Creating my first full surface pattern collection felt like standing at the edge of a creative cliff — exciting, full of potential, and slightly terrifying. Until now, I’d only ever designed standalone patterns. So when I came across a real industry brief inside Pattern+, Bonnie Christine’s private surface pattern design membership, I saw it as the perfect nudge I needed to leap in.
Each month in Pattern+ we get access to inspiring trend reports, social media prompts, mockups, email templates, coaching calls and — my favourite part — live design briefs from companies actually looking for patterns to license or buy. This one came from P&B Textiles, an American fabric company known for high-quality quilting cotton and a deep commitment to handmade art. They were looking for pattern collections with 6–8 repeat patterns in two colourways, ideally including a hero print, a secondary hero, smaller coordinates, and a blender — all designed with quilting in mind.
It was the push I didn’t know I needed.
Inspired by My Grandmother’s Garden
I knew right away I wanted my first pattern collection to be inspired by my grandmother’s beautiful flower garden, a place overflowing with zinnias in every colour, cheerful daisies, flowering dill that looked like a tiny enchanted forest, buzzing bees, and singing birds. I still remember how the air smelled — sweet, earthy, and alive with joy. It felt like the perfect tribute.
I truly wish I had photos of it when it was in full bloom, as a child I absolutely loved it. When we visited I stayed outside most of the time if the weather was good. I imagined fairies playing amongst the blooms, chased butterflies and saved the occasional bee from sneaky spiderwebs. I loved the swing my grandfather installed just for us kids, especially after I discovered that if I swung high enough, I could grab apricots from a tree close by. The ripest ones were always closer to the top! It became my little game. It was also in this garden, that I fell in love with reading.
This is one of my favourite image of my grandmother, it was taken when I was visiting from abroad in 2013. Unfortunately the flowers weren’t in bloom yet, but right in front of her is where she had her bed of zinnias, calendulas and the occasional rose bush (roses were my grandfather’s favourite – I’m planning another collection only for them!). And you guessed it right, that’s me on the swing on the third photo! 🙂
Starting with a Feeling, Not a Plan
I didn’t begin my pattern collection with a colour palette. I simply couldn’t. Nothing felt quite right and I admit I got quite frustrated lol. Somehow I thought I needed to have the palette chosen to get started. But then I decided to dive straight into making the hero pattern, and let the palette reveal itself naturally from there.
Using my favourite digital watercolour brushes in Procreate, I painted all my elements separately — experimenting with form, colour, and texture. I didn’t use everything I painted, and that was okay. This stage was pure play. I love that sometimes the final idea doesn’t arrive fully formed — it takes shape as you create, like a memory you slowly remember. I also did not restrict any colours, I just used what felt right knowing I can adjust everything later. The zinnias emerged first, then the daisies, the flowering dill and some delicate leaves. And finally a little bird. They became the focal points of my very first pattern collection.
I used Procreate to create my repeat pattern. Ever since I learned the process, it became my go-to method. I love what you can do in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, and I’m very glad I know how to use them. But as a fairly new artist, I find simplicity crucial. I also love that I can draw right into the pattern as I’m making it, and that I can edit everything by hand using the iPencil. Working in Procreate also means I don’t have to scan my work in and I’m able to remove the background with a tick of my pencil. Of course this method has limitations too, but for now, I find this process works well for me.
Once I had the elements arranged in a repeat I loved, I experimented with background colours until the right one made the pattern pop. The hero of my pattern collection was born! Then I moved on to the coordinate patterns — adding the other little elements I painted: the delicate blue tit, my grandma’s favourite bird; the “dill forest” that used to mesmerise me as a child; and some quirky blades of soft, flowing grass. Each new design added another layer to the story.
Creating a Second Colourway
Once my eight main patterns were complete, I began imagining how they could transform into a “night garden”. This time, I did start with a palette — choosing deeper, moodier colours that shifted the tone while staying true to the garden’s magic. Thanks to Procreate’s layer-based approach, changing colours wasn’t nearly as fiddly as I feared. With everything painted on separate layers, I had the flexibility to adjust backgrounds, tweak flower hues, and shift the overall feel — without needing to repaint.
I ended up with two full colourways that felt distinct yet related — like day and night versions of the same dream.
What This Experience Taught Me
More than anything, this project taught me to embrace simplicity.
For the longest time, I held a belief that patterns had to be complex or elaborate to be “worthy” of a collection. I’d find it hard to even think of something simple to paint because it didn’t seem “enough.” But pushing through that mindset and creating smaller-scale, supporting patterns taught me something valuable: simplicity can be stunning.
This brief challenged me in ways I never would have explored on my own. I tried new things. I created eight complete repeat patterns in two colourways. And perhaps most importantly, I finished something that once felt out of reach.
Even if my work isn’t chosen, I walk away from this experience with:
- A full pattern collection I’m proud of
- Confidence in my ability to create cohesive work
- A deeper understanding of my own creative process
- And a heart full of gratitude
The Power of the Right Support
My journey into surface pattern design really began when I stumbled upon Bonnie Christine’s free 5-day workshop in early 2023. It opened my eyes to a whole new creative world — one filled with possibility, beauty, and a wonderfully supportive community. Bonnie’s positivity, inclusivity, and approach to intentional, joyful creating made a big impact on me. That workshop planted the seed and for that I’m forever grateful.
A few months later, when I was ready to take the next step, I discovered Cass Deller’s surface pattern design course. Cass is an Australian designer whose teaching style felt down-to-earth and hands-on, and her course was exactly what I needed at the time. Her personal support and beautiful, approachable style helped me build the skills and confidence to create repeat patterns from scratch.
Now, I feel lucky to be learning from both of these incredible women. I’m a member of Pattern+, Bonnie’s private community for surface designers, which keeps me inspired and moving forward month after month. And I continue to dip into Cass’s course as I progress on my journey, revisiting topics I need help with at any given time.
Two mentors, two styles, both deeply meaningful. I’m so grateful to be on this path, supported by creative women who show what’s possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out and feeling overwhelmed by the idea of designing a full collection — I get it. But trust me: the best way to learn is by doing. Follow your curiosity. Paint the things you love. Let the idea reveal itself one sketch at a time. And if you’d rather paint individual patterns, that’s fine too! Just follow the inspiration, explore ideas however small they may seem.
You don’t need to have it all figured out in advance. You just need to begin. If you have any questions or would like to connect please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always looking for creative friends and fellow travellers to share this journey with!
