'Patchwork with Pick Up Sticks by Su_G': My entry in Spoonflower's 'Patchwork' Design Challenge, which challenges us to "take a contemporary approach to patchwork".

Original: Hand-drawn with pattern (also hand-drawn) infills.

© Su Schaefer 2021

See more 'pick up sticks' designs by Su_G.

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=584 - open for one week only. So far there are 1114 entries (I had thought there would be less!), but voting could be fun for those who like modern patchwork as there are many stunning designs!

[Patchwork with Pick Up Sticks by Su_G_©SuSchaefer2021]

‘Violet Bats + Sonar by Su_G’: My entry in Spoonflower's 'Pastel Halloween' Design Challenge.

Original: Ink pen on paper + line art

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

© Su Schaefer 2021

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=609 - open for one week only. Tons of fabulous Halloween-themed designs among the 949 entries so get yourself comfortable before you look &/or vote...

The real challenge with this one was doing a spooky theme (Halloween) in non-threatening pastels.

[Violet Bats + Sonar by Su_G_Pillow sham_mockup]

'Parrotfish + sea fronds by Su_G': Isobar Wallpaper (mockup c/o Roostery)

See 'Parrotfish + sea fronds by Su_G' as wallpaper, and other home decor-type stuff (but alas, no more chairs!!). Thanks to Roostery (Spoonflower's home decor arm) for the mockup.

See 'Parrotfish + sea fronds by Su_G' as fabric at Spoonflower.

[Parrotfish + sea fronds by Su_G_Isobar Wallpaper_Roostery-mockup]

Design Challenge Entry: 'Death's Head Moth Ditsy by Su_G' cushions (mockup c/o Roostery)

My entry in the Moths Design Challenge.

Original: Brush & ink on paper.

© Su Schaefer 2019 ~ with thanks to my husband who suggested this insect.

See ‘Death’s Head (Totenkopf) Moth Ditsy by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

Design Challenge entry: 'Towel Surfing in East Fork colors + patterns by Su_G': on an off-white ground (#f8f5ec); my entry in Spoonflower's'Boardsports' Design Challenge. (wallpaper mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Line art + multimedia.

© Su Schaefer 2021

Towel surfing being like couch surfing, only better, as once the surfboard's arranged on the towel, it's all LOLling from there on!

See more ‘East Fork’ designs by Su_G.

The link for voting will be/ was www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=589 - open for one week only. So far there are 582 entries (fewer than many recent contests!). Voting could be awash with surf & surfboards, but there are some other boardsports represented!

[Towel Surfing in East Fork colors + patterns by Su_G_wallpaper_mockup]

‘Agents of Phantasmagoria: Psilocybin Mycelium by Su_G’: My entry in Spoonflower's 'Phantasmagoria' Design Challenge. Original: Watercolour on paper.

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

© Su Schaefer 2021

My inspiration was the film 'Fantastic Fungi' which as well as being full of very beautiful images, carries an inspirational message of hope and connection - just as transformational fungi connect in underground networks that look much like our neural networks. Surely there's a message in this!

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=610 - open for one week only. Tons of fabulous Phantasmagoria-themed designs among the 515 entries so get yourself comfortable before you look &/or vote...

[Agents of Phantasmagoria-Psilocybin Mycelium_wallpaper_mockup]

'Lizards under the hex by Su_G': detail of the design (part-design only - approx. equivalent to an 8 x 8 inch swatch @ 228 ppi) for clearer viewing. My entry in the Spoonflower Hexagons Design Challenge.

Line art & lizards (they just would keep popping in & out)

© Su Schaefer 2017

These lizards first featured in my 'Lizards of the Caribbean by Su_G' - from which clearly several of them have escaped...

See 'Lizards under the hex by Su_G' as fabric

[Lizards under the hex by Su_G_design-detail@228ppi]

Design Challenge entry: 'Peacock feather mash up by Su_G': pillow mockup (c/o Roostery)

My entry in Spoonflower's Feathers Design Challenge. Channeling the “flurry of feathers” from the suggested brief for the contest & taking advantage of the chance to play with gold paint!

Chalk & metallic oils.

© Su Schaefer 2019

See ‘Peacock feather mash-up by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Peacock feather mash up_pillow_mockup]

’Lull to Sleep - hand-painted impasto swirls by Su_G': Soothing deep dark midnight blues in hand-painted swirly oil paint impasto. My entry in Spoonflower's 'Sweet Dreams Bedding' Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2023

Shown as duvet and pillow covers in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower). I personally would love to sleep in this design.

Sorry that the new voting system still has bugs... www.spoonflower.com/design-challenge/sweet-dreams-bedding... is the link for voting - generally open for one week only.

BUT be warned! There may be about 1,700 entries, many of which will have little to no relationship to the brief (Sweet Dreams Bedding) & we're still playing spot the AI-generated entries (they're the ones with strange numbers of fingers and toes & other body part mistakes that humans don't do).

If you do feel reckless and decide for the "new and exciting" voting experience please let me have some quotable quotes re what worked and what didn't so I can pass them on to Spoonflower. Thank you! :-)

But I understand if that's too much.

[Lull to Sleep by Su_g - bed linen mockup]

'Once upon a stag by Su_G' in a pillow mockup (c/o Roostery)

'Once upon a stag by Su_G': Antlers in navy + burgundy on white; my entry in Spoonflower's Orchid and Navy Limited Color Palette Design Challenge.

Line art.

© Su Schaefer 2018

See 'Once upon a stag by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower

See 'Once upon a stag by Su_G' as a Serama

Square Throw Pillow With Flange Detail, 19" X 19" (and other soft furnishings) @ Roostery

[Once upon a stag by Su_G_pillow_mockup]

’Gray Oxen by Su_G': some decorated, some textured, a gray ox fantasy, and my entry in Spoonflower's 'Year of the Ox' Design Challenge. (mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Poster pen + line art textures

© Su Schaefer 2021

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=583 - open for one week only. So far there are 671 entries, and voting could be fun for those who like Oxen (and perhaps Chinese culture as some designs give a nod to this aspect) - and there are many terrific entries.

[Gray Oxen by Su_G_table runner_mockup]

'Love is fearless by Su_G': My entry in the 'Small-Scaled Geometric' Design Challenge - a seamless repeat using simple shapes expressing timeless truths: love is fearless. (face cover mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Line art (vector).

© Su Schaefer 2021

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=579 - open for one week only. Be warned: there are more than 1100 entries! Voting could be a challenge - there are not so many different interpretations of the challenge!

[Love is fearless by Su_G_face cover_mockup]

’It's a jungle in here (wall hanging/ tea towel) by Su_G' (www.spoonflower.com/fabric/12274598): My entry in Spoonflower's 'Indoor Garden Wall Hangings' Design Challenge.

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Metallic oil on canvas + Photoshop manipulations.

Relates to ( 'It’s a jungle in there by Su_G'): My entry in the 'Tropical Surrealism' Design Challenge.

© Su Schaefer 2021

Designed for Linen Cotton Canvas wall hanging or fat quarter tea towel/s. Includes cutting lines to make it easier to cut four wall hangings or tea towels from one yard of Linen Cotton Canvas (54 inches wide). Cut-and-sew: to complete the project: wash, iron, cut, and hem (or zigzag). Give as garden gifts - with or without plants!

The link for voting was www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=621 - open for one week only. Many fabulous designs among the 685 or so entries!

[It's a jungle in here (wall hanging or tea towel) by Su_G_wall hanging_mockup]

'It’s a jungle in there by Su_G' in a wallpaper mockup (c/o Spoonflower & Roostery)

Deep in the jungle, the mighty jungle, the TV lurks tonight... My entry in Spoonflower's Tropical Surrealism Design Challenge.

Metallic oil on canvas and line art (hand-drawn stripes).

© Su Schaefer 2020

I found this a really hard challenge, as with my head full of Dali & Magritte my visions of tvs or digital screens in the jungle or with the jungle in them, were bound to fall flat (if that's not a pun).

