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.
Paper Art
December 26, 2022

Artist “Forages” With Paper to Form Fungi Sculptures That Look Incredibly Real

In the hands of an artist, paper can be anything. Ann Wood of Woodlucker sees the immense potential in the material and uses it to recreate nature. Known for her realistic paper blooms, she crafts beautiful bouquets, delicate winged insects, and more recently, fantastic fungi. Each sculpture is handmade, but you wouldn’t realize it; Wood is a master at creating the exquisite textures of her subjects that bring them to life.

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Social Cause
December 22, 2022

Former Social Worker Crafts Dolls Identical to Children Who Have Visible Physical Differences

Representation is a powerful force for good. When a child can hold a doll that looks like them, it helps them to feel seen and accepted. But not every child can have a doll that reflects their characteristics, particularly if they have visible physical differences. Amy Jandrisevits is a former social worker who has made it her mission to craft unique dolls that are look-alikes for special children.

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DIY
December 19, 2022

Grandpa Designs and Builds Enchanting Bedroom for Grandson With Autism

One Redditor is helping keep his grandson safe while giving the child an enchanting place to sleep. In a viral post, user libertyordeaaathh built a special bedroom setup for the child, who has autism. “Some kids with autism and other conditions need a safety bed to keep them safe and contained,” he shared alongside a video tour of the space.

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Music
December 14, 2022

Neil Diamond Surprises Broadway Crowd With a Performance of ‘Sweet Caroline’

Theatergoers at the opening night of the Broadway show A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical got a special surprise. Neil Diamond himself made an appearance and sang an impromptu performance of his beloved song “Sweet Caroline” to an ecstatic crowd. The spontaneous session, performed on December 5, 2022, is fitting considering the musical is about Diamond’s life. It’s also exceedingly rare.

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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.