Art at Renishaw Hall Shop

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

New Stockist: This Boot Is Made For… art prints and greeting cards are now available at Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire. Inspired by the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire this artwork is a conceptual illustration using a walking boot as the landscape.

Renishaw Hall & Gardens is a favourite place to visit so I’m delighted to have my work available to visitors there. They are a great team of people who look after this magical place.

Renishaw has just reopened for the season and the daffodils, crocus, camellia and magnolia are already celebrating the season with bright, beautiful blooms.

My display in the shop. My walking boots were too muddy as I hiked earlier.

Hall tours, museum with insights into the hall’s history and the Sitwell literary trio works, formal Italianate gardens and woodland lakes beyond its a gem of a place. Shop with wines from Renishaw’s vineyard and the courtyard cafe for refreshments and the shop has gifts by local makers 😊 (now including my work – happy dance💓)

On location in the Peak District National Park

The walking boot is a hang boot. I bought them in Outside in Hathersage. So its nice to keep everything local.

Prints in two sizes 200 x 300 and 300 x 400 professionally printed and mounted by Inframe Gallery and greeting cards by Sixprint.

For more information about visiting Renishaw Hall & Gardens click here.

Visit my shop to see more art prints and products.

Renishaw Hall Food and Craft Fayre

These Boots Are Made For…

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#derbyshire #nederbyshire #historichouses #sitwell #renishawhall #art #walking #hiking

50th Celebrations At Ski Rossendale, The Hill, 10 June 2023

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

I’ll be at Ski Rossendale at The Hill to join the 50 year celebrations on 10th June 2023.

I will be signing first editions of Ski A to Z, have art prints, greeting cards and some exciting new products.

Looking forward to a day of celebrations for this place which has been fundamental in my family’s lives.

If you’re in the North-West. (UK) Pop it in your diary. Hope to see you there.

Ski Rossendale illustration from ***Ski A to Z*** book.

If the meantime if you need a gift for a ski lover then head to my shop.

Book presentation to manager Dave Fuller at April 2022 book signing

Information about The Hill and Ski Rossendale are here.

Book Signing/ Meet The Author Event At Ski Rossendale

Lancashire Telegraph Book Signing Story

Ski A to Z Book Signing – Interview on BBC Radio Lancashire

Lancs Live Ski A to Z Book Signing Story

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Neckwarmers in Ski/ Snowsports Designs

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

Great news! My fabric designs are now available on Polartec^® fleece!

I have 30+ ski and snowsports themed designs to choose from in my growing Spoonflower shop. These can be printed on demand and shipped direct to you.

Amy wearing the **Ski Goggle Reflections – Smaller** design

I’ve enjoyed the cosiness of Polartec^® fleece for ski/ snowsport neckwarmers for years, so I’m excited that my designs are now available to be enjoyed by skiers, snowboarders and those who want to keep out the cold weather.

With greater resiliency, lightweight warmth and fast dry times, Polartec^® fleece remains the industry standard for outerwear performance.

Polartec.com website

My beautiful stepdaughter Amy modelled my favourite fabric designs for neck warmers.

Amy wearing the **Snow Crystals on Warm Colours** design

Polartec^® fleece could also be used for hats, fleece jackets or blankets.

A bespoke ski gift would make a great present for a ski mum/ mom for Mother’s Day.

These are just some of the fabric designs available to buy, on the fabric of your choice from jersey to fleece from my Spoonflower shop.

Screengrab of Inspire by Kim Spoonflower shop

How Spoonflower print on demand works:

Head to the Inspire by Kim Spoonflower shop
Select the design you wish to be printed onto fabric, choose from a huge range of fabric types including from Belgian Linen for home decor, Sport Lycra for functional activewear, to denim for durable outerwear, even cotton for craft project and accessories.
Select the fabric size from an 8 x 8 inch samples or fat quarters, metres and yards.
Place the order.
Spoonflower will print the fabric and ship it to you.
You sew or get a friend/ pro to sew.
Then enjoy your unique product featuring a ski/ snowsports themed design by me (Kim).

Amy wearing the **Skiers from Above** design

The three designs Amy is wearing are printed on Cosy Fleece, which is one of dozens of types of fabric to choose from. Since the photo shoot took place Spoonflower have added Polartec^® fleece to their options.

Head to this link more information about the benefits of Polartec^® fleece

Thanks so much to Amy for modelling, time spent together is magic.

Thanks to Spoonflower for the fabric printing service. It’s wonderful to be creating in a time when it is so easy to have designs printed on to fabric and to make these available to those who want them, wherever in the world they are.

**Ski Fun** fabric on my overlocker/ serger machine

You can select a design, decide the fabric that you could like the design on, from cotton to velvet, choose how much fabric you would like and then Spoonflower print the fabric on demand and ship it to you.

With just three lines of stitching you’ll have a lovely cosy neck warmer. I’d love to see what you make. Please tag @inspirebykim in social media posts or email pictures to me.

View all my designs at my Spoonflower shop. If you are a skiwear or ski decor manufacturer then get in touch to license my designs.

Thanks so much for being here. See more at the links below.

