The motifs in this series all combine delightful traditional patterns with distinctive colour and are based on authentic historical and regional sources. The concept behind the designs is a simple trace-down approach - motifs are transferred from the printed paper patterns onto any painted surface by means of re-usable transfer paper, then coloured in following step-by-step instructions, covering everything from colour mixing to painting in traced patterns. Each booklet contains, as well as a central motif, related motifs for borders, corner pieces and small details, creating an array of decorative possibilities. Colour photographs illustrate the wide range of decorative objects, from kitchen cupboards to soap boxes, on which the motifs can be used. The Simply American patterns combine the hearts, birds and flowers of the folk tradition known as Pennsylvania Dutch in fresh and attractive ways, borrowing colours and textures from patchwork and painting.