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Archive for the ‘NeedlePaint Inspiration’ Category

Travel Rounds – Destination Ornament Collection

Many vacation plans have been put on hold for a while, but that doesn’t have to stop you from dreaming about: exploring diverse cultures, viewing spectacular scenery, and searching for those special iconic landmarks. In the meantime, NeedlePaint has designed a collection of destination needlepoint ornament canvases for you to stitch. Take this unique journey to some incredible locations across the world. **Do you have a favorite travel destination? Let our designers create a custom travel round needlepoint ornament especially for you!

Paris Travel Destination Needlepoint Ornament

Paris . . . the city of light, the city of love!
“London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.” — G.K. Chesterson

Our Paris needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, a fleur de lis, and the Moulin Rouge.

London Needlepoint Christmas Ornament Canvas

London . . . the city of dreams!
“In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” Paddington Bear

Our London needlepoint ornament canvas features:
Big Ben, a double decker bus, the Houses of Parliament,
St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower Bridge, and London Eye.

Barcelona Needlepoint Christmas Ornament Canvas

Barcelona . . . the city of Counts!
“Here in Barcelona, it’s the architects who built the buildings that made the
city iconic, who are the objects of admiration . . . . “ — Julie Burchill

Our Barcelona needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Placa d’Espanya, Parc Guell
and a warm summer sunshine.

Rome Travel Destination Needlepoint Ornament

Rome . . . the eternal city!
“I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” — Augustus Caesar

Our Rome needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the historic Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trajan’s Column.

Thailand Travel Destination Needlepoint Ornament

Thailand . . . the Land of Smiles!
“Thailand was built on compassion.” — Bhumibol Adulyadej

Our Thailand needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the island beach with palm trees and hibiscus flower,
a temple, elephant, monkey, and a tuk tuk.

Venice Travel Destination Needlepoint Ornament

Venice . . . the floating city!
“Venice is the most romantic place in the world,

but it’s even better when there is no one around.” — Woody Allen

Our Venice needlepoint ornament canvas features:
a waterfront view with Doge’s Palace,
St. Mark’s Campanile, and St. Mark’s square.

When you gather around the tree this holiday season — enjoy the ornaments
you have stitched that reflect the travels your family has experienced together,
or those which may still be on your bucket list. 

Have a favorite travel destination? Our designers would love to create
a custom needlepoint ornament canvas for you to stitch.
Feel free to contact us at info@needlepaint.com

Where will your next needlepoint adventure take you!

 

 

NeedlePaint’s New Winter Woodland Christmas Collection!

Add an enchanting warmth to your holiday season by stitching NeedlePaint’s new Winter Woodland Collection of needlepoint canvases. Complete with sparkling snow covered trees; a dreamy woodland floor; and a cast of charming warmhearted woodland animals.

Our new collection is comprised of a woodland scene needlepoint Christmas stocking, picture or pillow woodland needlepoint design, and six delightful Christmas ornaments including: Robins, Owl, Hedgehog, Squirrel, Fox, and a Rabbit. Stitch one or the entire collection; we know these hand stitched decorations will be treasured by your family for years to come. 

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Winter Woodland Stocking Needlepoint Canvas

The magic of the winter woodland animals,
will add a special warmth to your holiday mantle place.

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Winter Woodland Robins Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Adorned with a crimson red breast;
these robins are handsome and honest, optimistic and elegant.

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Winter Woodland Owl Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Keeping a close eye out on his friends;
this owl often takes flight, gliding under the stars of a midnight sky. 

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Winter Woodland Hedgehog Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Keeping warm with his prickly coat;
this hedgehog is curious and bright eyed, small and round.

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Winter Woodland Squirrel Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Wearing a question mark for a tail;
this squirrel is cheerful, merry, and loves to playfully tease his woodland friends. 

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Winter Woodland Fox Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Wearing a charming red coat;
this fox is quick and crafty, smart and sincere. 

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Winter Woodland Rabbit Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gently nibbling all about the bushes;
this rabbit is timid and cautious, polite and inquisitive.

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Winter Woodland Needlepoint Pillow Canvas

The woodland animals gather to celebrate the season;
in their own unique, signature style.

Let NeedlePaint help make your holidays special;
feel free to contact us with any questions at info@needlepaint.com

Winter has a warm magic of its own . . . . happy stitching!

Sweet Summer Stitching at NeedlePaint!

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Ahhh . . . . summer! Bright warm sunshine; plenty of picnics; crops of fresh juicy fruit; carefree longer days; and that special time of year when you don’t have to make excuses for being a bit lazy. Take a break in your routine, slow down a bit, and “needlepoint” as long as you want . . . we won’t tell anyone!