Ski/ Snowsport Fabric and Wallpaper Designs

Ski Bunny

Ski/ Snowsport Mid and Base Layer Designs

Ski/ Snowsport Jacket Design Concepts

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Travelmag Book Review of Ski A to Z

February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

See this review of Ski A to Z, reviewed for Travelmag by Donna Richardson.

Thanks to Donna for this review. Donna’s review includes…

“This is a book you almost need to read twice, first for the beautiful pictures and then the information. What sets it apart from other ski manuals is the visual feast that lifts the words off the page as your eye darts from the words to the image – as a visual learner, I was engaged by this approach a lot more than any other book and I couldn’t put it down.”

“Over the past few weeks, I have found myself returning to thumb over the illustrations as well as the text, each time ensuring that I learn something new. As a result, I am sure next time I am back in the mountains, I will be a more confident, knowledgeable skier, and I am spending much more time down the dry ski slope too.”

Read the full book review here.

More reviews and testimonials for Ski A to Z are at the Ski A to Z page here.

Swadlincote Book Signing

February 22, 2023February 24, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

Post event update: It was great to meet everyone at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre yesterday. Thank you for such a warm welcome and a lovely sunny day.

Wonderful to see families and youngsters enjoying skiing, tubing, sliding and tobogganing.

Pre-Event Post

I’ll be signing Ski A to Z books at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre on Thursday 23rd February for the school holiday Kids Camp. Come along for signed books, ski art and greeting cards from 12 noon to 1.30pm.

I’ve always enjoyed time at Swadlincote Snowspnorts Centre as a ski race venue as a teenager, and later skiing as a family there. Swadlincote, along with Sheffield Ski Village, was where my stepchildren learned the foundations of their skiing. The snowsports centre includes a toboggan run which we have had fun times on.

Swadlincote is our nearest artificial ski slope, since Sheffield Ski Village sadly closed down. Artificial or dry ski slopes are a great affordable way for people to try, and enjoy skiing.

Artificial slope race day – illustration for Ski A to Z

Ski A to Z – An Illustrated Guide to skiing is packed with tips, info and advice. Published by Meyer & Meyer Sport. The Sports Publisher.

More info here.

I’ll have ski and snowsport greeting cards and greeting card bundles.

I’ll also have a selection of art prints. These are only available direct with myself so it’s a great opportunity to see the prints and buy them.

It’s great to get out and meet people embarking on skiing, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow.

For more information about Swadlincote Snowsports centre head to their website.

#skiing #skiatoz #skicamp #swadlincoteskicentre #swadlincote #derbyshirewhatson #authorevent #snowsportengland

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Goggle Cloth Design

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

Fall-Line magazine have created a goggle wipe using my ‘Get The Right Kit’ design.

Following the success of the t-shirt design that I created for the magazine, the publishers have licensed the design for a goggle cloth for skiers and snowboarders.

The cloth has my ‘Get The Right Kit’ ski/snowsports icons design on one side and has a handy check list on the reverse side. The cloth looks and feels great with a slight hombre in the blue fabric. It’s designed for ski and snowsports goggles but I am finding that also works for sunglasses, glasses and even tech screens.

The cloth is going out as a gift to the magazine subscribers with the February magazine, those buying the February magazine will also receive the cloth. To order the magazine head here.

See the goggle cloth in this Tik Tok filmed high up on the glacier in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. See the ice in the background. It was -24 so gloves stayed on!

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYjgxqFt/

If you’re in the UK it is also possible to order the goggle wipes in the Fall-Line magazine shop at this link. Those ordering, do let me know how you get on and please share any pics with the tags @inspirebykim and @falllinemag

The wipe is made by Wipeout who also offer ski piste maps on wipes, and even underwear – which could get chilly if you were trying to check a ski route on a cold day!

If you don’t already have the t-shirt, I highly recommend the product, its organic cotton and plastic free packaging, and the service from Teemill is swift, you can order this here in men’s cut, women’s cut in a range of sizes and colours. Ideal for Apres-ski, keeping up the ski vibe, or connecting with other skiers as it’s such a talking point.

Check out my ski wear concepts at these links, these designs are available for licensing at the time of writing.

ski jacket designs

mid and base layer designs

neck warmer designs

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SHOP

Head to my shop for more ski and snowsports themed gifts.

Ski Stars – Tell Your Stories

February 2, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

I’m keen to hear your stories about the people that have made all the difference to your skiing and snowsports. Those gems who took, or take, the time to help you, and have really contributed to your enjoyment of the sport.

I’m hoping to collect stories to inspire a body of work for exhibition later in the year.

Friendly, lovable yeti with skier and snowboarder — This illustration was sketched for a commission that didn’t come off, but it felt important to complete this illustration.

Whether it be an instructor, coach, teacher of relative if you are happy to share your story please either comment, or alternatively email your story to inspirebykim@outlook.com

Thanks for each story, watch this space for how the stories will be illustrated and/ or inform my work.

How The Work Was Made

I’ve been sketching a lot recently so I chose which from the pencil sketches. I picked the star character, which I originally created as a Christmas sketch, whilst trying to get ahead for Christmas 2023.

