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Archive for the ‘Needlepoint Inspiration’ Category

Needlepoint for your Eyeglasses!

Introducing NeedlePaint’s new collection of needlepoint eyeglass case kits! Whether you seek a touch of elegance, a pop of color, or a dash of whimsy, our collection offers a variety of designs to complement your personal style. These cases will not only serve to protect your eyewear, but will also become little miniature works of art.

Garden Tapestry Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Florals playfully dance in this colorful tapestry of flowers,
inspired by the natural forms and curvaceous lines of the Art Nouveau movement.

Bookworm Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Dive into a great book and let the adventure begin,
combine your two loves — needlepoint and reading!

Garden Honey Bee Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Let your personal style shine, and “bee” yourself
by adding the gentle touch of nature to your eyeglasses.

Jacobean Floral Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Sweet fresh floral with delicate dainty color — a Jacobean inspired design!

Rack and Roll Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

It’s time to rack and roll! Be the envy of your opponents
with this colorful design. 

Rock Guitar Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Shaping the sound and culture of rock ‘n’ roll . . .
featuring none other than the legendary electric guitar!

Oriole Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

The Oriole’s rich whistling song, is a sweet reminder that spring is just
around the corner!

Seashell Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

When a seashell catches your eye, it is a treasure to behold! 

Monogram Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Picture your own monogram in a fresh new color palette,
your cheaters never looked so good!

Garnet Spirit Line Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Artistic traditions and the unique beauty of timeless Southwestern style!

Mahjong Sapphire Needlepoint Eyeglass Case Kit

Mahjong celebration!
This detailed graphic celebrates a time honored tradition.

Find these kits and more in our Eyeglasses product category!
We love to help with all of your needlepoint needs, please 
contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Create a fun new needlepoint home for your specs, cheaters or sunnies!  

Category:

NeedlePaint Collections, NeedlePaint Inspiration, Needlepoint Eyeglass Case, Needlepoint Inspiration, small needlepoint

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Needlepoint Treasure Trees

By Peggy Bond

The Treasure Trees grew from my desire to add something to my Christmas gingerbread house display. I already had Santa’s New Ride, but the mantel had more room. Now we have three dimensional needlepoint kits, featuring our Small Treasure Trees in and Large Treasure Trees!

Trees are created using 4 needlepoint isosceles triangles that form a pyramid. A tree could be assembled by sewing the sides of the triangles together and filling with polyester stuffing in a manner similar to the construction of Santa’s New Ride, but I wanted the trees to be like the Gingerbread house, something that opened and could contain Christmas surprises – Treasure Trees.

Elements for assembly are:

  • Lightweight cardboard to keep the tree rigid – 4 triangles to match the needlepointed canvases and a square the size of the base of a triangle.
  • Lightweight cotton fabric: one piece (the lining) twice the height of the triangles plus 2 inches and 4 times the base of the triangle plus 2 inches and a second 1-1/2 inch larger than the cardboard square.
  • Felt or cork square the same sizes as the cardboard square for the base of the tree.
  • 4 rings and cording for the trim and tie.

Trim the tree triangle leaving 3/8-inch edge which are turned under and steamed in place. Points will require additional trimming so that blank canvas is not visible. Fold the cotton lining piece in half along the length and press. Open the lining flat. Working from the center, position the tree on the lower half of the lining with tops at the fold crease. The bases of the trees should not overlap. Allow space for the cording trim as well. 

Sew by hand or machine the cording and trees in place through only one layer of the lining. Fold the lining to sew the edges together, making sure the bases of the two outer tree triangles match. Trim the seam to ¼ inch and press open. There will be a tube. Turn over the half tube that does have the triangles so that the raw edges match. Trees will be inside with their tips with slip rings reaching above the fold. 

Top view of edge stitching

Cover the cardboard square with cotton square gluing or lacing the raw edges on the backside. This will be the inside base of the tree. Miter folds at the base of triangles to form a box and whip stitch. Insert the covered cardboard square. Glue a square of felt or cork to the base of the tree and string cord through rings. 

Your Treasure Tree is done!

Treasure Trees can come in any size. Shown in the photos here are the small 2-1/2 inch tree which could hold very special surprise and hang on the Christmas tree and a larger 5 inch tree is much more a mantle decoration and can hold surprises and/or candy treats.

When Christmas is over, they can stack together like nested Russian doll or hop into the Gingerbread house with Santa for safe keeping.

Stitch something unique this holiday season!

