The Keel Billed Toucans

[michelle]

I think I am enjoying learning about flora and fauna as much as trying to create a pattern. Right now, I am enjoying the Central American jungle with a focus on Costa Rica. 

Here is a photo of the actual bird:


Photo by Rico Meier on Unsplash

Isn’t the coloring amazing? These are social birds and hang out in groups, and are playful in nature. They eat fruit, insects, small lizards and snakes. The male and female both care for the eggs and the chicks once they hatch. But they do not mate for life. They are serial monogamists. 

Here is the original pattern tile:



Then, I tried all of these backgrounds (thanks Cat and Carol for choosing a favorite!)



And then someone suggested a turquoise background:




Ha! It’s so much fun experimenting and determining what people like. The gray background is my least favorite, but some people do like it. Luckily, I can upload as many variations as I choose to. 

[caeterle]

I like the turquoise, too. The one I picked as favorite and the turquoise produce the best contrast for me between background and the bodies.

[michelle]

Thanks so much, Cat! So far the most popular ones are the two you originally chose and the additional turquoise. They are definitely all going up. (Carole and Denis both chose the dark blue.) I think these 3 will provide a nice variety. 

[DawninCal]

Love this design, Michelle!

My favorite backgrounds are the dark blue and the turquoise. I also like the yellow background.

It's both fun and interesting to witness your growth in this area of fabric design.



Dawn

[michelle]

Thanks so much, Dawn! I am having a lot of fun with this.

[brad]

I think the black and/or the turquoise background patterns would make great tropical camp shirts. Brad

[michelle]

Ooh, that is a cool idea, Brad!

[Irith-Rita]

I think I would choose the light yellow or the dark blue backgrounds. As the design is very colorful, I prefer quietening background.

[michelle]

Thanks so much, Irith! That was my thinking as well. But I can see turquoise for Brad’s camp shirts.