Lulu at work/ her amazing Matouk line
One of the fabric lines I never tire of showing clients is Lulu DK. I just love the fresh, organic designs and crisp geometrics in simple, stunning colorways that appeal to the modern and traditional sensibilities of just about any design appetite. But what fascinates me most is her design process and artwork. All her fabrics begin as collages or paintings inspired by her travels, life experiences and surroundings. I myself majored in painting and collage in college and this awakens the artistic spirit in me and makes me want to get my hands dirty with paint, glue and the like. In fact, over the past year or so since the Globe Magazine featured me on the cover in front of one of my own paintings, I’ve had several people write me wanting to find out who the artist is so they could purchase one (aww shucks) I also have crazy lofty dreams of designing my own fabric patterns as well, so to begin my new goal is to get back into producing artwork. It’s a big goal since I can’t even find the time to order new contacts or hang a single piece of art on my wall in my new place, but I’m going to try. Painting makes me happy and calm- even though facing a blank canvas is one of the most intimidating things on this earth. Being introduced to Lulu’s blog by my girl Julie yesterday only helps my wish to get back to my artist roots become a reality by inspiring me even more and showing me how it can be incorporated into my design work!
The painting as mentioned, cleverly covered with text!
This is the collage Lulu did on vacation that inspired the fabulous Minerva fabric and wallpaper– isn’t it fascinating to see the translation from art to mass produced goods?
Lets look at it step by step though. There are new prints from her line on the horizon and here is one I love:
She begins with her original painting, shown here, which she sends off to the screen makers to translate into a CAD design.
Here is the CAD showing how the design will look printed with two variations of the same color, which I love. It has more life and depth that way in my humble opinion. The more colors, the more times the fabric has to run through the printing process though, so the more expensive it becomes.
The next step is picking her colorways- here are the color sample cuttings she is sent to pick from:
After she gets the screens of the fabric produced in all the colorways she chose, it goes into production! Like magic.
Here are some of her delightful collages:
I need to get me a copy of this STAT.
A few rooms using Lulu fabrics– just because.
I looove Lulu DK. I was ridiculously excited when she started blogging. Have you ever been to the Matouk outlet in RI? I always make sure to stop when I fly home to the Cape. The deals are insane! xx
Those are beautiful. I’m probably moving this summer and I look forward to adding new pieces of flair to our home life. This is inspiring me… :)
What a great post! The designs are beautiful, and it’s great to see how the whole process works.
Lulu’s line is one of my favorites as well. Thanks for the roundup on her. Just snagged some Lulu DK on eBay and can’t wait to use it.
Those are so beautiful, her process is equally delightful!
Wow! I didn’t know that you can paint! I love your painting that you are sitting in front of. I wish there was no text on it! Really beautiful. I love the colors that you used. You definitely have to get back into it! I really hope you do. Especially since you love it so much. Good luck with that and can’t wait to see what you do!
I am a big fan of Lula DK, the colors and patterns are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing her blog, it’s so interesting to see the process of how ideas become products.
Quick question: What is the difference between a color and a colorway? That’s a new word to me.
You majored in collage in college?? I wish I had a time machine and could go back 25 years and major in soccer or watching tv sitcoms, with a minor in procrastination.
Love her work – I never knew she had a blog – awesome! I have always loved that painting in that photo – that is so impressive it is your own work. I’m glad you’re going to start doing some more painting, I’ve been on the hunt for some pretties for our walls!
Love her use of color and pattern, amazing. I am so glad you walked us through her process that is fascinating. I love how she uses her inspiration in the form of collages. Wonderful post! Kathysue
love .
Erin, nothing gets paint on a canvas like a firm deadline! Better yet – a commission.
Weed out the non-essentials and get painting girl :-)
WOW, this post was amazing…I’ve just been staring at all the beautiful fabrics and it was so interesting to see the process…so fascinating! I just loved this post!