I am so excited to review the new Print & Pattern book today because I love the author, Marie Perkins (aka Bowie Style), and her blog under the same name — Print & Pattern! And what a lucky girl to have her book named after her blog, right? Love it. Okay so let’s get started in seeing and discussing Print & Pattern (the book). First let me tell you a little about Marie.

Marie is a surface pattern designer in London who started blogging in March ’06 which seems like ages ago now (I guess web years are a bit like measuring time in dog years?) and I’ve followed her site from day one. I guess I always felt like she and I were partners in crime since we got started blogging during a time when it wasn’t yet hip or cool, and certainly before blogging became the next big thing. Marie and I always supported one another, I had launched decor8 only a few months before she got started, so again — there was this bond between us that made showing up each day to write online a nice experience — I knew she was out there, along with a handful of other new blogs that I enjoyed. This is another reason why I am so proud of her as she has been writing religiously on her site for four years now and that is some dedication — especially since so many blogs come and go. That level of commitment and consistency is quite impressive. Now Print & Pattern is both a blog and a book — the blog is loaded with bazillions of illustrators and products to drool over but the book is equally handy because you can reference it snuggled up on your sofa or carry with you to the balcony during lunch. And of course, a book pulls everything so nicely together and gives the Print & Pattern blog a permanent home that Marie can take pride in for years and years to come… even long after she’s wrapped up her blogging career and moved on to discover other paths.

In Marie’s beautiful book you can find 120 designers on over 300 pages with over 750 full-color examples of their work. I like how each designer has their own spot and that each has a mini bio along with contact details so that you can find them on the web. Marie has been working on turning her blog into a book since 2008 — I remember because she had put out a call for entries back then on her site which resulted in hundreds of entries (naturally). I think Print & Pattern may require a second book after I read this one… as I know Marie is scouring the globe daily for designers that I’m sure in a year or two she’ll have more than enough for a possible volume two. Fingers crossed!

In this book you can find the best of the best — works by surface pattern designers who have had their designs on products ranging from wallpaper to bed linens and greeting cards. You can expect to find the fabulous Orla Kiely, Caroline Gardner, Lotta Kuhlhorn, Petra Boase, Rock Scissor Paper, Sanna Annukka, Sukie, Nathalie Lete, Julia Rothman, Anne Wendlandt, MOZI, Marilyn Patrizio, Jessica Gonacha, Samantha Hahn, Fifi Mandirac, Heather Moore… and dozens more! It’s a fantastic introduction to surface pattern design that is happy, bright and inspirational. And Marie if you’re reading this, I’m so proud of you — inspired by you, happy for you, and extremely impressed by the beautiful book that you’ve pulled together.

Congratulations Marie on this delightful, super informative book! I hope I see it in stores everywhere — this would fit in so nicely at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters because it would help to educate the average consumer who shops there… they could learn about where all the beauty around them comes from — people! Very talented ones — I often think most people don’t even consider this when out shopping, those who aren’t reading blogs and who haven’t made the whole “online connection” yet. In fact, this book would be great in many shops for this very reason — an education — especially in stores selling some of the works from the designers featured therein!

Psst: I’m an Amazon affiliate so the links to Amazon are part of my affiliate program.

(images: holly becker for decor8)

43 Responses to “Print & Pattern Book Review”

1 yael commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 9:41 am

G O R G E O U S!!!!!!!
.-= yael´s last blog ..Coloring in pages =-.
2 Ellen Crimi-Trent commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 9:51 am

I sooo wished I sent in some designs for the book.. I just kept forgetting with my crazy schedule.. I will have to get it! Hopefully Marie does another one and I can submit then…until then I will just have to look at all the fabulous prints and designs my fellow friends and designers have in this fantastic book!!
.-= Ellen Crimi-Trent´s last blog ..Flower Power! =-.
3 Marília Matoso commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 9:53 am

Great! I love the blog print and pattern!. Do you know where I can buy it? Preference, somewhere that delivers to Brazil.
4 Judit Gueth commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:00 am

Yes, it’s a gorgeous book! I was so excited to get it in the mail, almost ripped the box apart – just to find somebody else’s order inside…… I had to wait another couple of days… Finally I have it. :-)
5 Claire Hurd Design commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:06 am

What a lovely review. I am a keen follower of both Decor8 and Print & Pattern and did not realise the two of you had such close ties, it is really nice to hear. I pre-ordered this book so was very excited to receive it on the day it was released. I have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since and can also not recommend it highly enough. Everyone should have a copy!

