Registration opens for the Silver and Pearls Cyber Class

SIlver and Pearls Needlepoint Ornament

This beautiful white and silver ornament combines the art of needlepoint stitches and beading in this intermediate level class.

An ordinary Styrofoam ball becomes a fairy-tale ornament with elegant beaded embellishments.

Stitches include the Brick, 8-Legged Eyelet, Herringbone, Smyrna Cross, Upright Gobelin, and a lovely medallion created with Oblong Crosses. Additionally, the student will use specialty fibers such as RibbonFloss and metallics – both ribbon and Kreinik braids. Beads include 3mm faux pearls, mirror-lined bugle beads, and faux crystal teardrops. As a final bonus, the student will learn how to create this enchanting round ornament from a flat, stitched piece of fabric and top it off with a fluffy bow.

Students will be guided through the step-by-step process of stitching the canvas, adding beaded embellishments, placing the canvas on the Styrofoam ball, and creating the wonderful bow on top, with the aid of very detailed diagrams and instructions.

A list of materials needed to stitch this piece will be provided after sign up.

6 Lessons

Full Kit available as Optional Purchase

REGISTRATION CLOSES: FEBRUARY 12, 2012

FIRST CLASS BEGINS: MARCH 19, 2012

Sign up here: http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/classes-by-sandy-arthur/silver-and-pearl-ornament

Just finished 4 wonderful days playing at Designers Desk in Geneva, IL.

Here Pat Delp gets close and personal with Al Capone at his hideaway restaurant while I look on.

Pat, Sandy and... Al Capone and Unidentified Bar Cutie!

While there, I had a wonderful surprise as I was signing books.  My great friend, Joanne Colandrea, stopped in to say hello.

Sandy Arthur and Joanne Colandrea

Great week for me.

Stitch with a Smile!

Sandy Arthur

Apple App – Shapes of Needlepoint Series 2 Now AVAILABLE!

Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II has found its way to the Apple App store! (Check it out – there is a direct link on the right-hand side of our webpage.)

We are so excited to introduce the newest in the series of Shapes of Needlepoint as our second Apple App.

Like its predecessor (Series I), Series II is indexed by shape (diamonds, hearts, octagons and stars), thread count and stitch name.  The app follows the same setup as the hard copy of the book Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II.

There is an Apple App page for each printed page of the book.  Those pages that have multiple diagrams are broken down in the Apple App as individual pages, such as 2, 2a, 2b, etc.

To purchase Shapes of Needlepoint Series 2 App, please click here!

The Shapes II Apple App is a fantastic mobile method of carrying around your reference books for those out-of-town trips. While nothing can replace the delight of sitting home thumbing through a hard copy of your favorite book, the app allows you to take the knowledge with you without the added expense of weight to your luggage.

Shapes of Needlepoint – Series 2

Apple App Series II, like the book, follows Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II, Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons, and Stars. It, too, has indices by shape, thread count and name. Each diagram is on an individual page, clearly numbered and additional text where needed to clarify unique processes.

Apple App Series II is scheduled for release on October 1, 2011. Don’t miss the excitement. Follow along as we await that magic day!

 

The Apple App is downloadable on the iPhone, iPod and the iPad (where I use mine) and the iPad2. The diagrams are large and clearly marked.

Be sure to download your copy of this wonderful app for only $10.99.  Also checkout Series I if you missed it.

To purchase Shapes of Needlepoint Series 2 App, please click here!

Derby Stitchers ANG Chapter Presents Pat Mazu Class

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend a class on finishing taught by Pat Mazu and sponsored by the Derby Stitchers of Louisville, KY.

We had a nice crowd and everyone was enjoying themselves. It seemed that everyone was successful in finishing some things they brought.

I brought some of my Nativity pieces designed by Joan Thomasson and a stitch guide by Debby Powell Franklin. There were picture frames, small stocking ornaments, large stockings, stand ups, pillows, eggs, and on and on.

I think the biggest thrill experienced by many was successful cord making. We made our own cord and rope for the items we brought. We have a wide variety of “tools” from which to choose to make these cords.

