Pura Vida Collection // Sweet jungle animals // Costa Rica jungle designs for fabric

Five years ago I traveled to Costa Rica, the country was number one on my bucket list of places to visit for a long time so when I finally saved up enough money I couldn’t wait to see all the lush green parks and quirky animals.

As you know I love traveling and whenever I come back from a trip the first thing I do is create new work. Usually I have been on the road for weeks and during my trips I never get around to create anything, I do however collect scribbling and sketches, little thoughts and notes. So when I come back my head explodes, it is full of fresh ideas. But 5 years ago I didn’t make any time creating a full collection of prints after my trip to Costa Rica and while I was cleaning out my photo’s when my new computer arrived in the studio I found all these images of sloths, snakes and wonderful wild life, beaches, corals and national parks. And those fresh fruit! Pineapples, banana’s and papaya’s. I got that itch again. Something needed to be done!

I finally sat down and created an entire Pura Vida series of fabric this year. Inspired by my trip and inspired by my Costa Rican muse who reminded me to revisit this inspirational journey. I hope you enjoy how this collection has turned out. We created some sloth designs, sweet baby snakes, fish and a mix of tropical birds of this lush green paradise. Of course lot’s of green shades and colorful bright colors for fall and winter.



All designs featured in this post can be found in our Spoonflower online fabric shop where we offer our designs on 16 different textiles and wallpaper. If you have trouble choosing the right fabric for your project check out our Spoonflower frequently asked questions post. And do reach out if you need another scale for your project, we are happy to add an extra scale to the shop for you.

If you would like to license one of the designs for your business, please send us an email or take a look at the website for more information.

Fabric hotsellers // Start your fall projects and get inspired by new geometrics and woodland trends

Time to announce this years Little Smilemakers Studio fabric hotsellers. Lot's of peeps are already starting their fall projects. Warmer darker colors are very popular. The geometric trend will be going on for a while and of course the domestic animals, cacti and woodland themes will stay.

After the Aztec trend the geometric wave has just grown stronger and stronger. Together with scandinavian minimals this trend will survive fall and winter. A mix of organic drawings and geometric animals will pop up in fashion and home decor. Also the pastels will appear even on winter themes this year. A natural warm earthy tone color palette will be introduced this fall. Something to balance out the cleanliness of the whites and popping neon colors. So yes, everything goes this year. There is enough to choose from in the Little Smilemakers fabric shop. Take a look and start your fall projects. Have fun!

Are you inspired to work on a new project? Visit the fabric shop at Spoonflower and see what else is available.

> New retro fabric & wallpaper collection for kids | Spoonflower fall / winter collection

This past month we have been working on a new collection fabric and wallpaper. Over a hundered Little Smilemaker Studio designs are now for sale on fabric, wallpaper and gift wrapping paper. A large series of abstract retro designs, christmas and holiday themes, hipster illustrations and of course new stuff for little peeps, so crafty mommy, be aware! What do you think of the new kids and baby nursery collection?

CHECK OUT ALL FABRIC & WALLPAPER HERE!

> Fall is coming our way | 30 new kids designs | retro prints and more | up for sale as fabric and wallpaper | Spoonflower

Exciting news! The samples are checked and all artwork is now ready. 30 illustrated designs are now added to the Little Smilemakers Spoonflower collection. So this fall you will have enough new fabric to work on your crafty skills. Among the 30 designs there are some kids themes: crazy pirates, rocket science space, pastel owls, cowboy and indian themes and more.

For all retro lovers i have been working on some retro christmas prints this year. These cute seasonal holiday patterned pieces are also available as gift wrapping paper.

Some hipster themes are also included. Fox and bear smoking jazz, and some travel icon artwork with Brazil, London, Paris, Amsterdam, India and Aztec & Indonesian Ikat influences.

An entire zoo can be found in the new animal series. Tucan birds, a winter deer, a moose, polar bears, lions, horses and flamingo birds. Well, enough new stuff for sewing addicts to take a good look at the new collection.

Consider ordering a swatch before buying per yardage. Colors as shown on your screen might be slightly different on fabric. :) Please do share your finished projects. Enjoy the collection!

> Jazz fox hipster series | Little Smilemakers Store | Society6 | Free shipping

A while ago i have designed some hipster themed patterns. One of those jazz animal designs is now available in the Society6 Little Smilemakers online shop. You can purchase this print on iphone case, as laptop skin and several home deco products. Take a look in the webshop and enjoy free worldwide shipping through sunday.

> Print & Party: Cute illustrated cupcake tags for your kids birthday

Dutch winter seems to be never ending. It is snowing again. A good time to spend some creative hours in your kitchen making some delicious food!
Make your own home-made party accessories for birthdays or special kids days! There is nothing better that sharing a few minutes of baking with your kids in your own kitchen. Give them each a nice different flavour and mark them with your kiddies favorite animal. Click on the image and save the full sized printable tags on your computer.

> Baby diapers from Poland, how cute are those things!? Autmn and owl pattern on fabric.

Another artist noticed my patterns were used on a diaper collection by a Polish Company, Maleme. Usually i don't see how my patterns are used by others that download them from my shutterstock portfolio very often. So i was really amused to see this set on their website! How cool is this for your little baby boy or baby girl!? They produce fabric diapers and diaper bags with my graphics, the autumn deer pattern and the owl pattern. (Both patterns are still available for sale at shutterstock). I love the concept of not using disposable diapers. Just wash it out! I am really looking forward to see all of those products in my mailbox this week! If you would like to order one check out the Maleme website.

> Happy september! Enjoy the color changes of pre-autumn!

As a graphic designer i am always working on 'the other side of the seasons.' Just a month ago i finished the December and christmas designs i worked on. The summer is always a bit slow. People going on holidays, companies closing for the summer. But i am working for the big holiday rush already.

September is always a fresh start of new things. People going back to work, feeling this new found energy. A very productive month. Just before it all starts i wanted to post a quick note here. I will be busy designing some interior products this month. For a new summer collection. So my life will be all 'flowery colorful' the next few weeks. But just for Septembers sake: You can take a look in my online card collection for a cute autumn note like the one above. Have a nice after-summer time and enjoy the color changes of pre-autumn!