05/04/26
Thirty years ago, Lindy Plakinger turned her passion for crafting into a collection of stamps, sprays and embossing powders. Today, her company, Lindy’s Gang, prides itself not only in its products, but the connections made with artists around the world, including Sonia Modde-Sartor in Berry, France.
Modde-Sartor has always been drawn to art, expressing herself in different forms and mediums. Inspired by music, cinema, exhibitions, social media and emotions, her mixed media projects range from cards and scrapbooking pages to home décor. “I’m a very curious person,” she stated. “I love observing, discovering and immersing myself in a wide variety of artistic styles.”
Modde-Sartor sat down with us to talk about how she discovered Lindy’s Gang and incorporates its products into her creations — and even has a product of her own.
How would you describe your art?
I don’t confine myself to any specific category. I enjoy creating in mixed media. I usually do things very intuitively, in a true state of letting go. The mediums come together naturally, almost as if it were meant to be.
Then, I reuse these creations and transform them into more structured pieces, such as albums or cards. Where each element finds its place in a more thoughtful, refined and elegant way.
However, I have a real passion for coloring with Magicals (Lindy’s Gang’s shimmer-infused pigment powders), especially over heat embossing. It’s a very soothing and relaxing moment for me, and the results are always stunning.
When and how did you discover Lindy’s Gang? What attracted you to this brand?
I discovered Magicals through a French shop where I was part of the design team in 2012. Since then, I have remained loyal to the brand and now have the privilege of being one of their ambassadors. I started with sets like Industrial Chic, Drop Dead Diva and Haunted Halloween. I love these products for their subtle shimmer, fineness and the many creative possibilities they offer. I appreciate the richness of the colors as well as their lightness and elegance.
What types of artwork do you create with Lindy’s Gang products?
I create albums that I teach in workshops, as well as cards, scrapbook pages and home décor pieces. I enjoy exploring other surfaces and making various objects such as pouches, badges and many other creations, depending on my inspiration.
I work with Lindy’s Gang’s Magicals, sprays, embossing powders and shakers alike. Each creation is different, and I choose my materials based on the effect I’m looking for and the emotion I want to convey.
What do you appreciate most about Lindy’s Gang products?
What I love most is their subtle iridescent effect, as well as the pleasure of using them. They are very enjoyable to work with and always produce elegant results.
What is your creative process?
My creative process is very instinctive. I sit at my workspace and start by choosing stamps or a paper collection that inspires me in the moment. Then I select Lindy’s products that harmonize with those initial choices, and I begin.
Ideas come as I go. Nothing is planned in advance — neither the products nor the final result. It might become a card, a layout or a workshop project.
That’s also why I film myself every time. It allows me not to lose any step of the creative process. Timing varies greatly. Sometimes a project takes a long time if a detail bothers me, and other times everything flows quickly when inspiration is strong. I am very demanding with myself and often focus on details that may be almost invisible to others.
Which project are you most proud of?
The project I am most proud of is undoubtedly the creation in collaboration with Lindy’s Gang, of my own color set: Sonia Modde-Sartor French Gardens. It is an immense source of pride for me, a kind of American dream realized by a small-town French artist.
What is your most recent project?
My most recent project is an album created using the Vinny’s View shaker set and the Terre & Jasmin collection from Les Ateliers de Karine (a beautiful French brand for which I am also a design team member). It’s an album rich in coloring techniques. I hope it will be as well received as my previous work.
Do you participate in art shows?
This year, I have the opportunity to host mini workshops at the Scrapbooking Show in Paris, at the Les Ateliers de Karine booth, where I will present a mini album using the Vinny’s View set and the Terre & Jasmin collection.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I love the freedom of expression it gives me. I simply love creating and the sense of well-being it brings. It’s a true outlet. I love everything that comes with it: the exchanges, the sharing and the connections made during shows and workshops.
A big thank you to Lindy’s Stamp Gang for their trust, and to Art Materials Retailer for this wonderful interview.
Connect with Sonia Modde-Sartor
Those interested in meeting for a workshop or to view Modde-Sartor’s work can find her on Instagram at @sonia_modde_sartor as well as Facebook and Pinterest at @Sonia Modde-Sartor.
