Hello and Welcome to Scarlet Soleil Design!
My name is Merritt Baynes, and I’m the artist and surface pattern designer behind Scarlet Soleil Design.
I design joyful florals for home decor as well as illustrated goods, and hand painted ceramics. My work is less about perfection and more about playful whimsy, loose creative exploration, and having fun.
As a child, I spent long summer days as a latchkey kid imagining cozy interiors and sketching backyard escapes. My imagination became my way of escape and in school I was usually the one doodling in the margins of my notebook, which is rather interesting because I have aphantasia. I can’t see things in my mind’s eye, so I must draw them to make them reality. I thought everyone was this way, but it turns out that is not the case. I love finishing a piece as often the result is a complete surprise.
My creative study began at Virginia Tech where I studied landscape architecture. I studied and practiced in the field for over a decade. The foundation I built in the field still shapes how I draw and design today.
I am also the mother of 3 wonderful children. We live in a quaint suburb nestled next to the Shenandoah Mountains.
Take a look around. I hope you find something that brings you joy.
Prints and Original Ceramic Pieces
One hand made, hand painted botanical desert florals. Inspired by my travels to San Diego, Balboa Park.
All pieces are one of kind.
Every piece I make is formed slowly and intentionally. Each step takes days to weeks to complete and is a true study in patience. From throwing and trimming to bisque-firing and painting, to the final glaze firing, my time in the pottery studio is slow and intentional.
Along with it, I embrace the imperfect beauty that comes from making art by hand. Small variations, unintended splatters, and surface textures are part of the piece’s story, and a reminder that it was crafted by hand and not manufactured. Whether it is your intention to enjoy these pieces as to be admired or to be used functionally, I hope it brings you joy.
Details:
Clay Body: Ice Man with grog
Underglaze: Dark Blue
Glaze: Mayco Zinc-Free Clear
Dimensions: ~5” tall and ~8” dia
Weight: approx. 3 lb. 7.74 oz.
Every piece is hand signed by me with year of completion. This piece was created in 2026.
Thank you for supporting my art. Your support means everything to me!
International Shipping: Available to Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. International orders may be subject to VAT, GST, customs duties, import taxes, or carrier fees upon arrival. Any such charges are not included in the purchase or shipping price and are the responsibility of the recipient.
A curated set of four premium greeting cards printed on luxurious matte cardstock and packaged by hand with care.
This set includes one each of the four designs shown.
Four 5" × 7" folded greeting cards
Smooth matte finish
Includes coordinating envelopes
Printed in Minnesota on premium cardstock, then hand packaged by the artist in Virginia in a commercially compostable Eco Clear protective sleeve with a sturdy white backing board for safe arrival.
Your order ships in a rigid, non bendable kraft mailer made from 100% recycled paperboard with a minimum of 35% post consumer content and is fully recyclable.
Fulfilled and shipped by the artist from Virginia.
Every piece I create is handmade and hand painted. This piece is substantial, weighing in at 5 pounds and 14 1/2” oz..It was formed slowly and intentionally. Each step takes days to weeks to complete and is a true study in patience. From throwing and trimming, to bisque-firing and painting, to the final glaze firing, my time in the pottery studio is slow and intentional. Along with it, I embrace the imperfect beauty that comes from making art by hand. It has a small “chip” at the base from removal from the kiln shelf. Small variations, unintended splatters, and surface textures are part of the piece’s story, and a reminder that it was crafted by hand and not manufactured. Whether it is your intention to enjoy the piece as one to be admired or to be used functionally, I hope it brings you joy.
Details:
Clay Body: Ice Man
Underglaze: Mayco Royal Blue
Glaze: Mayco Zinc-Free Clear
Dimensions: 11.75” diameter × ~2.75” tall
Weight: Approx. 5 lbs 14 1.2 oz.
Every piece is hand signed by me with year of completion. This piece was created in 2025.
International Shipping: Available to Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. International orders may be subject to VAT, GST, customs duties, import taxes, or carrier fees upon arrival. Any such charges are not included in the purchase or shipping price and are the responsibility of the recipient.
