Natural Things and Butterfly Wings

Written by Mont A. Kuykendall

Creating unique fabrics from nature's inspirations

 

Few artists know the path that ultimately leads to their best creations; their most inspired work. Such is the case of Katherine Ehlmann, a local designer who has found a passion for taking fabric and turning it into a unique work of art. Born in St. Charles and a resident of Weldon Spring for the last 33 years, she is self-taught as a surface fabric designer with a long line of experience to back it up.
“I guess my work with fabric began when I was in the seventh or eighth grade,” she reflects. “I started sewing as a creative endeavor, and it has continued until today. But, I never thought it would lead me to what I am doing now!”  She refers to her latest efforts in producing colorful, unique, and wearable fashions through fabric design. But the journey has been a long one.
That road really started back in 1971 when Katherine opened her first business, Kathy’s Custom Curtains, specializing in draperies and home décor. “I was new to the business, with my children living at home, but I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue,” she comments. “My mother-in-law, who also worked as a seamstress, helped me over the hurdles in the beginning with advise and support.” It wasn’t long before Katherine’s business venture expanded into home décor and fabric art. “I really enjoyed that time,” she says smiling. “Not only was I building my experience in the area of custom draperies, I started helping clients design and create a unique décor that reflected their personalities in their homes.”
Shortly thereafter, Katherine began decorating display homes for a local builder. “It was during the time that I was designing the décor for displays, and spending a lot of time interfacing with the builder, that it was suggested I obtain a real-estate license; which I did,” she says. “I began selling homes for the next few years, but still had my fabric art behind the scenes during this time.” With additional jobs that included construction work, cleaning services, and interior design for a condominium association while participating as an active board member, it made for a very busy period in her life.
The housing recession of the late 80’s brought a change to the real-estate industry, and created a catalyst that prompted Katherine to revisit her artistic passions. “I started taking art classes at the community college in St. Charles, and then some design classes at Meramec University, trying to find my niche. I wasn’t sure at the time whether I wanted to concentrate on interior design, or what,” she remembers. In 1991 Katherine attended a class in fabric coloring, and the dye was set, as it were. “I fell in love with the idea that I could create my own fabrics,” she says. “From that moment on I have been developing my own designs, while trying to perfect my personal techniques.”
It was during this time that Katherine first met Ann Wooldridge, creator of the company FabricArt; a business that would occupy the next eighteen years of her life. “She owned her own business working with designers and was looking for additional help,” she says. “With so much knowledge of fabric design, and her willingness to share, it made for the perfect working environment. We created a lot of custom bedspreads, table skirts, dust ruffles, and even some wall murals during those years.” A partnership that lasted over 13 years, it was a learning experience. “And, it was lots of fun! We would get to decorate display homes; free to go wild and do anything we wanted,” she reflects happily. “If the customer wanted window treatments that looked like kites, or a horse, or walls that looked like trees, we tried to create it. It was challenging and anything but monotonous.”
Five years ago, when Ann decided to retire, Katherine bought the company and made it her own. “It just seemed like the thing to do,” she comments. “Since I had already been working at FabricArt for so many years, everyone knew me and I was intimate with all levels of the business, it seemed a smart decision to keep it going.” Now, after eighteen years, Katherine is closing the doors on FabricArt in order to spend more time with family, and hopefully pursue her love of wearable art; fashion items uniquely created through fabric and colors. “For the longest time it was limited to nights and weekends. I was just too busy! Now I can spend more time on the art that makes me the happiest,” she concludes.
The method is as beautiful and amazing as it is difficult in its application. “I use a variety of design techniques such as dyeing, stamping, printing and stitching to create colorful images on blank fabric,” says Katherine. “When I have a specific use in mind, my designs are planned in detail…other times, the serendipity of the process gives me direction.” Regardless, the end results are a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing or home décor, never to be exactly duplicated.
“As is true of many artists, I am inspired by nature,” she says as we walk through her spacious home. On the walls are examples of her past creations; reflecting the colorful pastels of the world around us, and the subtle hint of wings. “To me, the ethereal beauty of flowing colors on fabric is reminiscent of butterflies floating on the wind.”
Katherine is a member of the International Surface Design Association, Missouri Fiber Artists, and a juried member of the Best of Missouri Hands. She has also supported the art as an attendee at the 2003 and 2005 International Surface Design conferences in Kansas City. Her work has been displayed at William Woods University, the Missouri Fiber Artists traveling show, St. Peters Cultural Arts Center, and several other galleries in the area.
Katherine and her husband have three children, and three grandchildren, all which have required her skills as a Girl Scout leader, a 4H teacher, a mother and wife over the years. She is also involved in her church, Frieden’s United Church of Christ. “One of the projects I am working on for the church right now is a quilt that depicts the Church’s history,” she says. “It’s a big job, but I really enjoy doing it.”
Now in pursuit of the dream that has been years in the making, Katherine seeks to market her wearable art fashions and create that special piece of clothing through fabric and color. It is easy to see the influences of nature reflected in her art. And, the natural elements that inspire her, also keep her firmly on the path to success.
“Like the butterflies floating on the wind,” she confides, “I too want to keep on floating, with a destination in mind…but tasting a little flower on the way!”
If interested in Katherine Ehlmann’s wearable art fashions, she can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .