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.
Art Supplies
June 16, 2024

13 of the Best Sketchbooks That Artists of All Abilities Love to Draw In

A sketchbook is the ultimate artist's companion. Like a close friend, you'll spend a lot of time with it and tell it your inner thoughts (through drawing, painting, and writing). Many artists will regularly fill their pads with a bevy of drawings. Some are so polished that their books feel like mobile art galleries. But, gorgeous spreads aren’t the point of keeping a sketchbook.

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Academy
May 7, 2024

Mother’s Day Sale at My Modern Met Academy: Save 15% On All Creative Classes

Parents can be a challenge to shop for, and moms are no expectation. What do you get for the woman who has given you everything? It’s said that experiences bring greater joy than things, which is the perfect excuse to get your mom started with online learning. Through My Modern Met Academy, our e-learning platform, you can give your mom the gift of knowledge through drawing, painting, crafts, and photography.

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Gift Guide
November 4, 2023

40 Quirky Products for a White Elephant Gift Exchange That Are Under $25

Every year, people are putting a fun spin on the conventional holiday gift exchange with a white elephant party. The rules lend themselves to a playful environment and even some light-hearted shenanigans. So, what is a white elephant gift exchange? Also called a Yankee Swap, there are a few basic rules. Essentially, each person in the swap contributes a wrapped present to a gift pool.

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Watercolor Painting
October 19, 2023

36 Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginning Artists and Seasoned Professionals

Watercolor painting is one of the easiest creative activities to pick up. There are only a few supplies that you need—a set of paints, paintbrushes, paper, and water—and there are just a handful of essential techniques to know before you put pigment to paper. This brilliant simplicity means that it’s a breeze to start and finish a watercolor painting in the same day. So, what are you going to paint?

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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.