The link for voting was www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=558 - open for one week only. There were 770 entries in this contest. I've seen lots of beautiful jungly entries & some surreal combinations, so voting should be fun!

[It's a jungle in there by Su_G_©SuSchaefer2020]

Design Challenge entry: '2019 is turquoise, a tea towel calendar by Su_G' in a tea towel mockup (! c/o Roostery). My entry in Spoonflower + Roostery's 2019 Tea Towel Calendars Design Challenge.

See ’2019 is turquoise, a tea towel calendar by Su_G' @ Spoonflower

[2019 is turquoise, a tea towel calendar by Su_G]

’Walk those dots, cats! by Su_G': a dot cat fantasy, my entry in the 'Yellow and Gray' Design Challenge. (mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Line art

© Su Schaefer 2021

See more 'cat' designs by Su_G.

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=582 - open for one week only. So far there are >1,000 entries(!), and voting should be fun for those who are in tune with this colour scheme - many terrific entries already.

[Walk those dots, cats! by Su G_bedding_mockup]

‘Waterways White + Bright by Su_G’: capturing the liveliness of waves + surf + sea foam + sand + sea action, to celebrate World Ocean Day: my entry in Spoonflower's 'World Waterways' Design Challenge.

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Line art + Poster pen on paper

© Su Schaefer 2021

'Waterways White + Bright Three Pelican Study by Su_G': is a companion design full of sea birds! © Su Schaefer 2021

Technically, this design is a four-color non-directional for printing on inflatable stand-up paddle boards, and hoping to be selected by firstly, voters, and secondly, Red Paddle Co, the contest sponsor; but as there's no chance of it being chosen by either I can do as I darn well please, and I like it!

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=601 - open for one week only. So far there are 779 entries - more than enough waterways for everyone...

[Waterways White + Bright by Su_G_tablecloth_mockup]

‘Ghostly glowing Octopi by Su_G’ : mysterious marine life, and my entry in the Animals of the Ocean Design Challenge. (Fabric mockup c/o Spoonflower & Roostery)

Original: Metallic oil on paper

© Su Schaefer 2018

See ‘Ghostly glowing Octopi by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Ghostly glowing octopi by Su_G_fabric_Mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'The break up of the ice by Su_G' in wallpaper & cushion (mockup c/o Roostery)

My entry in the Spoonflower Bird’s eye view Design Challenge.

Line art

© Su Schaefer 2019

Apart from our theoretical bird, with its eye view, notice the strange absence of any wildlife... ice no longer thick enough for calving seals... or polar bears... insufficient plankton to feed whales...

See ‘The break up of the ice by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

See more ‘statement art’ designs by Su_G.

[The break up of the ice by Su_G_wallpaper,cushion_mockup]

'Andy's Blue Pandas Ultra-Steady Steady State by Su_G': my entry in Spoonflower's 'Pantone Ultra-Steady Wallpaper' Design Challenge. Hand drawn in ink pen + line art. © Su Schaefer 2023

Only colors from the Pantone-curated Ultra-Steady palette and suggested color harmonies complementing the palette were used.

My inspirations included a recent Andy Warhol exhibition which features his giant red panda, and real life pandas at Adelaide Zoo. If you want to know more about Giant Panda Bears this is a nice page with lots of information from Adelaide zoo, where I first saw them in the flesh. At that time, one fell asleep half-way through a doorway. They might have simply been exhausted by so many visitors, but it looked like an ultra-steady state to me. :-)

Shown as wallpaper in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

New voting system still has bugs still being ironed out. The link for voting may be www.spoonflower.com/design-challenge/pantone-ultra-steady... - open for one week only. BUT be warned! There will be about 1,700 entries, many of which will have little to no relationship to the brief (using the Pantone steady-state restricted palette) & we're still playing spot the AI-generated entries (they're the ones with strange numbers of fingers and toes & other body part mistakes that humans don't do).