Claire x
6 Rossana commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:09 am

I love it! Feeling inspired! Thank you for the tip
R
7 Lucy commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am

What a beautiful, modern book!!! I love it, ordering it now!

Lucy xx
.-= Lucy´s last blog ..Grand Designs Live Show and Lucy Loves Fabric {EXCITING} =-.
8 tinajo commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:40 am

It´s amazing how far good blogging can take you. :-)

This seem to be an awesome book and I hope to be able to find it, even though I live in Sweden. It´s droolworthy! :-D
.-= tinajo´s last blog ..Wallpaper with COLOR! =-.
9 heidi commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 10:56 am

those are Happy images!!!!
.-= heidi´s last blog ..what is your go-to cookbook? =-.
10 Erin commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:04 am

This book looks amazing! I could flip through it for hours.
11 ishatr olivera commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:11 am

This books looks SO interesting!!! And so much work involved!
.-= ishatr olivera´s last blog ..Why are we here?-Por qué estamos aquí? =-.
12 Polly commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:15 am

I bought this off Amazon recently and was actually planning to do a book review on my blog too! I LOVE this book and as a printed textile student it is very useful! It’s probably one of the best pattern books I have. Here is Sukie’s website as you didn’t link it:

http://www.sukie.co.uk/

I love it so much!!
xx
.-= Polly´s last blog ..Another Day to Dress Up =-.
13 visualingual commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:23 am

I can’t wait to see this book in person! Print & Pattern is a wonderful and inspiring blog, and I’ve really been looking forward to checking out the book. Congratulations to Bowie Style!
.-= visualingual´s last blog ..West Coast Seed Bombs =-.
14 Jeni commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:27 am

Wow, that looks like a fantastic book! That will definitely be going on my list of books to buy! Are you familiar with the book All Wrapped Up? It has a lot of fun patterns in it as well :)
.-= Jeni´s last blog ..My Sewing Area =-.
15 Pauline commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:54 am

This book definitely seems like a must-have! It looks amazing.
.-= Pauline´s last blog ..Interesting Illustrators: Tove Jansson =-.
16 Jenni commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am

Wow, what a cool book. Must go check it out next time I’m at the store. Thanks for sharing :)
17 Carol@The Design Pages commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 12:06 pm

What a fantastically beautiful book. I long to be planted on a sofa with a pot of coffee scanning the book for hours. Thanks for the review.
18 Chymecindy commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

wow! i love those. So colorful!
.-= Chymecindy´s last blog ..Happy Second Anniversary =-.
19 sideoats + scribbles (Lisa) commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 12:26 pm

I love Print & Pattern blog and try to visit it at least once a week! I’ve had this book on my Amazon wish list back when it was on pre-order — so glad it’s finally out! YAY! :)
.-= sideoats + scribbles (Lisa)´s last blog ..Why, look whooooo’s here! =-.
20 monica from hola!design commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 1:16 pm

What a great book! I love patterns so I will definetely buy that.
.-= monica from hola!design´s last blog ..Jackie Rueda Photography =-.
21 Hannah Showler commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

It’s a fantastic book, so many great designs, proud to be part of it.