NeedlePaint Cheery Cherries Needlepoint Canvas

4.29” x 4.29” on 14 mesh, “Cheery Cherries” needlepoint canvas.

This new NeedlePaint design, “Cheery Cherries” has “summer” written all over it. Bright, cheerful and full of vivid color; we know you’ll enjoy stitching this sweet needlepoint canvas. Perfect as a small picture for that little spot in your kitchen which could use some color; or as a colorful Christmas ornament to remind you of those wonderful summer days when it’s snowing outside.

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“Life is like a bowl of cherries!” — Wishing you a wonderful summer of stitching!

NeedlePaint’s Fresh View of the Great Outdoors!

At NeedlePaint we’ve been anxiously anticipating our next adventure outdoors, to explore the great wilderness of our National Parks. In the meantime, we’ve been busy bringing the outdoors inside, with beautifully designed panoramic views of our National Parks for you to needlepoint. 

I am constantly amazed at the level of detail our designers can create in such a small amount of space. On 18 mesh canvas, with 18-20 stitches in height on a belt canvas to design within, we watch as these landscapes unfold, and see how one single stitch can illustrate so much.

NeedlePaint National Parks

National Parks Needlepoint Belt Canvas

The conservation of “wild nature” for future generations, is a symbol of national pride, and is the main idea of what the National Parks program is all about. This stunning panoramic view on our National Parks design includes: Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Tetons, Yellow Stone, Grand Canyon, Glacier and Acadia National Parks. We will also include your monogram or initials inside of the National Parks sign!

NeedlePaint Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park Needlepoint Belt Canvas 

Ahh . . . . the spectacular and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains! At NeedlePaint we are lucky to have the most beautiful view of this landscape in our own backyard. Comprised of three thousand miles of mountains, national forests, monuments, and recreations areas. This mountain range spreads from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada down through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

NeedlePaint Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park Needlepoint Belt Canvas

This national treasure lies on top of a volcanic hot spot! Featuring 3500 square miles of canyons, forests, alpine rivers, gushing geysers and abundant wildlife. We have designed this belt canvas with Yellowstone landmarks from left to right to include: the park entrance sign, the entrance gate, an elk family, Old Faithful with hot air balloons, Grand Prismatic Spring, a bison family, and Roosevelt Arch.

These designs are available as belt canvases to stitch or finished needlepoint belts. Have an idea for a custom landscape design you would like to see come to life? We would love to design one for you. Feel free to contact us at info@needlepaint.com

Enjoy Earth Day, and Happy Stitching!

Staying Positive Needlepoint

By Kathryn Berman:  I’m a beginner needlepointer (I’ve done 3 projects total in my life), but lately I have been thinking that with a little extra free time on my hands during the coronavirus pandemic it would be fun to get to work on a new project. Stitching is like a good book that you can’t put down… let me finish just this one row, or this one color.  I find needlepointing relaxing yet addicting, and now seems like just the time to put my extra energy into a project as opposed to watching the news or worrying about family members.

Lemons make Lemonade Needlepoint Canvas

Lemons make Lemonade Needlepoint Canvas

I wanted to work on a project that would feel positive, and one that I could hang up on a tiny wall space in my kitchen. I was trying to think of positive sayings that would be fun to stich, but also would look good as permanent artwork in my home. I’m a big believer in positive thinking, and an eternal optimist, but even I’ve gotten a little down lately, and what better way to brighten my day then to be stitching a positive saying.  I’ve always loved the saying “when life gives you lemons make lemonade”, and I asked the Needlepaint team (headed by my husband 🙂  to design a custom needlepoint canvas for me.  What seems more smile inducing than stitching a big juicy yellow lemon?

I love what they came up with!  The Lemons make Lemonade needlepoint canvas is now available on NeedlePaint. Hopefully I can finish it before summer.  Another really cool thing, is that I printed out my canvas preview and taped it to my kitchen wall where I intend to put the finished project.  I of course debated long and hard about what color the background checkers should be- but am sticking with blue for now. I love that I can easily change colors/design ideas with the help of the Needlepaint designers and get a good idea of what my canvas will look like before I get started on it.

What other ideas do you have for positive uplifting quotes that would make a fun needlepoint project?

Here are a few others I thought of: “Create your own sunshine” with a big yellow sun. “Stay positive” surrounded by a colorful rainbow.  “Be happy” surrounded by flowers. Stay positive and keep on stitching!

NeedlePaint Unlocks The Key To A Fun Quick Project!