If you do feel reckless and decide for the "new and exciting" voting experience please let me have some quotable quotes re what worked and what didn't so I can pass them on to Spoonflower. Thank you! :-)

[Andy's Blue Pandas Ultra-Steady Steady State by Su_G_wallpaper_mockup]

'Jewel-tone taco rainclouds by Su_G' in a bedding mockup (c/o Spoonflower & Roostery)

My entry in Spoonflower's Jewel-Tone '70s Design Challenge.

Orig: Metallic oils & chalk on canvas.

© Su Schaefer 2019

See 'Jewel-tone taco rainclouds by Su_G' as bed linen and as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Jewel-tone taco rainclouds by Su_G bedding_mockup]

‘Skeletal trees in Prussian Blue + variations on white by Su_G': continuing the tree theme of the 'Modern Farmhouse' Collection by Su_G, and my entry in the 'Monochrome Moments' Design Challenge.

© Su Schaefer 2022

Because I'm walking yet another new neighborhood (moved house again) and there are all sorts of new trees to admire, many of which are in their bare winter splendour. Once again, a neighbor has a gingko tree (are they following me?) with a good form for shade and those wonderfully shaped leaves. In Spring I may do another design for the sequence...

Shown as curtain panels in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=655 - open for one week only. A wide-open contest based around the use of monochromes with around 1300+ entries.

[Skeletal trees in Prussian Blue + variations on white by Su_G_curtain panels mockup]

'Italian Villa Gardens Wallpaper by Su_G'. Original: Hand drawn line art. © Su Schaefer 2023

My entry in Spoonflower's 'Italian Villa Wallpaper' Design Challenge. Contemporary gardens for modern people.

Shown as wallpaper in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=689 - open for one week only. Expect a wide open field: my guess is for about 1500 entries as there are already 1317 (down from 1361) entries in this contest (could reduce).

[Italian Villa Gardens Wallper by Su_G_wallpaper_mockup]

’Our fair blue Earth + Moon (Worlds within Worlds) by Su_G': entry in Spoonflower + Peppermint Magazine's 'What a Wonderful World' Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2023

The brief says “the sky’s the limit” as we draw inspiration from the natural world to create a design for use in apparel fabric - and who wouldn't want to wear ‘our fair blue earth + moon’? Coming soon: Mars!

"Trust in your process... what you intend will make sense in the end."

– SHUH LEE, ISSUE 57

Shown in a kimono coat in the mockup.

Sorry that the new voting system remains slow & buggy, really hoping that improves soon... www.spoonflower.com/design-challenge/what-a-wonderful-world-2023-06/vote may be the link for voting - open for a week only. Expect ~2,000 entries.

[Our fair blue Earth + Moon by Su_G_kimono mockup]

This week @spoonflower the challenge is to utilise the colours Coral, Grass and Peony to coordinate with their Petal Solids fabrics. The challenge is called In Bloom and my entry is called Plum Harvest.

These are available for purchase now. There is a 25% discount on wallpaper at the moment.

I hope you like them :) Thank you if you vote over the weekend and hope you are having a Happy Easter. xo

'60s floral reimagined by Su_G': combining three loves: flower power in bright colors and dots, with a Mary Quant vibe from the sixties. My entry in Spoonflower's 'Retro Floral Curtains' Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2022

Shown as curtain panels in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

Florals usually attract LOTS of entries.The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=660 - open for one week only. My guess is for about 1500 entries. Close! It's 1436 entries as I write this!

[60s floral reimagined by Su_G_curtain panels_mockup]

‘Doodle with bugs by Su_G’: my entry in Spoonflower’s ‘Doodlebugs’ Design Challenge. You may have to use the 'fabric' link and peer hard to see these doodle bugs. Hand- painted using digital oil paint + finished with felt pen. © Su Schaefer 2023

I loved using paint to do my doodles. Doodling my bugs taught me that a dot of white works twice as hard as any other colour. For the doodle without the bugs see ‘Doodle without bugs by Su_G’.

Shown as a cushion in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower) with a close up beside so you can see (seek) the bugs...

