In The Spotlight!
At Create Whimsy, we share the stories of makers. Learn about their creative journeys, inspirations and more! Browse all of our Spotlight Stories.
Spotlight: Emily Bellinger, Contemporary Quilter
As a fine art student, Emily Bellinger encountered the perceived wall between art and craft, but believed that the disciplines have too much in common for any conflict to exist.…
Spotlight: Shelley Rhodes, Contemporary Mixed Media Artist
Shelley Rhodes has always found joy in making art. Inspired by her world at hand, Shelley's contemporary mixed media art includes fragments, scraps and objects observed in her environment that…
Spotlight: Barbara James, Textile Artist
As a professor with the Ohio State University Extension, Barbara James enjoyed a career of teaching family and consumer sciences and community development, focused on local community issues. So she…
Spotlight: Dianne Koppisch Hricko, Fiber Artist
Delighted by surprises, lifelong artist Dianne Koppisch Hricko finds the fluidity and endless possibilities of applying dyes to silk opens more than enough creative doors to inspire her next fiber…
Spotlight: Linda Seward, Quilter and Author
A needleworker all her life, Linda Seward has fed her passion for needlework on two continents. When she discovered quilting, she found her creative passion and not only created for…
Spotlight: Maxine Rosenthal, Quilter
Few people are lucky enough to discover something that feeds their creativity so much that it becomes a specialty with endless options. Maxine Rosenthal is that lucky. An idea from…Trending Now
Best Pattern for Making a Baby Bandana Bib
Bandana bibs for babies are popular, and some fit better than others. I took two favorites to design this baby bandana bib pattern, that combines the popular bandana style with…
Step-by-Step Guide to Sashiko Stitching
Sometimes I want to get a project done really fast, but lately I have picked up a hand stitching project when I want to unwind. The slow, meditative process of…
How to Make a Jelly Roll Rug
I had seen and admired the beautiful and colorful pictures and wanted to try to make a jelly roll rug for myself! I picked a bright jelly roll of Jen…
How to Dye Fabric with Tea
Dying fabric with tea makes a lovely patina for an aged look to a basic fabric. Tea dying does not create a major change in the color of the textile,…
Organize Your Threads – 10 Great Ideas!
Here are 10 great ideas for organizing your threads! Includes systems for sewing thread, embroidery floss and sewing machine bobbins.
10 Best Fabric Storage Ideas
Ready for your MSM (Master of Stash Management) degree? Check out this collection of fabric storage ideas to make the best use of your studio space.
Best Threads for Hand Embroidery
The thread you choose for hand embroidery can change the look of your project. Matte or shiny? Thick or thin? smooth or nubby? Cotton, silk, wool or metallic?
What Is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo is a popular craft for jewelry makers and fiber artists. The ancient braid is easy to learn with modern tools that make the projects very portable.
How to Make Fabric Baskets and Bowls
I've made and given many washable baskets and bowls as gifts. Choose fabric to match the recipient's home. Just wrap, coil and zigzag stitch to the right size.Latest Stories on Create Whimsy
Spotlight: Sonya Philip, Garment Designer
Born in the Philippines to creative parents, Sonya Philip has explored the world of art with a multicultural perspective. In addition to the Philippines, her family has lived in San…Spotlight: Emily Bellinger, Contemporary Quilter
As a fine art student, Emily Bellinger encountered the perceived wall between art and craft, but believed that the disciplines have too much in common for any conflict to exist.…Spotlight: Shelley Rhodes, Contemporary Mixed Media Artist
Shelley Rhodes has always found joy in making art. Inspired by her world at hand, Shelley's contemporary mixed media art includes fragments, scraps and objects observed in her environment that…Spotlight: Barbara James, Textile Artist
As a professor with the Ohio State University Extension, Barbara James enjoyed a career of teaching family and consumer sciences and community development, focused on local community issues. So she…Spotlight: Dianne Koppisch Hricko, Fiber Artist
Delighted by surprises, lifelong artist Dianne Koppisch Hricko finds the fluidity and endless possibilities of applying dyes to silk opens more than enough creative doors to inspire her next fiber…
Bead Embroidery: How to Make a Picot Stitch Edge
When you learn how to add a beaded picot edge stitch to your bead embroidery projects, your decorative finish hides most of the thread. Your beads shine just a little…
Bead Embroidery: How to Make a Brick Stitch Edge
Create a professional-looking finish to your bead embroidery when you know how to make a brick stitch edge. The beads stand at attention while joining the layers and hiding the…
Bead Embroidery: How to Back Stitch Beads on Fabric
Add color, dimension and maybe a little bling to your fabric with beads! With the beaded back stitch, you can embellish a straight or curved line and keep your beads…
Bead Embroidery: How to Bezel a Cabochon
A cabochon - flat-backed gemstone or other element - makes a stunning focal point on any piece of bead embroidery. It can be anything that you bead around to secure…
How to Embroider Letters with Wash-Away Stabilizer Transfer
Make a quilt label, embroider a name or stitch out a favorite phrase using easy hand embroidery stitches. Here is a tutorial to show you how to transfer your text…
How to Embroider Letters with Tissue Paper Transfer
Make a quilt label, embroider a name or stitch out a favorite phrase using easy hand embroidery stitches. Here is a tutorial to show you how to transfer your text…Spotlight: Linda Seward, Quilter and Author
A needleworker all her life, Linda Seward has fed her passion for needlework on two continents. When she discovered quilting, she found her creative passion and not only created for…Spotlight: Maxine Rosenthal, Quilter
Few people are lucky enough to discover something that feeds their creativity so much that it becomes a specialty with endless options. Maxine Rosenthal is that lucky. An idea from…
How to Freezer Paper Piece
Freezer paper piecing is a quilting technique that is fast and accurate -- so it's perfect to use with detailed quilting designs, making sure that your seams and corners match.…
Spotlight: Erika Knight, Designer and Author
Designing from the influences of the world around her, Erika Knight creates knitted garments full of texture and surprising details. The silhouettes are timeless, but made her own with a…
Spotlight: Sarah Godfrey, Embroidery Artist
Taking her cues from nature, Sarah Godfrey renders the world around her using needle and thread. As an embroidery artist, Sarah stitches on sheer fabrics, adding a level of challenge…
Spotlight: Georgie Rennie, Pottery Artist
Isn't starting a creative business doing something you have never done before everyone's first thought when life throws a curve ball? It was for Georgie Rennie, whose High Street merchandising…
How to Embroider the Back Stitch
For an unbroken stitched line of hand embroidery, there's nothing quite like the Back Stitch! It's popular among newer stitchers for its clean, modern look.
Spotlight: Mako, Water Color Artist
Discovering the joy of the journey liberated Mako to become a better water color artist, gaining enough confidence to not only share her art with the world, but to guide…