Hannah Showler’s last blog Patterns Galore
.-= Hannah Showler´s last blog ..patterns galore =-.
22 Amy Strodl commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

What a beautiful book!
.-= Amy Strodl´s last blog ..Bedroom Inspiration =-.
23 Jenna commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

Beautiful! I love this. Adding it to the list of books I would like for my birthday. Thanks!
24 Nuit commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

I love Print and Pattern! a great blog, and a great book by the looks of it!!! thanks 4 sharing Hollly!!
.-= Nuit´s last blog ..A stylist to love… Denby Dowling =-.
25 lady a. commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Wonderful book, better than fairytales:)
26 Hona @ liveoutlife commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 3:01 pm

lovely book. looks like it is full of fabulous colors, patterns, and textures. thanks for the tip
27 Silvana commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Gorgeous and inspiring book, isn’t it? I found out about it over at Helen Dardik’s blog (Helen is one of the featured illustrators) via Vicki’s awesome podcast with Helen on Creative Thursday. Yes, most people (certainly none of your readers!) are completely unaware of the talent that goes into producing everyday items. When you notice and connect with the art around you – be it fine art, textiles, ceramics, accessories, books, or home decor – you’re truly showing your gratitude for our amazing planet.
28 diana commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

..catching up with your posts. Oh yes, the Print and Pattern site is wonderful, and it’s wonderful to hear the book is just as good!

Wish you lots of succes with the preparation of your own upcoming book. Bumps in the road will occur (that is what I understand of friends and bloggers that went through the same process) but you’ll be so proud in the end! And I’m amazed at what you write about your dad, and impressed on how you have given it all a place in your life. Good luck!
.-= diana´s last blog ..Combined! =-.
29 leni commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 4:29 pm

it’s so lovely. now let me see how i can get my hands on a copy!
30 julie commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

I’ve been thinking about buying Print & Pattern as I also read the blog, it was great to have a peek inside as I’ve only seen it for sale online. Thank you!
.-= julie´s last blog ..a beautifully unmade bed =-.
31 Margarida commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 6:45 pm

This is, for sure, a “must have” book!
.-= Margarida´s last blog ..Algo diferente # Something different =-.
32 Drapery Los Angeles commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 9:06 pm

This book looks incredible. I will have to pick it up. Thanks for sharing.
33 Christy commented:
April 20th, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Thanks for sharing this. I had no idea a book like this was available. I can’t wait to see it in person!
34 Anastasia commented:
April 21st, 2010 at 1:25 am

oh this looks lovely! will have to look out for it……..
35 Bumpkin Bears commented:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:31 am

Now that’s a book I must put on my wish list! So inspirational. Thanks for letting us know. Catherine x
.-= Bumpkin Bears´s last blog ..Giveaway Time! =-.
36 Jenn commented:
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:24 am

Great! Been following the blog for quite some time, good to see the books out!
37 Beth Gunnell commented:
April 22nd, 2010 at 3:32 am

This is such a lovely review, really glad you are impressed with the book. I love it too!
AND THANK YOU! as one of the pages you’ve used in your review is one with my designs on! Mine’s the bottom spread with the pink butterfly design!
Have a lovely day.
.-= Beth Gunnell´s last blog ..another sunny weekend! =-.
38 jessica gonacha swift commented:
April 22nd, 2010 at 5:54 am

Thanks for including me in this post, Holly! I’m thrilled to be part of the book, and I’ve also been a long-time reader of Print & Pattern. The book is so beautiful in person, and I know anyone who buys it will be so happy they did! I also love knowing a bit more about your relationship with Marie– 2006 DOES seem like a long time ago! I bet it’s pretty cool to see how far you’ve both come since then.
.-= jessica gonacha swift´s last blog ..custom portrait #1 =-.
39 Clara commented:
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:18 am

It is stocked in Urban Outfitters x
40 decor8 commented:
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 am

Clara – Wonderful!!!
41 katrina commented:
April 27th, 2010 at 7:14 pm

geez louise. i saw this at Border’s Books today. each page oozed with inspiration. it took immense will power to pry the book from my own hands and to walk out of the store empty handed. GREAT BOOK.
.-= katrina´s last blog ..Much Love Monday =-.
42 xenia commented:
May 7th, 2010 at 9:31 am

i just purchased this book in melbourne australia. it’s an absolute treat!
43 das. commented:
September 30th, 2010 at 8:16 am

Oh..thanks for this really nice and useful entry. The blog can serve as a very nice inspiring place for designing.
das.´s last [type] ..Daily Inspiration

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