Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, was a dream. Walking through the streets, we glimpsed traditional wooden machiya houses and even spotted a geisha moving gracefully through the alleyways. The golden glow of Kinkaku-ji, the beauty of Okochi Sanso garden, and the serenity of Arashiyama’s bamboo forest all felt like stepping into another era. But…
Japan has always been a destination that intrigued me—the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, of serene temples and bustling cityscapes. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to experience it firsthand with my son, Ale, as we embarked on a journey through six incredible cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Nagoya….
After long hours in the air – broken up by a few restless naps, stretches in the aisle and countless sips of water – the plane finally descends over Tokyo, From the window, the city unfolds beneath me in a vast sprawl of high-rises and carefully ordered streets. Even in my jet-lagged state, there’s a…
I have one piece of work at the SAQA and NBO exhibit called “Art Evolved: Intertwined.” The exhibition has been installed at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts where it will be on display from March 1 through August 31, 2025. From the museum: “In the hands of contemporary fibre artists, beauty and function seamlessly…
In 2023, I completed Mind Wanderings Over Tumbling Rocks, a textile piece deeply connected to my personal journey through grief and healing. The foundation of the work consists of textile appliqué rocks – each one stitched during the pandemic – a time of collective stillness that, for me, was intertwined with personal loss and trauma….
In between the usual comings and goings, I feel that this week, I made progress; more stitches have been added to my vessel piece. Tiny stitches tracing the edges, building depth, reinforcing the form. The vessel continues to take shape. Each stitch is a moment—some quick and effortless, others requiring more care, like the ebb…
Lately, it feels like all I’ve done is stitch and watch TV reruns. No big projects completed, no major breakthroughs—just the quiet rhythm of needle and thread, moving through fabric while old shows play in the background. And you know what? It’s OK. I am OK with that. It’s okay to have weeks where creativity…
Can you believe the first month of the year is already behind us? It feels like I was just transferring my first stitches onto fabric to start working on my stitch journal, and now I have an entire month stitched into it. Time moves so fast, but in a way, this project has made me…
As a member of the TextileArtist.org Stitch Club, I always look forward to the diverse workshops offered by talented artists from around the world. This month’s workshop with Dijanne Cervaal was no exception and left me inspired and excited about the possibilities. Dijanne focus on carving lino stamps and using them to stamp designs on…
Reflections on Teaching, Creating, and Leaving a Mark January is in full swing. I taught four classes for Craft Napa and as the last session wrapped up, I found myself reflecting on the feedback from students who shared how much they appreciated what they had learned. Their words were kind, their enthusiasm contagious. But more…
As we step into 2025, I find myself drawn – once again – to the quiet, meditative practice of daily stitching. A few days ago, I received an email from Karen Turner, where she shared her completed stitch journal for 2024. That’s serendipity for you. I was wondering how I was going to start the…
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year full of creativity, connection, and countless moments of inspiration, and I want to take a moment to thank all of you – fellow creatives – for being a part of it. In 2024, my work was created by exploring new techniques and…
As Christmas approaches, I want to take a moment to wish each of you—friends, family, clients, supporters, and fellow creatives—a very Merry Christmas filled with love, warmth, and joy. This season always feels like a time to pause and appreciate the beauty of connection and creativity. Whether it’s the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree,…
Yup! I’m slowly adjusting to my routine after returning from the magical Christmas markets of Bavaria and Austria which have left my mind swirling with ideas. These markets were a feast for the senses, from the soft glow of twinkling lights strung across wooden stalls to the aroma of Glühwein warming the chilly air. The…
Nestled in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora is a treasure trove of history, culture, and crafts. With its ancient roots, this UNESCO World Heritage city invites visitors to step back in time while savouring the delights of modern traditions. My recent visit to Évora and its surroundings left me enchanted, from Roman ruins to handmade rugs…