Here are three short videos giving you an inside view of my trip across the country heading to the St. Louis Art Fair. Last year I won an award, so was invited back this year. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this show. Enjoy the videos. Sincerely, your road warrior artist Karen

New Blog Post Final Stitch, Early Departure: Off to Three Art Fairs Posted by Karen Gelbard, 4 The last jacket came off the table with the quiet relief that only makers know. I smiled, knowing that this was a special piece. One final stitch, one last check of the seams, one more look under good light. Then the studio shifted from making to packing. The van waits at first light. Boxes are stacked by the door. Garment bags are ready. Tools, lights, tags, racks, repair kit, boot

The last jacket came off the table with the quiet relief that only makers know. I smiled, knowing that this was a special piece. One final stitch, one last check of the seams, one more look under good light. Then the studio shifted from making to packing. The van waits at first light. Boxes are stacked by the door. Garment bags are ready. Tools, lights, tags, racks, repair kit, booth weights, receipt books, and the odd thing nobody remembers until the last minute are all bei

The first jacket I made did not hang straight. One sleeve had more confidence than the other. The collar wanted to live its own life. I remember standing in front of the mirror, looking at all those hours of work, and thinking, “Well, at least it has personality.” That jacket taught me more than a perfect one could have. It taught me to look longer before cutting. It taught me that fabric has opinions. It taught me that seam ripping is not failure, just part of the conversati

The Nestucca Valley Artisans invite you and a guest to an evening inspired by art, music, and the Oregon Coast. Enjoy local wine and hor d'oeuvres, meet the artists and enjoy live music by Martin Hemens and Ben Erb. Join us for a preview evening held at the Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135 August 14, 2026 6-8 PM Please RSVP to nestuccaartisans@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you there! A local art show is more than a room filled wi

Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, shares the excitement of being published in the first issue of Tearsheet PDX magazine.

Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, shares the excitement of being published in the first issue of Tearsheet PDX magazine.

The Sea is a short reflection on coastal inspiration, handwoven textiles, and the way the Oregon Coast becomes part of Karen Gelbard’s work.

Explore new work from The Oregon Weaver and see how handwoven textiles become one-of-a-kind garments.

A Trash Bag garment design from the workshop with Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver.

A Trash Bag garment design from the workshop with Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver.

Garments created during the workshop taught by Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver to the Tacoma Weaver's via Zoom.

Imagine cloth becoming clothing, color becoming movement, and handwoven fabric becoming wearable art. In this short video, Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, shares a glimpse of her textile work and the creative process behind one-of-a-kind handwoven garments. Each piece begins with woven fabric and becomes clothing shaped by color, texture, place, and imagination. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGelbard #TheOregonWeaver #Handwoven #WearableArt #TextileArt #Slow

In this sewing process video, Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, shows how to make bias strips for masks. Bias strips are useful for clean edges, ties, and finishing details in sewing projects. This short video offers a practical look at the careful handwork and construction skills that are part of Karen’s textile practice, from handwoven garments to everyday fabric projects. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGelbard #TheOregonWeaver #Sewing #BiasStrips #TextileAr

A small detail can make a handwoven garment feel complete. In this video, Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, shows the process of making a button loop for a handwoven garment. Details like closures, edges, stitching, and finishing are part of turning handwoven fabric into wearable art. This is a quiet look at the craftsmanship behind one-of-a-kind clothing made from handwoven cloth. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGelbard #TheOregonWeaver #Handwoven #WearableArt

Inspiration: How does a weaver capture a perfect day at the beach?

Imagine wearing a handwoven garment that begins with color, texture, movement, and possibility.

Tranquility in Gray is a handwoven coat inspired by the quiet beauty of the Oregon Coast. I

I spent a delightful week with the Fiber Arts Guild of Central Oregon teaching workshops and giving a PowerPoint presentation about my own journey as a weaver.

In May, I will be teaching workshops and presenting PowerPoint sessions for an entire week to the Central Oregon Spinners and Weavers Guild in Redmond, OR. I was delighted to learn that the enrollment opened early and the classes filled up very quickly. Not all weavers are interested in garment-making, as cutting your own handwoven fabric can be intimidating. However, this enthusiastic group has signed up, and I am looking forward to working with them. Preparing for this e