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=693 - open for one week only. BUT be warned! There are about 1,700 entries, as we speak, and (much as I hate to say this) if previous contests are anything to go by, many entries will have little to no relationship to the brief (doodle bugs). There is a new game in town though: spot the AI-generated entries (contrary to rules, but hey, rules, shmools, rules are for fools, and other sayings of our times).

[Doodle with bugs by Su_G_cushion mockup + CU]

Design Challenge entry: ‘Eight cats walking in the Egyptian style by Su_G' in a Duvet Cover mockup (c/o Roostery).

Watercolour on paper, basic repeat.

© Su Schaefer 2018

See ‘Eight cats walking in the Egyptian style by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Eight cats walking in the Egyptian style by Su_G_Duvet Cover_mockup]

’On the Sunny Side of the Waves by Su_G': sunny-side optimism for better times ahead, and my entry in Spoonflower's 'Petal Solids Coordinates: Optimism' Design Challenge. Original: Ink pen + paper. © Su Schaefer 2022

As per the design brief, I used 'Lemon Lime' (#EBDD1F) and 'Watermelon' (#DF737B), together with black and white, imagining my design in this "bright and warm palette" being used for fun bedding and pillows.

Shown as bedding (sheets & pillow cases) in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=649 - open for one week only. A wide-open contest based around the use of a few set colours plus, and *only* (tongue very much in cheek) 1200+ entries!

[On the Sunny Side of the Waves by Su_G_bedding_mockup]

‘Wolf spider eyes at night by Su_G’: My entry in Spoonflower's 'Nocturnal Animals' Design Challenge.

Line art.

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

© Su Schaefer 2021

Most spiders have eight eyes (but they can have up to twelve). Most wolf spiders (Lycosidae) hunt in dusk and moonlight. Their four large posterior eyes have well-developed tapeta (light reflecting crystals) which help them spot prey movement in low light. At night, they can be easily seen as the tapeta in their large eyes shine bright in torchlight.

Source: Australian Museum.

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=611 - open for one week only. Lots of gorgeous nocturnal animal-themed designs (look out for the spiders & slugs!) among the 776 entries so get yourself comfortable before you look &/or vote...

[Wolf spider eyes at night by Su_G_cushion_mockup]

’Ickle pickle, faint + fickle by Su_G': olive, gray and teal circles encased in white and teal circles marked out with textured gray on white linen-look slices. Entry in Spoonflower's 'Reworked Classics' Design Challenge. The original designs - of which this is a rework that introduces new colors as well as arrangements - were built around the concept of pickles, which I can't seem to get away from... Must try harder!

Original: Line art. © Su Schaefer 2022

See more pickle designs by Su_G.

Shown as non-pasted traditional pebble wallpaper (quite an interesting texture) in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=647 - open for one week only. A wide-open contest with the theme of 'Reworked Classics' and *only* (tongue very much in cheek) 1200+ entries!

'Watercolor creatures of the brown paper by Su_G' in a slimline kimono mockup.

Big bold full-paint brushstrokes created these watercolor creatures on paper. This was my entry in the Spoonflower + Skillshare Whimsical Watercolor Abstract. And thank you to sapphire_rouge who pointed out that the fabric is similar to the pattern of a kimono (

'Watercolor creatures of the brown paper by Su_G': print on basic cotton) and gave me the idea for this mockup.

© Su Schaefer 2017 & 2018

Original: Watercolor on brown paper (!).

See 'Watercolor creatures of the brown paper by Su_G' as fabric at Spoonflower

[Watercolor creatures of the brown paper by Su_G_Slimline kimono_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Good dogs get bones by Su_G' in a toddler T-shirt (mockup c/o Pixeden & Photopea)

My entry in Spoonflower's Boy Wonder Design Challenge, with the aim of encouraging all children to make & wear their own designs…

Original: Crayon on paper

© Su Schaefer 2019

A related design is: 'Reality bites…': my entry in the Princess Awesome Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2018

As a startup member of Princess Awesome it’s great to see Eva and Rebecca going strong & turning their hand to wondrous boy’s clothes.