At NeedlePaint we have created some new key fob needlepoint canvases for you to stitch, which are fun, quick, and will make the perfect gift for men, women and the kids in your family. We will certainly be adding to our design selection over the next few months, with great designs for all. The designs we are showing here, have a little something with the women in mind.

embroidery floss and keys

Key fobs canvases are achievable! Sometime the size of a project can be a little daunting. A key fob canvas is adorably small, and is definitely a quick project to stitch. All skill levels will enjoy stitching these canvases. If you’re a beginner, they are the perfect project to learn on without becoming frustrated. In addition a key fob canvas is small enough to slip into a project bag and take with you anywhere.

Fancy Floral NeedlePaint Key Fob

Jade Gingham NeedlePaint Key Fob

“Fancy Floral” key fob (above) and Jade Gingham” key fob (below) 

A fun project needs to have great colors and good design! It’s always fun, if you are stitching a project with colors and a design that speaks to you. Each colored stitch makes your design come to life, and will keep your interest in the project. We would be happy to make a simple adjustment to a color or background color on your canvas . . . . don’t be afraid to ask. Also, if you have an idea for your own design, let us know, we would be happy to translate it onto a custom needlepoint key fob canvas for you. 

Quilt Stars Needlepoint Key Fob

Hugs and Kisses NeedlePaint Key Fob

“Quilt Stars” key fob (above) and “Hugs and Kisses” key fob (below)

Key fobs are the ultimate in usable needlepoint! Everyone has a set of keys! It’s fun to personalize these little accessories, with images that reflect your personal taste and style. They are also big enough to locate in your handbag or backpack, but not too cumbersome, as they will still fit into your pant pocket.

Under the Sea NeedlePaint Key Fob

Kaleidoscope NeedlePaint Key Fob

“Under the Sea” key fob (above) and “Kaleidoscope” key fob (below)

Key fobs are the perfect gift idea! If you have already stitched a key fob for yourself, consider stitching one for the other members of your family. They make great birthday gifts, graduation gifts, or Christmas gifts! If you have a large number of people on your holiday list, this is a great way to give something heart felt, handmade, and a gift of equal value for everyone on your list, and yet each with a different design.

Golfing Girl NeedelPaint Key Fob

Painted Ladies NeedlePaint Key Fob

“Golfing Girl” key fob (above) and “Painted Ladies” key fob (below)

You’ve quickly finished stitching your key fob canvas, now let us do the leather finishing for you! We would love to give your beautifully stitched key fob canvas a professionally finished look. We also offer all of our designs as finished key fobs, if you would like for us to help with both the stitching and the finishing. 

NeedlePaint Key Fob Finishing Service

“A very little key can open a very heavy door.” 

Remember we are here to help with all of your needlepointing needs. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions at info@needlepaint.com

Enjoy!

Creative NeedlePaint Customer Embellishes “Queen of Hearts”

I love opening a new email, to find a fabulous new creation, stitched by one of our NeedlePaint customers!  Recently Brenda T. in Georgia, sent a request for NeedlePaint to design another playing card canvas similar to the Queen of Hearts needlepoint pillow canvas she has just finished stitching.

Queen of Hearts Needlepoint canvas

Brenda’s finished needlepoint canvas has gone way beyond the basic. She uses a variety of stitches and is embellishing with beads!

Brenda says, “she will study the stitch book for days and try out one or two stitches to see if they work well.” She has taken workshops to learn how to embellishing using beads as well as victorian silk ribbon.

I think Brenda’s life time love of textiles and textures really shines through in her needlepoint work! Her creative background began after receiving her first sewing machine, a hand crank Singer, on her 6th Christmas. She went on to study at Virginia Tech, with a degree in Clothing and Textiles, and has sewed most all of her clothes. Although she never used her degree while working full-time for IBM, after retiring she did help friends with some interior design projects. She’s dabbled in knitting, watercolors, silk painting and has made sixteen or more needlepoint stockings for all of her grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews.

Now Brenda joins workshops at her local senior center. She enjoys the other women who sign up each time, with a solid core group of six or so. They help each other, learning to embellish with beads and ribbons, and have a variety of talents and abilities. She feels like this workshop has taken her needlepointing to a new level, and mentions that she might take up designing a pattern or two. 

Queen of Spades Needlepoint PillowQueen of Heart Needlepoint Pillow

We’ve just finished Brenda’s request for a new Queen of Spades canvas, and can’t wait to see what she does with this queen. Wouldn’t it be fun to put these two pillows at opposite ends of your sofa, perhaps with a King in between! Which card would you pick to stitch?

Please let us know if we can custom design something for you, or if you need help translating your design onto a custom needlepoint canvas that you can stitch!

We love to see what you have been stitching, please feel free to send us your creation photos at info@needlepaint.com.

Happy Stitching!

New Spring Blossoms at NeedlePaint!

