Posts by Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Art
July 12, 2017

Artisan Carefully Carves Avocado Pits into Fantastical Figures of the Forest

At first glance, the work of Jan Campbell looks like it could be carved out of wood. But what you’re seeing is not lumber… it's an avocado pit that the artisan has transformed into handheld totems and pendants. Her handiwork boasts fantastical figurines and guardians of the forest that are created with an impressive attention to intricate detail. So, how did Campbell start carving this unconventional material?

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History
July 7, 2017

Descendants of the U.S. Founding Fathers Recreate Iconic Painting 241 Years Later

If you’ve ever taken a course on American history, you're probably familiar with artist John Trumbull's iconic painting, Declaration of Independence. The sprawling piece depicts a historic moment as Thomas Jefferson presents the first draft of the document to Congress. The 56 Founding Fathers would later sign the proclamation in 1776, and its cultural significance has only grown since then.

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DIY
July 4, 2017

People Are Masterfully Transforming School Buses into Mobile Tiny Homes

Brick and mortar homes are the norm, but that doesn't mean they’re the only choice when it comes to living space. We've seen before how industrial shipping containers can completely transform into a cozy abode. Similarly, the iconic yellow school bus lends itself to being an unconventional—but nonetheless functional—tiny house on wheels. An incredible school bus conversion is often called a “skooly.” Why a school bus? So, what's the appeal of a school bus conversion?

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.