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Textile of The Week: Vibrant Lines

9/29/2017

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Watercolor painting is such a lovely way to generate art and textile patterns. I often like to paint with a particular shape in mind so that I keep exploring its potential. An example is this watercolor of blue, red, and pink in lines that run next to each other in unison. The beauty of this shape - a line - is how much variety one can achieve once the painting is digitized and turned into repeat textile patterns ... Scroll below. 
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Do you like what you see? Contact me so we can make a custom #scarf or another item for you from one of these #textile prints. ​​
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When Language And Painting Express Themselves in Textile Design

9/27/2017

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I am a big believer in textiles telling stories of our lives. As an artist I certainly see a connection between my life experiences and the artwork I create. I bet it's the same for you when you wear clothing that expresses who you are across different periods of your life. My textile designs, thus, reflect experiences you can connect with.

I love language and reading and often look up definitions of words to get a better grasp of their meaning. Recently, I looked up the definition of the word "formation". It came up as this: "the action of forming or process of being formed". I was moved by this. As an individual I am constantly creating my life and who and how I wish to be. As an artist I form new pieces of art daily. Hence, I decided to use this word as the basis for my latest textile design, called (surprise!) "Formation."  
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I painted several watercolors exploring the relationship between shape or "form" and my inner process of "forming" the paintings. I explored colors and how they interacted. I landed on this vibrant painting of pink lines made even livelier with bursts of various shades of blue. ​​
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I took a photo of my painting and got to work on the computer testing out a variety of patterns to go even deeper into a visual representation of "formation".  It was quite a fascinating process for me: actively participating in forming what started as an idea into something tangible.  ​
Et voila! Here is a textile I created for all of us to remind ourselves of the intrinsically complex yet enormously important process of "formation". As you know, all of my textiles (turned scarves) have names and little stories. So, here is the story of this colorful beauty ...

"​The definition of formation is “the process of being formed” or “coming into being”. I am drawn to this word as I believe formation is at the core of our lives and our creative expression. There is an idea; there is its evolution. I adore repetitive patterns that are both soothing and visually remarkable. As you wear this scarf, always remember your own process of coming into being your unique self."
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So, enjoy! And if you like what you see, hop over to the shop and spread the joy of textiles that tell stories of our life experiences. 
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Monday Dose of Joy

9/25/2017

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What a colorful sight! I stumbled upon this vibrant neighborhood of bird houses on a stroll through Copenhagen. It totally made me smile. So, this week, I wish you a sight that will make you smile and ponder the beauty of life. 
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Textile of the Week: Oh, Those Succulents!

9/22/2017

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Ooh! Isn't this photo just delicious? I went for a walk while on vacation in Copenhagen, Denmark, and stumbled upon the most stunning garden at the University of Copenhagen. They had the loveliest of succulent arrangements and I took so so many photos! I then got to play with patterns and below you can see four colorful options. Nature is the best designer ... Enjoy! Which one do you like the best?  
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Do you like what you see? Contact me so we can make a custom scarf or another item for you from one of these textile prints. ​
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Four Ways to Stylishly Layer Up with RADOST Scarves

9/20/2017

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Fall is coming and while the RADOST scarves are great for any season, you may want to layer up during the cooler months. Layering is a fun way to bring color and texture to any outfit of yours. And of course, it also a wonderful way to bring joy into your day. Read below about four stylish tips ... and a bonus idea!
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Take a black-and-white scarf ... and add more black and a pop of color. The look will give you just the right amount of black with touches of color and color, as we all know, have a deep and positive effect on your mood.
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Take a black-and-white scarf ... and add a lot of color! I enjoy this bright green and while you may think of it as more of a Summer color, I suggest you test it out anyway. You never know what is going to happen ... 
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Take two scarves with similar pattern but in contrasting colors. Here we have a grey scarf combined with a bright pink/magenta one. There is contrast, yet there is balance. It is achieved as both of these scarves have lines in their pattern. They compliment each other like cherry and a pie. 
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Take two scarves in the same color scheme. This is a very classy and classic look with the crisp white giving so much energy to the various shades of blue. No need to feel blue even if you are surrounded by blue ...  
So, we looked at mostly contrasting ways to layered up ... and now for the bonus! Do you prefer a more matching look? Indeed, that's great! Below are two examples of how scarves from various RADOST collections work well together in terms of color and print. 
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Here we have a scarf from the Salt-y Watercolor collection beautifully bringing out the colors, mostly greens, in a scarf from the Nature's Colors collection. Ooh, this feels and looks so good ... 
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And if you love purple, then you may want to combine a scarf from the Salt-y Watercolor collection with one from the World's Windows collection. Purple is such a heart-warming color. Enjoy!
Do you have other fun ways of layering up your RADOST scarves? Let me know. I love hearing from you and seeing how these colorful designs brighten up your closet and day. And, if you like what you see, hop over to the shop and treat yourself to a dose of joy. 
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Monday Dose of Joy

