Gingerbread. Mmmmmm... Gingerbread.

Part of the reason I wanted to create a paper "Victorian" was that I could draw all kinds of trim and wallpaper for it, and I love repeating patterns.  Once I found that nifty little "define pattern" tool in Photoshop I've been completely hooked on using it. I used it first when designing some fabric for a contest (that I didn't win) over at Spoonflower.com, which is a site that prints custom fabric (and wallpaper and wall decals, too). It was a "faux quilt" contest and I wasn't satisfied just making a simple quilt top, I had to go overboard. I don't think they appreciated my non-conformity.

I don't recall what design won - probably something with gingham and horses. I do like Spoonflower - I've purchased a few swatches of my designed fabric from them and used them for my dollmaking, but the biggest thrill for me was to design wall decals that I used on our bedroom ceiling. I'd always planned to paint some mural up there, but the allure of having re-positionable decals was too great and it wasn't long before I'd gone that route. I'll share those photos in the future. 

And so I have been drawing wallpaper and "gingerbread" trim for the manor. Lots of it. The only drawback to the process is deciding when too much is too much... (Yes, I DO have restraint at a certain point!) Ahhhh wallpaper... I love the stuff!

Years ago I was introduced to the art of Kaffe Fassett and learned what "too much" looked like with regard to interior decor. I'd bought a book of his knitting patterns because I loved his intricate designs. Then I found an out of print book of his interiors, which was like finding the holy grail mind you, but I found it. (Powell's in Portland - where else? The place was like mecca!) Well Kaffe really outdid himself and it was that influence that brought a wee bit of restraint into my own design efforts. 

That doesn't mean to say I don't love the look - I just prefer to be able to find the room somewhere under all the decor.