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.
October 3, 2016

Devoted Dads Dress Up as Princesses in Public to Support Their Young Daughters

When it comes to their daughters, dads are full of aww-worthy moments—but it’s hard to top the times that they dress up alongside their little girls. Redditor taratorial recently captured sight of this sweet gesture while at Disneyland. The young daughter is dressed as Princess Ariel while her father dons a similar merman tail and crown, emulating King Triton. They walk hand in hand in the park, making memories to last a lifetime.

Read Article


September 28, 2016

Real Size of Large Wonders of the World Are Put Into Perspective through Visual Comparisons

It’s hard to understand just how big (or small) something truly is, especially when it appears in an unfamiliar context. Kevin Wisbith has put some exceptionally “large” things into perspective by placing them into situations where we have a better grip on scale. So for those of us who cannot conceptualize the true width of a B-2 Bomber or the world’s largest oil tanker, Wisbith’s comparisons will provide clarity and even surprise you.

Read Article


September 23, 2016

Macro Photos Capture the Dazzling “Mirror Spider” with Its Changing Mosaic of Reflective Panels

For the past several years, Nicky Bay has carefully observed the dazzlingly odd-looking arthropod known as the “mirror spider” (scientifically: “Thwaitesia argentiopunctata”). The Singapore-based photographer has concentrated his macro lens on this small creature whose midsection is cloaked in silvery, mosaic-like panels that reflect light. From certain angles, it looks like it’s wearing fabulous, tiny sequins. Thanks to Bay’s continued documentation, he has noticed that their appearance changes depending on the environmental circumstances.

Read Article


September 21, 2016

“Lattice Hair” Trend Gives Ordinary Braids a Boost with Stunningly Intricate Weavings

From mermaids to secret rainbows to hidden undercuts, it’s been a good year for hair. One of the latest trends that can only be described as “hair art” is lattice braids. Think of them like ordinary braids cranked to 11—they feature a similar criss-crossing structure but use smaller, intricately woven pieces to form complex arrangements that trail down the back or side of the head.

Read Article