9/18/2017

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Make a splash! This fun little splash was captured as a little boy threw a rock - a huge one! - into a stream and jumped away as the water droplets exploded out of the water and reached back for him. There are indeed many poetic moments in our lives. And those are just the moments I wish you this week!
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Textile of the Week: Office Building

9/15/2017

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On a recent trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, I strolled through the streets and admired the fabulous architecture all around this lovely town. The building below is the Maersk Headquarters in town right by the river. Its size against the bright blue sky is impressive. In this week's textile profile, check out four different patterns I created using a photo of the building. Turns out offices can be beautiful too! 
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I am enjoying the combination of the white/silver colors from the building and the crispness of the blue. These patterns remind me of op art with their repetitive nature drawing the eye in. Which one is your favorite? Let me know!
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Do you like what you see? Contact me so we can make a custom scarf or another item for you from one of these textile prints. 

Search tags: #textiles #creativity #artwork #photography #digitalart #patterndesign 
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The Story of the RADOST "Ceiling" Scarf: Why It Matters to Look Up ... And a Few Styling Tips

9/13/2017

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Remember that it’s good to look up. There is great beauty to be seen. And it’s good to have a camera nearby. Here is a black-and-white scarf, called Ceiling, based on a photo I snapped the at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. A lovely architectural gem turned art for your neck.

How did this all start? I went to see a show with a friend. We looked around the Museum and on our way out ... I looked up and froze in my tracks. The ceiling at the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard is such a staple. The wave glass-and-steel roof appears to float over the courtyard and lets in natural light while protecting the visitors from the elements. I am big on textile designs telling stories of actual life experiences and believe this pattern reflects this idea perfectly. The moment of pause and awe; the moment of art stopping us in our busy lives and enriching our souls ... 
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But onto the practical matters ... Scarves need to be worn to be appreciated and to really bring joy into our lives and closets. So, scroll down and see two suggestions for Fall outfits that incorporate the Ceiling scarf beautifully. The first outfit shows how this op-art like pattern works with color. My friend Dana (who snapped this selfie in Prague, Czech Republic) looks so happy in her salmon-color coat; the scarf ads just the right amount of visual texture and volume. The second outfit is Dana's office wear; what a great idea to layer black-and-white over black. It's classy and classic. But it wouldn't be my fun friend if she did not add a pop of color (look at those great green earrings!). And a smile. That's the best part. 
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Do you own the Ceiling scarf? Let me know how you style it and how it brings you joy. It's wonderful to connect with you and to hear your story. If you don't have the scarf and like what you see, treat yourself (I mean, who can resist free shipping, right?) ... 

Scarf - Ceiling (Black & White)

$39.00

Remember that it’s good to look up. There is great beauty to be seen. And it’s good to have a camera nearby. Here is a scarf design based on a photo I snapped of the ceiling at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. A lovely architectural gem turned art for your neck.


Want to read the full story of my Photography Collection? It’s right here.


Crafted with much joy in the United States. Great for all seasons and occasions with a variety of styling options. RADOST scarves have been featured on Voice of America and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. Thank you for supporting a woman-owned small business.

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Monday Dose of Joy

9/11/2017

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Fall is coming and it's time to pull out those warmer socks and hiking boots and ... go hiking! Nature is just splendidly beautiful this time of year. I wish you a wonderful week full of adventures in the fresh air! 
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Textile of the Week: Fire!

