Free Vector Patterns

Pattern is a great way to create texture and interest in design. Below are some free vector patterns available for download.

I found many of these patterns thanks to http://www.patternhead.com/

Click on the images below to download from site.

Ann Arbor Art Fair This Week

The Ann Arbor art fair is the best art fair that I have been to.  Although it has been downsized over the last couple years, it is still the largest and most diverse art fair in the area.  The art fair starts Wednesday July 15th – Saturday July 18th.  Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  While you are there you can also enjoy Ann Arbor’s shopping and Restaurants. Visit the art fair website at: www.artfair.org

I will be looking for one artist in particular I saw last weekend at the St Joseph, MI art fair – Patrick Whalen. His photography was different from any other artist at the art fair. His images pop with vivid color and are unique subjects. Some a little more abstract and some just interesting. He also had a great personality. When we asked “how do you get your colors so vivid” he said “I hit the pop button”. The painting that I liked best was of a winding road with the yellow guardrail popping in the forefront. It was only $350 and quite large but couldn’t afford it for right now.   To view this artist’s website go to:  www.pcwhalen.com

Orla Kiely

I love Orla Kiely’s textile designs.  A great use of color and textures.  Find her desings online and also at Target!

Shop Orla Kiely @ Target: Click Here

Visit Orla Kiely Website

http://www.orlakiely.com/

Bag from http://www.orlakiely.com/

Cup

Cups

Cups

Wallpapers, Shades

Kitchen Chair Cushion

Target Plates

More Plates

Great Advertisement for Diving School

Dive School - We'll make you love water.

Old Ads from Creative Newspaper

Thanks to my Grand Rapids Press rep – I got to browse through a stack of old newspaper ads from a Creative Newspaper.  These ads range anywhere from the 60′s to the 90′s and have a very creative edge.  A nice change from many of today’s digital designs.  Looking back in time at these ads, you will notice the hand made styling and clever wordplay that will hopefully inspire you in your modern day designs.

-Thanks Buzz!

umm...nice bear

Graham & Brown Wallpaper Patterns

This wallpaper is something you don’t see everywhere!  Whether you use it for it’s intended use in your home or as inspiration for use of texture & pattern in design, it is something that you may enjoy.

Found it at:  http://www.designpublic.com/shop/graham-and-brown

Paintables Squares

Paintables Squares - can paint any color

Paintables Small Squares

LLB Mystique Wallpaper

Drama Midsummer Wallpaper

My Attempt w/Blik Decals

Since I posted on the Blik decals, I thought I would give this a shot myself. I am unsure of the results from the graphic I picked (shown on the left below).  My walls are light brown so I thought I’d make this corner more interesting with the “Boy In The Weeds” decal priced at $40.00.  I’m not sure if I’m loving my results though based off of the colors & placement.  Tell me what you think!

Didn’t see my post on Blik decals? – See it here.

Q: How long did it take me?
A: A couple days. I chose a piece that had many separate decals to place though.

Q: Are the decals easy to place on the wall?
A: They are fairly easy but you have to rub them with the provided tool on the reverse side quite hard to make them transfer. Result – sore fingers w/how big my decal was.

Q: Do they come off easily?
A: They pull off just like a sticker but unfortunately, as a result they also tear the paint off a little. Heating the decal before removing may help release the adhesive to avoid this issue.

Blik Photo Example

My attempt

Larger view of wall

Blik Graphics – http://www.whatisblik.com/

Blik surface graphics are really fun add ons for your wall, or for almost any flat surface. For the most part – they are like durable stickers so you can decorate without having to fully commit to it. Check it out @ http://www.whatisblik.com/

Agruculture Under The Influence- $28

Do-Re-Mi-Quack- $45

Let's Go Parasoling- $40

Wee Gallery Safari- $38

Typography by Veer- $69

Cyclamen- $50