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.”
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
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!
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.
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
Related Posts
See the related posts to see fabric designs applied to garments, home decor and more.
Keen for my fabric designs to be used on ski apparel I am mocking up how the designs look on different items, in order to suggest my designs for ski companies.
I have applied 8 of my 20+ fabric designs onto mock-ups to show the fabrics patterns and how these would look on the skier or snowboarder. All of my 20+ designs can be seen at my Spoonflower Inspire by Kim print on demand shop.
The first clothing application of my designs is for neck buffs/ neck warmers for skiing. These would be on stretchy fleece for cold days or on lighter fabrics for use on days that aren’t quite as cold.
Neck buffs are important for staying cosy and comfortable on the mountain and they are a relatively straightforward product to create and so this felt like a good place to start. As they come up around the face to protect from the elements, whether that be snow or sun they are a key item. As they are breathed through skiers may have more than one buff with them on a trip.
The fabric designs use ski and snowsport icons to create colourful, bold, modern prints. Some of the art used in the designs can also be seen in Ski A to Z – An Illustrated Introduction To Skiing. More information about Ski A to Z is here.
If you have a particular favourite, please let me know in the comments. Contact me on email to discuss licensing of designs inspirebykim@outlook.com
It’s that time of year when gingerbread tastes its best and spending time on a baked creation doesn’t feel indulgent, and there are plenty of visitors to eat it afterwards. Here is the story of my gingerbread work, as seen in Ski A to Z.
My final creation of 2020 was a two-storey chalet with balcony constructed in gingerbread. This was continuing the ski theme which was key for my work in 2020, and with the publishing of my Ski A to Z has continued to be.
The chalet had an overhanging roof, shutters, chimney, a log pile, and sugar windows in warm hues – including a window in the roof. I cut skis, bindings and poles from patterned papers and placed these at the front of the chalet.
I experimented with green screen technology to put the baked chalet into a mountain setting.
The chalet was lit from within its fairy lights added before the roof went on, with access to the switch through a space in the side wall.
I didn’t have chance to paint the chalet as still life before it was eaten, so I painted it from a photograph, with some additional details to the balcony. I added a depth of snow and removed some of the snow icing for the painted version.
The Art Applied
The gingerbread chalet features in Ski A to Z as a painting, and also in photo form.
The chalet features in Ski A to Z as a watercolour painting for ‘A is for Alpine’, the first entry in the book. Image Copyright Kim
A photograph of the chalet is in the map design for ‘M is for Map’, representing a cosy mountain restaurant.
I then placed and warped the map design to demonstrate folds in the piste map, for the spread in Ski A to Z. Pictured here on our mid-century teak table, which is a kind of gingerbread colour itself.
The chalet is also in my ‘Ski Goggle Reflections’ fabric and wallpaper design, in the yellow edge to edge lens. This design is available for print on demand fabrics and wallpapers in my Spoonflower shop. Here is the design mocked up as wallpaper for a ski house or chalet setting along with my favourite G-Plan Astro table. More about the designs here.
The Design and Construction Process
Here’s how I created the gingerbread chalet…
1. I drew the chalet design and then determined the pieces required before cutting card templates for each piece.
2. There were lots of parts to the design as it had a balcony, shutters, chimney and to look like a chalet it needed a considerable overhang on the roof. I find ceramics hand building techniques useful when constructing in gingerbread.
3. Once all the panels and components were baked, and beautifully golden brown, with boiled sweet windows, the construction could begin, with edible glue and royal icing, and some cocktail sticks and kebab skewers to hold in place.
For the following artwork I added a painted mountainscape background with falling snow in Procreate app. I used a might scene to accentuate the interior lighting and inviting atmosphere, a warm shelter after a chilly, but fun, day on the mountain.
Gingerbread construction is a lovely thing to do, Although my family can’t wait to smash my creations and eat the gingerbread. It’s delicious but always a little painful for the work to be undone so quickly, although that’s why it’s nice that this gingerbread chalet is now all around the world in my Ski A to Z book.
I completed the house on New Year’s Eve, and so the year closed. A challenging but creative 2020 ended.
I used the Mary Berry recipe for the dough, I’ve used this before to make two gingerbread houses, and a gingerbread car, each time using my own templates.
Earlier Gingerbread Creations
Gingerbread House 1 – 2013
My first gingerbread house was a three storey townhouse using Mary Berry’s recipe when she did a Christmas cooking programme with Paul Hollywood, during her Great British Bake Off years. Quite ambitious as a first attempt and my own templates, alway taking the easy options, not!
Gingerbread House 2 – 2018
My largest gingerbread creation was this huge house. It stood 13 inches tall. I Intended into have turrets on the corners but I struggled with the bend in the bake. Features I particularly liked were the scalloped roof and large windows.
See the real estate type ‘virtual viewing tour’ video, which was fun to make.
I painted a picture of the house in a simplified way in acrylic paints. painting from something you’ve crated can be a good day to get a fresh looking subject.
The following year I used this for my Christmas card and gift tag design (below). Each of the houses in the picture are the same hous but photographed from different angles. Christmas often feels to me like it comes round again really quickly.
Santa’s Car 2019
My Christmas card design for 2019 (above) then became the theme of my gingerbread bake that Christmas.
gingerbread Gift Box (2021) and Top Tips
This was a cake in a gingerbread box that I made for my husband’s birthday. Ceramic hand building techniques were applied to create this. Making the box was easier for me than decorating the cake.
Gingerbread Tips
Here are my top gingerbread tips.
Draw out your design and think about what parts make up the structure or design.
Bake more than you think you need, it will all get eaten.
Note that gingerbread expands during cooking, so trim with your templates part way through the bake.
As you make your templates for each piece of the bake decide whether your panels will overlap or meet at the corners, as this will affect the dimensions.
If a panel will be load bearing, such as for a wall to hold a roof, adjust the thickness of the gingerbread. Adjust your bake time accordingly.
Crushed boiled sweets work great for windows – Mary Berry is right! But if the windows are too large they will weaken your structure and may not fill the space. The boiled sweets are added mid way through the oven baking time.
It is important to text/ taste the bake 😉
Enjoy, it’s meant to be fun.
This video shows the stages of the the gingerbread house creation.
Now to make this year’s gingerbread Christmas bake. Watch the space. Please subscribe to follow and see updates as they go live.
To Own The Art
To own a piece of my work and support my art practice please visit my shop. Your purchases are greatly appreciated.
For more information and links to buy Ski A to Z head here, The book has info, tips and advice for skiers, with over 100 illustrations. Ski A to Z is published by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK).
I hope you have sweet time this Christmas. If this inspires you I’d love to see what you make.
I thoroughly enjoyed Snowbound Expo in Boston USA. It was wonderful to see the reactions to Ski A to Zbook, 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.
“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.
“I wish I’d had this book when I was learning to ski.”
Snowbound Expo Visitor
Display poster used at the event.
“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 bunny 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.
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
Inspire by Kim 