Color and print have an incredible way of livening up a space and simultaneously lifting up your mood. In her debut book, House of Print: A Modern Block Printer's Journey Through Color, Texture, and Pattern, British artist Molly Mahon explores the fundamentals of block printing, Jaipur’s rich history in the craft, color and technique. I caught up with her to find out more and to also see how she was able to turn her passion into a thriving business.

Your book is so beautiful, congratulations! You talk about how everyone can be creative. I love that, I believe it too. Can you share how your initially started to tap into your creativity?

My parents still live in the same house that I was born in, down a dusty dirt track in the countryside. Our upbringing (I have two sisters) consisted of ponies, the great outdoors and creative experiences. My mother was always busy with something from marbling, embroidery to book making and so on. We had endless summer holidays in Scotland and we would always have a creative project on the year changing from one year to the next.I followed a much more academic route at school and was always so disappointed that I was encouraged away from art. It took me years to find my way back to that path, but I got there in the end!

When did you realize that you could turn your passion into a business?

It was when one of my great friends commissioned me to print some wallpaper for her shepherd’s hut. It looked so fabulous, I knew I had to make passion to the next stage.

You talk about color happiness in the book. What are some unelected color combinations your encourage the color curious to incorporate into their home?

I am mad about pink and blue, it seems embedded in my soul! I use these colours throughout my home and in many of my designs. I think they are a wonderful, joyful match.

One of the aspects that makes block printing so special is that it’s done by hand. Why is it so important to you to keep this craft going?

There is no doubt that a hand-block printed piece of fabric carries the passion and story of each printer. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the process that in India has remained for hundreds of years. I love the instant gratification of lifting the block. I love seeing a repeat pattern growing along the print table and I love the versatility of where the designs can be used for cushions, curtains, lampshades, fashion and bedding, etc! I am very passionate about the hand-printed look and the freedom that is created by using this method.

Where do you derive the most inspiring for your vivid color palette?

India! The moment I step off the plane into the warm, dusty air and then out into the bustling streets—the noises, the colours, the energy are so different to home and so enthralling, exotic and appealing.

What do you say to those who are shy when it comes to incorporating color into their lives?

Be brave and have confidence in yourself! I think that every home should reflect its inhabitants and that home is your home, even if you’re only in it for a short time. Our house is perfectly imperfect and we wouldn’t want it any other way!

What are you most inspired by?

I have three areas that particularly excite me and where I tend to draw my inspiration. First is nature— all the beautiful leaves, trees and plants that surround the house where I live. Second is Charleston Farmhouse, the wonderfully decorative house in Sussex belonging to the Bloomsbury Group. Third is India—the architecture, the patterns and the colour.

What is your favorite medium to print or does each have its own special quality?

I just love seeing the pattern appearing across the paper or fabric—the more it’s printed, the stronger it gets. I adore playing with different colours next to one another, it creates an inner excitement. I actually think it genuinely releases happy hormones! I’ll print on anything!

What advice do you have to other creatives who are looking to turn their hobby into a business?

Make sure you do what you love and what excites you. Grow organically. Creativity is so positive and important in our lives, so get out there and shout about your creative skills!

Do you have any summer plans?

I will be escaping to the Isle of Mull in Scotland with my family. It’s my happy place and for me and my sisters, it’s our spiritual home. My grandfather took a lease on a house many moons ago and four generations have fallen in love, year after year. Bursting with greenery and space, fresh water pouring down the burns, seals, eagles, mountains looming over head I feel blessed to visit this magical place every year.

Purchase the Book

House of Print by Molly Mahon is published by Pavilion. All images are copyrighted and used with permission.

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Textile Designer Molly Mahon On the Power of Color and Pattern