Since painting the entire interior of my house white over a weekend this summer (don't ask!), I have been searching for ideas to add visual interest to the empty wall space. As I have been thinking about using pattern somehow, maybe in the form of wallpaper or a stencil, I was thrilled to come across this new addition to the library’s collection: 2000 Pattern Combinations: A Step-By-Step Guide for Graphic, Textile and Craft Designers by Jane Callender.

It is a wonderful book of patterning fundamentals and samples, perfect for those who enjoy adding their own touch to design elements in any form. The pattern basics and combinations she has included can be used in practically any application from embroidery and ceramics to engraving and stenciling.

We have many other pattern sourcebooks throughout the library collection which can be found by searching for keywords like Repetitive Patterns or Pattern Books. If you want even more try the phrase Decoration and Ornament Themes, Motives. You will come across literally thousands of images from different cultures and historical periods. In particular, the series Dover pictorial archive and Dover electronic clip art (includes CD-ROM with images) cover an incredible array of copyright-free images, designs, and patterns ready for manipulation.

But that doesn’t begin to cover all the possibilities. We have many books on specific topics, such as wallpaper or Mehndi, which could also be great for pattern inspiration (see Wallpapers: An International History and Illustrated Survey or Henna Sourcebook for example).

Happy patterning!

–Chelsea