners are retail display geniuses. (1512 South Congress)
5. The Fifth Gallery: Great underground prints. (305 E. 5TH- below Action Graphics)
6. Tesoros: Skull-inspired folk art galore. (1500 S. Congress)
7. Big Top Candy Shop: Vintage speakers to accompany a vast array of sugary sweets. (1706 S. Congress)
8. Emos: Multi-room dive bar bedecked with really rad posters. Name appropriate. (605 Red River)
9. Jo’s Coffee: Perfect coffee and sandwich joint. Also ideal for business meet-ups. (242 W. 2nd St.)
10. Gallery D: A hip array of clothing, art and shoes, curated by former Barney’s buyer, Emily Keast. (436 W. 2nd St.)
11. Amy’s Ice Cream: The best midday pick me up. Utterly delish. (1301 S. Congress)
12. By George: Another boutique with Anthropologie-like wall displays. (1400 S. Congress)

March 10, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Prêt à Voyager

I recently had the opportunity to participate in Anne Ditmeyer’s Boarding Pass series on her hugely inspirational travel blog, Prêt à Voyager. We covered everything from places I love most, to cataloging information to tracking trend practices. The piece was fun to compile (especially the food faces) and appeared yesterday. Check it out here.

March 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik