Hi Y'all,

Have the migrating Hummingbirds made it back to your region yet?  In this newsletter I'll introduce you to my newest block print and let you preorder a hummingbird that will stay at your house all year :)

I'll also let you know about our lineup of spring shows, update you on some musical collaborations I've been working on, and show off some cozy new textures in my wallpaper patterns. 

Finally-- one of my prints was spotted in this video from The New York Times! Thanks to all my amazing clients who saw this and alerted me!

Katie 

Above: Hummingbird Sunrise, Limited Edition of 90 prints

Last month I surveyed y'all on what migratory species you'd like to see in my work this year.  Those votes are in, and it turns out that y'all have a clear favorite. 74% of you asked for Ruby Throated Hummingbirds.  

In my newest piece: "Hummingbird Sunrise" I depict a male (bottom) ruby throated hummingbird, watching a female territorially while she feeds from Lonicera sempervirens, our native Coral Honeysuckle vine. We've all observed the competitive nature of these birds in our backyards, but I just learned that in their wintering grounds, they have nearly 60 other species of hummingbirds they need to defend their territories against. No wonder they are so fierce!

Above: NEW Ruby Throated Hummingbird prints drying in the studio

1. What size matboard you would like (13x19 or 16x24.) 

Pricing for each print: 

Above: Here's a process video of me making this piece. The inkwork on this piece was quite time intensive, but so enjoyable. 

Migration Facts:  Ruby Throated Hummingbirds travel thousands of miles to get to us each year, with many of them crossing the Gulf of Mexico (a 500-600 mile trip) to return to their northern breeding grounds from their winter homes in Central America and Southern Mexico. These crossings begin in February and can last until April-- a tactic apparently designed so that one big weather event can't wipe out the whole species. This migration map gives an awesome visual of the huge range covered by these tiny birds that weigh about the same as a penny. 

Above: I know when the Coral Honeysuckle starts Blooming, I can expect to see these birds in my yard. 

Friday, March 27th- LIVE Printmaking Demonstration, Hillsborough, NC. Last Friday at the Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop.   

Saturday, April 4th- Durham Craft Market- 8-12.  Click here for more information. 

Saturday, April 11th- Plant swap and pop up at Studio Maypop, Durham, NC. I'll be selling my block prints, but I'll also bring some native plants to share. Click here for more information. 11-4 pm.

Saturday, April 18th- Durham Craft Market- 8-12.  Click here for more information. 

April 25th- Spring Daze, Cary NC.  9-5 . Click here for more information

May 3rd- Spring Fling, Durham, NC. 10-3pm. Click here for more information. 

I've been experimenting with new ways to add textures to my wallpaper and textile designs.  I've been taking scraps of upholstery fabrics, inking those up, and running them through my press, Shirley, in order to build up a library of textures.  The goal is to give more of a handmade feel to my pattern work. 

Above: You can see this technique in action on my "Balsam Meadow" pattern.  I built this texture by block-printing a piece of Belgian Linen. 

This spring I've been working on several musical collaborations. I got a chance to design the poster for the Live at Lake Raleigh free concert series (which we should all go to-- the lineup looks awesome,) and I've also been working with Omar-Ruiz Lopez to design the artwork for his upcoming solo album. If you don't know Omar yet, here's a bit about his work, and the my collaboration with him.

This sweet dude is an incredible musician. Much like the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, he's from Panama, but spends his days in NC. 

Above:  I was out at falls lake last weekend, and it was just gorgeous. My southern heart is happiest when I'm dangling my feet off the back of a busted old pontoon boat :) I saw so many birds out there, but especially Ospreys. 

Thanks to each of you for being part of the New South Pattern House community.  I'm so grateful that I get to share these stories, and my love of our Southeastern region with each of you!

-Katie