Nuts about Needlepoint » hand-painted canvas

More New Canvases from TNNA

Janet Perry — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:11:27 +0000

Originally posted 2009-02-09 13:41:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Here’s some more lovely new canvas which premiered at TNNA last month.

A new needlepoint company exhibiting at TNNA for the first time was Patt and Lee Designs. There a wonderful cat designs (some realistic an some whimsical), great geishas, and tons more. I am particularly delighted by her “Less than a Full Skein Inspired Designs” and I’m getting ready to start one next week. I can’t wait to hear more from her.

HP Needlepoint has a wonderful page of their lovely canvases. There are some great birds on black with a wonderful folk art feel, more lovely orientals, African animal silhouettes which would be great for beginners, and lots more.

Betsy B Designs has added a wonderful collection of Christmas song canvases. These canvases have a line from a familiar Christmas song with a illustration underneath which reflects the song. Bothe contemporary and traditional carols and songs are in the group. She has also added some enchanting sorority angels to her collection of sorority and fraternity canvases.

A Dragon’s Tale has some cool new roll up Santas. They are 7″ x 7″ and are very traditional.

Kathy Schenkel has six pages of new designs on her site. Highlights include lots of new mini-socks with stuffed animals (I particularly like the decorator elephant on page 2), some St. Patrick’s Day canvases and some new dogs.

Finally, take a look at the ravishing new canvases from Leigh Designs. Leigh makes the most lovely and intricate stuff, often almost too pretty to stitch. You are going to love the Ray’s Moppets Collection, done on the new tweed canvas so you don’t have to stitch the background. I’m also really fond of the Swedish Dynasty ornaments, which are directly below the moppets. Not only is it lovely needlepoint, it’s great eye candy!

Needlepoint Belts – Needlepoint in the News

Janet Perry — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:11:26 +0000

Needlepoint belt by Patti Mann

The style section of the New York Times ran an article this week about needlepoint belts. It begins by talking about the “breakup belt,” a close relative of the “breakup sweater.” You know those items you make for a significant other but you break up before the item is stitched.

Their solution is to buy an already-made belt. In the article they show off some charming belts and point you to several companies that make them. But I’d like to suggest something else. Why not stitch a belt for yourself or finish that breakup belt into something else — after all it’s your relationship too.

Navajo belt from Julia's Needleworks

Many fantastic companies make great needlepoint belt canvases. Two of the biggest companies for making belt canvases are Voila! and the Elizabeth Turner Collection. Elizabeth Turner has over 1000 belts in their collection, covering just about every style and subject. Many other needlepoint designers have belt collections in their line, including Rebecca Wood, Patti Mann, Julia’s Needleworks, and Patti Paints. Additional designers to check out include The Point of it All, and Rosalie Peters.

You can also design your own belt, get a tartan charted for a belt, or use letters to make a monogram.

I also found a great site, Needlepoint Belts, that directs you to many sources for belts. Tomorrow look for an article about finishing a belt and other ways to use a belt canvas.

Custom Canvas – My Choices for Adaptation

Janet Perry — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:58:10 +0000

I get asked about creating custom needlepoint canvases more often than about anything else.

A custom needlepoint canvas is such a rewarding project to do. If it’s a gift, it’s something special and unique for the recipient. For yourself, it puts on canvas, what you want to see.

Sandy and I have been talking about the process she uses to turn images into needlepoint. I thought you’d be interested in learning about what goes into the process and how to pick great images to become the basis for great needlepoint.

Earlier this week in her two articles you’ve learned about some types of images that work for needlepoint. Today I’m going to show you the two pieces I’m sending to Sandy to be our test of the process.

The image above is one I found in a magazine and is a picture of the seashore on the island of Jersey. I have wanted to visit it (the only remaining part of the Duchy of Normandy in British hands) since I was in college. As soon as I saw this picture I thought it would make great needlepoint.

This image is a picture of a beach hotel. I’m planing on doing a guest bedroom in a beachy theme, so this would be a wonderful accent for it.

We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

CReaTiNG CuSToM NeeDLePoiNT CaNVaSeS (Part Two)

Janet Perry — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:41:40 +0000

Stitched in honor of 50 years in business.