Category:

Christmas Decorations, How to finish Needlepoint, Needlepoint Holiday ornament, Needlepoint Inspiration, Three dimensional needlepoint

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Magnificent Mahjong Needlepoint Kits

With a combination of strategy, skill, and a touch of luck, Mahjong holds an enduring fascination for players around the world. Be the envy of your fellow opponents after stitching one of these intricate needlepoint designs from NeedlePaint’s Mahjong Collection! 

Mahjong Sapphire Tile Bag Needlepoint Kit

These tile bag kits measure 16″ x 7″ on 14 mesh canvas,
and can be personalized with your name!

Mahjong Rose Tile Bag Needlepoint Kit

Mahjong designs are a unique blend of artistic expression and cultural heritage. Using classic Chinese characters and symbols, you’ll find each tile looks like a little miniature work of art.

Love Mahjong Needlepoint Coaster or Ornament Kit

Our coaster and ornament kits are a 4.22″ circle on 18 mesh canvas.
Fun to stitch and finish as a coaster to enjoy while playing the game,
or as an ornament for your holiday tree.

Mahjong Sapphire Card Bag Needlepoint Kit

These card bag kits measure 6″ x 4″ on 18 mesh canvas,
and can be personalized with your monogram or initials.

Mahjong Rose Card Bag Needlepoint Kit

Mahjong Meeting Needlepoint Coaster or Ornament Kit

Mahjong designs use detailed geometric patterns which serve as a reminder
of the game’s strategic and mathematical aspects.

Mahjong Sapphire Needlepoint Belt Kit

Mahjong Rose Needlepoint Belt Kit

Rack And Roll Needlepoint Coaster or Ornament Kit

Mahjong symbols use iconic imagery including elements like a dragon, winds, seasons and flowers. Each image is carefully designed to evoke the cultural richness and mystic of Mahjong.

Mahjong Sapphire Needlepoint Key Fob Kit

Mahjong Rose Needlepoint Key Fob Kit

The color palettes used in Mahjong are rich and harmonious,
capturing the vibrancy of the Chinese culture and the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Dot Crack Bam Needlepoint Coaster or Ornament Kit

We think you will find these detailed needlepoint designs capture the
essence of the traditional Chinese tile-based game of Mahjong!

Let us help with any of your needlepoint needs, please 
contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch, Enjoy, Play!

Category:

Christmas Decorations, Christmas Mantle, Christmas Ornaments, Custom needlepoint, Mahjong Needlepoint, NeedlePaint Collections, Needlepoint Inspiration

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New Garden Fairy Birth month Needlepoint Kits Are Blooming With Fun!

Playful garden fairies daintily dance amongst the blooms, choosing the one perfect flower which is as unique as the month it represents. Much like a birthstone, floral blossoms are a wonderful new way to celebrate a special occasion or event, especially a birthday! Each NeedlePaint canvas from our Garden Fairy Collection is 4″ x 5.5″ on 18 mesh canvas, and can be personalized instead of using the flower name.

January Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Confident curious carnations!

February Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Vibrant vivid violets! 

March Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Delicate demure daffodils!

April Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Delightful dreamy daisies!

May Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Lovely little lily of the valley!

June Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Rich romantic roses! 

July Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Lovely lighthearted larkspur! 

August Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Glorious gorgeous gladiolas! 

September Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Awesome autumn asters!

October Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Very gold, marigolds!

November Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Merry magnificent mums! 

December Garden Fairy Needlepoint Kit

Heavenly heartwarming holly! 

Please feel free to contact with any questions
you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch the gift of a needlepoint bouquet!

Category:

Birthday flower needlepoint, Children's needlepoint, Garden Fairy Needlepoint, needlepoint door hanger, Needlepoint Inspiration, Women's Needlepoint Kits

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Pulled Yarn Stitches with a Silver Lining

Written by Peggy Bond

After my first foray into pulled yarn stitching, I was anxious to try one with color. Using the combination of the pulled yarn star and traditional reversed scotch stitches, I created a two-colored background that lets the silver lining of the I Love Mom ornament shine through.

I stitched the heart, “I Mom”, and background between the letters and image with the continental stitch before starting the pulled yarn star/reversed scotch background. 

Stitched Canvas

Each reversed scotch block and pulled yarn star is 8 horizontal by 8 vertical threads. The reversed scotch blocks should be completed before the pulled yarn stars, particularly if the canvas is not on a stretcher.

By starting the reserved scotch blocks at the center top of the canvas and working diagonally downward as shown above the location of a diagonal row of stars is created. For this ornament, the stars alternate with the scotch blocks, but they can also be randomly positioned. It is important that the stars be worked from the center outward. Since the stars are a different color than the scotch block, each was work independently and ends tied off and hidden so that they are not seen.

