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: Teressa Johnson, Floral Designer
With her palette of fresh flowers and other natural elements, Floral Designer Teressa Johnson builds artful compositions that are beautiful no matter how you look at them. Optimizing shadows, contrasts…
Spotlight: Kirsten Fisher, Fiber Artist
Open to adventure, and willing to persevere through the details of her life journey from Copenhagen to Brooklyn, it is no surprise that Kirsten Fisher creates fiber art bowls that…
Spotlight: Erin Russek, Quilter and Pattern Designer
When you find something you love to do and it feeds you creatively, it's okay to follow quilter and designer Erin Russek's lead and pursue it with joy. As an…
Spotlight: Meri Vahl, Quilt Artist
With a painter's fine art training, art quilter Meri Vahl transports viewers to fascinating places around the globe using fabric instead of paint. She has developed techniques of her own…
Spotlight: Beth Stone, Bead Jewelry Artist
A third-generation bead artist, Beth Stone thrives on challenges - on visualizing a new piece, then engineering how to make beads of various shapes and sizes work together to build…
Spotlight: Alli Koch, Visual Artist
Why let a pre-determined size of paper or canvas limit your creativity? If you think big, then you work big. Alli Koch's drawings might be in one of her books…Trending Now
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,…
Let It Snow! 10 Snowflakes to Make
Snowflakes are a timeless Christmas and winter theme. How-tos for cut paper, origami, glitter, icing, crochet, beading. quilling and more are here. 10 projects.
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: Amy Vallejo, founder Social Creative
Can't decide where to dabble creatively? Or work on perfecting your skills? Do you like the stimulation of working with a group, but don't know where to find one? Amy…Spotlight: Teressa Johnson, Floral Designer
With her palette of fresh flowers and other natural elements, Floral Designer Teressa Johnson builds artful compositions that are beautiful no matter how you look at them. Optimizing shadows, contrasts…
How to Embroider the Whipped Back Stitch
The whipped back stitch is a variation of the basic embroidered back stitch. The finished stitch has a nice scroll look and is perfect for outlines or lettering. Use either…
How to Embroider the Threaded Back Stitch
The threaded back stitch is a variation of the basic embroidered back stitch. It has a wavy texture that makes a terrific decorative edge for clothing and accessories. The looped…
How to Make a Dog Bandana
I love my dog bandanas! My owner and a I walk every day and people always make comments about my holiday and seasonal bandanas! Here is how to make a…Spotlight: Kirsten Fisher, Fiber Artist
Open to adventure, and willing to persevere through the details of her life journey from Copenhagen to Brooklyn, it is no surprise that Kirsten Fisher creates fiber art bowls that…Spotlight: Erin Russek, Quilter and Pattern Designer
When you find something you love to do and it feeds you creatively, it's okay to follow quilter and designer Erin Russek's lead and pursue it with joy. As an…Spotlight: Meri Vahl, Quilt Artist
With a painter's fine art training, art quilter Meri Vahl transports viewers to fascinating places around the globe using fabric instead of paint. She has developed techniques of her own…
Spotlight: Heather Black, Modern Quilter and Designer
An early education in oil painting gave Heather Black an appreciation for strong design principles. She carried that love of composition with her into the world of quilting where she…
Tips and Tricks for English Paper Piecing
English paper piecing is a perfect project to take with you on the go, or to keep hands busy on a creative project while watching TV. Use up scraps from…Spotlight: Beth Stone, Bead Jewelry Artist
A third-generation bead artist, Beth Stone thrives on challenges - on visualizing a new piece, then engineering how to make beads of various shapes and sizes work together to build…Spotlight: Alli Koch, Visual Artist
Why let a pre-determined size of paper or canvas limit your creativity? If you think big, then you work big. Alli Koch's drawings might be in one of her books…
Spotlight: Cinzia White, Quilt Designer
When quilter Cinzia White designs a quilt with thousands of pieces made with many different fabrics, she somehow brings order to chaos. You can revisit one of her quilts time…
Spotlight: Jenny Clouston, Crazy Quilter
Jenny Clouston is happiest and most content when she is stitching by hand: crazy quilting, flower embroidery or English Paper Piecing. In embracing the process, she feeds her creativity and…
Spotlight: Hannah Streefkerk, Installation Textile Artist
Working in concert with her surroundings and reflecting her passion for global warming and environmental issues, Hannah Streefkerk uses crochet and embroidery to create unique textile installations.
Spotlight: Dayna Collins, Mixed Media Artist
Just as there are layers in life, there are layers in Dayna Collins' art, making some elements obvious and others the almost-hidden gem worth digging for.
Spotlight: Aimee Ray, Embroidery Artist
Aimee Ray's embroidery designs are all about finding something that makes you smile and then having fun with it. A busy mom of virtual schoolers by day, she sneaks in…
Spotlight: Rosalind Wyatt, Textile, Collage and Calligraphy Artist
Intrigued by the power of words and their graphic expression, artist Rosalind Wyatt combines them with textiles and stitch. The resulting work is both textural and textual, inviting a closer…
Spotlight: Holly Smith, Color Pencil & Watercolor Artist
With her Captain, cocker spaniel Murphy, watercolor artist Holly Smith lives and paints aboard her sailboat, Helian. Combining watercolor and color pencils, Holly makes efficient use of limited space to…