Inspired by the Makers Mart at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), the Modern Makers series highlights local women makers and their diverse companies.

Company: Printed Wild
Maker: Eva Calonder

Printed Wild features a line of handcrafted goods with patterns inspired by nature. Eva Calonder fashions accessories like pouches, clutches, and tote bags as well as home décor products.

1. How did you get started?

I worked as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator for several years. I had the opportunity to re-think my career. I decided to combine my love for patterns and design into something more crafty. So I took classes at the Corcoran School of Art. I took sewing classes at Bits of Thread, a local sewing school, and then I registered for my first craft fair at the Hillyer Arts Space.

2. What does the word “maker” mean to you?

I think I was always more interested in making crafts than buying things. As far back as I can remember, my sisters and parents mostly received handmade presents from me.

3. What inspires you?

My main inspiration is nature. I spend a lot of time observing it to create patterns. I use Micron pens with very fine points to achieve the level of detail I’m looking for. I’m also influenced by trends in fashion. Because my drawings end up on bags, I try to pay attention to the latest accessory looks.

4. Do you have any insights to share as a female business owner?

There are so many strong and wonderful business women in Washington, D.C. Going to markets and meeting the makers is truly empowering. Share tips and support each other!

5. How do you begin a new project?

I always start from an original drawing for my patterns. I cut stencils, carve linoleum blocks, and draw very intricate nature scenes. After I have my design, I scan the pattern and edit it in Photoshop. Then the final design is transferred onto a silk screen. I also make all the bags for my designs, which involves cutting fabric or leather, ironing, and sewing.

6. What is your favorite work from NMWA’s collection?

I discovered Elizabeth Adela Stanhope Forbes’s work. She and her husband opened an art school in 1899 to encourage artists to paint directly from nature. I also loved May Stevens’s SoHo Women Artists, which portrays an incredible group of New York City-based women artists from the 1970s. It’s an era that I would have liked to experience. Plus, Stevens paints absolutely gorgeous patterns!

7. What inspired the limited-edition NMWA product?

I decided to go with what I do best, which is designing patterns inspired by nature. I drew directly from May Stevens’s painting in the museum’s galleries. I combined the patterns I saw in the painting and created one wild pattern.