Behind the Design: Shell Collecting and Cut Paper Flowers

Seasalt print designers Rachel and Lucy share how they created two of our favourite summer prints.

Every season, our in-house print designers fill their sketchbooks with new ideas for Seasalt prints. Created using pencil sketches, watercolour brushstrokes, linocut stamps and more, their illustrations capture Cornwall’s rolling countryside and sun-soaked coastline in beautiful storytelling detail.

We caught up with Rachel and Lucy who share their behind-the-scenes process for turning these drawings into wearable works of art.

Shell Collecting

Designed by Lucy Sheldrake

“This print started as a collection of shells picked up on walks along Cornish beaches. I drew each shell individually, using fine liner and pencil to capture their tiny, tide-worn details. The added texture came from layering tracing paper over the original sketch and adding depth and shading. I also added the handwritten labels, which were inspired by vintage scientific illustrations.

“Once scanned into the computer, I was able to refine the colour and scale of the print. I love how the soft seashell shades of pink, blue and cream come together.”

Cut Paper Flowers

Designed by Rachel O'Sullivan

“This vibrant print was inspired by Matisse’s bold, colourful collages. I made the original sketch using marker pen to capture the abstract botanical shapes of Cornwall’s coastal blooms. I then interpreted this into paper cut-outs which I could play around with to capture the spontaneity of Matisse’s work.

“Once I was happy, I scanned the design into the computer to arrange a repeat pattern. Then, using shades from our seasonal colour palette, started to digitally add colour to the print. This vibrant blue works beautifully with the clean edges of the collaged shapes, it reminds me of sunny days and clear, inviting waters along the Cornish coast.”