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.

Latest Posts

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

Latest Posts

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.

Latest Posts

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

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

Latest Posts

Ski Resort Marketing

August 19, 2022August 21, 2022 | Inspire by Kim

If you’re looking for snowsports themed visuals for your marketing materials check out my project portfolio or email inspirebykim@outlook.com.

I have heaps of snowsports themed art available for licensing. Alternatively I can create bespoke art for your brief.

Snowsports visuals applied to marketing and customer materials for a fictional ski resort, Snow Dreams. Mock up of a magazine advertisement, neckwarmer example of merchandise, ski lift decals, map and lift pass. All using my ‘Ski Goggle Reflections’ design.

I have a background in PR so I bring this experience to my client work.

Thanks for popping by, email inspirebykim@outlook.com to connect.

My latest posts:

#skimarketing #snowsports #skiresort #ski

Blue Print Online – Buyers Book Now

August 9, 2022August 10, 2022 | Inspire by Kim

“While it has been impossible to hold the actual show in New York, Blue Print created an online event to keep Art Directors and Buyers in touch with Artists, Illustrators and Studios. Each exhibitor has created an online booth for the event, enabling meetings with Art Directors and Buyers using Doodle and Zoom.” Paul of Blue Print Online.

Blue Print Online is almost here. I’m excited to be exhibiting my work at this online show for art buyers. I’ve been busy working on new designs, my exhibitor page, social media flyers and my show presentation. Exhibiting at the show means that my designs can be considered for interior decor, stationery, wallpaper, giftwrap and products.

Here’s a message from the show organisers:

While it has been impossible to hold the actual show in New York, Blue Print created an online event to keep Art Directors and Buyers in touch with Artists, Illustrators and Studios. Each exhibitor has created an online booth for the event, enabling meetings with Art Directors and Buyers using Doodle and Zoom.

The web address is www.blue-print-online.com. From the Home Page you can find all the information you need to access The Show. We have added some Product images to this show, these can be seen on the exhibitors pages, along with their artwork.

To receive the password to access The Show and view the exhibitors and their exciting new artwork, you will need to register in the Buyer Register section. Once you receive your password you can access The Show from August 9th 2022 and book your Zoom meetings with the studio or artists of your choice. The actual show dates are August 16th -18th 2022.

As usual there is a mix of established designer, artists, illustrators and exciting new talent at this latest event, you can see their flyers updated daily at https://www.instagram.com/blueprintshows/

We are looking forward to seeing you at Blue Print Online !

Best Regards / Paul / Blue Print Shows

www.blue-print-online.com

instagram : https://www.instagram.com/blueprintshows/

Kim here once more, I’m excited for the show. Art buyers – I look forward to meeting. Please book your meeting through my exhibitor page – the window for booking appointments is 9th to 12th August, for the show which is 16th – 18th August. Blue Print Online

I’m thrilled to be able to share my designs and brand new work. I can’t wait to meet with you.

Look for this collage to see my Exhibitor Page.

Thanks so much for being here, please subscribe to my blog or newsletter to see my updates and new work.

If you’d like to buy art prints, or my Ski A to Z book visit my Shop.

My latest posts are here… please subscribe to see my news. Thanks so much. Kim x

Where To Ski And Snowboard

June 6, 2022June 2, 2022 | Inspire by Kim

Thank you to Where To Ski And Snowboard for the report about my ski and snowsports themed fabric and wallpaper designs.

More information about the collection of 18 designs is here.

See the story at this link. https://www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com/news/illustrator-launches-ski-themed-fabric/

Media coverage is great for raising awareness and helping people know about something that may resonate with them, so thank you Where to Ski and Snowboard.

See my latest posts here.