Yesterday we learned about some types of images that work for custom needlepoint in Part One of Sandy’s post. Today, we’ll learn about two other types of images. Tomorrow, you’ll see mt choices for this projects.

Artwork: Children’s artwork is generally perfect for placing on canvas. Children usually like to use many bright colors and objects are simple (great for fun stitches and fabulous fibers). A family drawn in crayon, placed on canvas and stitched, has more lasting emotional value than a professional portrait any day of the week. Collages, paintings, and other artwork by adults, that is pleasing to the eye will most likely work on canvas. Store Logos, Ranch Brands and Pennsylvania Hex Signs are awesome on canvas. When choosing artwork, look at the original piece and imagine it in needlepoint stitches. Will an overall continental be best or do you see yourself using all sorts of stitches? If there is a body of water, will Janet’s Water Stitch be just the thing to bring it to life? I suggest taking the original artwork to your LNS (Local Needlepoint Shop) and spending some time making a list of fibers that might work on the canvas. Don’t forget to consider adding elements such as ribbons, buttons and beads to your project, when appropriate. Note: Artwork that has large areas of Darkly Mottle not be suitable, if you want to stitch the details that may not be visually apparent.

Finally, please don’t send a tiny little copy of some artwork and ask me to enlarge it to some huge size. . . . I won’t do it, because you would not be happy with the results. Blur, blur, blur! FYI: I cannot accept any artwork that is copyrighted, unless you happen to own the copyright.

It’s a fact, Jack: Artwork that is copied at 100% or Digital Photos in JPEG, TIFF or PDF Formats, saved on a CD, DVD, Flash Drive or sent via e-mail work well. Many copy shops (FedEx Kinkos, for instance) will copy your artwork and save it to your own flash drive at no cost. I return all media with the order. You can submit original artwork, also. PLEASE NOTE: I can only take orders from Needle Art Shops, however, I am happy to work with you during the process of creating your Custom Needlepoint Canvas. Be sure to give your contact information to your LNS when you discuss the ideas for your order.

In the words of Duane Michals, Photographer, “Trust that little voice in your head that says ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if…’ And then do it.”

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: How about having a pet’s face on a Holiday ornament? A pillow top from a photo of a vacation house? A long, narrow pillow featuring a single long stemmed rose from the garden.

In the next part of this series, I’ll be discussing what I can do to enhance or improve what you’ve chosen to put onto the canvas. In the meantime, start looking at your photos and artwork through fresh eyes. The possibilities for your very own Custom Needlepoint Canvas are endless!

From My Little Corner of The World,
Sandy

Please visit me!
website: www.sandygrossman-morris.com
blog: sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com

For more information about her custom designs, please visit: http://www.sandygrossman-morris.com/sandygrosman-morris.com/Custom_Needlepoint_Designs_by_Sandy_Grossman-Morris.html

CReaTiNG CuSToM NeeDLePoiNT CaNVaSeS (Part One)

Janet Perry — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:55:40 +0000

I’m excited to have my friend Sandy Grossman-Morris doing posts today and tomorrow. They are the start of a series we will be doing together about custom needlepoint.

Hi to everyone who’s Nuts About Needlepoint!! For those of you who don’t know me yet, please let me introduce myself. I’m Sandy Grossman-Morris, a designer from (Hotter than Heck) Brentwood in Northern California. I know this because our air conditioner decided to retire last night. Luckily, I’m married to Bob the Builder, who is well aware that I am only comfortable in a room that is cold enough to hang meat in safely. But, I digress….I’m really here to spread a little Bloggy Inspiration…Creating Custom Needlepoint Canvases.

First of all, I’d like to thank Janet for inviting me to spend this time with all of you. So, pour yourself a cup of tea and get ready to be inspired. I love the challenge of creating Custom Canvases. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my knowledge of what makes a great custom design versus a not-so-great design, what I can do to enhance or improve an overall design and encourage you to think outside the box.

What is a Custom Needlepoint Canvas? In a nut shell (you know that I just had to include that little phrase!) it’s when I take your media, such as a photograph or artwork, and put it on needlepoint canvas for you, and then, Voila! it’s Instant Stitching Envy among your friends and family. Trust me, it’s the bees knees. BTW, it’s always good to remember that by the very nature of canvas, some of whatever it is you want printed onto the canvas will fall into the abyss between the threads. Don’t let this scare you, but keep in mind that every little, microscopic detail may not actually be seen in the final piece. That’s ok.

