A series of happy accidents (not worth relating) led me to today’s artist, and I’m so grateful they did! Once I’d happened upon the Etsy shop called Sherit Levin Textiles, I was reminded that I once purchased a marvelous burnout velvet kimono from this very seller to wear to a wedding (which was then canceled because of Covid). I have worn it on a few special occasions since, and it continues to inspire compliment after compliment. What initially drew me to Sherit Levin Textiles was her amazing colors and the almost stained-glass effect they were able to achieve with silk velvet. The artist received her formal art training at RISD, and then moved to San Francisco, making a living by selling handmade items at street fairs. She eventually moved back to Boston, but not before galleries and luxury boutiques had started carrying her glorious wares.

Levin’s pieces are all handmade. She begins with sketches, many which evoke Le Belle Epoque in their lush botanicals. Using an etching paste, she then etches her designs into pure white silk velvet. Once cleaned up, the entire piece of velvet is dyed in the background color, then hand-painted with special fabric dyes that allow the silk velvet to stay soft. She then finishes each piece by hand. Scarves, shawls, kimono jackets, and even gorgeous pillows are made using her unique textiles.

You can check out all of Sherit Levin Textiles on her website and on Instagram and Facebook. I also recommend you have a happy wander around her Etsy shop.