Jenean MorrisonJenean Morrison Bloghttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/2010-08-30T21:54:56ZSquarespaceWild Worldhttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/wild-world.htmlJenean Morrison2010-08-27T01:04:10Z2010-08-27T01:04:10ZHere it is: my newest fabric line for Free Spirit Fabric. I'm so excited to share it with you!  I'll have some photographs of the actual fabric for you next week, but until then here's the ad I designed for this new collection, Wild World, making its debut in my booth at Quilt Market in October.

The ad above is the one we chose to use.  Here is the same one featuring designs from the other colorway:

California Dreamin' has been my most successful line to date, so a part of me wanted to do something very similar -- you know, the "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" mentality.  But then I decided to challenge myself and branch out.  This collection contains a mixture of organic florals and geometric prints. While I think my style is recognizable here, it is a departure from the last collection.  California Dreamin' was completely computer generated and featured bold, bright colors.  This time I wanted a nice combination of hand-drawn and computer-generated pieces. I experimented with brights, but the softer colors ended up working better and felt like they belonged in these designs.

My inspiration for this collection came from the modern movement of creative people living a nomadic, pared-down lifestyle, perhaps closer to nature, but still glamorous, colorful and artistic. Freedom and creativity are two words that best convey this theme for me. Some of the names for the prints are Wanderlust, Surf, Day Trip, On the Road, Flower Child and Departure.  My husband came up with the name for the collection, and as soon as he suggested it I fell in love! We live in a "Wild World," full of diverse and fascinating people and places, and I believe this collection embraces and celebrates this.

The other thing that I thought about a lot while designing this collection was how far-reaching these fabrics are.  They travel to places I'll never see and they connect me to people I may never meet (face-to-face, that is).  I love being a part of and contributing to this wonderful creative world!

I hope you guys like this new line as much as I do.  Look for the photos next week!

]]>Bliss-- A New Scrapbook Craftpad for Tapestry by C.R.Gibsonhttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/bliss-a-new-scrapbook-craftpad-for-tapestry-by-crgibson.htmlJenean Morrison2010-08-24T19:03:16Z2010-08-24T19:03:16ZHere is one of three new scrapbook kits I designed for Tapestry by C.R.Gibson.  This one is called Bliss.  I don't know if you can see it in the photos but these papers have a beautiful sheen to them!    It is so fun to see these designs turn into products!

These are currently available at Ross stores everywhere!

]]>Fall Florals at Pingghttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/fall-florals-at-pingg.htmlJenean Morrison2010-08-16T22:42:29Z2010-08-16T22:42:29ZI've added some new fall-inspired invitations at Pingg.  I am SO ready for some cooler weather--how about you?

I have some more fun things to share with you soon including my newest fabric collection which will debut in October at Quilt Market!  I'm really excited about it.  It is quite a departure from the last collection--I hope you guys like it.  I'll share some pictures very soon!

]]>Fabric Sighting: Southern Livinghttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/fabric-sighting-southern-living.htmlJenean Morrison2010-08-06T16:56:41Z2010-08-06T16:56:41ZThese adorable aprons from Jen Rosie Designs are in the July issue of Southern Living:

That's my California Dreamin' fabric on the apron on the left.  I love seeing my fabric used in such a cute way and I love seeing it in a magazine--so fun!  A big thank you to my friend, Jennifer, for seeing this article and notifying me!  And a big thank you to Jen Rosie Designs for using my fabric!

]]>New American Paintingshttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/new-american-paintings.htmlJenean Morrison2010-07-27T00:08:59Z2010-07-27T00:08:59ZAs I mentioned in this earlier post, my paintings were chosen for this year's Southern Edition of New American Paintings (#88) and I could not possibly be happier!  This edition is now on newsstands everywhere!

