Collaborations – 3 Great Ways to Collaborate with Artists, Surface Pattern Designers, and Authors
- Planet Terra
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Feature Designs & Illustrations
Design and Create Specific Products
Request a Design
As always, I’ll begin by stressing that this is not a “Guide” or a “How To…” but simply an account of how Planet Terra – Handmade has evolved, and the important role that great collaborations have played along the way.
My door is always open to discuss possible collaborations if you think we could work together. However, there is no exchange of money—except for items we might purchase from each other as regular customers. That’s what I love most about these kinds of collaborations: they’re about lifting each other up, with no expectations beyond having fun with designs and working together.
1. Feature Designs & Illustrations
Collaborations with Illustrators
Eighteen months into this handmade business, a collaboration eventuated with Australian artist Lesley Smitheringale from Hush The Moon (https://www.hushthemoon.com/). It all started with a random post on Facebook by Cloth Cuts, asking if anyone was looking for a particular print design. Normally, I wouldn’t reply to posts like this, but I had been actively searching for someone—anyone—to draw donkeys for me to use on fabric since a long time. I desperately wished to create items featuring these gorgeous four-legged friends!
Within a week, I had my donkeys. And yes, I could have just placed my order with Cloth Cuts (https://www.clothcuts.com.au/) and left it at that. But after a two-year search, I felt extremely grateful and wanted to find out who the artist was behind these beautiful illustrations. That was the beginning of a wonderful collaboration!
I discovered that Lesley not only draws donkeys, but also offers a large selection of amazing Australian-themed illustrations. Her artwork appears on fabrics, cups, keyrings, coasters, placemats, hats, t-shirts, and more—all through an on-demand print service. This approach resonates with my use-only-what-you-need philosophy: only what is ordered gets printed, which means no excess stock and no waste ending up in landfill.
Our collaboration evolved into the MOONTERRA collection on the Hush The Moon website! We offered a limited-edition range of five handmade cotton items for my part, including coin purses, book pouches, and tote bags. Lesley’s part was to offer mugs, coasters, keyrings, t-shirts, hats and more. The smile on every customer’s face who has purchased a Donkeys in a Meadow of Flowers product is living proof that Lesley has captured the beauty and grace of these animals perfectly in her designs.
A few months later, Planet Terra’s second major collaboration with an artist came about with Simone_Pook_Designs. I count myself incredibly lucky to collaborate with such talented Australians. You can view some of Simone’s work at Cloth Cuts, where she has many available patterns, or on her website showcasing original artworks: https://www.simonepookdesign.com/
The Collaboration with Simone has fewer product choices than my first, this time focusing on pouches, coin purses, as well as a new product for Planet Terra—crossbody bags! These items launched in March 2025. Unlike the first collection, this one isn’t a limited edition. If the demand is there, Simone’s vibrant prints will remain available throughout the year.
If you need an accessory to brighten your day and bring a smile to your face—these are it!
Simone and I settled on five patterns/illustrations for our launch. Behind-the-scenes work starts months before we showcase our first products to the public. We use Facebook, Instagram, and email newsletters to connect with our communities. And, of course, both Simone’s and my subscribers always receive VIP treatment with some little extras.
2. Design and Create Specific Products
Collaborate to Create Special Items
Each collaboration is unique. Every artist or business brings their own preferences and creative vision to the table. For me, the purpose of collaborating is to showcase their talents to a wider audience. Monetary gain isn’t the driving force— it’s about sharing creativity and growing together.
Australia’s unique flora and fauna inspire many artists, and I find fabric the perfect medium to carry their illustrations into people’s lives. Once sewn into everyday items—tote bags, makeup pouches, book sleeves, table runners, or cushion covers—the art becomes part of daily life.
One customer once requested I stretch a fabric they fell in love with onto a blank canvas to hang in their office. I was horrified at first—what a terrible waste of beautiful organic cotton! But when I saw the finished piece, it was a fantastic work of “art.” Lesson learned: always be open to different ideas and suggestions. And that is the fun part of collaborations. 😊
3. Request a Design/Product
Get in Touch!
If you’re an artist or illustrator and would like to collaborate with Planet Terra, please feel free to use the contact form or send me an email (info@planetterra.com.au). I’m always open to suggestions!
I’ve worked with authors to design and sew book totes or book sleeves in specific sizes and patterns, complementing a theme or special book. In my humble opinion, the best way to start a collaboration with a like-minded business (or person) is simply to ask. The worst they can say is, “No, thank you.” 😊
In Closing
Collaboration is at the heart of Planet Terra – Handmade. It’s about community, creativity, and connection. If you think we could create something beautiful together, I’d love to hear from you!
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