The Palm Tree Summer Curated Collection
So, how did this all begin? The Palm Tree Summer Collection is inspired by summer vacations, spring breaks in the Caribbean, and childhood trips to the beach.
So much in life can be serious, and amidst all the really important stuff, I discovered that I find joy in the little things that brighten my day. I packed up our house in Charlotte, put most of my furniture in storage, and moved closer to the beach. When I did that, I brought with me a few items that I knew would make my day-to-day life a little happier, including my favorite coffee mug, a special beach towel, my silver coffee spoon, and a pretty wine glass. I also included a journal for writing and a couple of my favorite travel bags...
I’m settled in my new home now, but that period made me think about putting my own artwork on everyday items. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see my artwork on everyday products that are both useful and pretty. I licensed a few pieces for home decor products but wanted a cohesive line that brought my painterly coastal style to life.
The Palm Tree Summer Art Collection
I wanted something fresh and youthful that reminds people of summer. The easy, breezy days when we all feel a little lighter and move a little slower. I wanted to make my art accessible while sharing my love for the coast in a fun and upbeat way that brings joy to others. I began as I always do, with a collection of original paintings on canvas. Those paintings inspired the process of creating the 'Palm Tree Summer' collection of products.
Coastal Designs, Products We Use.
Here’s a brief overview of the process: When I was in design school, we had to design three to five rounds of each project, starting with a brainstorming session and extensive hand sketching - all before we even began creating on the computer. I found that it helped to flush out ideas, eliminate the not-so-great ones, and further develop the good ones. So, I did the same thing. I sketched the products that felt like a good fit for my work, using Micron pens and artist-grade markers. I doodled, played with different color palettes, and finally decided on a color scheme. I sketched, sketched, and sketched. And then reworked. I painted lots and lots of palm trees. And stripes, and more stripes, because I love that coastal ‘cabana stripe’ look. The vision for the Palm Tree Summer Collection came to life. At least in my mind.
Coastal Designs on Home Products
Coastal Designs on Stationery Products
We searched for manufacturers, considered various products, and researched some more. We then digitized and computerized them, performing all the necessary steps to transform them into real products. Then, I reworked those designs. I made notes, and I started over a million times. That’s why this process of creating 'Palm Tree Summer' has taken almost three years to develop.
We ordered numerous samples of products we created using the Palm Tree Summer Collection designs. Some didn’t work so well, so we eliminated them. I redesigned a few things, and we ordered more samples.
We set them all up together in my little art studio and made sure they were cohesive. We eliminated a couple more. I used to tell my kids to ‘Work until you are proud.’ So, I took my own advice and am genuinely delighted with the result.
Palm Tree Summer Collection: An Inspiration and Lots of Sketches
The final revision of ‘Palm Tree Summer’ is a collection of joyful products that share our love for the coast and can be used every day. I hope you find as much joy in them as we do!
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