Decoding Your Story: Christen Brown
Apr 26th 2024
Welcome to Decoding Your Story! We're excited to introduce our latest endeavor: a series of community blog posts delving into the captivating narratives of makers in our C&T and Creative Spark community.
Get ready to dive deep into inspiring tales, forge stronger connections, and celebrate the kaleidoscope of creativity that defines our crafting community. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we fuel passion and ignite imagination among our fellow crafters!
In our first installment, we're thrilled to feature Christen Brown, the talented C&T author and Creative Spark Instructor. Discover her current projects, uncover the wellsprings of her inspiration, and explore what drives her to bring her creations to life.
What project or creation are you currently immersed in making?
- I am working on a series of samplers that take a basic pieced block that I designed, and then transform seam by seam with embroidery and embellishment stitches.
When it comes to art, what specific form or genre are you championing, and why does it resonate with you?
- I call myself a "Fiber Artist," which encompasses a broad range of styles, materials, and techniques. I have always been drawn to fibers, threads, ribbons, embellishments, and beads. I love combining these components in colorful, exciting, and creative ways and delight in the fact that I can share the results with an eager audience.
- I have been fortunate enough to have been "gifted" a collection of vintage sari border ribbons, glass beads, shisha mirrors, and embroidered silk fabrics. A few of these beautiful treasures have been incorporated into pieces that I am currently working on for an upcoming title (TBA).
- Oh, my, YES! I find that no matter how many times I measure, once, twice, or a gazillion times, I always come up with some edge, side, center, or other part of a piece that is just off. To compensate, I embroider and embellish even more, so that the viewers eye turns to that great button, or pretty embroidered flowers, rather than the 1/4" or so unintentionally wonky finished edges.
- I have been creating with a needle and thread since I was 7, at 67 I can't imagine a day without a needle, thread, and something to stitch on. What motivates me to keep on going is the fact that I have a room full of beautiful materials, that I want to turn into more beautiful works of art.
- For me, it begins, and finishes with color. Color brings all of the components into play, and combines the materials together to create a story. I also love to use items that are special to me, like a gifted doily, or skein of thread. I enjoy incorporating these with other items I have been saving for just the right project.
- There is only one you, and only one you inside your head creating your work. Keep at it, hone your skills, be confident, and be true to your vision. Find a path that makes sense to you and one that will make you happy. Lastly be gentle with yourself, grow at your own pace, enjoy the journey.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as we continue to unveil the fascinating stories from our vibrant creative community! Stay tuned for a wealth of insights, tips, and advice that will deepen your connection to your craft and inspire your next masterpiece.
...
Christen Brown teaches embroidery, quilting, crazy quilting, ribbon work, mixed media, and beadwork in her best-selling books. With a degree in fashion design, she has shown her work in galleries and fashion shows internationally. She lives in Escondido, California. christenbrown.com
Christen's Creative Spark Courses
Shop Christen's Products and Books
Embroidery Stencil Series
- Embroidery Stencils, Crazy Quilt Seam Design Collection
- Embroidery Stencils, Essential Collection
- Embroidery Stencils, Darling Motif Collection
Embroidery Books
