Ski Gifts For Men Who Live And Love To Ski

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

Here are a pick of gift ideas for ski dads, step dad, uncles, and grandads.

Before I get into the list I want to briefly dedicate this post to my Dad, Stephen Kay, ski instructor, former Chairman of Rossendale Ski Club, group ski trip organiser, and all this in his spare time from running a chain of engineers merchants. Thanks Dad for all the trips, the ski teching and fun days on the snow together. Dad is on the ‘J’ for joy page of Ski A to Z.

Secondly to my husband Tim Robinson, for joining the ski pathway. I taught Tim the early stages of his ski journey and he’s been my rock through my Ski A to Z publishing experience. Tim helped to provide the perspective of someone new to the sport. He says of Ski A to Z, “I wish I’d had this book when I was learning to ski!”

Thanks Tim for trusting me with your two awesome children, who I love time on the snow with as a family. Now making their own lives in sport.

The three of them are demonstrating how to carry skis (illustration when they were children) in one of the spreads for ‘C’ in Ski A to Z.

So, here’s the gift inspiration.

For ski fathers who like a cuppa…

The Skiers From Above mug is ideal. An illustration from Ski A to Z under ‘S’ for skis as the illustration shows a range of ski types with a cross-country skier, piste skier and back country skier. This design is also available as a canvas print. These are printed and shipped direct to you, Order here.

For the man cave or ski house…

Choose ski wall art to show you care and keep the ski vibe all year round. Available on paper, canvas or metal, for a range of snowsports themed designs head to my shop.

To keep your ski dad warm…

Make your snowsport loving man a fab neck warmer. Choose from my 30+ fabric designs and have one printed on to Polartec Fleece.

My Ski Goggle Reflections on Black design is a favourite with male customers. With just two lines of stitching I made a neck warmer and tested it this week at The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead.

See my neck warmer. Selfie with Martina Diez-Routh aka The Ski Guru.

Order fabric, home decor, pillows, curtains or even wallpaper here.

For ski dads who like to read…

Dads will enjoy the illustration, tips and humorous elements of Ski A to Z. More info and links to buy Ski A to Z are here.

Here’s my Dad on a father and daughter ski day in Val Thorens, Les 3 Vallées, France with ***Ski A to Z.***

For dads who like a story then it’s 30 Years In A White Haze, The story of 12 Warren Miller movie star, extreme skier Dan Egan. Dan’s story of survival, skiing, in the context of the evolving freestyle ski industry has 22 of my illustrations.

Dan’s newest book is a ski technique guide, All Terrain Skiing II which has an accompanying app and YouTube channel. Dan guides readers through ski technique drills to develop their skiing further. For more info and to order visit Dan’s online shop.

Dan Egan endorsed the back cover of Ski A to Z and is illustrated in the book in ‘D’ for Descent.

For dads who are all into ski kit…

My Get The Right Kit t-shirt design, and now goggle cloth, for Fall-Line magazine, is available on a number of T-shirt colours, in light and dark print, and is ideal for apres-ski or even the beach. Order them here.

For ski dads who like to ski first to last lift…

Make your sure ski dad is never out of phone battery with this insulated phone sleeve. I tested this on -22 days in Saas-Fee Switzerland in January and it’s battery life preservation is amazing. Buy it here.

If Dad needs a new phone case then check out this fun design.

For more gift inspiration head to my shop. If you’re in the UK head here.

Thank you so much for your purchases, every one of them supports my work and helps me to continue to create and represent the joy of snowsports.

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SKI ART PRINTS & PRODUCTS SHOP NOW OPEN – Press Release

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

There is a new way to buy from Inspire by Kim, catering for skiers and snowsports lovers from countries including in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. It is now possible to own some of Kim’s ski art on wall art, and a select range of products. These are printed on demand and shipped direct.

Kim’s art prints were previously only available to buy in the UK, so this new ‘print on demand’ shop makes it possible to order for delivery in many countries.

Screen Grab of the **Inspire by Kim** Red Bubble Shop

Head to Kim’s art and products shop for a range of fun ski and snowsport designs to keep the ski vibe all year round. Choose wall art to enhance your home, work place or business.

Alternatively select a product to use or wear. Kim has created a small range of products which work best for the artwork they feature.

Ideal for a ski house, ski themed room or to brighten up and living space you can choose the product and size and the shop host company ‘Red Bubble’ will take care of the rest.

Ideal gifts for ski and snowsports lovers, or to treat yourself.

Every purchase from this shop supports Kim’s work, informs of what customer’s most like and motivates Kim’s new work. Thank you for your support.

