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Calico Wallpaper Makes Gold With Alchemy and Enchantment

10.14.24 | By
Calico Wallpaper Makes Gold With Alchemy and Enchantment

Since 2013, Calico Wallpaper has presented the finest, most immersive wall murals on the market. Their new collection is in collaboration with Kindergarten teacher and Early Childhood Educator Janene Ping. Ping, who maintains a prolific natural dyeing practice, aims to highlight the balance and beauty of nature. Teaching at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School for thirty years has given her the insight and sensitivity needed to foster a love for the great outdoors in our little ones. This collaboration features two distinct collections, Alchemy and Enchantment.

A serene playroom with large windows, decorated with a cloudy sky mural. It features plush seating, a wooden shelf with toys, stuffed animals, and a light rug with scattered toy cars and blocks.

Alchemy in Acacia

The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is committed to providing children with the tools they need to become aware citizens. During their time, they grow a personal relationship with the natural world, and learn to become an active participant in their local economy. Handcraft and artistry is paramount, essential for humans to truly connect with the earth. Ping, a natural dyer extraordinaire, creates fantastic silk tapestries for The Magical Puppet Tree Theater – which she founded in 1992. Through this joyful medium, she uplifts a collection of fanciful stories often untold.

A wooden sideboard against a pastel purple tie-dye wall, with a bowl, two candlesticks, and lit candles on top.

Alchemy in Rosewood

A wooden sideboard with decorative items is placed against a yellow and white abstract wall.

Alchemy in Marigold

“The dying process reveals a journey in which the unforeseeable enchantment of color unfolds each time the fibers are lifted from the brewing vessel,” notes Ping. “The revelation of unexpected hues is the most rewarding. It’s been a wonderful opportunity and journey to explore my work on a greater scale. Seeing it come to life has been magical.”

Wooden sideboard with a bowl and two candlesticks on top, set against a green tie-dye patterned wall.

Alchemy in Vetiver

Wooden sideboard with a bowl and two candlesticks, set against a muted, tie-dye patterned wall.

Alchemy in Walnut

The Alchemy collection illustrates what the beauty of hand-dyeing does so well: transparent ripples of organic colors splash across the silk, which are then translated into these wall murals. The dye is saturated by different fibers at different rates, allowing for a blooming, watercolor effect. Alchemy is available in seven colorways – Vetiver, Woad, Turmeric, Marigold, Acacia, Walnut, and Rosewood.

A wooden sideboard with decorative items stands against a blue and white abstract wall.

Alchemy in Woad

Minimalist living room with low couches, a large rug, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Walls have a gradient from beige to teal. The room features wooden accents and a decorative lamp.

Enchantment in Neem

Enchantment pulls upon the organic lulls and changes in tone that we find constantly in nature. One can almost make out delicate landscapes in the midst of the undulating hues, yielding softly to their neighbors. Enchantment is available in seven colorways as well – Logwood, Allium, Goldenrod, Bark, Neem, Rainbow, and Hawthorn.

A round, minimalist table with a vase sits on a concrete floor against a gradient wall in pastel blue, yellow, and pink. A wooden chair is beside the table.

Enchantment in Rainbow

A minimalist setup with a round stone table and a wooden chair on a concrete floor, against a gradient peach to pink wall. A small vase with flowers and a bowl are on the table.

Enchantment in Allium

Minimalist setting with a round stone table, a wooden chair with white cushion, and a simple vase with flowers. The backdrop is a soft gradient from yellow to beige.

Enchantment in Goldenrod

A minimalist setting with a round stone table and chair on a concrete floor. The wall features a gradient from blue to brown. A small vase with greenery is on the table.

Enchantment in Bark

“I’m grateful for the hands-on education and experiential learning that The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School has provided to my children and the other students within the community,” shares Rachel Cope, Creative Director of Calico Wallpaper. “This inspired us to work with Janene to develop Alchemy and Enchantment, offering us an opportunity to give back to the organization that continues to support our children.”

Minimalist room features a round table with a small vase and eggs on top, next to a wooden chair. The walls have a blue gradient design.

Enchantment in Logwood

Minimalist setting with a round stone table, a wooden chair with a white cushion, and small vases with branches against a gradient beige wall.

Enchantment in Hawthorn

Calico Wallpaper was born out of the notion that art shouldn’t just live in a frame. Balancing background and foreground, texture, color, and finish is a task of endless possibility, ensuring there’s always some new discovery around the corner. Boundless and beautiful, the mesmerizing fullness of a wall mural can add incredible depth and luxury to any space, at any age.

Two people stand outside in front of tie-dyed fabric hanging on a line. The person on the left wears a colorful sweater; the person on the right wears a hat and apron. Trees and grass are in the background.

Rachel Cope and Janene Ping \\\ Photo: Em McCann Zauder

To learn more about the Alchemy and Enchantment collections, visit calicowallpaper.com. To connect with the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, visit their website here.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.