about
I’m Molly Armstrong.
Welcome to Calico Star Studio!
Welcome to Calico Star Studio!
I'm Molly - a graphic designer, illustrator, textile artist and all-around crafty lady who adores all things vintage and colorful. Traditional media, antique textiles, folk art, children's books, and trinkets from times past are the sparks that set my creativity ablaze. Wielding pen and needle, I fabricate colorful, soft, artsy, cozy, & vintage-inspired creations with a dash of whimsy. As a perfectionist, I pay close attention to details and pour everything I have into the projects I create, tirelessly refining each little element until the design is picture-perfect.
My design specialties are surface pattern design, illustration, layouts, and branding, and I absolutely love playing with type and color palettes. I have a general understanding of HTML and CSS and enjoy the design and layout aspects of creating a website. I am devoted to discovering imaginative ways to recreate traditional styles in my work, integrating the tactile qualities and visual heritage of traditional media with the vast array of design software and technology available today. This is achieved by combining my skill set in fine arts - such as colored pencil, ink, collage, watercolors, charcoal, and paint - with my training in Adobe Software (including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Fresco, to name just a few)!
My fondness for traditional media is (quite literally!) tied up in my great passion for textiles and the fiber arts. I’m an avid knitter, crocheter, seamstress, embroiderer, quilter, and jewelry designer on a mission to build a handmade home and wardrobe. Whether I’m publishing instructions for a crochet blanket pattern, crafting up a storm to stock my Etsy shop, building surface patterns for fabric and print-on-demand products, or showcasing my latest knitting project on my craft channel The Eager Hands Show - I love to find ways to share my creativity and ideas with the world.
I married my high school sweetheart - Brendan - who is my biggest cheerleader as I dive into all my creative pursuits! As our family grows, I endeavor to develop my skills as a homemaker and follow the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Most importantly, I owe everything to my Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ - and seek to grow in my walk with Him daily.
“She selects wool + flax and works with eager hands." (Proverbs 31:13)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“…being confident of this: that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
The crazy, very chatty half-Siamese black cat in question.
Fun Facts:
Expeditions to the fabric or craft store make me ridiculously excited! I am constantly conducting research to master new craft techniques and plan my next project (or next 200 projects). I adore all things vintage and flowery and enjoy perusing antique stores, thrift stores, and flea markets. I enjoy singing, creative writing, and literature - especially historical fiction.
As a small business owner and pattern designer, you can usually find me curled up in my natural habitat: a quiet cozy nook, tangled up in yarn or covered in fabric scraps, and listening to audiobooks or watching period dramas and rom-coms. (Bonus: there is probably a cat on my lap. Specifically, a crazy, very chatty half-Siamese black cat named Linus. He likes to munch on all my craft supplies and sit on top of my computer keyboard.)
Behind the Name:
Stars have several special meanings to me. The Irish meaning of my name (Molly) is “Star of the Sea.” I am always drawn to calico fabric when working on textile & design projects, and I love vintage star quilts.
“He counts the stars and calls them all by name.” (Psalm 147:4)
say hello
Region: Mid-Atlantic, United States
I am available for freelance, part-time, and full-time work.
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM EST.
I will reply to you within 1-3 business days.
Thank you for contacting me! I look forward to working with you and will reply to your message within 1-3 business days. Warm wishes,Molly Armstrong