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.
February 23, 2017

World’s First Braille Smartwatch has Tactile Dots for Users to Feel Messages on Screen

There’s a new smartwatch called Dot hitting the shelves that’s designed specifically for people who are blind. It’s a sleek-looking device that represents a different direction for assistive smartwatches. Many of these timepieces have previously relied on audio prompts, but instead, the Dot displays braille text. The circular face can exhibit four characters on the screen at a time—this makes the braille watch the first of its kind.

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February 22, 2017

DIY Wood and Resin Bowl Captures the Beauty of a Shimmering Ocean Shore

Artisan Peter Brown is a self-proclaimed “geek with a full set of power tools” who takes advantage of his knowledge and skills to create gorgeous DIY projects. With an incredible attention to detail and skillful hand, he’s recently produced a wooden bowl that glistens with blue resin dancing around its edge. Inspired by secret wood rings, he wanted to produce something similar on a larger scale.

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February 20, 2017

Enchanting Flowers Suspended in Light Bulbs Glisten Like Precious Jewels

Flower artist and medical researcher Rie Okitsu has created a way to enjoy beautiful blooms in an unlikely setting—via Edison-style light bulbs. Through their company the Flowerium, they seemingly freeze bouquets in time. Delicate petals are suspended in special liquid that allows them to maintain their vibrancy for a long time. As they gently sway in the unique flower light bulb vase, the petals shine like jewels.

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February 17, 2017

Eye-Catching Flower Tattoos Convey the Delicate Strength of Beautiful Blooms

Tattooist Vlada Shevchenko inks a popular subject on the skin of her clients: beautifully-arranged flowers. Although it’s a motif we’ve admired many times, her unique take transcends ordinary floral body art and produces statement-making pieces. Working exclusively in the blackwork style, Shevchenko’s lush flower tattoos are simultaneously delicate and strong. The roses, lotus blossoms, and more are adorned with intricate details in addition to bold shading.

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