Dara
Woods-Jordan

is an artist and maker of exquisite and exuberant one-of-a-kind creations. She has worked and sold her products at art fairs and in stores throughout California. She now lives with her husband in Temecula, California, where she is discovering how the rich Western history of the area and the influence of local indigenous peoples brings a new directions to her work in progress.

Dara started out as a fashion model. From there, she and a partner started their On Silk business, in which she applied their artistry to original silk dresses and scarves. From silk, Dara moved to experiments with paper, or papier as she soon learned to call that material. She created two-dimensional puppets and characters as well as incredible three-dimensional representations of traditional characters like Pulcinella. She also made large fans, “bangers,” and her innovative “scrolls.”

Harking back to her earlier days as a silk painter, and connecting with her skills as a seamstress, Dara further developed her work with fabric, creating flamboyant quilted wall hangings . An illustrator at heart, Dara has also delved into all forms of drawing and painting—sketches, water colors, oil and acrylic paintings.

Dara recently started doing volunteer work of the the Temecula Historical Society, which has brought a whole new stream of inspiration for her artistry. She is beginning a new line of products to be offered to retailers in the Temecula area. She is also available for instruction.

Check out her by Dara Facebook page to see some of her current projects in process. Look for a weekly blog to appear on this site, where Dara will be sharing stories and photos of the episodes in her journey.

Visit the Contact page and send Dara a message about your own work and things you’d like Dara to make for you.