SuiTaBLe vs. UNSuiTaBLe

Photos of People and Pets: Choosing clearly defined photos with good shading of the face and hair will decrease the “Flat Factor”. Close-ups are best, as 12 stitches do not make for an interesting face! In other words, it’s far better to have a canvas featuring the head and shoulders as opposed to the whole body. A pet on the other hand, can be featured standing, reclining or a close-up head shot. Fur is much easier to stitch and shade than clothing is. Always, though, the closer the better, in order to capture the facial detail, especially the eyes. Note: Photos that have large areas of dark, mottled colors on the subject itself, may not be suitable, if you want to stitch the details that may not be visually apparent. If it’s in the background, it’s probably ok…more on that in Part Two.

Houses or Other Buildings generally make good choices, especially if the focus is on one building and it is a head-on shot. Try to choose a photo of the whole house or a specific portion of the house, say, an interesting front porch or an architectural detail such as a turret. Color photos are generally best, but if you want the end result to have artistic flair, a black and white photo may be just what you want to choose, especially if there are no plants to contend with.

This couple were given 2 Ring Bearer Pillows for their marriage ceremony.

Flowers are Fun! Don’t take your photos in full sun, or your flower may end up looking washed out. You’ll want to choose a flower with many shades of color. Take several photos from various angles in order to choose the best one for your project. Close-ups are best, but be sure to keep an eye on the focus. . . . The clearer the photo, the clearer the canvas. A bouquet of flowers would make a beautiful pillow top or chair back, as well as a framed piece. A wedding ring pillow featuring a single flower is a memorable gift for a bride. Note: A large bush of little flowers would be too detailed and would not, in my opinion, be a suitable project. Beware the Darkly Mottle!

Tomorrow, come back to learn about some other kinds of images that work.

From My Little Corner of The World,
Sandy

Please visit me!
website: www.sandygrossman-morris.com
blog: sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com

For more information about her custom designs, please visit: http://www.sandygrossman-morris.com/sandygrosman-morris.com/Custom_Needlepoint_Designs_by_Sandy_Grossman-Morris.html

Sneak Peek – Cyberclasses, Sept 2010 – June 2011

Janet Perry — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:55:55 +0000

I’ve been planning my on-line education offerings for the next few months and I’m really excited about them. My plan is to make each one focused on learning a particular aspect of needlepoint. Each one will use a lovely computer-printed canvas. This means that not only will you be learning the technique or stitch but you will be putting it in context on the kind of canvases you see in shops.

At the end you’ll have a lovely finished piece that you can use as a reference, give as a gift or keep for yourself. The projects and instructions are easy enough that beginning stitchers can take the class.

Each class will be announced here when it is open for registration. You can also sign-up for the email list on Needlepoint Stitch Guides.

Kimono from Patt & Lee Designs

October 2010 – Overdye Kimono – An Introduction to Overydyed Threads. This class will use three different overdyed and hand-dyed threads to help you learn to use them on canvases with both Tent & Decorative Stitches

Eyeglass Case from Sandy Grossman-Morris

December 2010 – Silk Ribbon, Embellishments & Padding – Learn Easy techniques to add sparkle & dimension to your needlepoint

Cellphone or iPod Case from Sandy Grossman-Morris

February 2011 – Textured Stitches & Threads – Learn some easy stitches in this charming stitch and thread sampler

Bat Cat canvas from Patt & Lee Designs

April 2011 – Texture in Tent Stitch – Learn ways to use different threads and Tent Stitch to show texture

Lighthouse Ornament from Sandy Grossman-Morris

June 2011 – New Techniques for Overdyed Threads – More easy techniques for using overdyes on canvas to mimic stucco, stone walls, skies, sand, and water. You’ll love how these techniques will make your needlepoint look

All classes will be distributed as PDFs and sent via email. A Yahoo group is set up for each class for supplemental material and discussion.

I have some other longer projects in the works and will let you know about them soon.

Needlepoint Stitch Guides Site Now Open!

Janet Perry — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:28:53 +0000

Order stitch guides like this from my new site.

There’s no doubt about it, stitchers love stitch guides. Our appetite for them is almost insatiable. Talk to any designer and they will tell you shopowners ask about stitch guides all the time.

