Welcome to the Surface & Story Journal: Notes on Pattern, Nature & the Creatively Human
Lush layers of nature, told through design.
Hello, I’m Kelly Rideout, and I am so glad you’ve found your way into my corner of the digital garden.
If you’ve followed my work at The Curious Peony, you know my patterns usually live on functional, sustainable products—from tea towels to tableware. But while the shop is where my designs find their home, this Journal is where they begin.
Why Surface & Story?
I believe that a pattern is never just a repeat; it is a narrative. It is a record of a season, a memory of a garden, and a bridge between the wild outdoors and our indoor sanctuaries. Surface & Story is my journal from my creative studio—the space where I obsess over the "creatively human" journey of turning a garden observation into a drawing of a flower into a professional design.
This journal is my curated notebook for sharing seasonal inspiration, industry insights, and the deeper stories behind my maximalist botanical world.
What You’ll Find Growing Here:
The Seasonal Narrative: How shifting natural cycles inform my colour palettes and patterns.
Behind the Design: A peek into my studio to see how a climbing Ivy plant becomes a professional repeat.
Art Licensing & Industry Insights: Guidance for brands looking to bring nature-inspired soul to their own product lines.
The Maximalist Life: Inspiration for those who believe that more is always more.
Illustrated Summer Zinnia From the Garden
Part of my seasonal journal capturing the quiet rhythm of the garden through hand-drawn illustrations, where every turning petal tells a story of our connection to nature.
A Creatively Human Approach
In an increasingly digital world, I believe there is something radical about appreciating nature and taking the time to draw the seasons daily. This journal is an extension of that belief. Whether you are an Art Director looking for a new collaborator, or a collector from The Curious Peony Shop wanting to see the "why" behind your favourite piece, I’m so glad you’re here.
Let’s Bloom Together
I’ll be sharing new entries as the seasons shift. To see the stories come to life on finished products, visit The Curious Peony Shop, or follow my daily process on Instagram.
Thank you for being here. Which part of the botanical world should we dive into first? If there is a story or a design stage you’d like me to uncover, get in touch—I’d love to hear from you.
Make design stand out
Floral maximalism is a bold, vibrant design style that embraces abundance, rich colours, and an eclectic mix of, patterns, and textures to create high-impact, dramatic spaces
