Inspiration in Nature

Well as you know I am back from Sydney. We had a fantastic time. The weather wasn't great but the kids had fun and my brain relaxed which means I am ready to get stuck into making some new designs I thought about when away.

Whilst in Sydney we took the kids to Taronga Zoo. It's been a while since I have been to any zoo so it was lots of fun.

I am mentioning this because my absolute favourite animal which will not come as a surprise to my friends, was the Zebra, followed closely by the giraffe, although the baby elephants were very cute. I was very surprised to see which I don't think have come out in the photos that the Zebra is not entirely black and white. It is in fact a blend of these colours and aswell as brown and cream.

Anyway, I have been obsessed with the zebra print pattern for quite some time now. When I first started SoniaM I was making hand beaded silk wrap/shawls. (See photos below) At the time I thought, wouldn't it be great if I could have some of the silk wraps backed with a zebra print pattern in silk. So off I went and found myself a screenprinter who did small runs. I had 10 metres printed. I have just recently run out of the printed silk. Below are some of the things I have made out of the zebra printed fabric.

You will also notice I have taken a photo of my bag which I could absolutely not pass up when I saw it. Wherever I am both men and women stop me and comment on the bag. I think this is because one, it is a fabulous bag, and two the pattern is deceiving. From a distance people think it is furry and possibly real or made of suede and therefore want to touch it, when in fact it is canvas. I think the bag is intriguing to people also because it is actually quite similar in colouring to a real Zebra, which when seen with your own eyes are amazingly beautifully patterned and coloured animals.

Inspiration in nature at its best.




I even had a pillow made and put a Florence broadhurst print on the other side. The chair is fabulous Op Shop find.



I do love the giraffe print. Just amazing creatures. The famous elephants playing happy families.