I am so thankful and honored that my work was selected.  In case you are not familiar with NAP, it is a juried exhibition-in-print.  They have five regional competitions a year plus one MFA competition.  I have entered every year since 2005 and I'm happy to say this is my second time to make it in the publication--the first being in 2005.  From the New American Paintings "About Page":

My paintings:

Barbara O'Brien, Curator of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City was this year's juror and she writes about her selection process in this fascinating post on the NAP blog.  A big thank you to Ms. O'Brien and everyone at NAP!  I'm so excited to be included in this wonderful publication and to have my work diplayed so beautifully alongside so many talented artists!

]]>I'm a Top Designer!http://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/im-a-top-designer.htmlJenean Morrison2010-07-07T15:29:05Z2010-07-07T15:29:05ZYay!  Thanks so much, Pingg!  And a huge thanks to all of you who have used my invitations for your events!  I truly appreciate it!  From the Pingg blog:

Here are a few of my invitations:

Click here to view more!

]]>The Softer Sidehttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/the-softer-side.htmlJenean Morrison2010-06-07T20:03:36Z2010-06-07T20:03:36ZI've added more prints to the shop this week and this time I'm showing off my softer side!  If you haven't noticed, I'm a huge fan of bold, bright colors.  However, I decided to try these new drawings in softer colors and I'm so happy that I did! Here is the first set:

Detail:

And here is the second set:

All are beautifully printed and ready for new homes!

]]>New Prints in the Shophttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/new-prints-in-the-shop.htmlJenean Morrison2010-05-28T17:15:28Z2010-05-28T17:15:28ZI've added three new prints to the shop!  These are printed on 13" x 19" paper and the image size is about 12" x 18".  All are signed and carefully packed for shipping!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!

]]>A New Summer Dress!http://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/a-new-summer-dress.htmlJenean Morrison2010-05-14T16:10:01Z2010-05-14T16:10:01Z

This adorable dress comes from the Dolly Mixture Etsy shop--isn't it just the cutest??  Some gorgeous photos of this dress were added to my fabric Flickr pool and when I saw the pics I just knew one of my girls needed this!  The fabric is "Fireworks" from my Picnic Parade collection. I love the halter style and the cute little belt!

Here is a link to the Dolly Mixture blog where she features lots of amazing dresses and photos!

Happy Friday, everyone!

]]>The Perfect Pen and Paper Combination?http://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/the-perfect-pen-and-paper-combination.htmlJenean Morrison2010-04-28T16:03:32Z2010-04-28T16:03:32ZHi there!  How's it going?  Things are great around here!  I'm feeling more productive than ever and I think it has something to do with the tennis I've been playing lately.  I'm not big on exercise--sure, my husband and I take walks around the neighborhood just about every day but it has been years since I exercised to the point of being drenched in sweat and waking up the next morning aching all over.  I'm taking tennis lessons and playing some with my husband and it is so much fun!  I'm a complete beginner but even at my level it is a lot of exercise and very rewarding.  For a girl who spends just about all day every day in front of a computer, this has been a wonderfully refreshing change of pace.  I've also been doing some gardening and I think all of these things are contributing to a healthier state of mind.  The design ideas seem to be pouring out of me every time I get back to the computer!

I posted a shot of this drawing in my last post (after I had imported it into Illustrator) but neglected to post the original drawing:

I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions for the perfect pen and paper combination.  For this drawing I used Stonehenge paper and Sakura Pigma Micron pens.  I love the pens but sometimes wish for a smoother, cleaner drawing experience.  I like the paper because it has some texture to it.  If paper is too smooth I feel like I lose control of the pens but if there is too much texture it creates unwanted bumps and points.   I'd love to know what you guys use.  Any suggestions for the perfect pen/paper combo?

Thanks and I hope you guys are having a lovely week!

]]>A Little Bit of Lacehttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/a-little-bit-of-lace.htmlJenean Morrison2010-04-23T15:40:37Z2010-04-23T15:40:37ZI recently completed another drawing while listening to Marisa's (Creative Thursday) amazing e-course podcasts.  I went to place this one in Illustrator and for some reason it placed the colors in reverse, as if it were a white drawing on black paper.

A happy accident, I suppose, because I love the way the drawing now looks a little like lace!  Here's a closer look.  Keep in mind this is a low-res fie and I haven't smoothed out the lines yet:

And, of course, I had to make a couple of quick patterns from it:

Happy weekend to you!!

