Nature Inspired Designs - From Meadow to Paper

Every collection we create at Making Meadows begins with what we see outside our window. Our studio backs onto the River Wey in Surrey, and the view changes every day. In the mornings the water catches the light, swans glide past in pairs, and the reeds shift softly in the wind. Kingfishers flash by, ducks settle along the banks, and sometimes we pause work entirely just to watch them for a moment.

These small scenes of life by the river are our daily reminders of how closely connected creativity and nature can be. Every design we create begins with those quiet moments, the curve of a feather, the reflection of grass in the water, or the colours of wildflowers growing along the banks.

Our stationery is a way of capturing that calm beauty on paper, turning ordinary moments in nature into something lasting and meaningful.

Finding Inspiration in the Everyday

Inspiration rarely comes from grand scenes. It’s found in the small, almost unnoticed details. The shape of a petal drifting in the water, the ripples of the current, the soft outlines of clouds reflected on the surface, all of these inspire the patterns and compositions in our work.

We sketch outdoors whenever possible, letting our surroundings guide each line and colour choice. Drawing from life keeps our designs honest and grounded in real observation. The sketches that begin by the river often become the floral and botanical illustrations that define our stationery collections.

We are drawn to the imperfections of nature, the wildness that never quite repeats itself. That sense of spontaneity carries through to our finished designs.

Colour and Season

The river and surrounding meadows change constantly through the year, and our colours follow their rhythm. Spring brings soft greens and pinks, the banks lined with new growth and early blossoms. Summer fills the air with warmth and movement, inspiring brighter tones and fuller compositions. In autumn, the reeds turn gold, and by winter the palette becomes calm and muted, full of silver light and pale blues.

Browse our ever changing Stationery Collection.

Working in tune with the seasons keeps our artwork fresh and connected to the landscape that inspires it. It’s a quiet cycle that guides our creative process.

Translating Nature to Paper

Back in the studio, we refine our sketches into finished products. Every stroke and shade is carefully considered so that the energy of the original moment isn’t lost. We want our drawings to feel alive, not perfect, to carry the same texture and softness as the world they come from.

Our stationery is printed in small batches in the UK on responsibly sourced paper using sustainable methods. Each product is designed to reflect both the beauty of nature and a respect for it, from the materials we choose to the way we package and send each order.

The Connection Between Nature and Creativity

Spending time by the river reminds us to slow down. The movement of the water, the stillness of the air, and the sound of birds in the reeds all create space for ideas to grow. Many of our best designs have begun as simple sketches made while sitting on the riverbank with a notebook and pencil.

We hope our stationery carries a little of that same feeling, a sense of calm, a connection to the outdoors, and an appreciation for simple beauty. Whether you are writing a note, wrapping a gift, or opening a new notebook, we want our designs to bring a touch of the natural world into your everyday life.

A Celebration of the Wild

From meadow to paper, most designs begin with gratitude for the landscape that surrounds us. The River Wey and its wildlife inspire us daily, reminding us that creativity and nature thrive together.

Our hope is that through our stationery, you feel a small part of that world too. The quiet of the river, the rustle of reeds, and the gentle rhythm of nature that runs through everything we make. We even have a card range called River Wey. 

When you browse our Stationery Collection what inspiration from the River Wey can you spot?

Making Meadows x