Folio Focus: Maps

For this week's Folio Focus assignment we were challenged to make maps. Eek, not my thing! I did an illustration of a map of Michigan with my beloved hometown highlighted and a list of my favorite highlights my town offers.

We are a tiny tourist town on Lake Michigan. We are the blueberry capital of the world and in what's known as Michigan's fruit belt. So lots of farms everywhere. We are also the home to Red Haven peaches, a special hybrid. So I created a repeat pattern with peaches and blueberries. I see these in a kitchen on enamelware and printed on tea towels.

My map I envision it as a wall piece on a wooden base because most the homes in this area of summer homes that have a nautical vibe and I could see this working in that decor.

Belize Market Mock Ups

I worked up one more pattern for last week's Folio Focus geometric assignment. This one probably fit more with the mosaic tile theme that was our inspiration.

And who doesn't love a nifty mock up? I thought these patterns would be adorable as little make-up bags. 

Folio Focus: Geometric Patterns

This week I'm back to working on the Folio Focus Portfolio Challenge. They post a fun design assignment each week with tons of inspiration. This week was Geometric Patterns.

Not the easiest for me, but I jumped with sketches of plants and fruits inspired by a recent visit to Belize. We went to the Mayan ruin of Al-tun Ha. It was my second time there and this time I have to say I saw quite smitten by the little stalls of fresh fruits near the trinket shops.

They were full of color and pattern and even the hand-lettered signs were inspiring. So that's were I ended up with my patterns this week, dissecting those fruits, pods, leaves and seeds. I mixed in some patterns from the island fabrics.

I wish I had taken more photos while I traveling but most of the best images are in my memory and slowly making their way into my sketchbook.