{Textile Republic}

Textile Republic is a unique interactive community. Founded by Kimberley and Brian Osborne in the spring of 2007 to promote the work of aspiring textile designers across the globe. Textile Republic not only presents a forum for designers to show off and display their talent, but also provides them with a real chance to earn money for their designs. Every 4 to 6 weeks Textile Republic will select the most creative and popular (based on user voting) patterns to be printed and will be used to create a line of fabrics, clothing, wallpaper, stationery, and other merchandise. Designers whose patterns are selected to be printed and sold by Textile Republic receive $1,000 cash for their design and a 5% royalty on profits. They are currently seeking design submissions for their upcoming competition entitled, "Preppy with a Twist" that ends December 1st, 2008. Here are a few samples of what designers have already submitted. I couldn't think of a better way to start off a new week than with some healthy design competition!

Photos & Designs by Textile Republic}

{ Interview with Lara Cameron }

I was fortunate enough to take some time with Lara Cameron, the very talented textile designer I featured last week, and ask her a few questions about what inspires her to design, how she nurtures her craft, and where she hopes to see her beautiful designs printed on next!

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EV: When did you first know that design was your calling?
Lara: When I was very young I was into all sorts of arts and crafts, but as I grew older I developed the notion that I could never make a career out of being creative - that I didn't have "the talent". It wasn't until I did an internship during Uni (in a creative role) that I realized that maybe I could! It's very much about practice and persistence.

EV: What inspires you to design?
Lara: I just really enjoy the creative process, and positive feedback on my work really drives me. Since starting a blog I've become so much more confident about what I do, and therefore a lot better at it. Living in such a creatively inspiring city such as Melbourne always helps.

EV: What kind of supplies and construction goes into the making of your textiles?(meaning what kind of dyes, fabrics, and printing methods are used)?
Lara: We print with water based, solvent free inks, onto mostly cotton/hemp fabrics. With the new printing studio we'll be hand screen printing on a 11m yardage table.

EV: Your designs include so much more than just textiles. Where else do you see your designs making their mark?
Lara: I've always loved the idea of printing wallpaper, which is something we'd definitely like to experiment with in the new studio. I also would love to create a range of stationery - preferably letterpress. Having designs cut out of metal or wood would be awesome too.

Yay! Thank you, so very much Lara for taking time from your busy schedule. Congrats on the new printing studio (get a peak of her new studio here) & much continued success to you and your talented team!

{Lara's newest design}

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Want more of Lara Cameron? Find her here:

Website: http://www.laracameron.com
Blog: http://kirinote.blogspot.com
Shop: http://laracameron.com/shop