Create Whimsy

Inspring makers and sharing their stories

Spotlight

Category: <span>Spotlight</span>

Join us for conversations that shine a spotlight on artists and makers who inspire us to live creatively every day. Their insights and experiences offer new ways to think and new ways to work.

Browse through our Spotlight interviews to learn about our featured artists: what inspires them, the work they make and how they create it. Linger on these pages, then visit their websites for inspiration!

Fiber Artists

Linda Fjeldsted Blust has loved creating with fabric since her grandmother taught her to sew. But like many creative people, especially women making art with textiles, Linda was urged to...

Without formal art training - but with an innate need to create, Deborah Weir started her fiber art career when she saw textiles displayed as fine art in the 1970s....

Art Quilters

Fiber artist Geraldine Warner had never quilted, but knew she wanted to somehow paint with fabric. Working mostly with silk, she immerses herself in every part of the creative process,...

Modern Quilters

Like many creatives, Audrey Esarey dabbled in many artful activities while growing up. But it wasn't until she went to a quilting class with a woman who would later become...

Jacquie Gering begins each quilt with an idea, but lets inspiration lead throughout her process, sometimes taking the work on unexpected, but welcome, turns. Known for her use of clean,...

Can art and science get along? Of course they can! With a Ph.D. in marine science, Sylvia Schaefer approaches quilting from a scientist's point of view, always asking, "What if?"...

Embroidery Artists

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...

Crazy Quilters

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...

Valerie Bothell found crazy quilting over 20 years ago and has never looked back. Intrigued by the infinite combinations of fabrics, colors and stitches, every new project is a fresh...

Give Kathy Seaman Shaw a plain seam, and she will transform it with fancy stitches and beads. Kathy is a prolific crazy quilter, constantly designing new embroidery combinations and sharing...

Machine Quilters

Jacquie Gering begins each quilt with an idea, but lets inspiration lead throughout her process, sometimes taking the work on unexpected, but welcome, turns. Known for her use of clean,...

Fused Applique Artists

Sue Bleiweiss started quilting after an injury put a stop to her weaving passion. But with traditional quilting, there is this "following directions" thing, and that just didn't work for...

Frieda Andersen is a self proclaimed "Investigator of Ideas".  With a formal education in Art History, she has always been interested in making things - using her hands and mind...

Hand Applique Artists

Meet award-winning appliqué quilt artist Kathy McNeil! She began her creative journey as a young child, then later discovered the possibilities of making pictures from fabric. Her most challenging piece...

Nancy Lee Chong, Appliqué Artist and Instructor from Snohomish, WA, found her singular passion for stitching and teaching the art of needleturn appliqué, and has never looked back! The only...

With a love for stitching happy things, fiber art by Catherine Redford is sure to keep you smiling. She does a bit of everything: embroidery, appliqué, crazy quilting, modern quilting,...

More Spotlight

Cary Main Street: Ogle Whitehouse by Mary Ritter

Spotlight: Mary Ritter, Textile Artist

Mary Ritter has a strong connection to fabric and thread that date back to her early years. From making her own wedding dress to a lifetime of stitching and sewing,…
The Blue Sash textile art by Susan Brooks

Spotlight: Susan Brooks, Textile Artist

Susan Brooks is a talented fiber artist with a profound connection to textiles. Comfort and healing are at the heart of her work. She has a passion for conveying intricate…
Close up of modern knitted stockings by Emilee Reynolds

Spotlight: Emilee Reynolds, Knitter

Meet Emilee Reynolds, a passionate knitting pattern designer with a heartwarming journey. In 2005, she embarked on this creative path, guided by her beloved grandmother's skilled hands. Her initial motive…
Swizzle modern quilt by Annie Hudnut

Spotlight: Annie Hudnut, Modern Quilter

Annie Hudnut has a lifelong passion for making. Her artistic roots trace back to her early years, where she dabbled in fabric and glue, while her serious dedication lay in…
Love in a Pandemic tapestry by Frances Crowe

Spotlight: Frances Crowe, Tapestry Artist

Frances Crowe is a seasoned artist whose creative journey began in childhood. While her formal education sculpted her artistic perspective, it's her unique affinity for tapestry that distinguishes her work.…
Listening to the Moon by Kei Constantinov

Spotlight: Kei Constantinov, Painter and Novelist

Come along with us as we explore the fascinating journey of Kei Constantinov whose art is deeply rooted in anachronistic imagery and neo-medieval techniques. Her artistic influences, instilled by her…
Skies Flatlay by Jilly Frances

Spotlight: Jilly Frances, Artist

Meet Jilly Frances, an artist with a keen eye for life's subtle wonders. She shares her deep connection to the skies, words, and lines that inspire her artwork. Learn more…
Thom Brow art quilt by Fuzzy Mall

Spotlight: Fuzzy Mall, Textile Artist

A cold winter was all it took for Fuzzy Mall to become a self-taught quilter - fibers don't freeze. Using one-off fabrics sourced from thrift stores, Fuzzy works in a…