Posts by Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Creative Products
October 31, 2025

25 Dreamy Gifts Inspired by Astrology’s Zodiac Signs

If you know someone who swears by their star sign and lives by their horoscope, why not wow them season with a dazzling zodiac-inspired present? In this sparkling selection of astrology gifts, you'll find something for everyone. From dreamy jewelry—including constellation-inspired necklaces and earrings stamped with glyphs—to ethereal decor—like a glow-in-the-dark clock and a glistening glass—these enchanting products bring the power of the cosmos to everyday life.

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Store
October 31, 2025

Ingenious Art Supplies Make Painting and Drawing Twice as Nice

Can’t decide if you want to draw or paint? To use a dark shade or a lighter one? With Snifty, you don’t have to choose. The brand prides itself on fun and function, and it has a line of art supplies that offers the best of both worlds. It features double-tipped colored pencils and a pencil-brush combo that will make clever additions to your supply stash.

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Architecture
October 28, 2025

10 of the Most Iconic Buildings by Architect Frank Gehry You Should Know

It’s rare for an architect to become a household name, but the ones who earn this distinction have their designs lauded for decades to come. Frank Gehry is one of these visionaries who has planned and built awe-inspiring structures since the early 1960s. Known for his bold architectural features and unusual shapes, Gehry’s designs transcend the ordinary building and are truly monumental works of art.

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Painting
October 21, 2025

Artist Creates Enigmatic Maps and Diagrams That Are Meant To Be Defined by You

There is beauty in repetition. Seeing the same motif produced again and again is like a symphony of form. And while it’s satisfying to see carbon copies, it’s perhaps more compelling when created by the human hand. As hard as we may try, a pattern drawn by hand will never be completely perfect—and that’s part of its charm. Artist Shane Drinkwater creates works on paper that are replete with repeats.

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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.