Once happy with the pencil sketches, characters and proportions I got set up for a painting session.

Painted skier with star and pencil sketch — The painting in progress along with the original sketch and fingers to show the scale of the piece.

These fresh new illustrations were painted yesterday and today in my favourite Kuretaki watercolour paints, then finished with Duller coloured pencils and Uni-ball eye gel pens to finish.

The paints and gel pens are the key materials that I used to create the illustrations for Ski A to Z. I’m exploring some of the colours not used for the book art, and am enjoying the different hues whilst still hoping to communicate the joy and emotion of skiing.

Many thanks for your support. Please follow or subscribe to see my work as it is created. If you like Ski A to Z please share a review where you bought it, or review it on Google Books as this helps more people to know about, and be helped by the book.

Thanks in advance for any stories that you are happy to share.

Kim

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Ski/ Snowsport Jacket Design Concepts

January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

My latest design concepts are some of my ski/snowsport themed fabric designs as ski jackets.

As I was heading to Slide & Outdoor Trade Show 2023 I completed mock-ups to be able show how I see the designs being used.

I first created a jacket design with features that I feel are important. I focused on a women’s jacket design with stretchy waist sections, expandable pockets, a removable inside of collar so that can be washed. I also of course included a lift pass pocket, and added a sunglasses pocket, and a large hidden pocket for the hollow of the back where goggles, a hat or a book could be carried.

Read on for more features of the jackets. I’ve chosen three of my 20+ ski and snowsport themed designs – ski goggle reflections, ski snow flakes and ski states.

Once I had created the jacket design I placed my fabric design onto it and added light and shade to demonstrate form. I created the mock-ups in my favourite creative app Procreate, with my iPad and Apple Pencil.

Here are the designs…

For comfort the design has underarm zipped vents. Stretchy cuffs ensure there is no gap between jacket and glove, and the hood is large enough to fit over a helmet for those cold, blowy days.

Reflective details are a safety element of the design concept. The contrasting hood interiors are bright and could be reversible to make them extra visible in low light or white out conditions, making them easier to follow or spot on the mountain.

I took a print out of the designs to Slide & OTS 2023 to show to ski industry contacts.

These jacket mock ups complement the earlier base layer, mid layer, neck wear and shirt designs. See those on these posts.

Base and Mid Layer Designs

Neckwear Designs

Ski/Smowsport Themed Shirts

If you’re a ski wear company or manufacturer and would like to discuss licensing these or others of my 20+ fabric design please email inspirebykim@outlook.com

Also check out my ski and snowsports interior concepts here.

See my ski and snowsport themed fabrics ar my Spoonflower shop.

Thanks so much

Kim x.

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Ski/ Snowsport Mid and Base Layer Designs

January 8, 2023January 8, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

Following on from the neck gator/buff designs that I shared in the previous post I’ve created mid and base layer mock-ups using my surface pattern designs. I’m keen to talk to skiwear companies about licensing and collaboration.

Here they are…

Mid Layer Design Mock-ups

I’ve created these mock-ups op mid layer tops. The designs could be applied to stretchy technical fabrics or lightweight fleece.

These would have a small collar, and quarter zips for comfort and ventilation. They would be a good length to not be riding up and leaving a gap between trousers and top. The underarm panel could be a thinner mesh fabric for added comfort.

These mid layer designs are intended to be worn over base layers., My design concepts/ideas for base layers follow.

Base Layer Design Mock-ups

To show how my fabric designs can work as ski/snowsportbase layers I’ve created these mock-ups.

Ideally the base layer designs would have thumb holes for use on colder days for cosines, to help close up gaps between clothing where the cold can get in.

The kegs could be in two length options, full length legs and 3/4 length for those who prefer to keep base layers out of boots.

Comfortable, stretchy fabrics with some compression to benefit performance, and quality which wicks moisture away from the skin and reduces odour. So ideally they would feel good in terms of both comfort, have joy promoting motifs, smell good and look good.

Base layers can last for years and can have use for other mountain, outdoor and cold weather activities.

These are just a few mock-ups. With over 20 designs in my collection there are options which are great for adults and children.

Do you create skiwear/accessories?

If you are a skiwear or snowsports company then please get in touch. I’m keen to explore collaboration and licensing opportunities, please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com

Designs can be exclusive for your products or a territory or market. The designs can incorporate your logo or brand.

More To Come…

Watch this space to see upcoming outerwear designs. Subscribe to not miss new posts as they appear.

Are you a maker/crafter?

If you are a maker and are inspired to make using my fabric designs then you can order print on demand fabrics* from my Spoonflower shop. Please do share pictures of what you make as I’d love to see the what you have been inspired to create.

*The designs shown are available for licensing and print on demand at the time of posting. When designs are licensed they may no longer be available as print on demand.

Thanks so much.

Kim

See the related posts to see fabric designs applied to garments, home decor and more.

Ski/Snowsport Themed Neck Warmer Designs

Ski/Snowsport themed shirt designs

Ski/Snowsport Fabric and Wallpaper Designs

Bunny in Ski/Snowsport Fabrics

Hotel Room in Ski:Snowsports Themef Fabrics and Wallpaper