This idea was inspired by the summer flowering perennial plants in my garden and period reference photographs taken at The Knoll. Like all of my designs, it draws a connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. The process began by painting individual elements, such as plants and insects, in watercolor on various colored background papers.
After completing the paintings, I scanned them into Photoshop, where I cut out the pieces, layered them, and arranged them onto one of my hand-painted backgrounds using a half-drop repeat pattern. This helped to create a flowing, organic feel in the design. All the insect references came from photographs I personally took—such as butterflies and bees feeding on the summer flowers in my garden.
Additionally, I incorporated elements from period research photographs that I had previously taken, including carved oak panels from oak fireplaces where leaves intertwined, and intricate plasterwork on a dining room ceiling featuring flowing grape vines entwined with flowers. These historical details complemented the natural themes and helped tie the design back to the Arts and Crafts aesthetic.
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