Linda Joyce Minor, an artist at Kirkland, WA-based By Request Designs, describes her work as "mixed fiber art." Having worked with water-soluble stabilizer, thread and her sewing machine since 2006, Minor says, "I mix at least 55% to 60% of the art with fabric, wood, paper, yarns, feathers and other fiber material. The rest includes stones, beads and sequins, plastics and glass."

Color, texture and her mother – who taught her to sew and love fiber – inspire Minor on a regular basis. "My favorite art is pop art, surrealism and Impressionism and artists who don't fit into any category, style or school of thought – like Elizabeth Murray, Louise Nevelson and Polly Apfelbaum," she says.  Inspiration also comes from her surroundings: "I walk down the street or around a lake, listening to music or watching television and suddenly, something I see will strike me and yell, 'I am it; turn me into art.' And then, I become obsessed with getting it designed."

Her advice to those looking to succeed in the decoration world? "Take classes and invest in the best equipment you can afford," she says. "Try a new idea, design, pattern to push you above your comfort level." She also recommends keeping an art diary of the work you've completed and the steps and techniques used. It can also be used for jotting down ideas.

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