This is my example project to go with my class Create and Install Patterned Wallpaper. I will show you the steps in my design process to get to the final wallpaper.

First, I did some research and planning and created my moodboard. I wanted to make a wallpaper of British seaweed for my bathroom (so I would feel like I was under the sea in the bath!). I used Pinterest to gather inspiration (my seaweed Pinterest board here) and the V&A wallpaper archives, then used the InDesign template (in class resources) to make this moodboard.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 1 - student project I went out and about collecting seaweed on location for my motifs, and did some sketching on site.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 2 - student project

I took photos around the location and used Procreate to make some colour palettes. This was my favourite using actual seaweed to colour pick from.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 3 - student project

I did some sketching in Procreate as well and then used Illustrator to Image Trace my sketches into black vectors.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 4 - student project

I gathered some natural objects and using them to make inky textures for my drawings. I used Image Trace on Illustrator again to vectorise them.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 5 - student project

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 6 - student project

I then gathered all my motifs and textures in Illustrator and played around with building the repeat tile. I measured my bathroom wall and made my tile the same height (125cm x 50cm wide).

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 7 - student project

Once I was happy with the repeat in black, I added textures to my motifs and replaced them in the tile (you could add textures first if you want!).

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 8 - student project I then used the recolour tool to explore some different colour options using the colour palettes I had made. I eventually decided to create a colour palette for the bathroom itself using a vase I already had in the room so it would go perfectly!

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 9 - student project

My final design I chose to send to print with Contrado is the bottom right with the white background. I wanted to be able to cut out pieces and collage them onto the walls as well, which were already white.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 10 - student project

I sent off for my wallpaper sample and checked the quality before measuring up and ordering my final wallpaper rolls!

Once it arrived, I measured out the rolls, prepared the walls of my bathroom and pasted the paper to hang it.

I then dressed the room again and stepped back to admire my new seaweed wallpaper! I'm really pleased with the result and love how I can look at the wallpaper and remember drawing on the beach and collecting seaweed on my holiday.

Seaweed Wallpaper (Class Example) - image 11 - student project

Ellie Shipman

Artist, illustrator and pattern designer

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