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.
Academy
August 4, 2026

Feeling Craft Curious? Here Are Four Beginner-Friendly Online Classes To Try

Starting a new-to-you craft is easier than you think. Often, there’s a low barrier to entry—you don’t need a ton of fancy tools—and when you’re done, you’ve created something (even if you think it could be improved). Better yet, a lot of crafts don’t require “natural talent,” like in the way we generally think of fine art. So, why not give a craft a try? You don’t even have to leave your home.

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Illustration
July 28, 2026

Quentin Blake Founded the World’s Largest Space for Illustration and Its Now Open in London

Illustration is a powerful force for communication. This type of art conveys stories and ideas, making even the most complex concepts accessible. It’s an important part of our culture, and a new institution in London’s Clerkenwell neighborhood is honoring the field. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s first and only charity for illustration, founded by eponymous illustrator Quentin Blake.

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Photo Contest
July 24, 2026

2026 Siena International Photo Awards Festival Announces Amazing Nominees

The Siena International Photo Awards Festival is three competitions wrapped up in one event, celebrating the breadth and creativity inherent in photography itself. Nominees have just been announced for its eponymous Siena International Photo Awards, the Creative Photo Awards, and the Drone Photo Awards. Each contest covers a different facet of the photographic genre, and together, the trio highlights an expansive look at the best image makers from every corner of the world.

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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.