 

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This time of year I become very anxious for signs of spring and some fresh new color. The “winter like” weather still teases us with one warm beautiful sunny day, only to wake up the next day, with blizzard like conditions.

Spring is full of new beginnings! Why not learn how to needlepoint or teach a beginner how to needlepoint. If you’re a veteran stitcher, learn a new stitch or try a new type of thread. Here at NeedlePaint, we have needlepoint projects for all skill levels.

To welcome in spring, we have taken inspiration from those blooms; we are so anxiously awaiting to appear in our gardens. We have created some needlepoint canvases for you to enjoy stitching, and add that much needed color you may have been craving. You’ll love stitching one or all of these three new pillow designs!

Sunflower Needlepoint pillow canvas

“The sunflower is mine, in a way.” — Vincent Van Gogh

Sunflower Needlepoint Pillow Canvas
Truly brilliant and joyful, sunflowers say summer like no other flower!
In the language of flowers; sunflowers represent adoration, loyalty and strength.

Tulip Needlepoint pillow canvas

“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose.
It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for ever flower.”
— Marianne Williamson

Lacy Tulip Needlepoint Pillow Canvas
Awakening from a long winters nap, and gently announcing springs arrival;
the tulip is always a welcome sight for the new season!

Peony Needlepoint pillow canvas

Marco Polo described peony blossoms as “roses as big as cabbages”.

Peony Needlepoint Pillow Canvas
Layered, fluffy and papery, the peony has an unusually giant blossom. In the language of flowers;
peonies represent romance, prosperity, a happy marriage, riches, honor and compassion.

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“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold,
when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” — Charles Dickens

Remember we are here to help you with all of your needlepoint needs! We do offer a pillow finishing service, creating a finished pillow with your stitched canvas. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions at: info@needlepaint.com.

We hope your spring is full of new beginnings — and many colorful skeins of thread!

 

NeedlePaint Perfection — A Beginner Shares Her Creation!

About two weeks ago we featured customizing our Fun Kids Name needlepoint pillow canvas. Much to our surprise this week, at NeedlePaint we received the most beautiful photos of what Paula from Pittsburg, created with not just one, but two canvases with this design!

Paula created this tote for her personal use; featuring her grandchildren’s first names. She is using it to carry around her sewing projects. Take a close look at the front and back of this tote, as Paula has used different colors on each side, not to mention she sewed and finished this tote herself.

Easy Beginner Needlepoint Tote

Grandkids Needlepoint Tote

 

Paula has been sewing since the age of five, and learned from the best . . . . her grandmothers were both creative seamstresses and taught her how to sew doll clothes. She has been sewing her own clothes since she was in the ninth grade, and also loves embroidery, cross-stitch, knitting and crochet.

WOW! I found out this was Paula’s first needlepoint project. She will add needlepoint to her list of crafting, but would like to try a different project next time. “I like trying things I’ve never done before”. 

Grandkids Needlepoint Tote

Colorful Grandkids Needlepoint Tote – Laying Flat

 

A beautiful needlepoint creation Paula; thank you for sharing your truly amazing example of “NeedlePaint inspiration”! 

We love to see what you have been stitching, please feel free to send us your creation photos at: info@needlepaint.com.

 

Great Gift Ideas for Grandparents

Giving is a two way street.  Grandparents give so much, and it is often hard to find the perfect gift for them.  If you’re looking for more ideas (and you probably are if you’re reading this) then we’ve got some really unique ideas!

First, is a Custom Needlepoint Belt (we can do for women or men).  Below is a project we recently made.  Front and center, you guessed it, the grand kids!

Image of Grandparents Custom Needlepoint Belt Featuring the Grandkids

Grandparents Custom Needlepoint Belt Featuring the Grandkids

In case you are wondering, this design also features an X ray of a knee (the recipient is a knee doctor), a family crest, scuba diver (cut off), and on the lower left is a fishing boat (cut off) and an image of their hometown (Sarasota, FL).

If you’re looking for something fun for the home, we have our Grandkids Names Needlepoint Pillow.

Image of Grandkids' Names Needlepoint Pillow

Grandkids’ Names Needlepoint Pillow

If you are looking for a belt totally dedicated to the grand kids, check out the BopPop belt!  We call it Grandpa’s Needlepoint Belt, and it is a totally custom project.  Send up pictures of the kids and Grandpa along with his favorite name, and we’ll help create a new family treasure, sure to be worn at all family events.

Image of Grandpa's Needlepoint Belt

Grandpa’s Needlepoint Belt

If you’re looking for more ideas, or can’t find something perfect anywhere, let us know!  NeedlePaint specializes in designing and creating custom projects and we’d love to help.