Elizabeth’s first fabric line with Cloud9 Fabrics, Grey Abbey, launched in Spring 2014.
Leave behind something beautiful with every step you take A big warm hello, and thanks for being here! I am a Toronto-based Surface Designer, showing for the 2nd time here at Surtex. My love affair with patterns began many years ago as a child mesmerized by the orange floral drapes in my mother’s kitchen. Surrounded by bold, unapologetic prints, patterns were something that I could lose myself in; a window to faraway places. Through the years, my love of patterns remained, and inspired me to start making my own. My work is inspired by pastoral beauty, nature in its most playful forms, folklore, and romance. I’m driven by the desire to leave something beautiful behind with every step that I take. With only 2 years in the industry, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with my ever-growing roster of dream clients, including CLOUD9 FABRICS, TARGET, JOANN’S FABRICS and MADISON PARK GREETINGS, on projects like fabric, stationery, gift wrap, greeting cards, children’s clothing, bedding, packaging and more. Please read on to learn more about me and my growing business!
IN THE WORDS OF UPPERCASE MAGAZINE, ELIZABETH IS A
“Designer on the Rise”
In an interview by Zouch magazine, Janine Vangool of Uppercase magazine cited Elizabeth as a designer to keep your eye on!
“I instantly fell in love with her aesthetic and incredible eye for composition and color… I hope Elizabeth’s work will inspire you as much as it does me!” — Ez Pudewa, CREATURE COMFORTS
Berlin, I love you Elizabeth’s hopelessly devoted to travel, and began developing a large portfolio of patterns while on a 3-month sabbatical in Berlin.
The Great Outdoors Elizabeth loves to camp and takes great inspiration from nature.
Graphic Designer with 10+ years experience Elizabeth’s background is graphic design, which she studied and worked at for over 10 years, for both design studios and her own business, before making the decision to dive in and pursue her true love — surface design.
IF SHE WERE TO GET A TATTOO, IT WOULD SAY
I must have flowers, always, and always. — CLAUDE MONET
But seriously…
Sugar & Spice
With her design production experience, business savvy, and a true designer’s spirit, Elizabeth understands the practical side of creating products.
Elizabeth loves to bake! She finds baking incredibly relaxing, and can be found whipping up buttery and sugary treats when she’s free.
“I love, love, love Elizabeth’s use of color and have a feeling that we are going to soon see her prints all over the place!”
Tidbits of interest
— Michelle Fifis, PATTERN OBSERVER
An ABSPD Graduate She took the popular Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design course with Rachael Taylor and has been featured as one of their success stories.
PRODUCTS IN CATEGORIES LIKE
Elizabeth hosted a Surtex webinar entitled How to Use Social Media to Increase your Presence at the Show for this year’s exhibitors.
“Her use of layered color makes each and every pattern seem to jump off the page, making her a fast favorite of mine.”
baby bedding, kids clothing, wallpaper, tech cases, packaging, paper & gift, ladies apparel, fabric, scrapbooking, washi tapes, housewares & more
This illustrator loves Illustrator Elizabeth’s work is created in Adobe Illustrator resulting in highly-editable vector-based artwork that is easy for clients to manipulate.
— Kelly Beall, DESIGN CRUSH
All things vintage Elizabeth loves old wallpapers and vintage fabrics and can often be found scouring flea markets and antique shops looking for inspiration for her work.
Fresh, graphic, organic. Modern patterns with a nod to days gone by. Although Elizabeth is most recognized for her graphic, organic florals, she also does playful novelty prints and modern geometrics — all in soft, fresh palettes, and often with a vintage twist. Elizabeth draws inspiration from field trips to vintage shops, antique stores and flea markets, as well as exploring nature. These inspirations feature prominently in her work.
“Her patterns would look just as natural on your ultra-hip aunt in 1960s London as they would in next month’s issue of Elle Decor.” — Jess Decelle, FOX & BRIE
Pattern sampler
Some of Elizabeth’s products with Madison Park Greetings, which launched January 2014.
A growing list of collaborations and products in the marketplace Elizabeth only made her foray into the pattern world a few years ago, but has quickly established herself, with an ever-growing list of coveted clients, and many more products still to launch later this year and in 2015. Product categories include baby bedding, kids clothing, wallpaper, tech cases, packaging, paper & gift products, ladies apparel, fabric, housewares & more.
Clockwise, from top left: Cloud9 Fabrics. teNeues notecards, Madison Park mini bag set, Madison Park iPhone covers, Madison Park boxed notes.
Clockwise, from top left: Dioton birth announcements, Madison Park keepsake box and washi tapes, Cloud9 fabrics, iPops magnets, Madison Park 2015 Calendar, Wallpaper with Wallpapered.com, iPops paperweights.
Bless this Press Elizabeth is grateful to have been featured in an array of design and fabric magazines over the past year, as well as an assortment of blogs. She’s also done quite a few interviews, which can be viewed on her website under the ‘press’ section — pop on over and take a look! MAGAZINES
Pretty Patches (UK) Love Patchwork & Quilting (UK) Uppercase Magazine Work/Life 3 (Canada) Frankie Magazine (AU) Uppercase Magazine Surface Design Guide (Canada) DESIGN-SAVVY BLOGS OF NOTE
Print & Pattern (UK) DesignWorkLife (US) Design Lovefest (US) Design Crush (US) Pattern Observer (US) Creature Comforts (US) Paper Crave (US)
CLIPPINGS, LINKS & PRESS RELEASES ARE ON MY WEBSITE’S PRESS PAGE Clockwise from top left: Pretty Patches, Love Patchwork & Quilting, Uppercase Work/Life 3, Pretty Patches, Print & Pattern blog, Pattern Observer Blog, Frankie DIY envelopes, Frankie interview, Uppercase Surface Design Guide.
Don’t be shy If you’d like to discuss a press opportunity, or would just like to say hello, I’d love to hear from you!
hello@elizabetholwen.com www.elizabetholwen.com 416.912.1008