Something I love about design and crafting is the problem solving aspect of it. No two solutions are ever the same and it all depends on the problem at hand and the resources available. When I start a design, I always look at the project like it’s a problem to be solved. The end result determines whether I solved the problem or not - does the design have harmony? Is it enticing to look at? Does it make you go “Wow!”? Or was it even meant to have that reaction in the first place? Am I starting to sound like I’m taking this WAY too seriously?! Because I probably am but oh well.

49ers Oval Snake Skin Vest

So that brings us to the spotlight projects! In November of 2022, I had the idea to try an appliquéd fabric process using vinyl that I haven’t seen anywhere else but got cold feet because I assumed it wouldn’t work. Fast forward to January of 2023, and I said screw it lets give this a try! After thinking through the process, I started researching types of glue and Cricut blades that would achieve the look I was going for. I decided to go with upholstery fabric for the snake and crocodile skin because I wanted the end result to be pretty stiff so the design would show through. For the snake skin 49ers oval logo, the design process was simple because it was literally just the 49ers logo. However, the tricky part was the intricate rings around the red snake skin because let me tell you….that ring was TINY! Like so much more delicate than I imagined it would be. I was dangling it over the vest praying it would actually sit down where it was supposed to or else glue would go everywhere and praiiisseeee the Lord that it laid down exactly where it was supposed to. The next part that was super tricky was the flocked vinyl….this is where the technicalities start (if you can believe that)…I wanted the vinyl to grab half of the outer edge of the fabrics but then half of the vest so it would securely press down onto the base item. I figured the vinyl needed to be at least a quarter of an inch thick, if not more, but because the rings were so delicate, if I made the vinyl too thick, it would totally cover up the thin parts of the gold and black ovals. Phew!! Too much thinking. Thankfully, I measured correctly and everything came out beautifully! I was very careful to only heat the vinyl to a certain temperature for a certain amount of time so that it melted the vinyl but not the fabric. When I stepped back from this project, I literally said “WOWWWW!” I’ve never seen anyone do anything like this and it gave me a sense of pride that I DID that…ya know?!

49ers Drip Drip Jacket

The second spotlight project is this insane red puffer jacket!! I’ve included the original design proof so you can see how it started. When I pitch an idea to a client, I always start with a digital drawing and then describe where I want to take it. It’s really difficult to convey textures in my mock ups because I’ve churning out so many that I have to keep them somewhat touch and go. I do have metallic swatches I’ll sample if I want to convey metallic upon first glance but this client is a friend of mine so I knew she would understand when I described my goals to her. Thankfully, this friend is also a “go crazy!” kind of friend and let me do my thing on both of these pieces so for this one, I waited until I started printing to decide which textures to go for. I ultimately went with two glitters and a foil because 1. This is a STADIUM jacket. We’re out here trying to catch those lights! Glitter is always the way to go. I wrestled with choosing the red because the tone was a little different than the jacket but felt like it was more important to stay true to the original logo because I’m putting a pretty significant spin on it. I’m so glad I made the choices that I did because I feel like the impact I was going for was 100% achieved.

Want to guess how many dots are on this beauty?! 146! Did I place them all by hand? Absolutely not. But did I create a spreadsheet-like grid so I knew which sequence of dots were meant to go where and what color to cut them in?? I absolutely did. One place I’ve grown as a creative thinker is taking the time to organize the process. I am methodical, but don’t want to spend too much time on it because I don’t want to slow down but I have come to learn that a little slower pace can actually win most races.

The brown haired gal is my crafting bestie Maggie who always seems to go along with whatever I have in my head. I am a firm believer that EVERYONE needs a Maggie!

To wrap this up…I’m spotlighting these two pieces because they both signify growth. Personal, creative, entrepreneurial, etc. The signify thinking outside of the box. And, they signify AMAZING friendships where you’re safe to do your thing (and maybe have a few mess ups) and at the end of the day, you are still as great as you were to that person as when you started. I hope someday I look back on these pieces and feel like they’re incredibly amateur but for now, I’m going to hang my hat on them and say g’night.