Well hello there! I’m Katie the designer/creative/artist behind Willow and Woods. I’m a surface pattern designer, outdoor lover, and Mama Bear to two (soon to be 3) crazy little kids and our lovely, very cuddly dog! I can’t quite believe I’m starting a new blog but here I am, so welcome and thanks for visiting!
I’m so thrilled to have this opportunity to share my creative journey with you. My hope is that this space will provide a way to connect with you as I share my knowledge and enjoyment of pattern design, art, and general life adventures. And maybe, just maybe, some of my experiences of motherhood.
As a mum, my children are my greatest inspiration. I long to be a great role model, to teach them to follow their own paths, and I hope to set an example on just how to craft a career that they love!!
We all spend so much time working these days, that I truly hope that they, and everyone one of you, finds joy in the job that you do.
Watching my kids grow and explore the world around them has given me a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life. Watching them takes me back to my childhood and the joy I found in spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Being outside has always been a big part of my life. As a little girl I used to spend weekends in the Sussex countryside with my Grandparents. I now have very fond memories of long days playing outside, ridiculously long (to a 7 year old) walks with my Grandpa and that lovely feeling of exhaustion you get from plenty of fresh air in your lungs and just generally being amongst nature.
No matter what, I have always found solace in nature. There’s something about being outside that just makes everything better. The fresh air, the sound of birds chirping, the feeling of the sun (or even wind and rain) on your skin – it all combines to create a sense of peace and contentment that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether it’s taking a walk through the woods, going for a cold water swim, or simply sitting outside and enjoying a cup of tea, being outside helps me feel more grounded and connected to the world around me. And I hope my kids will find this same contentment too.
As a surface pattern designer, my love for the outdoors is reflected in my designs. I often incorporate elements from nature into my patterns, such as flowers, leaves, and animals. I also draw inspiration from the colors and textures of the natural world, using them to create designs that are both beautiful and functional. Whether it is the soft pinks of cherry blossom, the intricate details of a leaf, or the beauty of a new bud opening up, the natural world is so full of stunning details and wonder – and it is this that I strive to capture in my designs.
I’m so excited about some of the things I have planned to share with you here! From my knowledge of pattern design and how such a career can unfold, to my passion for photography as a form of story telling. Did you know I found surface pattern design while trying to find a way to create better patterns for my photo albums and memory book design business? If you are interested, you can find it here.
Through this blog, I also hope to share my creative process with you, from the initial spark of an idea to the finished product. There will be tips and tricks that I have learned along the way, as well as insights into the surface pattern design industry and how to turn your passion into a successful career.
I hope this blog will inspire you as you follow your own journey and create a career that you love, because there is one thing I believe for certain – there is space for each and every one of us to do something that we are passionate about! But most of all, I hope to inspire you to embrace your own creativity and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it is a walk in the park or the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing my love of surface pattern design, motherhood, and the outdoors with you.