Sheila Haynes Rauen

The focus of my work is now to create colorful surfaces which also communicate a whimsical story to the viewer. I choose humor because to me it is one of the most important things in our lives and helps us deal with the difficult experiences we all have. Most of my pieces have a funny title, often a play on words. Sometimes the titles will come to me before I even start sketching an idea.

Whether using fabrics that I have painted or using purchased fabrics for applique and piecing, I am obsessed with embellishing the surfaces with a variety of materials and techniques. No longer limited to the pencils, paints, and brushes of my art school days, I now also use fabrics, threads, and beads to communicate my ideas. I love the fact that I am now working in materials that are traditionally associated with women's work. I feel such a strong connection.

One of the most important tools in my work is now my sewing machine. By dropping the feed dogs and installing a darning/embroidery foot, I can now use the machine as a drawing and painting tool. I become totally immersed using the beautiful new colored and metallic threads made for machine embroidery. I draw, add colors, shade, and create wonderful new textures with the stitches. I can even add text to enhance some of my designs.

I am also experimenting with hand embroidery and hand beading techniques. I have just begun making small pieces that are entirely drawn and filled in with threads. I am anxious to explore machine and hand techniques on a variety of papers and other fibers.

Due to the exposure I received from showing my work and demonstrating many techniques on television and in magazines, I was approached by Martingale & Co. about writing a book. My book, "Sassy Cats - Purrfect Crafts Projects" was published in late fall of 2000 and it is already in its second printing. I share many designs and techniques in the book. I have more books in development and I'm exploring the licensing of my designs in several ways. I have been asked to design fabrics for quilters as well.

As someone said, "Life is a journey, not a destination". I love this journey and I know that I am doing what God intended for me. I feel truly blessed.