See Good dogs get bones by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Good dogs gets bones by Su_G_toddler T-shirt_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Good dogs get bones by Su_G': fabric (mockup c/o Spoonflower)

My entry in Spoonflower's Boy Wonder Design Challenge, with the aim of encouraging all children to make their own designs…

Original: Crayon on paper

© Su Schaefer 2019

A related design is: 'Reality bites…': my entry in the Princess Awesome Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2018

As a startup member of Princess Awesome it’s great to see Eva and Rebecca going strong & turning their hand to wondrous boy’s clothes.

See Good dogs get bones by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Good dogs get bones by Su_G_fabric_mockup]

'Textured Flecked Frankl by Su_G': my entry in the 'Neutral Geometric Wallpaper' Design Challenge, in cream, grays and dun, with a dash of bright yellow (inspired by Paul T Frankl's man's cabinet, c. 1938).

(mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: Oil incl. metallic oil, on canvas.

© Su Schaefer 2021

Related designs are 'Masculine Frankl' and 'Flecked Frankl by Su_G' (with black + white flecks on one of the half moons).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=612 - open for one week only. There will be many gorgeous wallpaper designs among the 1198 entries so get comfortable before you start...

[Textured Flecked Frankl by Su_G_wallpaper_mockup]

'Dark academia: dangerous thoughts on evil deeds (on dark vellum) by Su_G': my entry in Spoonflower's 'Dark Academia' Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2022 ~ the fonts are Leelawadee, regular + bold.

Quotations sharing dangerous thoughts on evil deeds, from Shakespeare to the present. It's up to us to school the socio- and psycho-paths acting out amongst us.

Shown as a throw pillow in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=658 - open for one week only. Get ready for lots of thinly disguised HP references (you know who I mean) ... & my guess is for about 700 entries. Close! It's 750 entries as I write this!

Sad to report that my entry came 428th out of 743 total entries with only 36 votes. On the plus side, I got to create what I wanted, and finish something I'd been working on for a while. :-)

[Dark academia-dangerous thoughts on evil deeds by Su_G_cushion_mockup] 601v @ 6-11-2022

'Totenkopf Moth Kuss/ Death's Head Moth Kiss' - by Su_G in two colorways, fabric mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

See them as fabric: white on black and black on white @ Spoonflower

[Totenkopf Moth Kuss_x2_Fabric_Mockup]

’Rosie the Footballer by Su_G': Celebrating the achievement of USA women's football in reaching a landmark equal pay settlement with US Soccer. My entry in Spoonflower's 'International Women’s Day Wall Hangings' Design Challenge. Truly, every day from now on, on the football field, as well as in Spoonflower, "may as well be International Women’s Day!" as the design brief says. Ink pen on paper, referencing that well known icon of women's work from the war years: 'Rosie the Riveter'. It could be Rosie's great-grand-daughters playing football (soccer) and getting paid properly for it in the future.

Shown upright as a wall hanging in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower). © Su Schaefer 2022

For a nice summary of the ins and outs of the settlement, see 'USA women's football team reaches landmark $33m equal pay settlement with US Soccer' as reported by the ABC, Australia's national broadcaster.

Designed for Linen Cotton Canvas wall hanging or fat quarter tea towel/s.

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=636 - open for one week only. Many fabulous designs among the 444 entries!

[Rosie the Footballer by Su_G_©SuSchaefer2022_wallhanging_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Tulip pockets in 1960s colors, after Mary Quant, by Su_G' in a pillow sham mockup (c/o Roostery): combining three loves: tulips, Mary Quant dresses, and pockets. My entry in the 1960s Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2018

After a famous dress by Mary Quant under the Ginger Group label, that’s an utterly plain & simple A-line, with the sole decoration being the 'tulip' on the pocket with matching trim in the same color on the hem, sleeve & neck as well as the pocket. A sixties classic.

See 'Tulip pockets in 1960s colors, after Mary Quant, by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Tulip pockets in 1960s colors, after Mary Quant, by Su_G]

'Eye of Horus by Su_G': in simulated gold, lapis lazuli and anthracite; my entry in Spoonflower's 'Talismans' Design Challenge. (throw rug mockup c/o Spoonflower)

Original: hand-drawn in metallic oils (tube, roller) on paper.

