Behind The Scenes: The Making of The Spring Flora Collection

Last week we launched the Lily & Val Spring Flora Collection and since this particular release was different than any we’ve ever done before, I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes o the making of the Spring Flora Collection!

What made these pieces so different was the addition of a colored chalkboard background! I had no idea how this concept was going to turn out, but in the creative spirit of trying something new, I gave it a whirl and documented the process along the way.

Colored Background Chalkboards

Here are the three paint swatches we chose- a mossy green, deep plum, and a golden mustard. The trick was choosing colors that would be Springy and pair with your Spring decor, yet dark enough for white chalk to show up and contrast well on top. I then took the swatches to Ace Hardware in Wexford, PA where they mixed me up a custom batch of chalkboard paint in those colors! I didn’t even know you could do that until I started exploring this process -pretty cool!

I painted over the black chalkboard paint on the normal panel board that I use.

Then, the moment of truth- drawing the artwork! The new chalkboard paint worked and I loved the result of the white chalk on top!

Here’s what the different pieces looked like as I was chalking them. Since the Spring Collection was all about flowers and botanicals, I chose lots of leaves and floral drawings to mix in with the lettering and quintessential chalkboard banners. These drawings reminded me of the roots of Lily & Val, but with a fresh take. It was back in 2012, I got my start with white chalk on black chalkboards and this reminded me of those early days.

Just like the L&V chalk art process that I developed back in 2012, I photographed the boards and use that photograph to produce each print and canvas. The reproductions keep the authentic look of the original chalkboards!

Preparing The Collection

In addition to the colored chalkboards, we also released four new floral-inspired prints and five cards! Drawing the artwork is just the beginning of what all goes into producing the collection!

Samples are ordered and visits to the printer are made! We test color swatches to ensure the printing is a true match to the files. We also choose envelope colors to perfectly coordinate with each card.

Then, it’s time to photograph the collection! The feel of the shoot was whimsical, botanical and a bit magical – everything I feel when I think of flowers.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kind words of this new collection! Thank you for following my journey and allowing me to experiment, try new things, and produce what’s in my heart!

Be sure to check out the entire Flora Collection! Below, you will also find a short video explaining the new chalkboard prints. Enjoy!