Reversed scotch block

So now the background lining! The ornament has only three colors. I did not like the idea of using black. Nether white nor red would show off the holes for the pulled yarn stars. Maybe gold or silver? I tested a silver lining of aluminum foil. I liked how it looked. I went looking for fabric and found stretch satin silver fabric at my local fabric store.

Satin Silver Fabric

To finish the ornament, I used red felt for the backing, quilt batting for padding, a cardboard stiffener, and silver braid for trim and hanger.

Ornament elements

My two pulled yard projects have been done on 18-point canvases and now I am ready for something bigger and maybe better….

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

Category:

How to finish Needlepoint, needlepoint door hanger, Needlepoint Inspiration, needlepoint stitches, Needlepoint thread and canvas

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New Winnie the Pooh Needlepoint Collection!

Enjoy stitching one of our new kids NeedlePaint kits! Featuring designs inspired by the adorable insights and amusing thoughts of Winnie the Pooh and his friends, from the classic storybook author A.A. Milne. Our Winnie the Pooh needlepoint kits feature: holiday ornaments, stockings, pillows, and even door hangers for your sleeping baby’s room!

Pooh’s Honey Pot Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

Winnie the Pooh quietly sits with his honey pot, and wants to
remind your household that Shhh . . . . there is a baby sleeping!

Winnie The Pooh Blue Needlepoint Pillow Kit

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” 

Winnie The Pooh Pink Needlepoint Pillow Kit

“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” 

Winnie The Pooh Blue Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“I am short, fat, and proud of that.”

Winnie The Pooh’s Taste Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“I wasn’t going to eat it, I was just going to taste it.” 

Pooh’s Christmas Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

Oh Bother Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Oh Bother. Think it over, think it under!”

Butterfly Friend Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words
but rather short, easy words like  — what about lunch?”

Friends Forever Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“We will be friends until forever, just you wait and see.”

Silly Old Bear Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Silly old bear, we didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.”

Winnie The Pooh’s Honey Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“I did mean a little larger small helping.” 

Winter Hush Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.”

Balloon Friends Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Nobody can be un-cheered with a balloon.” 

Christmas Joy Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” 

Winnie The Pooh Pink Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“I wonder how many wishes a star can give.”

Pooh’s Holiday Mini Stocking Needlepoint Kit

“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.” 

Pooh’s Adventure Mini Stocking Needlepoint Kit

“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.”  

Winnie The Pooh Joy Needlepoint Stocking Kit

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

Pooh’s Journey Needlepoint Stocking Kit

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day.” 

Pooh’s Butterfly Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit

“The most important thing is, even when we’re apart . . . I’ll always be with you.”

A needlepoint collection that reflects the personality within all of us:
silly, creative, humble, wise, cautious and full of life!

We would love to help with any of your needlepoint needs,
feel free to contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a childhood favorite!

Category:

Kids needlepoint pillow kits, Needle Point Kits, NeedlePaint Inspiration, needlepoint animals, Needlepoint Inspiration, needlepoint ornament, needlepoint pillow kits, Needlepoint Pillows, Needlepoint Stockings, Personalized Needlepoint

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Give Pulled Yarn Stitching a Try

Written by Peggy Bond

Pulled yarn stitches are often overlooked for needlepointing canvases because they do not fully cover the canvas. However, they can be used with conventional stitches and have some advantages as backgrounds. Firstly, they can be worked up quickly and secondly, they are lacy allowing a differently colored backing to show through.   

This Be Mine Valentine needlepoint ornament kit finished as a door hanger, has a pink felt backing that gives the background behind the heart, the look of checked gingham.
Up close, this is not the case.

When working pulled yarn, it is important to keep consistent tension or pull. This is what creates the pattern. The best pulled yarn stitches have equilateral pull which minimizes distortion.

The 4-sided over 3 pattern shown here is a good example. Notice the direction of the stitches:

1 – left to right

2 – bottom left to top

3 – bottom right to top

4 – bottom left to right

The back will show a large cross stitch (X) as shown above.

My original idea for this project was to back the canvas the same felt as used for the frame. The red felt did not show through. However, the bright pink felt showed well and tied the red and pink of the heart together. Below is a photo of the four layers that used for the hanger.

This project was stitched with white thread on white canvas and had a hot pink backing. Alternatively, it could be done with red thread on the white canvas and a white or sparkling backing. There are many options, and the only caution would be not to try pulled yarn stitches on a printed background. Pulling the stitches will expose the white of the unprinted canvas.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

Category:

How to finish Needlepoint, needlepoint door hanger, Needlepoint Inspiration, needlepoint stitches, Needlepoint thread and canvas

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Fabergé Egg Inspired Needlepoint Kits

Welcome in the spring season this Easter by stitching a Fabergé inspired decorative egg from NeedlePaint’s Easter Collection, and start your own tradition of gifting a needlepoint egg ornament every year. These needlepoint designs are perfect for special stitches, extra embellishment and small delicate details.

