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.
Drawing Guide
October 1, 2018

Learn How to Draw Human Hands With This “Handy” Step by Step Guide

Drawing human anatomy is tricky. One of the most challenging parts of the body are the hands—especially when you’re sketching them in a realistic manner. As with all things in art, practice builds skills and confidence—which is just one reason why you should learn how to draw hands. They are undoubtedly a challenge, but when you can make them look so life-like that they’re popping off the page, it’s sure to boost your creative confidence.

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Design
September 28, 2018

Ceramicist Carves into Pottery to Reveal Unexpected Layers of Color Underneath

Artist Sean Forest Roberts brings an experimental attitude to his ceramic practice. Working under the name Forest Ceramic Company, the Washington-based creative uses his background in chemistry and four years in science labs to explore new ways to develop surface patterns and porcelain forms. His current work features marbling designs and carved ceramics—a practice that has gained him attention around the world. Roberts regularly shares peeks into his production process.

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Embroidery
September 26, 2018

Ingenious Hand-Embroidery Uses Cascading Thread to Mimic Flowing Hair

Embroidery artist Sheena Liam thinks outside of the conventional wooden hoop to produce unique portraiture. Over the past year, she has stunned the craft world by creating hair braids with embroidery thread and adding a three-dimensional element to her two-dimensional stitched women. Hair is at the center of Liam’s creative work. Most of her subjects are ladies, sewn in black thread, with long tresses that cascade from the circular canvases.

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Inspiring
September 21, 2018

Internet Is in Love With the “Cat Grandpa” Who Naps With Kitties at His Local Shelter

Animal shelter volunteers come in all forms, but few are like this man named Terry. The retiree gives his time to the Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and they recently shared heartwarming photos of him as he napped with a few kitties on their couches. The adorable shots show the cats enjoying the cozy snuggles and using the volunteer as their own large pillow.

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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.