My Discoveries at the Dallas Craft Guild Show
A 4.5 minute read. Prefer to listen, podcast style? Click below to access the audio version.
Textiles, Fiber and Inspiration
This past weekend, I had the chance to visit the Dallas Craft Guild Fall Show and Sale, and left feeling more inspired than ever. It was a thrilling reminder of just how broad and vibrant the creative world has become, especially within the sewn and fiber arts. I was delighted to see that fabric and fiber were taking on a more serious role alongside more traditional mediums like painting, glass, and ceramics.
As I walked through the booths, I noticed an increase in textile and fiber artists—proof that this area of creativity is gaining well-deserved recognition. The diversity was stunning: there were artisans showcasing techniques like Shibori and indigo dyeing, others spinning and weaving beautiful pieces, and there were some gorgeous felted bags and bowls. Some weavers were even working with wire, giving their pieces a unique, sculptural quality. From knit goods to fabric collages, from hand-painted kimono-style garments to sewn, hand-dyed skirts and aprons, each artist demonstrated just how versatile and expressive fabric and fiber can be. It seems that textile and fiber arts are finally being recognized as an integral part of the art world.
That means – There’s room for you!
This experience got me thinking about my own journey with fabric and fiber—how it started, the direction it’s taken, and what might be next.
A Look Back at My Art Journey
In my own work, fabric and fiber have always been central elements. From designing garments to creating textural mixed-media art, fabric has always been a constant. Even in my mixed-media collections, I always pay homage by including fibers, yarns, fabric scraps, and garment industry findings. I love pushing boundaries, combining textures, and layering colors in ways that bring life and movement to my pieces. Over the years, I’ve explored collage, fabric manipulation, and mixed-media compositions along with weaving and fabric design. And yet, there’s something exciting about where fabric art is headed that makes me want to expand even further.
New Directions and Inspiration
Seeing such a range of techniques and ideas at the Guild’s Fall Show has sparked a desire to go beyond my usual boundaries. I’m especially intrigued by the idea of learning to spin paper into fiber and integrating wire weaving into my textile art. I saw an intentional mix of materials—wire and fabric scraps woven into pieces that included forged and hammered metal work. The wire weaving held its shape against the rigid metal inclusions, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of strength and fluidity. It was Yummy! I also have a renewed interest in dyeing fabric, which aligns beautifully with my goal to design unique fabric prints.
Where to Next?
As I think more deeply about these new techniques, I’m eager to explore what they mean for my creative practice. Each new approach feels like an invitation to layer meaning, texture, and structure in ways that are both familiar and daringly new. The show left me with so many “what if…” moments, ideas that I can’t wait to test and adapt into my own work. Whether through traditional textile techniques or experimenting with unconventional materials, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me— and, of course, to share it with all of you.
When you attend events like this, it’s easy to get swept up in admiration for the incredible talent around you. Instead of comparing, though, use these moments as steppingstones in your own creative journey. Here are some ways to take what inspires you and make it uniquely yours:
- Document Your Favorites
Capture photos (if allowed), jot notes, or make a quick sketch of anything that stands out. These little details can later spark ideas without any temptation to recreate exactly what you saw. - Keep a “What If…” List
Note any “what if…” ideas that come up, like “What if I tried weaving with mixed materials?” This list isn’t a “to-do” but a smorgasbord of creative possibilities. - Try Small Experiments
Test new ideas with small samples—dye a fabric scrap or weave a tiny patch with mixed fibers. Playing around keeps the joy in creating and opens doors to unexpected results. (and for a collage artist like me, these scraps are G-O-L-D!) - Identify What Speaks to You
Think about what specifically caught your eye—was it texture, color, structure, technique? This will help fine tune your own style and build a mood or vision board with personal resonance. - Set a Mini Creative Goal
Pick one small thing to try this week or month, like dyeing fabric with natural ingredients or sketching out a new idea. Let this be your time to play and see where the experiment leads!
Let Inspiration Light Your Path, Not Define It
Remember, the work you see isn’t there to measure yourself against but to inspire you forward. Each artist’s work represents a journey unique to them. Instead of comparison, think of these creators as collaborators who help us see what’s possible in the world of fiber and textiles. They’re paving the way and offering proof that we can experiment, try new things, and keep growing.
So I gotta ask: What would you love to do with your fiber-esque creativity if age, money, location, fear (name your vice here) wasn’t stopping you? When I see others doing these incredibly wonderful things, I see it as proof of concept. It can be done. Why not me? They are simply lighting the path ahead for me.
There’s no limit to where your creativity might lead. Let this be your invitation to explore freely and find out what resonates with you.
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Oooooo, I want to go to a Fiber Arts Show now! However, my pocket book is empty. I never vision myself coming home empty handed. That would be just tragic. 🤣 They do have such wonderful things to look at and inspiration galore. Glad you got to go. Wish I could have gone with you. Jealous!!!