Thank You: To My Unstoppable Network of Creative ChampionsThank You Enablers
Art is never a solo journey. It’s a collaboration—a tapestry of moments, materials, and connections woven together by the generosity and resourcefulness of so many. Today, I want to pause and extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has played a part in keeping my art alive and thriving.
To the tireless hands and watchful eyes that have rescued abandoned shopping carts from dumpsters, gathered marine debris from beaches, and collected bottle caps, pull tabs, bread tabs, and corks—I see you. Your efforts do more than clean the planet; they infuse my art with purpose, grounded in your very essence.
To those who’ve rummaged through estate sales, dug deep into dumpsters, and thoughtfully passed along linens and other treasures—you don’t just fill my art supply bins; you ignite my imagination. Every item you’ve rescued carries a story, a potential waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary.
You are more than contributors; you are co-creators. Each time I knot, weave, or wrap these materials into new forms, I feel your dedication and your belief in the beauty of reinvention. Your efforts remind me that art isn’t just about the final piece—it’s about the community that makes it all possible.
Together, we are giving new life to what was once discarded. We are proving that beauty can emerge from the overlooked and forgotten. Thank you for being the stewards of this vision, for believing in the power of transformation, and for supporting me in ways that are both tangible and deeply meaningful.
Here’s to cleaning the planet, filling my bins, and keeping the creative spark alive. I couldn’t do this without you.
With love and immense gratitude, Theda
Inspired by Chinese Wax Dye Resist: Exploring a Timeless CraftWax Dye Resist
This video is start to finish spectacular and inspiring.
Art is a living dialogue between cultures, time periods, and materials, often bridging the ancient and the modern. Chinese wax dye resist, also known as làrǎn (蜡染), is a traditional technique that has captivated artists for centuries. Its intricate patterns, deep symbolism, and labor-intensive process reflect the cultural heritage of regions in China where it is still practiced, such as Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces. Today, this ancient craft offers a wellspring of inspiration for contemporary creators.
Exploring Banana Leaf Mordanting: A Sustainable Dyeing AdventureBanana Leaf Mordant?!
I’ve been diving into the world of natural dyeing, and I’m especially intrigued by banana leaf mordanting. This innovative and eco-friendly method uses the tannins and plant-based compounds in banana leaves to help dyes bind to fibers, creating subtle and earthy color variations. It’s a beautiful way to combine sustainability with creativity, and I can’t wait to try it out for myself!
To make this happen, I’m planning to grow my own banana trees. I’m in the process of choosing the perfect spot in my yard—a sunny area with well-draining soil is ideal since banana trees thrive in warmth and humidity. I also need to make sure the location is sheltered from strong winds to protect their large, delicate leaves and promote healthy growth and fruit production.
This is just the beginning of the journey, and I’ll share more updates as the planting season progresses. I’m looking forward to the day when I can harvest my own banana leaves and experiment with their dyeing magic! Stay tuned.
DIY Kumihimo Braiding Tool Using Pharmacy Pill Blister Packaging
In our increasingly waste-conscious world, finding creative ways to repurpose everyday items can inspire both art and sustainability. One such project is crafting a Kumihimo braiding tool from something many of us have lying around: empty pharmacy pill blister packaging. This unexpected material makes for a sturdy, flexible, and recyclable tool to create stunning braided cords.
Art Life Goals…
There’s something about the tactile, meditative nature of weaving that connects me not just to the craft but to the land, the plants, and the people who have passed these methods down through generations.
Embrace Your Authentic Self
History of Denim
Blue jeans have a history deeply rooted in slavery, as the fabric used to make them—denim—was originally produced from cotton grown by enslaved people in the American South. Cotton was one of the primary crops cultivated on plantations using forced labor, and the profits from this industry fueled the global textile trade. Additionally, enslaved people often wore durable, rugged fabrics like denim, providing the blueprint for the hard-wearing, utilitarian nature of blue jeans. Thus, while today blue jeans symbolize casual, everyday wear, their origins are intertwined with the exploitation and suffering of enslaved Black laborers.
Inspired by Joyce J. Scott
When I saw Joyce J. Scott‘s Garden Ensconced at the Armory Show, I was completely blown away. I was drawn in from a distance and completely enraptured by the detail of her beading.
Detail view.
Garden Ensconced
Medium: Sculpture, Plastic and glass beads, yarn, fabric, crocheted fiber, ribbon, stainless steel
Size: 124.25 x 93 x 6.25 in.
Year: 2024
Inspired by Haute Couture Macrame
This fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary aesthetics reimagines macramé as wearable art, celebrating creativity, texture, and form, while pushing the boundaries of fiber and fashion.