In the Shop: Christmas Gift Wrap

PSA: Christmas is less than six weeks away! If you're in need of wrapping paper, I've got you covered.

Okay, so this paper is seriously so pretty and thick—but not too thick. It's quality paper and won't rip at the corners of your boxes as you're wrapping. If you're a wrapping paper fan, I think you'll love these!

You can choose a set of 3 sheets or a set of 5 sheets. Most of the designs are made-to-order just for you so expect to receive your paper 10-15 days from the date you place your order.  

I hope you love wrapping your gifts with these as much as I do!

Free Download: Watercolor Lemon Tech Wallpaper

It's May and this month's freebie is a cheerful lemon wallpaper for your iPhone, desktop computer or iPad. Choose the version with or without a calendar and enjoy!

Free Tech Wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, or Desktop. Watercolor lemon pattern by Amanda Gomes • Delighted Creative Co.

Sign-up for my email list below to access download.

 
 

My Work: 10-Day Project Review

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I do a new 10-day project about every 10-days. I started these last December to help me focus on one type of art or theme and hopefully not only improve my skills, but also figure out what the type of art I truly enjoy. I'm ultimately working towards developing a "signature style" but have found I like so many things, it may take years to actually figure out! 

Delighted Creative Co. 10-Day-Project Review • delightedco.com

But maybe that's okay...and it's probably normal. Since I have no deadline for learning to draw and paint, I'm enjoying the process. One thing these 10-day projects have made me realize is that I truly enjoy working with watercolor and I especially love creating patterns with what I paint.

So now that I've completed 10 of these 10-day projects, I thought I'd share some of my favorite from the first five weeks for now. Side note: I'm taking a break from these 10-day projects to join the #100dayproject challenge (yikes!). It started yesterday, April 4 and lasts until July. I will do a hundred days of watercolor (#100daysofwatercolor and #100delighteddays) which means I have some flexibility with the subject, but am limited by the medium...although I think I'll sneak in some gouache as well. It's water-based so I think that's okay :) 

So here they are : the highlights of my first five 10-day projects. Thank you for following along over the past few months and for all of the encouragement. I truly appreciate it!

Week 1: Patterns created from gouache and watercolor sketches

Week 2: Things to Wear

Fall Outfit Illustration by Amanda Gomes • delightedco.com
Purple ballet illustrations by Amanda Gomes • Delighted Creative Co.

Week 3: Florals

Week 4: Lettering

Week 5: Creatures

How to Make a Repeat Pattern with Illustrator's Pattern Tool

Somehow I completely forgot about Illustrator's built-in pattern tool and just rediscovered it for some simple repeats I've been making. This tool keeps equal spacing between motifs and I've found it to work best for fairly simple patterns and geometrics. It's fun to use because it seriously provides instant gratification. As in, you have a motif or element (such as the flower seen in my image below), and five seconds later you can have a pattern from that motif. If you haven't tried it, I think you'll love it.

How to make a simple repeating pattern using Adobe Illustrator's pattern tool | Tutorial by Delighted Creative Co.

I created a quick 4-minute tutorial video to show you how to use the tool. I hope it's helpful and feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Have fun making patterns!

Free Download: February Tech Wallpapers

My rosebud pattern is making it's debut in this month's freebie. And while I realize roses are a bit cliche for Valentine's month, I'm partial to sweet floral styles and the pattern does fit the season—so I went with it. There are two options for you to choose from for your iPhone and desktop computer. Have a wonderful February!

Free Tech Wallpaper for Valentines Month by Amanda Gomes • Delighted Creative Co.