Designer Tidbits: Graphic 45


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Diane Schultz of Graphic 45 to the Jolly Jabber. Diane’s latest fabric collection is Communique from Wilmington Prints.




Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Communique collection?
A: Communique is one of my favorite collections. It was inspired by a flamboyant style born in the 1920’s and 30’s that captured the imagination of the world and became all the rage. We now live in an age where most people are communicating digitally, the tactile pleasure of paper and fabric puts us in touch with a simpler time and place—perhaps reminding us that good design—like communication, is unchanging with the same basic qualities yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Definitely the upbeat music of jazz age artists like Louis Armstrong, Elle Fitzgerald and Billy Holliday.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: My favorite is Postage (88519-293). Comprised of layers of hand written letters, telegrams and quotations, and correspondence representing bits and pieces of real life experiences; the result is irresistibly romantic.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: Graphic 45 is an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company. We partner with MM Fab who interprets our paper designs into fabric collections. My favorite project from the Communique Collection was created for one of our CHA tradeshow displays. A full scale working replica of a 1920 telephone booth, it was wallpapered with both the “Party Line” and “Postage” papers.




Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: I spent the first twenty plus years of my career as an apparel and textile designer. At 45 years old I went back to school for a degree in graphic design. I believe my experience in the garment and textile industries is apparent in my current paper design work. I love designing with almost any medium!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: So sorry, it’s top secret and under wraps.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: My home is filled with treasures (mostly “old”) that I have gathered throughout my life. Most tell a story and are very precious to me.




Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: Because we create literally hundreds of projects for each of our bi-yearly tradeshows, I have waaaaaay too many to just choose one! I have provided a couple of examples.





Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: Probably in bed while sleeping, but I have provided two photos of my office.





Q: What is your favorite snack food? Can we see a photo of your fridge or pantry?
A: My “current” favorite snack is chocolate licorice—I usually have lots of it on hand!




Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: Only ONE? I have several, but my quintessential guilty pleasure is probably shopping at junkyards, and consignment and antique stores, like I'm doing in the very first picture!


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