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.
Tattoos
June 21, 2020

Delicately Inked Tattoos Looks Like Enchanting Tales About Nature’s Bountiful Beauty

Tattooist Pony Reinhardt creates body art that views nature through the lens of the mystical. Coming from a visual language built on “ritual placemats and alchemical diagrams,” the delicate linework features a variety of animals, plants, fungi, and the cosmos that often come together in collage-like compositions. The results are pieces that span the length or width of an arm or chest with their different elements inviting you to consider their overall meaning.

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Drawing
June 12, 2020

Illustrator “Disneyfies” People’s Pets to Look Like They Belong in a Disney Film

Disney films have some of the most unforgettable animal characters. With their endearing personalities, big smiles, and kind eyes, you can’t help but say “aww” every time they come on screen. If you wish your pet could have this type of star animation treatment, you’re in luck. Illustrator Isa Bredt transforms real cats, dogs, foxes, pigs, and more into cartoons that look like they could be the star of your next favorite Disney film.

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Embroidery
June 5, 2020

Creative Ways Embroiderers Are Using the French Knot Stitch to Produce Awe-Inspiring Art

There are hundreds of embroidery stitches that you can create by simply using a needle and thread. Some are more basic in technique than others, but all have their charm. Of the stitches suitable for beginners, the French knot is one that is both easy to learn and looks fancier than your average flat stitch. As the name suggests, the French knot is a stitch that forms a tiny ball on the fabric when complete.

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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.