The atmosphere and camaraderie was very stimulating. We all got to know each other a little more and enjoyed our meals together and helping each other out with our projects.

Pat is an excellent teacher and if you ever have the opportunity to be a part of one of her classes seize the moment! The chapter has already invited her to return!

Check out the pictures below. There’s one of me with an iron… who knew! LOL

Now, however, I must get back to work and my own class preparations.

Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy

Pat Mazu - Finishing Class - Watching Closely

Pat Mazu - Finishing Class -Demonstration

Pat Mazu - Finishing Class - Sandy Ironing

American Needlepoint Guild 2011 Seminar- A WONDERFUL Stitching Experience

I am home safe and sound from ANG’s National Seminar in San Antonio, TX.  What a great seminar!

The accommodations were first class and the service was wonderful.  The local chapters really rolled out the Texas red carpet and it showed!  Now the weather is another matter, but thank goodness for air conditioning.  Since I taught all week, I didn’t have much time to be outside anyway.

My students were such fun!  To The Beach was colorful and enjoyable.  Some students were definitely turbo stitchers!  It was wonderful seeing each gal develop on the canvas.  We overcame some challenges and had a lot of fun and sharing while doing so.

Mended Heart was a different group of students.  This, too, was a very enjoyable class.  One-day is a lot of fun but so limited in time to share personalities.

I’m looking forward to the other classes for these pieces!  Check out the f2f listing on the drop down menu on the main page.

http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/f2f-needlepoint-classes-with-sandy-arthur

Here are some pictures from my classes.

ANG 2011 Seminar - San Antonio Texas

ANG 2011 Seminar - San Antonio Texas

ANG 2011 Seminar - San Antonio Texas

ANG 2011 Seminar - San Antonio Texas

ANG 2011 Seminar - San Antonio Texas

Sandy’s Shapes of Needlepoint – Series 2

Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II has hit the shops and I do mean hit!  Some barely passed through!

Shapes of Needlepoint - Volume 2 by Sandy Arthur

The success of this second in a series of shapes has been wonderfully received!

Sunday – August 28 from 11:30 to 1:30

Those of you who are attending the ANG national seminar in San Antonio this week will get to see it at the book store.  And they have asked me to be available on Sunday, August 28, from 11:30 to 1:30 pm for visiting and signing books when requested.  So I hope to see you there!

Stitch with a Smile!

Sandy

San Diego American Needlepoint Guild Workshops

Good morning!  What a beautiful morning we have here in central Kentucky today!

I just returned from a wonderful teaching weekend in glorious San Diego/LaJolla, California.  The SD ANG Chapter hosted me and they were delightful!

We had the first class in a gorgeous church.  The lighting was great, there was lots of room – and, even better, there was a kitchen and food!

Diamonds and Rubies Needlepoint Workshop

Diamonds and Rubies was the project for this workshop.  The ladies were stitching this 3-D ornament in their choice of one of three colorways – red, blue or gold.

Once we got past the crescent stitched center of the medallion area, they were fine.  I think there may have been a few choice names for me until we got through that section – lol!  But it was a challenge, they were great stitchers, and they got through it.  It was fun doing something a little more challenging than the basketweave or Scotch stitch.  And the end results were going to be beautiful!

Diamonds and Rubies

Lunch was brought in and they had the biggest sandwiches on land!  I even had a little difficulty with biting into it!  And homemade cookies – oh my gosh – my mouth is still watering from them.  They were soooo scrumptious!

Silver and Pearls Workshop

The next class was held in a home of one of the members.  Now, because I said home, don’t get the wrong idea!  This was a very roomy, long sunroom that overlooked the ocean and the mountains!  It was hard for me to concentrate for wanting to look at the beauty all around.

Silver and Pearls Needlepoint Ornament

Sally was a most gracious hostess and the accommodations were perfect for a chapter workshop.  We did Silver and Pearls ornament at this get together.  It was not quite as challenging as the Diamond and Rubies ornament of the day before. We had such fun and great friendship and sharing all around!

Needless to say, the visit was way to short, but after all, I was working ??? right?  The little time I had there was great – great friends, great food and great scenery – what more could one want?  Can’t wait to go back!