Kim has chosen artworks that have proved popular with customers at ski shows, author events and book signings. Kim will be monitoring the shop and adding and changing products to respond to demand, so if there is something you like then be sure to order it and avoid disappointment later. Head here to view all the products on sale.

Readers of Ski A to Z – An Illustrated Introduction to Skiing will recognise some of the art and characters from the book. More information and links to buy the Ski A to Z Book are here.

Ski A to Z is published by Meyer & Meyer Sport and is available in all the places that books are sold. Links to buy the book in your country are here.

Every purchase from this shop supports Kim’s work, informs of what customer’s most like and motivates Kim’s new work. Thank you for your support.

The new product range complements Kim’s fabric designs, wallpapers and home decor available with Spoonflower. if you are an interior designer, want snowsports themed fabrics and wallpapers then head to the Inspire by Kim Spoonflower shop.

How Does It Work?

Orders print and ship from 3rd-party fulfillers worldwide. After you place your order, it’s routed to one or more 3rd-party fulfillers based on the delivery location and product types. Then the 3rd-party fulfiller prints and ships on behalf of the independent artist.
Red Bubble

Happy Shopping!

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Mountain Safety Book

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 | Inspire by Kim

In the lead up to Mother’s Day here is one of a select number of suggestions that I’ll be sharing for gifts for the snow loving women in your lives.

Fjord’s Mountain Mission by Caroline Elliot and illustrated by Evgenia Malina.

A five star read to keep everyone safer in the mountains.

This essential book is by snow safety educator, SAR avalanche dog handler and inspirational speaker Caroline Elliot.

Caroline followed a route from freestyle skiing, to ski instruction and then developed a specialism in ski patrol before becoming an avalanche dog handler. Caroline works to educate and inform people about mountain safety.

Caroline and Fjord. Picture from Fjordsar.com

This fabulous, informative, fun book has important safety lessons which could literally safe the lives of those who read it.

Aimed at children, and fully illustrated which helps to present the information in a way to make it memorable and makes the messages accessible.

We won’t always be there when our loved ones are grown up and chart their own paths in the mountains, but helping them have a good foundation on mountain safety gives some comfort for their safety on their adventures.

Providing a fascinating insight into the vital role of mountain safety professionals. The story unfolds showing the breadth of responsibilities of this important role in the ski resort environment. The warmth of the characters’ woman and dog working bond becomes apparent, and the book being from mountain rescue dog Fjord’s point of view makes the reader also fall in love with this vibrant canine character.

A work of love for keeping the mountains safe shines through in this valuable book. Read it with loved ones and stay safe in the mountains, by being informed and in the know. A tribute all who work on mountain safety, search and rescue and beautiful Fjord the French Flat-Coated Retriever.

I had the honour of exchange books with Caroline at the National Snow Show in October 2022 and meeting her beautiful Källa.

More information about Fjord’s Mountain Mission, the charity that book profits are invested into and links to buy are at https://fjordsar.com

Support Caroline’s work by ordering this book for the inspiring women you spend mountain time with.

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#womenwhoski #skimom #skimum #skistepmum #skiaunt

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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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/ 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

Latest Posts

Boston Snowbound Expo 2022

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 | Inspire by Kim

I thoroughly enjoyed Snowbound Expo in Boston USA. It was wonderful to see the reactions to Ski A to Z book, my ski art prints and fabric designs. Lovely to chat about the work and hear about the friends and relatives that they hoped the book would help to get into, and get on, in skiing and snowsports. I signed books for many people, including school libraries, newborns and those helping friends into the sport.

Inspire by Kim product range, Ski A to Z book, ski and snowsport themed fabric

“Please sign the book for all the children in our school, they will love it.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor

Boston you’re beautiful, love the architecture and how it’s juxtaposed so strikingly in this historic city. I also thoroughly enjoyed the live music at the Be Bop Bar, ideally placed next to Berklee College of Music. Had a great time and hope to visit again in the future.

Boston Architecture. Copy buildings and historic sights. Collage. Copyright Kim for all the images.

“I wish I’d had this book when I was learning to ski.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor

“I love your work. I have 350 ski books, this book will be added to my collection.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor

I hope that everyone enjoys their Ski A to Z books, the demand was huge, so much that we sold out on day 2. We hope that the additional online orders can be fulfilled in time for Christmas, and recommend ordering as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For the links to buy the book head to the Ski A to Z page.

The book is also an ebook so you can enjoy it right now! Get the ebook here.

Please could you sign the book for our granddaughter, she was born this week. All our family ski.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor

It was exciting to show and chat about the range of fabric designs, pictured above as table coverings, a swatch book and brought together on the bu n ny character. Had some interesting conversations about commercial use and licensing the designs.

