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. 

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."

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. 

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. 

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?  

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. ​

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!

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. 

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. 

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!

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!

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. 

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?) ... 

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! 

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! 

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 

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!

“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!