Ok, this blog post is a total tearjerker for me. Why? Because I got to help a dear friend celebrate her mother's birthday with one of the most unique scarves I have ever designed. Just read on and you will see ...
My friend grew up on a farm with a lovely orchard. And I visited this farm and this orchard on a few occasions. A truly beautiful place in the mountains; stunning views and fresh air. My friend's mom is a sweetheart. She is kind and adorable and makes the best peach pie I ever had. So, when her birthday came up, my friend asked me to help out. She send me a few photos from the farm and as I sifted through them, I recalled just the nicest of memories. To capture this home in its fullness, I decided to use a photo of the orchard as a pattern piece for my textile design that would later transform into an infinity scarf. I believe the photo below captures everything that this place means to my friend and to her mom. It's the sunshine. It's the richness and ever-so-present giving nature of an orchard. It's the work they put into it.
My friend grew up on a farm with a lovely orchard. And I visited this farm and this orchard on a few occasions. A truly beautiful place in the mountains; stunning views and fresh air. My friend's mom is a sweetheart. She is kind and adorable and makes the best peach pie I ever had. So, when her birthday came up, my friend asked me to help out. She send me a few photos from the farm and as I sifted through them, I recalled just the nicest of memories. To capture this home in its fullness, I decided to use a photo of the orchard as a pattern piece for my textile design that would later transform into an infinity scarf. I believe the photo below captures everything that this place means to my friend and to her mom. It's the sunshine. It's the richness and ever-so-present giving nature of an orchard. It's the work they put into it.
I picked a section of the photo and tested out a few way to change the color scheme to make it pop once it became a print on a fabric. I honored the rich greens and blues but added a touch of the sweetest of pinks. When I was finished, I just could not wait to get the printed textile! When it arrived, I was so excited. The scarf is a token of a full life and a celebrate of a person and my friend's mom, a women who has worked hard in that orchard to reap its fruits. The scarf is both a gentle reminder of home and a striking fashion statement. You can pretty much see the leaves on the trees and feel the warmth of the air. And once the scarf rests around my friend's mom's neck, it highlights her face and the pink just adds the most amazing pop of color.
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Isn't this just the best experience to have? I got to collaborate with a dear friend and used all of my skills as a textile designer to capture her home and to celebrate her wonderful mom. Not much can top this. I am so grateful. A beloved home is indeed a truly wonderful inspiration for a unique design.
Update as of July 29, 2017: My friend's mom now has her new scarf and this is what she said about it ... "My daughter gave me this lovely scarf for my birthday. I knew immediately that it was a design by her friend, Martina. When I discovered that the inspiration for the scarf came from a picture of my orchard I was delighted. Martina is a very talented artist and a very good friend."
Update as of July 29, 2017: My friend's mom now has her new scarf and this is what she said about it ... "My daughter gave me this lovely scarf for my birthday. I knew immediately that it was a design by her friend, Martina. When I discovered that the inspiration for the scarf came from a picture of my orchard I was delighted. Martina is a very talented artist and a very good friend."