Turning Japanese

This edition of our computer wallpaper download was inspired by an Asian-themed paper that appears in our April issue (on sale March 23), as well as my own interest in Japanese printmaking. The digital design imitates several styles of this traditional art form, including the precisely outlined pattern of woodblock technique and the washed background of a watercolor. Delicate chains of translucent white circles add another dimension to the print.

Cranes, flowers, bamboo leaves, and a wheel motif form a net over a sunrise-colored background. The symbol of the crane is commonly found on Japanese heraldic objects and in many works of art. This bird, which mates for life, represents loyalty, strength, and grace. It is a tradition in Japanese culture for the groom to make 1,000 origami cranes before the wedding as a sign of his loyalty to his partner.

FREE! HOLIDAY TILE STYLE

Here's a holiday card for your computer screen. To design it I drew on my love of Japanese watercolors with their simple renderings of organic shapes and almost monochromatic color schemes——and of classic popular greeting card motifs. You'll recognize the text, I think.— Marlene Sezni, deputy art director

Download and Decorate: Wooden Tiles

Download and decorate your computer screen with this wallpaper design, which was inspired by the limited-edition work of Maryland-based painter Karen Deans. Her beautiful wooden tiles will appear in Home's January/February 2007 issue (onsale December 26). I was attracted to the simple graphic quality and earth-toned palette of her pieces, which allow them to coordinate with a variety of decor styles. To create this pattern, I used a digital program to draw the image and, in an homage to Dean's originals, layered in a hint of wood-grain pattern. — Marlene Sezni, deputy art director

To download, just click on the link for your screen resolution. Once you see the full image, right-click on it and select Set as Background or Set as Wallpaper. Or download the free PDF to your computer. Check back soon for more patterns—all exclusive to homemag.com and inspired by ideas in the magazine.

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Download the PDF

FREE! Download & Decorate

Dress up a boring computer screen with beautiful electronic wallpaper that's custom designed by Marlene Sezni, Home's deputy art director. Just click on the link for your screen resolution. Once you see the full image, right-click on it and select Set as Background or Set as Wallpaper. Or download the free PDF to your computer.

Check back soon for more patterns—all exclusive to homemag.com and inspired by ideas in the magazine.

1024x768
800x600
Download the PDF