Another post for “Grandma’s Favorite Casserole” special. My friend Samantha talks about her inspiration for her gorgeous new fabric and paper collections.

Samantha – “I remember growing up with a harvest gold refrigerator.  It was actually quite fancy…it had an “in the door, water and ice dispenser” which was quite technology-forward, for the time.  I remember kids in my neighborhood had either russet brown, gold, or avocado refrigerators.  That specific color scheme was a product of the late 60’s early 70’s.  As we progressed into the 80’s, we were quite turned off by these colors…as they just shouted “I’m dated.”  By the time I reached college, most of the Avocado, russet, harvest gold and orange color schemes had gone by the wayside…until I opened the door to my sophomore apartment at Roman Gardens.  I was greeted by tangerine orange formica countertops and dark cabinetry. It was very retro…but retro hadn’t quite made a comeback yet…this was the early 90’s, and as students we were less than thrilled. But you know how it goes…what goes around, comes around…and we’ve come full circle.

Lately, I’ve been inspired by retro color schemes…especially this particular one,and how it plays a roll in communicating Autumn. I’ve been loving the retro flashbacks we are seeing in home made knick-knacks, and clothing. This draw to retro reminds me of happy carefree days of childhood, which makes me look at this color scheme from a different point of view. Color is funny, because even though I could not stand these colors in the early 90’s, I decided that it wasn’t the colors or the combo itself that I had a distaste for…but rather, it was that I equated the color scheme with “old.”  I was trying to grow up, create a new life for myself as a college student, and come into my own. Now, I long for the memories of those days that bring me back to childhood, and the colors are simply yummy to me again! They strike feelings of warmth…memories of cooking in the kitchen with Mom…family meals together, and more.  The combination of those colors is really quite ingenious…such a beautiful balance that marries together into a happy Autumn Dance. I decided that it would be the perfect combination for my Orchard Harvest and Decadence collections. Decadence is what this collection is called in fabric.  Orchard Harvest is what this collection was modified to in paper. (My paper manufacturer wanted to see less spring-y flowers and Fall flowers subbed in…as well as the introduction of some fall leaves.)

You’ll notice that the fabric is brighter and more fun, while the paper collection is slightly subdued so it would be a better fit in contrast with consumers Fall photos. They both serve their intended purposes perfectly. Although the colors are inspired by the 70’s…I tried to give the whole collection an updated twist with modern shapes, and layering effects. I’m thrilled with the result, and now have to say that I am quite enamored by this color scheme once again. ”

Thank You card project by Guiseppa Gubler Notebook project by Jamie Cripps

Above Project by Carol Johnston

Purse project by Jamie Cripps

Card project by Jamie Cripps

It’s so exciting when a fabric line debuts at the same time as your paper line! Samantha has a terrific design team to help her with all these lovely projects – Lucky You, Samantha! (um…I need one of those…)  You can visit Samantha’s blog at http://samanthaleewalker.blogspot.com/ where you’ll see lots more!