Recharged & Inspired

This summer I took a bit of a break from my design work.  I continued to sketch during the summer, but focused most of my attention on rest, relaxation, and family fun.  We all needed a recharge and this summer did not disappoint.  It was amazing to just let my creativity wander without expectations.  This new collection came from one of my summer sketchbook pages.  It feels so good to get back in the game with a clear vision and a sketchbook filled to the brim with inspiration. 

The color palette for this collection was influenced by my vision of summer transitioning to fall. And, since the style of this collection has a bit of a Mid-Century Scandinavian feel to it, I decided on the name Freya.

I am really thrilled with this collection and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

From my sketchbook....

These long dreary winter days seem to go on and on and on...BUT, coffee, music, and positive thinking have me gearing up for warmer days!  I have been sketching lots and lots of flowers and all kinds of spring and summer elements.  Recently, I sketched these sweet little flowers and berries and quickly had to add color to them.  Pinterest is my go to place for color collections.  I have a board of my favorite palettes that I draw inspiration from.  I ended up pulling colors from about 5 inspiration palette collections and I LOVE the results! Please let me know which one is your favorite?

Pen Pals and Design Block

Do you ever have days where you just don't feel like you have a creative bone in your body, days that you just can't come up with any new designs, or the things you do create are just so so?  Well, lately I have had a bit of a block with pattern design.   So, to get my creativity flowing again I grabbed my sketch book and  started drawing and creating some adorable little characters.  

When I was a kid I used to create my own paper dolls, comic strips and cartoons all the time.  I would practice my technique by copying "Frank & Ernest" and "Garfield" comics from the Sunday newspaper.  And, from that practice I started developing my own characters and my own style.  

These sweet little friends have been playing around in my head for some time.  So, I grabbed a pen, decided to push through my design block, and gave life to them.  I have given each one of them a "colorful" name and collectively named them "Pen Pals".  I am thrilled with my new little friends and can't wait to draw more.  I have several more colors to add to this little group.  It seems my design block has taken a playful detour...and I am loving it!  

Pattern Design Pin-hop 2013

Welcome to the Pin-Hop June 2013!  I am so excited you joined in the fun!!  We are a group of over 50 designers participating in the first ever pattern pin-hop on Pinterest.  The concept and preparation for this pin hop was orchestrated by the talented Tina Olsson of FYllayta.  

My designs were inspired by the "Midnight Garden" concept board from Patternbanks A/W 2013/2014 trend .  I hope you enjoy browsing through my interpretation.  Please be sure to stop back and check out all the other designers on the Pin-Hop June 2013 Pinterest board.  You can also find many of the designers and their fantastic work on the Find New Designers Pinterest board.  

Midnight Garden Sketchbook Collection - Holly Helgeson Designs 2013

I sincerely hope you enjoy this event and leave inspired to create fabulous designs of your own!

Also, please make sure to check out the beautiful designs from the very talented Femi Ford! Enjoy the Hop and Happy Pinning!