© Su Schaefer 2021

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, power, and good health – things we all need!

See more ‘Egyptian’ themed designs by Su_G.

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=585 - open for one week only. So far there are about 800 entries (a popular theme!). Voting could be fun as the talismans are very diverse!

[Eye of Horus by Su_G_throw rug_mockup]

'Happy Birthday Spoonflower Birthday Party Table Linens by Su_G': my entry in Spoonflower's 'Birthday Party Table Linens' Design Challenge - to celebrate Spoonflower turning fifteen in May. Happy birthday Spoonflower! Hand drawn line art. © Su Schaefer 2023

'Birthday Party Table Linens by Su_G' is a simpler version.

Shown as a table runner & napkins in the mockup (c/o Spoonflower).

New voting system has bugs still being ironed out. The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=694 - open for one week only. BUT be warned! There will be about 1,700 entries, many of which will have little to no relationship to the brief (reusable birthday table linen) & we're still playing spot the AI-generated entries (they're the ones with strange numbers of fingers and toes & other body part mistakes that humans don't do).

[Happy Birthday Spoonflower! Birthday Party Linens by Su_G_table runner_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'The break up of the ice by Su_G': cushions (mockup c/o Roostery)

My entry in the Spoonflower Bird’s eye view Design Challenge.

Line art

© Su Schaefer 2019

Apart from our theoretical bird, with its eye view, notice the strange absence of any wildlife... ice no longer thick enough for calving seals... or polar bears... insufficient plankton to feed whales...

See ‘The break up of the ice by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

See more ‘statement art’ designs by Su_G.

[The break up of the ice by Su_G_cushions_mockup]

'Turn it up to the Max by Su_G' in a duvet cover (mockup c/o Spoonflower)

This was my entry in Spoonflower's Maximalist Design Challenge. Channeling the “larger than life design elements” part of the suggested brief for the contest. I was really pleased that it placed 147th out of 810 total entries (with 109 unsolicited, verified valid votes, & 85 faves) - in the 1st third. Always aiming for the top 100 but this was the closest to that my entry has gotten for a looong time.

Poster pen & digital paper.

© Su Schaefer 2019

See ‘Turn it up to the Max by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower.

See ‘Turn it up to the Max by Su_G’ as a doona cover (& other soft furnishings) @ Spoonflower.

Turn it up to the Max by Su_G_duvet cover_mockup

‘What’s up, Buttercup? by Su_G' (www.spoonflower.com/designs/15180181): entry in Spoonflower's 'Buttercups Home Decor' Design Challenge. © Su Schaefer 2023

I imagine this design used for pillows or cushions. Thanks to Lotte, one of my Life Drawing group’s models. Two phrases ran through my head as I created this design: I used one for the title (apparently it *is* an actual saying), and the other was the title of a chart-topping song by The Foundations in 1968: ‘Build me up Buttercup’, guaranteed to cheer you up and this link uses a flower (guess which one) for the songster: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSofzQURQDk

Mockup c/o Spoonflower

Sorry that the new voting system still (sigh) has bugs... www.spoonflower.com/design-challenge/Buttercups is the link for voting - patience needed as can take a long time to get past the gray boxes stage - generally open for one week only.

BUT be warned! There will probably be around 1500 entries, and in previous contests they have been hard to see.

If you do feel reckless and decide for the "new and exciting" voting experience please let me have some quotable quotes re what worked and what didn't so I can pass them on to Spoonflower. Thank you! :-)

But I understand if that's too much.

[What's Up, Buttercup by Su_G_pillow_mockup]

'Whimsical Watercolors Toms by Su_G': detail of the design for clearer viewing (part-design only - approx. equivalent to an 8" x 8" @ 270 ppi; somewhat smaller scale than currently set for voter viewing).

My entry in the Spoonflower and Skillshare Whimsical Watercolor Fruit Design Challenge.

Watercolor on canvas

© Su Schaefer 2017

I learnt a lot about tomatoes deconstructing them to paint. For instance, the inside is always darker than the outside. Seeds are essential. Internal structure can vary enormously. I feel I never really looked at a tomato properly up until now.

