Behind the Art: June’s Sardine Summer Flat-Lay Design
Imagining this as a piece of wall art is chef’s kiss!
When a trend feels everywhere, how do you make it truly your own? This June on Patreon, I tackled the vintage sardine-tin craze—and reimagined it as a chic, pastel-toned summer picnic scene. Here’s how it unfolded.
Inspiration: From Sardine Tins to Summer Picnics
I’ve always adored the whimsical charm of retro sardine packaging, but I wanted something that felt unmistakably Starthistle & Quartz:
A pastel flat-lay evoking seaside picnics
My signature palette of blush coral, aqua, vermillion, shell pink, and pops of fluorescent yellow
Imagery of lemons, bread, and a glass of rosé laid out as if on a sunlit terrace
I rewatched Pixar’s Luca, dreamed of the Amalfi Coast, and let those joyful, sun-washed hues guide me.
Sketches & Moodboard: Finding My Voice
After sharing my initial sketches and moodboard last week, I dove into Procreate using watercolor and gouache brushes. Early attempts felt too “safe”—they mimicked what I saw online rather than reflecting my own style. My challenge was clear: avoid imitation, honor inspiration.
Overcoming Comparison & Limitation
Comparison reared its head big time. I worried my design wouldn’t stand out among the countless bright sardine tins. But then I remembered:
“Limitation is magic.”
By focusing on the feeling—“chic,” “soothing,” “summery”—I unlocked new ideas. Instead of painting fish in a tin, I arranged them on plate-like shapes, surrounded them with picnic elements, and let my favorite palette shine.
The Moment It Clicked
The breakthrough came when I sketched a simple flat-lay: three sardines on a pastel plate, lemon wedges at the rim, a linen napkin draped nearby. Paired with my fluorescent-yellow accents and a swirl of aqua, it finally felt original and elegant—a scene you could hang on a gallery wall or use as a chic postcard.
What’s Next: Exclusive Access on Patreon
This design is now on its way to becoming your June Patreon postcard + sticker—a monthly keepsake delivered straight to your mailbox. As a Patron, you can be part of magic in a few ways::
As a Stardust Supporter to keep up-to-date with everything new happening at Starthistle & Quartz
Or join the monthly sticker tier as a Moonlit Dreamer
Receive a monthly postcard tier featuring exclusive original art as a Celestial Wanderer
And to get the full set of sticker + postcard you can become an Ethereal Muse
👉 Join us today for exclusive art, early-bird perks, and a front-row seat to every new collection:
https://patreon.com/starthistle
A Little Invitation
I won’t pretend this was easy—creative blocks and perfectionism almost stopped me. But showing up, experimenting, and trusting my palette turned frustration into possibility. I’d love for you to witness the full journey (and get your hands on the postcard!) over on Patreon.
See you there—and may your summer be as bright and refreshing as a picnic on the Riviera. ☀️
