Willow Ship
"At Willow Ship, our goal is to find the sweet spot between beautiful design and less waste in the home. What if we could step away from disposables, and create beautiful moments together? I started Willow Ship in San Francisco in 2011, to explore the time-honored art of craft printmaking on luxurious linen fabric. Now nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest, we have blossomed into a family-operated brand specializing in distinctive hand-printed homewares made with premium linen. Influenced by the elegance of Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, as well as the ethos of slow living, our creations leverage captivating repetitive patterns and emotionally resonant hues. Our aim is to offer discerning individuals seeking meaningful gifts and tableside beauty a range of premium goods that exude both quality and thoughtfulness."
Willow Ship, based in Portland, Oregon, is a collectible brand of hand-printed homewares. Their 100% linen products are ethically sewn in the USA. As a woman-founded, family-run business, Willow Ship aims to elevate the everyday experiences of gathering, gifting, and decorating. They embody the traditions of American-made craft and the artisanal spirit, infusing joy and elegance into the home environment. With meticulous craftsmanship, ethical practices, and a commitment to artistry, Willow Ship invites you to discover the transformative power of their hand-printed linens as you create an elevated home.
Blake initiates her design process through various techniques such as sketching, collaging, and mood boards. The eventual printed forms are developed via a cut-paper method, with shapes composed and arranged in repeating patterns, changed and rearranged until just right. The selection of colors is often inspired by the natural or dyed base linen, serving as a foundational element. Some designs may adopt a tone-on-tone approach to accentuate the resonance of a specific hue, while other designs call for an expanded range of colors for a striking impact. The design then undergoes test printing to explore the interaction between ink and fabric, then the final design is meticulously hand-printed in limited editions, with multi-color designs rendered in multiple print passes. Finally, the 100% linen printed textiles undergo transformation into cherished household objects through their partnership with a small, woman-owned sewing house in Portland.
Blake received her education in the design language of color, form and pattern at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a B.S. in Applied Art & Design. She also pursued graduate studies in Japanese Art History, which would eventually become a large influence on Willow Ship designs. After working for the early part of her career as an Art Director for consumer goods and executive events, Blake transitioned into a new chapter as a self-taught printmaker on her favorite textile: linen. A love of continued learning leads Blake through an on-going curriculum of design and craft workshops, as a means of learning new skills.
Willow Ship, based in Portland, Oregon, is a collectible brand of hand-printed homewares. Their 100% linen products are ethically sewn in the USA. As a woman-founded, family-run business, Willow Ship aims to elevate the everyday experiences of gathering, gifting, and decorating. They embody the traditions of American-made craft and the artisanal spirit, infusing joy and elegance into the home environment. With meticulous craftsmanship, ethical practices, and a commitment to artistry, Willow Ship invites you to discover the transformative power of their hand-printed linens as you create an elevated home.
Blake initiates her design process through various techniques such as sketching, collaging, and mood boards. The eventual printed forms are developed via a cut-paper method, with shapes composed and arranged in repeating patterns, changed and rearranged until just right. The selection of colors is often inspired by the natural or dyed base linen, serving as a foundational element. Some designs may adopt a tone-on-tone approach to accentuate the resonance of a specific hue, while other designs call for an expanded range of colors for a striking impact. The design then undergoes test printing to explore the interaction between ink and fabric, then the final design is meticulously hand-printed in limited editions, with multi-color designs rendered in multiple print passes. Finally, the 100% linen printed textiles undergo transformation into cherished household objects through their partnership with a small, woman-owned sewing house in Portland.
Blake received her education in the design language of color, form and pattern at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a B.S. in Applied Art & Design. She also pursued graduate studies in Japanese Art History, which would eventually become a large influence on Willow Ship designs. After working for the early part of her career as an Art Director for consumer goods and executive events, Blake transitioned into a new chapter as a self-taught printmaker on her favorite textile: linen. A love of continued learning leads Blake through an on-going curriculum of design and craft workshops, as a means of learning new skills.
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