Designer Highlight: Elena Amo

At Moda, one of our favorite things is sharing the stories behind the fabric—and today we’re shining the spotlight on Elena Amo, the illustrator and pattern designer behind the joyful Blossoms & Blooms collection.

Elena lives in The Woodlands, Texas, and her work is instantly recognizable: playful, colorful, and full of thoughtful details that make you linger just a little longer. Her designs feel happy and nostalgic, inspired by childhood memories, nature, and everyday moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

From Ballerina Dreams to Pattern Design

As a child, Elena had one dream and one dream only: to become a ballerina. While that path didn’t last forever, movement, energy, and rhythm still show up in her life—and her designs—today.

Elena earned a degree in Interior Design in Calgary, Canada, where she discovered her favorite part of any project wasn’t the floor plans or layouts, but choosing fabrics and wallpapers. That love for color, texture, and pattern eventually led her to illustration and surface design.

Interestingly, art didn’t come easily at first. Elena describes herself as a solid C+ student in every art class—drawing, sculpture, painting—you name it. What she did learn along the way, though, was that persistence and hard work matter more than natural talent. And that lesson stuck.

Inspired by Childhood, Nature & Family

Elena draws inspiration from childhood memories, time spent outdoors, and life with her two boys. Walks in the woods, collecting little nature treasures, and pages from her often-messy sketchbook all influence her work. Even her children’s bold, fearless use of color has shaped her drawing style.

Her goal is simple and sincere: to capture the magic in ordinary moments. Through bright colors and whimsical details, Elena hopes her designs spark joy, nostalgia, and a sense of carefree happiness—reminding us all of the beauty found in everyday life.

A Few Things You Might Not Know About Elena

• Her biggest childhood dream was being a ballerina—and yes, she can still do the splits.
• She did rhythmic gymnastics and folk dancing and still has endless energy (sometimes resulting in broken things and public dancing that embarrasses her kids).
• She’s extremely introverted and would happily stay home for weeks—just please give her at least two weeks’notice for any social plans.
• She’s the only princess in a house full of boys.
• She loves bright colors and dresses (buying herself a new one every birthday), but lives day-to-day in jeans, tees, and neutrals.
• Every few years, she cuts her hair into a pixie as a personal reset button.
• She also loves cooking—very specifically her way—and is definitely not vegetarian. (Her idea of the best candy? A good piece of steak.)

Blossoms & Blooms
Elena’s newest collection, Blossoms & Blooms, in shops now, is a perfect reflection of her story—bright, playful, and full of personality. It celebrates growth, creativity, and finding joy in the everyday, and we love seeing it come to life in quilts like the Flower Child pattern by Happy Quilting.

We’re so glad to highlight Elena and her work a little more today. Be sure to explore Blossoms & Blooms at your local quilt shop, and stay tuned for more from this wonderfully imaginative designer.