]]>From the Studiohttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/from-the-studio.htmlJenean Morrison2010-04-14T15:53:40Z2010-04-14T15:53:40ZI have big plans to give you a tour of my studio soon.  Of course, that requires a little bit of cleaning and organizing and I don't have time for that right now.  Today is my anniversary; three wonderful years with the best husband in the world!  We are going to spend some time together today (away from our computers)--I think a trip to the bookstore is at the top of our list!  Sound exciting?  Well, it will be!  I just love being near him so this day is already off to a wonderful start!

Here's a quick shot from the studio.  Notice how tightly cropped this photo is.  I'll step back and show you some more once I get things a little more in order.

Have a great day, everyone!

]]>Wonderful Work from Libelinha Douradahttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/wonderful-work-from-libelinha-dourada.htmlJenean Morrison2010-04-07T14:11:33Z2010-04-07T14:11:33ZAndrea of Libelinha Dourada does some absolutely beautiful work and I am so happy that she has chosen to use California Dreamin' on some of her creations!  She has kindly let me show some of her work here on my blog.

I am completely in love with these small bags!

And these book covers are just too fabulous!

Be sure to visit the Libelinha Dourada blog to see more of her work including some pretty quilts she has recently posted.  She also has a Facebook fan page, so check that out as well!  By the way, my Google Translator tells me that "Libelinha Dourada" is Portuguese for "Golden Dragonfly".  How lovely!

Don't forget to add your photos to my Flickr group!  I just love seeing your work!

]]>More of Your Gorgeous Creations!http://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/more-of-your-gorgeous-creations.htmlJenean Morrison2010-04-02T14:30:01Z2010-04-02T14:30:01ZToday I'm happy to share some more beautiful work featuring my fabrics!  Oh, you guys are SO talented!! These first two pictures were sent to me by Heather:  This is only the third quilt she's ever made and I'm so thrilled that she used my fabrics!  I love how the quilt turned out!

And here are a some super-cute finds from Etsy:

How about a California Dreamin' collar for your pet?  These are from GoneDoggie and I just adore them! What dog doesn't need one of these??

Click the image to go to the listing.

Click the image to go to the listing.

Next up, these gorgeous bags from Sol & Son by Mizpoppy!   This pink one has sold already, but the blue one is still available and I think she might be adding more to her shop soon!  She made these using the pre-cut California Dreamin' Design Rolls!

Click on the image to view the listing.

Here's another awesome bag; this one comes from CindyMars7 and is made using the Fireworks print from Picnic Parade!  I'm crazy about the straps on this one.  And the coordinating buttons are such a nice touch!

Click on the image to view the listing.

Don't forget, if you are making anything with my fabrics I would love to see!  I have a Flickr group for you to post your creations to and I'll be sharing some really amazing work from more talented people next week!  I can't thank you guys enough for using my fabrics in your projects!!  It really means a lot to me and it thrills me to see all of your gorgeous creations!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

]]>Working Smallerhttp://www.jeneanmorrison.net/blog/working-smaller.htmlJenean Morrison2010-03-30T18:14:06Z2010-03-30T18:14:06ZI created this painting over the past week in between design projects.  I love having a painting on the floor in the second room of my studio.  It is nice to get away from my desk, especially during times of stress or frustration, and sit on the floor and paint.

This is one of the smallest paintings I have ever done.  It is 10" x 10" and I like that I was able to finish it more quickly than with my larger paintings.  Still, it is tough making the adjustment to smaller scale.  I recently did a series of 12" x 12" paintings, but because I like to put so much into them and fill them with dots, I find that sometimes the smaller works look too crowded.  My ideal size is probably 20" x 20".  One of my goals is to occassionally create some smaller, less detailed paintings (maybe around 6" x 6") that take less than 40 hours to complete so that I can offer them at a much lower price point.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  It would probably be a nice exercise and quite a challenge to work that small!

This one is available in the shop now!

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