This course was exactly what I needed! Learning how to create faux textures for my patterns was so important to me, and I’m so glad I found this class. The use of GIMP for this purpose is incredibly easy, and I would have never thought of using it this way. I created a seamless pattern from a photo and then transformed it as needed.
I also created some handpainted textures but I did not use them yet.

Rebecca’s advice is always practical, and I really appreciate how she emphasizes how to avoid mistakes. Highly recommend this course! Here are the Before/After images.

UPD: the palms project:

I was experimenting with mimicking an analog painting in a vector illustration. The pattern was drawn and assembled in Affinity Designer’s Designer Persona using native vector brushes, seamless vector and raster textures, blend modes, transparency, and various layer effects.

It was a quick one-day project or study, so the result has more of a gouache-like feel, but it serves my purpose for now. I plan to experiment further to achieve a more detailed and refined look.