This is where I keep sharing what I'm learning long after the course wraps up. My process for Bloom to Repeat didn't stop evolving once I filmed the lessons, and it still hasn't. Whenever I stumble onto a new trick, try a new supply, or start a new pattern that teaches me something worth passing along, I'll drop it in right here at the top. Consider this an ongoing extension of the guidebook, the notes I didn't know I'd need to write yet. Check back often, since you never know what might be useful for the piece you're working on right now.
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A Little Painting Bonus + A Free Digital Pattern! : 11/11/26
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
I wanted to pop in and share a little something I worked on last week because I thought it was such a fun example of just how versatile the Bloom to Repeat process can be!
Last Friday, I had someone purchase a significant number of my original paintings. Whenever someone places a larger order like that, I sometimes like to tuck in an extra little painting as a thank-you. Not only am I incredibly grateful for the purchase, but I genuinely love painting, so any excuse to pull out my paints and create something special for someone is a bonus in my book!
While working on that little extra piece, I decided to take it one step further and turn it into a repeating pattern.
Here's the fun part: the original painting took me roughly 20-30 minutes, and with the Bloom to Repeat process, I was able to transform it into a completely new digital asset!
Now, the watercolor paper I used for this particular painting is quite textured, so it wouldn't necessarily be my first choice for creating a pattern intended for fabric or wallpaper printing. However, it works beautifully as a digital pattern! Think phone wallpapers, desktop backgrounds, website accents, social media graphics, or any other digital project where you want to add a little handmade touch.
I loved how it turned out, so I thought I'd share the original painting photos, the finished repeating pattern, and a little reel I created along the way. The reel was super cute and really fun to put together!
I've also included the pattern as a free digital download so you can save it and use it in your own digital projects. Consider it a little bonus from me!
One thing worth pointing out: I followed the Bloom to Repeat process to create this pattern, with just one small exception. I skipped using the maroon watercolor pencil to sketch out my design and simply painted freehand instead. Everything else followed the same process you've learned in the course!
I hope this gives you another little glimpse into the possibilities of combining your traditional artwork with digital tools. You don't always need a complicated illustration or hours of painting to create something that can be transformed into a useful digital asset.
I hope you're all enjoying your painting sessions! Please don't hesitate to share your creations with me. I absolutely love seeing what you're making, and I'd love to see how you're putting these techniques into practice.
Happy creating!
Carrie
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New Palette, New Pattern : 9/28/26
I had a little window before Lily got home from school, so I sat down with a new paint palette from Grabie to try a fresh round of my Bloom to Repeat process, this time with a completely different color palette.
I'll be honest, I tend to gravitate toward the same colors over and over. That's not necessarily a bad thing when you're building a recognizable brand, but I've been wanting to stretch a little and see what happens when I step outside my usual palette.
This one is brighter than what I normally reach for, and about halfway through I almost scrapped it. It wasn't clicking the way I wanted it to. But I have a personal rule that I try to finish what I start, so I pushed through anyway.
I'm really glad I did. It's not my favorite pattern I've ever made, but I'm proud of it in a different way, because I actually followed through on something that felt uncomfortable partway in. And I think it turned into something fun and different from my norm, the kind of bright, playful pattern I think a lot of you would love on the products I offer. Let me know what you think!
