I was introduced to the work of designer Erin McManness, the creative director behind Paper Raven Co. when my friend Jessica Garvin suggested she design a custom fabric for our collaborative collection last year. I fell in love with Erin's vision of florals, so it is with great pleasure that we have collaborated on a brand new collection together.
Our collection features three prints - two of her best sellers + a truly custom, vintage inspired print with dainty orange clusters. Each of these designs embody the fun and whimsy of summer florals, and are the perfect accessory for your little free spirit's summer adventures and continuing wunderment as she grows.
We had the opportunity to speak Erin about the collection and her own childhood to give you a behind the scenes look at how this collection came together.
What Inspired the Collection?
This collection was inspired by the beauty of flowers. In it, we've featured cheerful wildflowers, gorgeous magnolias, and sweet little daisies. For me, this collection celebrates beauty in diversity, with lots of pops of color and a lovely mix of different blooms.
What is Your Favorite Bow in the Collection?
I love the peony bow for its pretty pink palette with flecks of yellow and green. It's such a happy pattern!
How Would You Personally Style these Bows?
The patterns on the bows are joyful, and my impression of the collection takes me to warm sunny days, feeling carefree. I imagine the bows tying back a sweet high-pony, but I also see them clasping back a few messy strands after a full day of adventures.
What three words would you use to describe this collection?
These bows symbolize happiness, an optimistic and sunny disposition, and an adventurous spirit.
What are some of your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
@mikelowerystudio - Mike is an illustration colleague and friend of mine here in Atlanta. He is a full-time Children's Book Illustrator, and his illustrations are really funny! He is doing a serious of strange facts and they're so interesting!
@joy_laforme - I also love my friend Joy's work. We went to school together, and her whimsical illustrations always take me back to when I was growing up, fully convinced I was secretly a fairy, playing in my backyard.
@minted - I also loved following Minted. I belong to the Minted community as one of their designers, and it is such a place of support, growth and artistic opportunity. Minted does stationery, wedding invitations, birth announcements, holiday cards, fabric, home decor and now children's clothes! Not only do I look to them as a source of styling and design inspiration, every sale goes back to the artist - I love that!
What projects or adventures are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to growing my own line, Paper Raven Co., in the wholesale market this year as I take on a new rep and am incredibly excited for the opportunity! I am also excited simply to continue to make art full-time. After leaving a day-job that was making me miserable, it's truly a blessing every single day to realize that my artwork is fully supporting me and my family. It's an adventure in and of itself, and I am thrilled to be on this path! This year will be full of more collaborations and partnerships, and I'm really looking forward to it!
Do you have an ideal color palette in which you like to work?
As a girl, I really wasn't into pink. However, now that I've grown up, I've embraced it! I love working in pink and mint palettes, and also enjoy pairing creams, neutrals, golds, and warm pastels. As a complement, I also love deep pine and navy tones.
What types of adventures do remember most from childhood?
When I was growing up, my mom would take us to Art Museums - I loved them! I loved Modern Art and Classic Art, and would often spend hours at the museum, only to come home inspired to create something - a painting, sculpture, etc. My mom is also very active, so we would go to caves and caverns and go exploring. It's still one of my favorite things to do as an adult, and when I have kids, Nature and Art will be integral parts of their childhood :)
Check out more of Erin's beautiful work on her website here.
Photo Courtesy of Kelley Raye Photography.
