In Celebration of Butterflies
Last week a package arrived on my doorstep. I thought it was going to be some backordered art supplies. But the box was bigger than I was expecting. And it was heavy.
When I saw the label I couldn’t wait to get the box opened. It was my Minky Couture blanket!
You might recognize those butterflies.
Earlier this year I collaborated with Minky Couture, but after all that’s been going on in our world this year I wasn’t sure when their new collection would arrive. I was delighted to get an email recently asking for my address so they could send me a thank you.
The blanket is gorgeous! And so soft. They were a wonderful company to work with. I was impressed with their story and the fact that they donate a mini-sized blanket to a NICU family each time an adult-sized blanket is sold.
Pepper immediately discovered the cat toy they sent, too.
This blanket is the most recent example of how my butterfly pattern continues to be my most popular design.
Ariel’s butterfly entryway makeover might be my favorite use of it.
I’ve heard from a few other people who are using my butterfly wallpaper (one to decorate a nursery!). The thought brings me so much joy.
The wallpaper is available from Spoonflower, the company who makes the fabric from my patterns, too. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself how cool it is that there are companies like this, allowing anyone to become a pattern designer. It’s good to have reminders when I’m feeling frustrated with our society.
I get so many compliments every time I wear the top made with my butterfly fabric.
Each of the butterflies in the design were part of a series of watercolor butterfly collections I painted years ago. The originals are sold (two live in a dear friend’s bedroom!), but prints (including mini-ones)
Butterflies are such a delight. I’ve been seeing so many in my garden as more and more of their favorite flowers are blooming. And I’m always on the lookout for caterpillars!
I got my first query about my 2021 calendars last week and although they aren’t quite ready yet, I’ve begun updating my tea towel calendars with next year’s dates. Last year’s butterfly design was the first.
Here’s to 2021 being far and away better than 2020!
Every day the butterfly rug (it’s really a bath mat) in my studio brings me joy (Quin likes it, too).
It’s from Society6.
Lately I’ve been enjoying using the zipper pouch from them, too.
It’s the medium size. Perfect for carrying art supplies with me to the garden (which I’ve been doing as I’ve been working on filming and editing a new Skillshare class — follow me there to be notified when it goes live).
I’m so glad to have gotten so much use out of one series of paintings. It’s a good reminder for me of the vast possibilities for artists to make use of what we make.
I have so many new ideas, too!
What projects have you been working on lately?