There are 25 designs in my Spoonflower print on demand shop, and I enjoyed seeing people inspired by the designs, we chatted about what project they may use the fabrics for. I and can’t wait to see what is made in the fabrics. More about my ski and snowsport inspired fabric designs here.

“My Mum is an interior designer and is ski mad, I’ll show her your fabric designs.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor

Having had great times chatting with Tim Meyer on his Ski Rex Media podcast it was fun to meet him in person and sign a Ski A to Z for him. Listen to our 2022 chat here.

Thank you to Kathy Brennan, CEO of CEO PSIA-AASI Eastern Division (Professional Ski Instructors of America) for including Ski A to Z in the talk on the Snow Skills Stage. Kathy is pictured here is with Snow Skills Stage hosts Brian and Mario of Ski Bum Podcast, who are as great in person as on their podcast. Listen to our latest chat on the podcast here.

As I previously created 22 illustrations for living legend Dan Egan‘s book 30 Years In A White Haze, Dan suggested that I attend attend Snowbound Expo in Boston.

Dan invited me to sign Ski A to Z books at his stall at the screening of the new Warren Miller film Daymaker at Berklee Performance Centre, and at the three day Snowbound Expo at Hynes Convention Centre. By the way, Daymaker is a great film, I highly recommend it.

After working on the White Haze project it was great to hear Dan share his extreme skiing stories on the Inspiration Stage at the Expo.

30 Years In A White Haze is now available as a hardback book. It’s a thing of beauty. It was good to chat to Dan’s ski clinic clients, friends from school, early ski instructors and one of his school teachers. Nice to meet you all.

Dan’s endorsement for Ski A to Z is on the back cover.

Thank you to Dan for his support for my work and for his stand hospitality.

So a grateful , “hello” to all the new followers from the show. Great to have you here. Do have a look around at the posts about the Ski A to Z journey and enjoy the sporty art.

It was a pleasure to meet so many people who are passionate about snowsports on the stands and see new products, ski resorts and ways to enjoy snow.

Well done Raccoon Media Group on a great Snowbound Expo.

Head across to my shop here or by clicking on the swinging sign. Thank you soooo much.

Ski A to Z is published by Meyer and Meyer Sport (UK) and distributed in the US by Cardinal Publishers Group.

See my mini gallery stand and account of the National Show Show 2022 here.

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Bunny in Ski and Snowsport Fabrics

November 24, 2022November 24, 2022 | Inspire by Kim

In the week leading up to Boston Snowbound Expo I brought my ski and snowsports fabric designs together in this ski bunny character.

The fabrics are all in my Spoonflower shop here. The fabric used is the Petal Signature Cotton.

The fabric designs used for the bunny are Ski Icons, Snow Crystals on Warm Colours, Ski Goggle Reflections, Ski Peaks, Ski Isometric Pattern, Heart Plaid and Ski Fun. He has a heart on one paw symbolising love and the sun on the other paw for light.

Here is the bunny as part of my display at Snowbound Expo at the Hynes Convention Centre in Boston, Massachusetts last weekend.

He was alongside the swatch book of my designs and on fabric samples used as tablecloth sections.

I chose from my 25 fabric designs to cut, sew and stuff this new character.

He started as a sketch, after taking shape in my mind for a while.

I planned the fabric pieces for contrast and variety.

After cutting all the fabric pieces, managing not to start sewing before I had done this, I then started to bring the pieces together.

I’m not the best at sewing but I wanted to show one way that the fabrics could be used, to help inspire people for their projects.

The shoulders and feet were particularly tricky.

When I previously made a stuffed character I struggled with the fiddleiness and small seam allowances. So this time I added interfacing on the reverse of all the fabrics to make them easier to work with.

It feels like magic to sew with fabrics that I designed. Thanks to Spoonflower for printing them so vibrant and detailed.

This little dude is set to travel. He got his eyes sewn on Monday and flew to the United States on Tuesday.

It was great to chat about sewing projects and discuss ideas at the booth. So he now just needs a name. You can email your suggestion or add it in the comments.

See this short animated video clip of him here. No sooner was he completed that he went off skiing! Animated in Aardman Animation’s ‘Animate It’ app.

The Inspire by Kim shop on Spoonflower has over 20 ski, snowsports and winter themed designs to choose from. Select the designs you wish to order, select the type of fabric from voile to velvet, decide the quantity, and Sooonflower print it on demand and ship it to you. Find my shop here.

I’m keen to see whatever is made in the fabrics so please share it on email to inspirebykim@outlook.com or on social media please tag it @inspirebykim

Thank you so much, happy making!

New – Snowsport Themed Fabric and Wallpaper Designs

Ski Hotel Decor

Ski and Snowsport Shirt Designs

Author and Illustrator Takes Skiing Home

Blue Print Online 2022