Michelle Noe is a local artist known for her intricate hand-drawn designs that capture the natural beauty of her Mendocino surroundings. In a nod to Mendocino’s famous connection to the television series Murder, She Wrote, she created a design for the Kelley House Museum’s Murder, She Wrote Festival.
Michelle Noe, left.
Michelle recently added her designs to the Spoonflower Marketplace, which offers on-demand printing onto over 50 different products, so fans of the Murder, She Wrote aesthetic can bring Cabot Cove’s charm into their everyday lives. You’re only limited by your imagination!
Interview with Michelle
KHM: You are a Murder, She Wrote Fan. Can you tell us a bit more about how you discovered the show and why you like it?
Michelle: I’m familiar with the show from when I was a kid, since it was extremely popular in the 80s, but have to admit that I was not a fan when I was younger. A few years ago, I saw that it was on a streaming service, and I thought it would be fun to see Mendocino the way it looked when I was young. (I didn’t grow up living in Mendocino, but I came here for a couple of weeks every summer with my family.) It was so fun to watch the episodes that were filmed here and to see the world that I grew up in, and how different (and alike) it looks now. I love seeing people I know who were cast as extras on the show. Besides the nostalgia of it, I was so surprised at how well the show held up! Jessica Fletcher had a very progressive stance on many issues, ones that most shows that I’ve watched from that time don’t. Also, it’s a pretty campy and fun show, and even though every show is based on a crime or murder, it doesn’t have the gore and suspense a lot of modern shows have, so I find it relaxing.
KHM: How did you channel that fandom or affection into the designs you created for MSW?
Michelle: I tried to create a playful and nostalgic feeling with my patterns. They are all hand-drawn with somewhat retro colors, which I think speaks to the show. It was interesting trying to make a pattern using objects that are relevant to the show, but that don’t impede on the intellectual property of Murder, She Wrote. At some point, I had the city sign for Cabot Cove in the design, but wasn’t sure if that would cause any issues, so I replaced it with the book.
Dishtowels, decorative pillowcases, book jackets, made from fabric patterns printed from artist Michelle Noe’s Festival designs
KHM: Your design captures many iconic elements of the show and of Mendocino. Any in particular you want to highlight for fans?
Michelle: The only element in the patterns that is tied to Mendocino is the Blair House, which is Jessica’s residence on the show. As far as the other objects go, I love the rotary phone, typewriter, and magnifying glass as objects that are still useful, but ones that we don’t necessarily use day to day anymore, or at least in that same form. The bike is, of course, classic Jessica Fletcher transportation. One fun note is that the teacup I drew belonged to my Nonna. It makes me happy to have something personal in there.
KHM: We are excited to have your designs on Spoonflower so that craftspeople can take your MSW art and use it in ways only limited by their imaginations! Are there any examples (bedspreads, wall paper, etc.) that you’d love to see someone run with?
Michelle: Good question! I personally want to make some coveralls with the dark blue pattern! I think some pants and skirts would be adorable. A button-down shirt? An upholstered chair? A dog bed? An accent wall in your living room? Please share photos if you make things!
I also plan to make some matching accent fabrics that would complement the patterns – so be on the lookout for those.
KHM: You’ve attended past festivals. Do you have a favorite event at the festival or something that is a “don’t miss” for newcomers?
Michelle: The walking tour is so fun because it is like a studio lot tour, but in a real place. The Solve-Along is a blast. Tim does an amazing job. I’m really looking forward to the new events happening this year – especially the disco/costume contest and specialty cocktails that are part of Jessica Behind Bars!
Murder, She Wrote Festival Décor will be available at the Murder, She Shopped Market Hall in Preston Hall, May 1 & 2.
Dishtowels, decorative pillowcases, book jackets – all made from 5 different fabric patterns printed from artist Michelle Noe’s Festival designs. Each is hand sewn so will be available in limited supply, but we do have a craftswoman who will take prepaid orders should we sell out.
Some select products featuring Michelle’s designs are also available on the Kelley House Museum’s web site and in the museum store. Check out: