We are Cotton Archives

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We're Christal and Christina Cotton, the creators behind Cotton Archives. We're twin sisters, combining our interest in fabric, design, and storytelling. Cotton Archives was created for the both of us to get out ideas that we've been holding on to and provide a space for other artists to do the same.

We bring our ideas to life through sewing, photography, and set design. Throughout our creative journey you can expect sewing workshops, private sewing lessons, and collaborative projects. Stay updated with the ins and outs of our creative lives through our newsletter, blog, and Instagram.

Photo taken by @covell.rd on Instagram.

Fabricated Planters

Fabricated Planters came to fruition after I came across a sketch that I drew about two years ago of the fabricated planters and stands. When I'm not sewing, I am taking care of my plant babies and seeing the sketch motivated me to experiment making these planters for them.

I love that I dyed the fabric myself, I'm always buying the fabric as is, so I wanted to try something different this time by adding the color myself. The colors reminded me of the ceramic bowls fresh out of the kiln I saw during a wheel throwing class. I wanted my planters to have the same effect even though I was using fabric instead of clay.

Reflecting back to when I created growing up, I had a hard time getting my ideas out because I was constantly overthinking everything. Working on and executing this project made me more confident. Considering, I'm trying to get better at not sitting on an idea for too long, leaving no time for second guessing. During this process, I realized the best thing for me to do is to get started on a project as soon as I get the idea. And I don't really need a reason to do art, I can just do it. As I create more, I'm hoping that this new process becomes easier for me.

The planters are made with rope, dyed muslin, and denim. While the planter stands are made of wood, covered in plaster.

Art created by Christal Cotton.

Photos taken by Christina Cotton.

A Break From the Studio

As a creative, it is easy to get wrapped up in a project. One minute the sun is out and you're convincing yourself that you're almost done. Then, before you know it, it's now dark and the moon is staring back at you. As a result, you've spent another day inside, without a break.

Creating is important but taking breaks are essential to our creative process. We found that taking breaks gives us inspiration for our own projects and prevents us from burning out.

Today's break called for a trip to the Getty. It's easily one of our favorite museums to go to because there isn't just the gallery to look forward to, the whole visit is an adventure. Starting with a tram ride up, viewing all the traffic on the 405. Looking out the tram windows makes us feel like Ghost on Power, overlooking the city. We couldn't care less about the pre-20th Century European Art (yawn). More than often, we go to the Getty to admire the sculptures and to be outside.

There's a cafe where you can get a drink and snack, but please beware that the scones are hard. And they don't have a microwave to warm them up. Besides the stale pecan scone, this museum trip was well needed.