Folk + Flora
🌸 The Story Behind Indian Florals & the Art of Block Printing
At the heart of my new Folk + Flora collection lies a quiet reverence for a centuries-old craft: Indian block printing. These beautifully imperfect florals, scrolls, and vines have traveled across continents and through time — from ancient artisan workshops to modern-day fabric stashes.
A Craft Rooted in Tradition
Block printing has been practiced in India for more than a thousand years. Regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat became known for their intricate floral motifs carved into wooden blocks and stamped by hand onto cotton cloth. These textiles were dyed using natural pigments — indigo, madder root, turmeric — and each piece bore the subtle marks of its maker.
Indian floral designs were especially cherished: curling vines, stylized petals, and mandala-like motifs that balanced geometry with softness. These patterns were not only beautiful but also deeply tied to tradition, storytelling, and seasonal rhythm.
The Global Journey of Indian Textiles
By the 17th century, Indian block prints were in high demand across Europe. Ships carried bolts of “chintz” — a word derived from chhint, meaning “spotted” or “variegated” in Hindi — to eager buyers in Paris and London. These florals found their way into dressmaking, wallpaper, and upholstery, sparking trends that are still alive today in cottagecore, boho, and modern folk aesthetics.
Over time, the influence of Indian block prints began to blend with other global textile traditions: French toiles, Ottoman palmettes, and Eastern European folk embroidery. Folk + Flora was born out of that same spirit — a creative cross-pollination of cultures, handwork, and ornament.
A Modern Take on a Timeworn Beauty
In designing Folk + Flora, I wanted to honor that legacy — with hand-drawn florals, soft blushing tones, and textures that feel sun-washed and worn-in. While traditional block prints are made with carved wood and pigment, my modern interpretations are created using digital drawing tools like Procreate and Photoshop. These programs allow me to sketch, refine, and layer with precision while still preserving the hand-drawn, imperfect charm that defines artisan work.
In this collection, you’ll find nods to classic block prints, layered with global folk motifs and softened with a modern palette. The goal? Fabrics that feel both storied and versatile — perfect for quilts, clothing, or cozy handmade corners of your home.
Because in a world of fast everything, these slow, grounded patterns invite us to return to craft, to intention, and to beauty that lasts.