If a designer has none, they wonder why not. If a designer has some, they want more. And we, as stitchers want them and want them at an affordable price.

Today marks the opening of my new on-line shop, Needlepoint Stitch Guides. Here you will find stitch guides for many popular designers, available both as PDFs (for you to print) or as printed guides). You can order directly from the shop and have your guides as soon as the same day. Talk about immediate stitchy gratification.

It’s the largest on-line shop dedicated to needlepoint stitch guides and related products.

There’s lots more to the site. You’ll find reference information about stitch guides and using them, order forms for my popular custom stitch guides and quick stitch help, and lots more. The site is easy to navigate with guides classified by designer and by subject.

Guides are available for canvases by some of today’s most popular designers including, Melissa Shirley, Kelly Clark, and Raymond Crawford. And for one stop shopping, some designers will allow you to order the canvas at the same time.

There are special products designed to help you make the most of your needlepoint. Background Stitch Guides are stitch and thread suggestions to make your needlepoint shine. Custom versions of them are available at the same low price. Thread Maps help you with a complete listing of threads and areas. Some shops charge up to $50 to pull threads, but with this service you get my expert eye at a low cost. Technique Sheets are specialized sheets (not canvas specific) showing you how to create an effect or do a technique on painted canvas.

I’m committed to sharing my knowledge with you so that your needlepoint can be exciting and beautiful. More products will be added just as fast as I can get them written, so stop back often to see what’s new.

Visit Needlepoint Stitch Guides today and keep stitching!

Sip! Gulp! Coaster from Raymond Crawford

Janet Perry — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:12:57 +0000

Originally posted 2006-05-11 07:06:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I love Raymond Crawford’s designs. This is the fourth(!) set of stitch guides I’m wokring on for him and the second set of coasters.

This set is so fun. Each coaster has a drink word (Drink! Sip! Slurp! Gulp!) and each uses a different kind of shape, either in cool or hot colors.

Sip & Gulp are in warm color. Sip has stripes, Gulp rectangles.

Drink and Gulp are in cool colors. Drink is as you see above, Gulp has circles.

Each colored box on each coaster is using a different stitch and there are four different backgrounds stitches as well.

Several of the stitches are brand new (I designed them) and there is also a wealth of threads used. This means that besides being a delightful stitch guide, the book will make a great reference guide. I’m especially excited about all the different ways to deal with circles, a problem I always have.

I have had so much fun stitching them, I can’t wait to do more. I’ll post Gulp sometime after I start it.

The book ought to be available for your shop to order (from Raymond) sometime over the summer — I’m hoping for TNNA next month.

Pischke Pockets Has a Great Site

Janet Perry — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:22:35 +0000

Back during last month’s TNNA Round-ups, I told you about a great new product from Julie Pischke, Pischke Pockets. These are lovely striped totes with leather handles that have needlepoint pockets. Everything is complete in the kit and you can finish them yourself.

The coral above, Caribbean Spice, is just one of nine designs in the line.

I’m excited to let you know that there is a site devoted to the line. At Pischke Pockets you can learn more about the idea, find news and information and order the kits. There is even a page with instructions and a video on how to finish the bag once you’ve stitched the needlepoint.

This has just whetted my appetite to know more about them.

Roses Are Red Scissors Case

Janet Perry — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:23:01 +0000

Originally posted 2006-10-14 06:02:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Here’s the most recent of the Whimsy & grace stitcher’s accessories, Roses Are Red Scissors case.

Don’t you just love it!There are lots of fun stitches here, so not only is the case delightful in itself, you’ll get lots of ideas about new stitches to use on other canvases. In fact, two of them, the small balloon and the offset tied scotch (the brightest red patches on either piece), I like so much I’m using them in other canvases I’m stitching. Another, Diagonal Willow (violet patch without initial) is one of the most flexible stitches I know. Made up of short and long diagonal stitches, the rows interlock in a way which creates oblique lines. This makes it a fantstic accent or background stitch, especially when you want something which isn’t strongly diagonal. It also makes a fantastic wide border. I’m using it for the border on the Sunday Stitching Quilt pillow (which I’ll update Monday).

Now today onto the next Scissors Case & new Bargello model!