Paisley Goddess - The journey to finding and nurturing my authentic self |Paisley art, apparel & accessories|Celebrating the Goddess within every Woman

Yes, there is a reason that this site is called Paisley Goddess!

I heart the paisley pattern!

Many years ago, I fell in love with the paisley pattern, but recently started playing with it to create some unique designs.

I like its versatility. It can be traditional, feminine, funky, modern, jazzy, chic or elegant.

You can view my Paisley Gallery at my Imagekind online art gallery.

I also create paisley designs for my Cafepress shop for Tees and other merchandise.
Some Interesting Paisley facts:

~ There is a Paisley, Scotland - but that is not where the Paisley pattern originated.

~ The origins of the Paisley motif can be found in the ancient civilization of Babylon.

~ One of the predominant food sources there was the date palm.

~ The date palm provided building materials as well as food.

~ The date palm came to be seen as the Tree of Life and the Paisley motif is a representation of the tightly curled palm frond just as it begins to grow.

~ It was a symbol of fertility.

~ From Babylon, it spread to Europe where it was taken over by the Celtics.

~ It appeared on shawls in India during the 1600’s.

~ The shawls were made from goat hair.

~ The British East India Company took interest in the shawls and gave the shawls to their wives as gifts upon returing home from India.

~ The shawls were admired on the British fashion scene and were in much demand. Soon, it became a commercial import. But, shawls were scarce and the prices too high.

~ The British manufactuers needed to find a way to imitate the Indian shawls - Norwich began weaving the shawls in 1784.

~ Enter Napoleon Bonaparte - The French wars drained British resources and the town of Paisley, Scotland, which was known for its silk weavers, were without work.

~ Around 1805, an Edinburgh shawl manufacturer by the name of Paterson had too many orders, so sent the weavers in Paisley the extra work.

~ Ta-Da! Weavers in Paisley, Scotland were now making beautiful shawls with the Paisley pattern!

Imagekind Gallery Paisley
Copyright (C) 2008
I'm crazy about Paisley! Traditional Paisley's, modern Paisley's, funky Paisley's!

Crazy Paisley Leaves

It is my favorite time of the year here in Western North Carolina and that time is Fall! I love photographing the leaves and the vibrant colors and to go along with my current theme of Paisley - wanted to create a paisley filled leaf and in this case, many leaves! Fun, funky and colorful, these paisley leaves will brighten any space!

Mod Paisley & Stripes

I'm crazy about paisley! This modern play on one of my favorite designs-the paisley- incorporates a beautiful blue hibiscus flower with gold and chocolate brown modern stripes. A mod twist on the Paisley design.

Urban Chrome Paisley

Another fun Paisley design, this time with a more urban, geometric feel. Geometric grids of an earthy green against a rich background of brown with a contemporary paisley of triangles and the look of chrome. This contemporary design is more masculine and takes the Paisley pattern to another realm!

Fantasy Paisley Leaf

A single fall leaf covered with a delicate purple, pink and green Art Nouveau Paisley pattern. Set against a rugged and crackled wood pattern with deep golds, blues and reds.

Mod Paisley Stack

A modern, masculine twist on the paisley.

Paisley Sea Floral

Colors of the beach and ocean with a floral design set against a paisley pattern that sems to ripple in the ocean waves. Cool, calming colors in a contemporary design.

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