See 'Whimsical Watercolors Toms by Su_G' as fabric at Spoonflower

[Whimsical Watercolors Toms by Su_G_design detail@270ppi]

Design Challenge entry: 'Heartwarming bears, 1 yard cheater quilt by Su_G' in a quilt cover (mockup c/o Spoonflower)

My entry in Spoonflower's 1 Yard Cheater Quilt Design Challenge, featuring wintry weather & cold-loving creatures.

Chalk on paper & line art.

© Su Schaefer 2019

See 'Heartwarming bears, 1 yard cheater quilt by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower

See 'Heartwarming bears, 1 yard cheater quilt by Su_G' as a quilt cover @ Spoonflower

[Heartwarming bears, 1 yard cheater quilt by Su_G_quilt_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Tummy Time Playmat by Su_G' in a duvet cover mockup (c/o Roostery)

My entry in Spoonflower's Playmats Design Challenge.

Line art.

© Su Schaefer 2019

Babies can already see light and dark through the womb. Bold geometrics engage them first. The first colour they will see is red (full spectrum by five months or so). My playmat is for a baby engaged by bold geometrics to have some tummy time on the red. With the playmat safe in a playpen, Mummy (or Daddy) can have some tummy time too.

See ‘Tummy Time Playmat by Su_G’ as fabric @ Spoonflower

[Tummy Time Playmat by Su_G_duvet cover_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Wild Grass Thatch by Su_G': my entry in Spoonflower's 'Wild Grasses' Design Challenge.

Original: Line art.

© Su Schaefer 2021

A range of wild and cultivated plant material was traditionally used as thatch, including straw, reeds, sedges and wild grasses. Thatch materials today are usually straw (wheat, oat, sometimes rye) or reeds. In the past, the material used was by-product of local agricultural activity but changes to these practices (e.g. machine - rather than hand - harvesting leading to shorter stems) has led to descreases in the supply of useful thatching straw. Today's thatchers may have to source straw from specialised growers at distance, and new materials and techniques have diluted the regional styles which once dominated. -- see 'Thatch: A guide to the repair of thatched roofs' @ www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2019/10/Thatch-A-Gu...

The link for voting will be www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=593 - open for one week only. So far there are 1005 entries - quite a few more than recent contests - so buckle up for the ride!

[Wild Grass Thatch by Su_G_cushions_mockup]

Design Challenge entry: 'Pirate sayings by Su_G': cushions (mockup c/o Roostery)

Entry in Spoonflower's Pirates Design Challenge.

Line art, text (the font is Adobe's 'Chiller') & outrage!

© Su Schaefer 2019, inspired by recent thefts and copyright violations by the many pirates who sail the SCAmazon.

Flickr Spoonflower Discussion Group on the issues here: Copyright Issues on Amazon

And another designer grappling with the same issue of Spoonflower theft on Amazon: karapeters.design/copyright/

To pirate: to illegally copy and sell something, such as our designs, without permission (definition adapted from the Cambridge Dictionary).

See more 'statement art' by Su_G.

See 'Pirate sayings by Su_G' as fabric @ Spoonflower.

[Pirate sayings by Su_G_cushions_mockup copy]

Design Challenge entry: 'Now you see it, now you don't by Su_G' as wallpaper & cushion (mockups c/o Roostery)

Entry in Spoonflower's Feline Frenzy Design Challenge.

Line art

© Su Schaefer 2019, inspired by, and in commemoration of, Carlos Cruz-Diez who died this week. A nice article (from the British Broadcasting Corporation) with great pictures of some of his masterpieces is 'In pictures: Kinetic Op art pioneer Carlos Cruz-Diez dies'. I like his saying that his art "constantly changes because light constantly changes".

See 'Now you see it, now you don't, by Su_G' as fabric a@ Spoonflower.

*** Note to self: Add the tail of the Great Dane.

[Now you see it, now you don't by Su_G_wallpaper,cushion_mockup]