Combining the playful with the bizarre, Penny Min Ferguson of the label Min Pin crafts ceramics that are both useful and decorative. They revolve around creatures that might ordinarily be menacing but are softened thanks to Penny’s illustration style. Leopards,…
Last week, I had the pleasure of previewing Betsy Walton’s solo show, Psychic Landscapes, at the ZINC Contemporary in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. (I’ve long been a fan of Betsy’s work—she was even in a show I curated a few years…
Having gone through art school, there were a lot of media and techniques I had the opportunity to try. But punch needle embroidery? It wasn’t one of them. And to be honest, it’s a bit daunting—where do I start? What…
1. White Tiger Pin by Jen Collins 2. June Daisy Daze Pattern by Sarah K. Benning (instant download) 3. LeoPard Mug by Colin Walsh 4. Three-legged Planter with White Elephant on Black by Beardbangs 5. Lion Pouch by Goodness Gang 6. Doops…
Few things are prettier than a vase of fresh-cut blooms… unless those flowers are in a handcrafted ceramic vase! Esther Sandler of Togetherness has crafted a series of vases that are themselves adorned with beautiful blossoms. It’s a flower overload—in…
If you’ve read Brown Paper Bag for any length of time, you probably know that I love daily art projects. In particular, I love what you can learn about yourself and your artistic practice by having to create something every single…
Last month, I shared something new in my studio: Cat Collars! The initial response was overwhelming (in a good way) so I’ve crafted a couple more that are now available in my Etsy shop. The latest designs are stitched onto…
What brings you joy? Is it a plant? That tattoo on your arm? A cozy sweater? Embroidery artist Giselle Quinto highlights the happiness of individuality in her hand-stitched hoop art portraits. Comprising elegant black lines that have the fluidity of…
Yes, it’s true! I’m taking a brief hiatus from writing on Brown Paper Bag until June 3. Life has happened and I’m happy to report that I’m busy with not only other writing but embroidery projects, too! In an effort…
Inspired by tattoos, artist Natalie Sedgewick translates this influence into her embroidered hoop art. The eye-catching designs feature a smattering of subjects crafted in bold hues. They are reminiscent of traditional-style body art; one example is the way she stitches…