Layer by Layer

Issue #31

A weekly note from the studio

Oh hello!

Last week I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a local artist networking event I found on Facebook. I thought I was simply showing up… but instead, I walked out as one of the founding members of the Bays Art Collective.

Within minutes I had:

• banners and flyers to design

• dates for two art markets

• one local art show

• and confirmation that my work will be displayed

WOW. I truly didn’t see that coming.

My first instinct was to run! That familiar little voice asking

"Am I even an artist?"

"Is my work good enough to stand in front of thousands of visitors?"

But after a deep breath, I chose to commit.

My artwork can help me meet more people, start a conversation or bless someone.

Now the planning begins: creating enough high‑quality artwork, or using what I already have in my portfolio, sourcing manufacturers and printers, and preparing for my first public art market. I’ll share each weekly step so we can learn together. The messy bits, the brave bits, and the practical bits.

Yes, I might invest in stock that doesn’t sell. But the potential gain is real: more local people discovering who I am, what I create, and how we might collaborate.

Warwick's (NZ) Fabric Launch

Last week I visited the Warwick showroom in Parnell, Auckland, where Thea Wild presented a wildly colourful launch of new international fabrics:

• GP&J Baker x Kit Kemp II • Andrew Martin • A sneak peek of Kelly Wearstler’s Tela collection • Threads x Winch indoor/outdoor collaboration

Watching Thea present with such passion, sharing the story behind each design and how they weave together in collections, reminded me how many layers exist behind every textile.

Warwick showcased large fabric pieces on chairs, ottomans, cushions and table runners, and they installed large areas of wallpaper behind their reception desk. They honoured each design by giving it a beautiful application within their showroom.

It’s a powerful reminder: from designers to mills, manufacturers, shipping companies, wholesalers, and retailers - every layer adds to the complexity and beauty of well‑designed fabrics. So much goes into bringing these creations into the world.

Build Your Pattern Design Skills

A favourite yearly free workshop is now open:

The Keys to Mastering Surface Pattern Design with Bärbel Dressler.

Perfect if you love heritage‑inspired design and want to strengthen your foundations.

Note: I am not an affiliate link, I love to share free workshops that we can all learn from.

Please hit reply and let me know if this email resonated, if you found it helpful and please ask questions if you have any.

In creativity and community,

Nelléne

See you next week!