9/8/2017

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I love camping and enjoy starting a fire and enjoying the warms of its flames. Turns out fire is also a wonderful source of information for ... textile design! I snapped a close-up photo of the hot logs during a recent camping trip to the Shenandoah and played around with the #photo in order to create a variety of #textile patterns. Take a look below at the vibrancy of colors and the different feel of each pattern. I bet you can feel the heat! 
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Original photo by Martina Sestakova
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Fire - Pattern 1
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Fire - Pattern 2
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Fire - Pattern 3
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Fire - Pattern 4
Do you like what you see? Contact me so we can make a custom scarf or another item for you from one of these vibrant textile prints. 

Search tags: #textiles #creativity #artwork #photography #digitalart #patterndesign 
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RADOST Colorful Tops: Joy for Your Heart and Closet

9/6/2017

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Whitney Dahlberg owns The Muse, a gift store in Frederick, MD. She opened her shop in 2003 and is an established and well-respected small business proprietor. I have collaborated with Whitney since 2016 and it's be a privilege sharing my textile designs with Whitney's customers. In addition to a nice selection of RADOST handcrafted scarves, The Muse carries two styles of my tops: jersey tunics and pleated cotton tops. 

Whitney believes that the items featured in her store need to be of value to her customers, many of whom have been faithful shoppers for years. Everything tells a story: of the creator, of the area, or the artistic medium. I use original painting and photography in my textile design work and while that may sound a little dreamy, all of my designs are of practical use. “Fashion accessories and clothing must work for you. Don’t put on anything that does not bring you joy,” I would recount as my design philosophy. And this is indeed the case of the RADOST tops. Take a look below!
Jersey Tunic Top - Good Vibrations

Being out on the water makes me so happy. While exploring the nooks and crannies of the Chesapeake Bay, I snapped a photo of trees reflecting on the water's surface. They seemed to vibrate as waves played with the trees’ reflections. To me, this top is a symbol of nature's elements coming together - to play and to create beautiful sights. It will bring to your outfit the tenderness of trees and the vibrancy of colors. ​
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Jersey Tunic Top - Pine Cone

I have a thing for pine cones. Why? I love the layers, so immaculate yet so unique. I love the colors, light on the top, darkest black under the layers. I love the texture. With my camera nearby (always!) I snapped a photo of a pine cone that would prove to be the perfect basis for this striking black-and-white pattern! Are you into pine cones? I think so. ​
Pleated Top - Rain Drop 

I often talk about looking up. But sometimes it’s good to look down too. Following a rain shower one day on a trip to Costa Rica, I stumbled upon this gem of a rain drop as I peeked at a leaf below my feet. One thing led to another, and the result is a top pattern design created out of my photo. Kind of cool, right? 
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Pleated Top - Salt-y Watercolor

Let’s mix things up! Literally. For this textile print, I combined an abstract watercolor painting with salt droplets. Letting elements do their thing is the very definition of art. Check out the wonderful beauty of this design: the detail and the bigger picture. What do you see? I promise that once the top rests on your body, it will draw you in even more.
“My store is filled with unique stories. My customers cherish them and Martina’s colorful designs only add to the variety I offer,” Whitney confirms her clientele’s enjoyment of the RADOST products. What is essential about local stores like Whitney’s is how they showcase artists and their individual approaches to art, so essential to the well-being of our society. I am so very grateful to be able to share my creative ideas with the world and working with Whitney has been the loveliest of experiences!

If you like what you see, stop by The Muse, chat with Whitney, and check out these tops! 
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LABOR DAY WEEKEND: ENJOY 10% OFF!

9/1/2017

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    RADOST™ BLOG

    Welcome! My textile/fashion design brand RADOST™ (Czech) is all about JOY (English). 

    In the blogs, I bring you thoughts on textile and fashion design, art, and travel.

    Check back often, as creativity never sleeps (well, almost never) and surround yourself with joy!  ​​

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Contact Martina Sestakova at connect@RadostByMartinaSestakova.com


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