Bumps on a quarter.
January 12, 2011
Fabric. I love it. I love designing it. I knew I would, but I didn’t realize how much! It’s like illustrating a book, only without words and there aren’t any borders on the page. And instead of following a narrative storyline, I’m focusing on a feeling with color and design. So…ok. I guess they are totally different. But it’s been so refreshing to learn the ropes. It’s addicting! I just can’t stop!
This design sketch didn’t end up working with my spring line, but it makes me so happy. I called it “special treasures.” I was thinking about when I was small, and all the things I’d pick up off the floor that somehow made me so happy to find. Little things. Little things big people forgot about, didn’t need, or didn’t see. But I did. And they became my special things. A fallen feather, pieces of jewlery, bobby pins (I had an obsession with those when I was 4) and safety pins. All these things had such remarkable textures and colors when you look at them up close. I remember being particularly in love with the little bumps on the side of quarters and dimes. Did you know that Pennies and nickles don’t have bumpy sides? Have you ever noticed? To my 5 year old fingers, clicking the bumpy side of a dime with fingernail made such a wonderful sound. My mom could tell you stories.
So, this is a little ditty I came up with. Maybe I’ll have a chance to use it soon…but for now, it makes me happy to just reflect on the way my mind captured the world when I was 2 feet tall, and closer to the ground then big people. Reminds me to notice those little things. Like bumps on a quarter. Which really, doesn’t that just brings a smile to your face thinking about it?
P.S. don’t forget: 2011 Calendars are 50% off in the shop!
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I love seeing how you’re designs are coming. I just realized your drawings remind me a bit of Tasha Tudor. No wonder I love ‘em!
Oh my goodness. This makes me almost giddy to see your did make it into the spring line!
I absolutely LOVE this and hope you do use it soon! Makes me smile just looking at it!
Great post Sarah! I just know this fabric line will be a big hit especially with the moms and kiddies for the very reason you mentioned above. You really go back to the thoughts and feelings of what was important to you as a little child and that will really resonate with other children. I can’t wait to see the fabric line once it comes out! Way to go!
love this and can’t wait to see your “line”
Oh sarah I would love to see a print with a little girl sitting on the floor, pulling ‘treasures’ out of her purse with this lovely design as the border!! Would be sooooo gorgeous and would look lovely with a matching boy version!! It’s super sweet and we have ‘bumpy’ coins here in Australia too!!
Gab xx
Marissa has taught me to see and appreciate the way some cement sparkles! So pretty.
I love, love, love read your posts!!! I start to remember my chilhood too….
And I’d like to see this design in a fabric line… soon!
XOX
Beautiful, Sarah!
Only nerdy dads ignore fun fabric in favor of thinking about Isaac Newton when reading about two feet tall girls feeling the bumps on a quarter. It turns out that in England, penny pinchers (maybe literally?) used to shave the edges of coins and then melt down the bits that came away. The coins still retained their full value and the crooks got something for nothing–the Crown ending up the loser. Newton was commissioned to solve the problem so he came up with notching the edges. Guess that’s why they don’t bother with pennies and nickels.
wonderful design! Thanks for sharing what inspires your design. I agree that ‘special treasures’ would make the sweetest wall print too!!
xx
this is just adorable! (& reminds me of my 5year old’s incessant hoarding {incidentally, when she saw me looking at this, she said “oooo! OOO! can you please order me that fabric!!!”}) …so i was thinking, meanwhile, until it finds a permanent home, you could put it on spoonflower? (!) ps…i love everything you create–can’t waaaaaait to see your fabric line!
Sarah Jane, Sarah Jane!!! Keep ‘em coming…I’m counting down the days until your collection hits stores
i love this print and the colors and the story behind it. I can’t wait to see what your line will look like. Have a good day!
so darling sarah! congrats!