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DJ's Fiber Arts

Creatively unique artwork from fabric, wool, yarns, beads and more
"NO RULES, JUST ART®"
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Showing Up Anyway
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do creatively is simply show up. Here’s what one unforgettable class reminded me.
Feb 152 min read


Who Is the Person Behind the Artist?
A student recently asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Who is the person behind the artist?” It made me smile — and it made me pause. Because while I often share my artwork, my classes, and what I’m creating in the studio, I don’t always talk about the deeper story behind it all. So today, I want to share a little more of me. Whispers from the Canyon - mixed media fiber art inspired by the Arizona Desert by Deb Deaton Learning to Prove I Was Worthy I didn’t gro
Feb 45 min read


Learning to Slow Down: What Four Days of Weaving Taught Me
Four days of learning weaving taught me how powerful it is to slow down, become a beginner again, and reconnect with creativity. From “loom vs machine” moments to meditative stitching, this experience reminded me why process matters as much as the art itself.
Jan 283 min read


Becoming the Student Again: No Rules, Just Art
A reflection on becoming the student again, embracing intuitive creativity, and creating art without rules across mediums.
Jan 223 min read


When the World Feels Unsettled, We Create
When the world feels unsettled, creativity can become a place to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. This post explores how making art helps us stay grounded, compassionate, and connected during uncertain times.
Jan 152 min read


The Year of the Horse: Movement, Spirit, and the Way We Create
I’ve always believed that certain seasons — and certain energies — arrive right when we need them. Not in a rigid, calendar-driven way, but in a quiet, deeply felt sense. The Year of the Horse is one of those energies that doesn’t tiptoe in. It arrives with movement, momentum, and an invitation to run a little freer. For me, the Horse has always symbolized spirit, endurance, and an unspoken connection between land and soul. It’s not about rushing or producing more — it’s abou
Jan 74 min read


The Meaning of Life - A Studio Pause
I was sitting in my studio today, doing something we don’t do often enough. Nothing. No stitching. No fixing. No pushing forward. Just breathing. In front of me was a piece in progress—layers of fabric forming canyon walls, carved and stacked like time itself. Part of it complete. Part of it still only lines and possibility. As I took it in, my mind wandered to a question that tends to arrive only when things finally go quiet: What is the meaning of life? Not in a heavy, phil
Dec 17, 20253 min read


Creativity on a Deadline: Managing a Busy Artist Life
If you’ve ever looked at your overflowing calendar and thought, “How am I supposed to be creative with all THIS going on?” …ohhhhh, trust me — I’m right there with you! Between teaching classes back to back, from Tucson to Sun City West, prepping for a private group workshop, creating art for galleries, and managing life’s curveballs — whew! It’s a full, beautiful, wild ride. But here’s something I’ve learned: “If you feel overwhelmed, you’re in good company — keep going.” �
Dec 9, 20253 min read


Stitching the Soul: What Archetypes Reveal in Our Creative Journey
Discover the deeper stories behind the animals, colors, and symbols that show up in your artwork. Archetypes guide our creativity — and once we understand them, we unlock a whole new connection to our art.
Nov 26, 20253 min read


Discover the Magic of Thread Painting — and Why I Love Teaching It
NO RULES, JUST ART — that’s the heart of everything I create and everything I teach. Thread painting is one of those techniques that truly embodies that philosophy. It’s playful, expressive, a little wild, and incredibly rewarding. And I can’t wait to share it with you. If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that thread painting is how I bring fabric to life. It’s where quilting meets art, where color meets texture, and where your creative voice gets to shine
Nov 19, 20253 min read


Unleashing Creativity with Cheesecloth: Transforming Photos into Art Quilts
Who knew something as simple as cheesecloth could create such magic? 🧵 In this blog, I’ll show you how to turn your favorite photos into textured, dimensional art quilts using nothing but cheesecloth, paint, and imagination. Get ready to fall in love with the process — and join me for my upcoming Cheesecloth Art class!
Nov 12, 20253 min read


Embracing Fiber Art: Overcoming Intimidation and Self-Doubt in Creative Expression
As I stood in front of a vibrant array of fabrics, mixed media, and paints, I felt a familiar wave of intimidation wash over me. The thought of showing my work to others—or even being part of a class—excited me, yet fear of judgment and self-doubt held me back. As a child, I was often told I’d never be good enough, that I shouldn’t even try. It’s tough to silence those old voices, isn’t it? But I know I’m not alone. Many aspiring artists carry similar fears—whether from past
Nov 5, 20254 min read


Harnessing the Power of Meditation to Overcome Artist Block
As an artist, I understand how frustrating it can be to hit a creative wall. Those times when inspiration seems to vanish can be...
Oct 29, 20253 min read


Building Unshakeable Confidence: Overcoming Setbacks and Adversities on Your Creative Journey
Creativity is like a roller coaster ride, filled with thrilling highs and challenging lows. Every artist, writer, musician, or creator...
Oct 22, 20254 min read


✨ Thread Art: Creating with Nothing but Thread! ✨
Welcome to the vibrant world of Thread Art, where your creativity can truly shine! Picture transforming a simple spool of thread into a...
Oct 15, 20254 min read


Transform Fiber Into Art: Creating Vessels and Bowls
Welcome to the vibrant world of fiber art! If the allure of handmade crafts and intricate textile designs speaks to you, prepare for an...
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Judges Feedback Should Not Define Your Worth or Creative Work
In the realm of creativity, be it art, music, writing, or other forms of expression, feedback is a constant factor. Participating in...
Oct 1, 20254 min read


Nature as Muse – How the Desert Inspires My Art
The desert is more than my home; it’s my muse. From the quails skirting under our ocotillo to the rust-red cliffs of the Grand Canyon,...
Sep 24, 20254 min read


Creative Play with Inktense on Fabric – Tips for Beginners
As an artist, finding tools that can elevate creativity is essential. One of my all-time favorites is Inktense pencils and blocks. While...
Sep 17, 20253 min read


The Art of Texture – Why Fiber Art Speaks to the Senses
When most people think of art, they envision something to admire — a painting, a photograph, or a sculpture. But fiber art stands apart...
Sep 10, 20254 min read
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