Thanks San Diego Chapter of ANG for your hospitality!

Stitch with a Smile!

Sandy

Sandy’s Report on the TNNA Show, June 2011

Finished FlipSwaps Needlepoint Sandals

Good morning!  It is a beautiful, glorious morning.  We’ve been so busy on the website adding new products such as the FlipSWAPS and Stirling Totes that I am just now getting around to sharing my adventures at TNNA in Columbus, Ohio.

I am always blown away by all the wonderful, new, colorful and exciting new designs offered by the various vendors.  The creativity is so inspiring and invigorating.

This trip, however, was even more great fun for me because I had new stuff to discuss with my peers, friends, new friends, etc.

I had a lovely long, detailed chat with Suzy Murphy (SuZy’s Stitches).  We compared Apple App notes and we thoroughly enjoyed talking with someone who was dealing with the same exact issues and share notes and suggestions.  She informed me that I had just missed Ruth Schmuff , and I am sad that I did not get to visit with her face-to-face also.

Another long visit I had was with Jill Rigoli (Danji Designs).  She is a wonderful cheerleader for my first book and Apple App Shapes of Needlepoint – Series I, and is chomping at the bit for Series II – which is scheduled for release August 15 – just around the corner.  And, of course, I couldn’t resist those wonderful designs posted in her booth.

I got to meet Fay Bullitt from Needle Nook of LaJolla on a more personal basis while in class.  We had lunch together and she is great fun to chat with.  Her friend, Donna, joined her and we discussed such things as human resources, employees, etc.  Just everyday life.  It was a delightful lunch.

I visited briefly with Nandra at Sundance Beads and her mother, Cassie Prescott.  I have the privilege of staying with Cassie in August when I go to San Diego to teach at the chapter annual fundraiser workshop and also at the Chapter for a one-day class.

A quick lunch on Saturday included chatting with Sandy Rodgers, Janet Zigler Casey, Mary Alice Sinton, and Jill Rabius-McGrath.  It was fun talking about upcoming events, past events and what is going on in the industry in general.  How can you not have fun around Janet?

It is always so nice to visit with friends even though it is so, so briefly.  Chatting with shop owners as our paths crossed in the various aisles and booths is always nice too.

However, today I must get back to reality and get to work on kits, exhibits, and pulling weeds.  Somehow those seem to conflict but that’s my life.

Have a great week and stitch with a smile!

Sandy

Got that new pedicure getting ready for the summer sandals?  Well, what better way to show off that pedicure than to slip on a pair of wonderful FlipSWAPS stitched by you?

Finished FlipSwaps Needlepoint Sandals

Check out our wonderful variety of designs.  They stitch up quickly and you can even finish some yourself (depending on the style of shoe you are using as a base.)  We used SwitchFlops and that worked beautifully!

Some designs even have their own downloadable stitch guides available as a separate purchase.

All FlipSWAPS come with button accents to stitch on the center for that little bit of splash!

Go get yours now so that you can have them finished in plenty of time to enjoy the summer fashions!

To see Sandy’s FlipSwaps designs, click here!

Sandy is the Guest in this week’s Podcast from Gone Stitching

Good morning everybody.  Well the sun is shining here in Central Kentucky!  YEAH!  (However, we did have an ugly thunderstorm and hard rain last night, but we won’t dwell on that.)

I was honored to be this weeks guest on Gone Stitching’s weekly needlepoint Blogcast. I had a blast and I hope you will too, while you listen in. And, I have a surprise…

Wanna chance to win a free copy of Shapes of Needlepoint – Series I and a wonderful sturdy, clear vinyl 16″ wide x 14″ high project tote?

Go the the podcast on Gone Stitching’s website (info is on the right side bar)  – here’s the link -

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gone-stitching

and listen to the show for the secret word.  Follow the instructions of how to enter.

They have a new contest weekly, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

This week they interviewed me and last week they interviewed Brett of K’s Creations.

The Gone Stitching Podcasts are a great way to hear about new toys out there for us to add to our stash.

Go get your name in the pot!

Stitch with a Smile!

Sandy