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Dear Reader,

It's beginning to look like fall here in Calgary, so I'm looking at faded florals and neutral colours in this month's Pattern Journal.

Patterns by Susana Miranda

These patterns are by Susana Miranda, who writes, "After working in the fashion industry for over 20 years, I began my career as an illustrator. I'm passionate about creating patterns that combine my passion for fashion, painting, fabrics, and design." Instagram / Website​

ps If you signed up for From Paint to Pattern because of me—thank you! I haven't received the student contact details yet. I have first names and initials, so if you want to check if you're on my list, email me! I'll deliver my bonus once the course concludes. Congrats to everyone who enrolled and for taking the next step in your surface design career.

My virtual mentor, Marie Forleo, has a free webinar on Wednesday. Catch it here. I'm an affiliate for her Time Genius program; here's my story about why Time Genius is a course that can change your perception of time and stress. Learn how to get things done joyfully! Using my link, you'll get access to my bonuses (a coaching call, access to our private community and a behind-the-scenes tour of my organizational system.) Enroll in Time Genius by Wednesday to get an early bird bonus from me: a free UPPERCASE subscription or renewal! Registration closes on Friday.

Pattern Journal Submissions featuring neutrals

Patterns by
Melissa Johnson Design

Inspired by the magic of nature my designs are soft, organic and playful in spirit created with the ones who will use them in mind. Designed to feel like keepsakes to be woven into a part of your life memories in special spaces and projects. Instagram / Website​

Patterns by
Lenka Kaciasvili

I’m Lenka, a surface pattern designer and mom from Copenhagen, Denmark. I was born and raised in Slovakia, and that’s probably why I am inspired by Slovak folklore. When I design, I like to visualize the pattern on a certain product and choose motifs that I’d like to see in my own home. Instagram / Website​

"Kudzu: the Weed that Ate the South"
by Miriam Rowe

A scent of grapes wafts through the humid summer air; you're surrounded by a jungle of vines and fragrant flowers... Kudzu is an invasive plant introduced to the Southern United States in the early 1900s to combat erosion, but it quickly took over and became known as "the weed that ate the South.” This collection explores the beauty, the takeover, and the attempts to control this fragrant invader.

I completed this collection the 2nd time I took Immersion, with feedback from the Immersion Community and Experts. As I pitched my work following Immersion, this was picked up and is currently licensed for quilting fabric with Paintbrush Studios. Instagram / Website​

"Victorian Secrets"
by Alicia Bruce

This collection was a fun challenge for me: I'm typically drawn to mid-century styles in design and lettering, but for some reason I explored the Victorian era for the first time. I made sure the colors, illustration style, and pattern designs reflected the era while also looking like my work. Instagram / Website​

The winning design of the Spoonflower Conversational Wallpaper Design Challenge caught my eye. It's by Mia Valdez. What a fun concept, well-executed!