A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the first design I created in my new Inspired by Talavera adventures. In this post, I’ll show you how I got from inspiration to a completed design that I call Flores Talavera.
This all started with the D.I.V.A.S., my small quilt group at home. For our challenge this year, we decided to do a Row Quilt, with each member contributing a design based on Leaves and Flowers. Since I’m up to my eyeballs in Talavera-style inspiration here in Chapala, I didn’t have to look too far for ideas.
The flower design was inspired by this tile from the Talavera store
The half-flower motif is extremely common in Talavera designs. I used the flower in the corner of this tile as a guide and created my own personal version.
Before we go on, I want to emphasize that point. I love the designs on the Talavera pottery and tiles. But they are not mine to copy. I often use a photo as a getting-started guide, but I take care to make sure my final designs reflect my personal design esthetic. Inspiration is good, copying is not. Buying the tile is not the same as buying the design from the artist. Now, back to our regularly scheduled post…
The greenery was inspired by this little design on my water dispenser
For the leaves, I went back to my Talavera Flourish design (inspired by this design on my water decanter) and borrowed some shapes I had already created. With a bit of editing, they worked just fine.
At this point, I had a flower design and some greenery, so it was a matter of arranging them into a Row that met the requirements of the challenge.
My contribution to the Row by Row Challenge with my local art quilt group
I designed a row that could be painted (my choice) or created with fusible appliqué. I’m the only die-hard painter in my group, and I wanted my friends to have options. For a full size row, this design is 5½ by 35½ inches, perfect for a row that finishes at 6 x 36!
And then the next idea popped up…
Another variation – full flowers are good!
If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that designs are like potato chips – you can’t make just one! As I was playing with the design in Silhouette Studio, I wondered how the design would look in a top-to-bottom mirror image.
The result? Pretty cool – except that I needed a full flower rather than two half flowers. Back to the drawing program…
A medallion? Why not?
With the full flower complete, I made mirror copies of the greenery and found myself with a lovely medallion. Can you say happy, happy, happy?
Add Flores Talavera to your Design Collection
Yes, you can add this design to your collection!
Now that you know how I got from inspiration to design, let me answer your question before you ask… Yes, you can add Flores Talavera to your personal design collection. The row design was created as a quilt pattern, but it can be turned into a stencil, a t-shirt transfer, or a vinyl decal – and pretty much anything else you can dream up!
Your investment for both designs is just $9.95, and you get the designs in three formats. The printable PDF has the full-size line drawings for fusible appliqué, and you’ll get digital files in SVG and Studio3 formats. (SVG files can be imported into drawing and cutting machine programs, and Studio3 can be opened in Silhouette Studio.)
To add Talavera Flowers to your next project, click the button and order away!
Your Turn
How would you use the Flores Talavera design? Fusible applique? Stencil? T-shirt transfer? How about the border of a coffee table? Leave a comment below. I love to hear what you’re thinking about!
Your designs are beautiful, Shelly! I’m ordering them! You’re inspiring me again to look for design elements I can create.
Wonderful! The world is full of designs. We just need to slow down and actually SEE what is around us. 🙂
Are you familiar with the “tile street” in Mexico City? If not, it is a street of artisans who create gorgeous tiles. They do their own designs and will also make tile from anything you design. So, you can take your personal Flores Talavera design and have signature tiles made. A very popular item is the piece that looks like a dinner plate and has your house number and a design of your choice. It is plastered into the wall of your house or next to the gate in a wall surrounding your house. My favorites are the rectangular tiles in amazing colors of blue used to face stair steps. Here we use boring old carpet. In Mexico they use glorious colorful works of art!!
Thanks for your note, Marlene. I had not heard about the Tile Street in Mexico City, but I have now! There are several cities closer to Guadalajara where tile and pottery are produced. I’ll keep the custom tile option in mind if I decide to do any big remodeling projects. But that’s for later… much later. 😉
I enjoy the simplicity of your patterns. I love the way you write and am always happy to hear from you. You are so special with a wonderful God given gift. So thankful to be a following fan!
Thank you for your kind words, Judi. I’m so glad you find inspiration in my stories. The next time I’m having one of my “why do I do this?” moments, I’ll think of you.