Last week, I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a 3-Day workshop with Bonnie Christine. Why? In the ads that came across my Instagram feed, she promised to show us how to make our very own repeat pattern with Adobe Illustrator.
I was so excited!
I had been trying to make my own patterns for a few years now with little or no progress. During that time, I hand-painted and drew what I hoped could be incorporated into a pattern.
I admit I watched handfuls of videos on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram from surface designers and artists. They made it seem so easy! Some mentioned Procreate. I downloaded the software on Bella’s iPad back in 2024 or 2025; I just couldn’t understand it. I used Canva, like some creatives showed in 2024 and 2025. HA! I laugh now, because no….removing the background in Canva is NOT like image tracing in Illustrator at all.
These people rarely mentioned Adobe Illustrator. I was a little nervous about using the program since I hadn’t used in a few years. And even when I had used it…I was confused. Yes, I admit, I’m a designer of over 10 years who preferred Photoshop. Illustrator was reserved for finalizing business and wedding logo designs.
Designing Magical Moments
I was a little skeptical.
In 3 days, could I feel comfortable in Illustrator again? Could I really make a pattern from start to finish? Could I really make a real wrapping paper?
I’m happy to say that YES! I made a pattern. I even have the wrapping paper in my shopping cart right now.
I’m happy about all the possibilities for the types of patterns I can make and where they may end up.
© Magical Memories Collection by Erica Johnson-Maquilon 2026
I enjoyed making the wrapping paper so much that now I started making my own holiday collection. I’m also inspired to design other products again too.
Here are some of the patterns I designed (on my sell sheet I designed this morning):
© Magical Memories Collection by Erica Johnson-Maquilon 2026
© Magical Memories Collection by Erica Johnson-Maquilon 2026
I loved reflecting on my childhood Christmases, the traditions, and the memories I share with my daughter. I loved drawing, painting, and designing each motif and pattern.
MAGICAL MEMORIES Christmas 2026 Collection
Christmas was always a special time in our home as a child. My brother and I used to stay up all night in excitement to wake up early enough in the morning to open gifts under the tree. Now, I get to share even more magical memories with my family. Over the years, we’ve done traditional and pastel Christmas themes. Whether the colors change, the love and traditions are still there: lots of hot cocoa, crafts, Christmas lights, decorating the tree, Christmas movies, and spending time with each other.
This collection features some inspiration from my special ornaments: nutcrackers, princesses, ballerinas, swans, ribbons, bows, pink, gold, white, green, blue, and red.
I will share the patterns with ballerinas and swans in another post :)
I’m open to bespoke art requests and licensing inquiries for 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Erica Johnson-Maquilon
hello@epartnersmarketing.com
© Erica Johnson-Maquilon 2026