Imperial Daisy Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These dainty daisies express sunshine, new beginnings and purity. 

It all began when Tsar Alexander III of Russia commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to create a jeweled egg as an easter gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. What started out as a one time order, began an annual tradition that his son Tsar Nicolas II, would continue until the end of the House of Romanovs’ at the outbreak of the Russian revolution in 1917. 

Imperial Tulip Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These dainty daisies express sunshine, new beginnings and purity. 

Fabergé completed a total of 50 eggs for the royal family, 43 of which are accounted for today. 

Imperial Ruby Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
The inherent beauty of these red luscious rubies express power and wisdom.

After the first egg was created, Fabergé was given complete creative control for each design, with the details kept secret, even from the Tsar, until the unveiling. Faberge oversaw the production of each egg, as they were crafted by teams of jewelers, metalsmiths, designers, and other specialists.

Imperial Renaissance Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
Inspired by the last Fabergé egg which was gifted to Empress Maria Feodorovna from Alexander III, this design resembles an oval agate casket which was created by the Dutch Master Le Roy.

Although the eggs were made of precious materials, their value lay not in the cost of the particular jewels or metals used but in the inventiveness and skills the artists brought to each one. Many of the eggs, contained a hidden treasure, a small piece of art as detailed and intricate as the egg itself. 

Imperial Sapphire Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
These serene sapphires express nobility and honesty.

When the Bolsheviks took St. Petersburg, they seized the eggs selling some of them and holding onto others. Each egg has gone on its own journey. 

Imperial Lily Easter Egg Needlepoint Kit
This design was inspired by the Lilies of the Valley Fabergé egg which was gifted to Empress Alexandra. The Art Nouveau egg contained a surprise inside featuring a portrait of her husband, Tsar Nicolas II and their two oldest daughters.

Stitch a special egg ornament canvas from our Easter Collection, or if we can design something special just for you, please let us know, at: info@needlepaint.com

Wishing you a spring full of new beginnings — and many colorful skeins of thread!

Category:

Easter Decorations, Easter Holiday Needlepoint, Easter Needlepoint Kits, Faberge Egg needlepoint, Needlepoint Inspiration

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Treasure A National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit!

Rest, relax, explore, and needlepoint!

Create a keepsake NeedlePaint National Parks ornament kit, which will be as unique as the national treasure your family has explored together. We have designed a National Parks Needlepoint Ornament Collection just for you. Stitch one or stitch them all, this year’s Christmas tree will look fabulous!

Yellowstone National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Our nation’s first national park — Yellowstone National Park, is home to bison, grizzly bears, wolves and many endangered species. With plenty of fragile geysers such as Old Faithful, hot springs, mudpots and travertine terraces. This park is truly a national treasure! 

Grand Teton National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Wyomings most notable landmark features the prominent peaks of Grand Teton National Park. Visible from many miles away, this mountain range may be one of the youngest in North America, but the rocks of this national treasure are some of the oldest in the continent.

Grand Canyon National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

One of our most well known national parks, the Grand Canyon was the ancestral homeland to eleven American tribes, and is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The scenic beauty of these steep sided canyons, are one of the most extraordinary examples of erosion anywhere in the world.

Zion National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Utah’s Zion National Park, has massive redstone cliffs in a spectacular array of colors, offering incredible views, plenty of outdoor adventure, and guests can follow the paths where native people and pioneers once walked.

Yosemite National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Giant sequoias, deep valleys, soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife are the pride and joy of California’s Yosemite National Park. This national treasure is a popular favorite travel destination. 

Everglades National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Florida’s Everglades National Park, is the largest tropical wilderness in the US, and a habitat for numerous and endangered species including: the manatee, American crocodile, Florida panther, numerous bird and fish species. This was one of the first national parks that was created to protect a fragile ecosystem. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

With beautiful ancient mountains and a magical smoky haze, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in southeastern United States with areas in Tennessee and North Carolina. The most visited of all the national parks, one can see why with all the canopies of old growth forest, abundant wildflowers, wildlife and 70 miles of the well known Appalachian Trail.

Acadia National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Located along the mid-section of the Maine coast, you will find the crown jewel — Acadia National Park! With expansive views of the ocean, pine forests and island lakes; this area features an abundance of wildlife, historic motor and carriage roads, hiking trails and plenty of cultural heritage.

If you have a favorite travel destination,
our designers would love to create a
custom vacation needlepoint ornament kit just for you!
We are here to help with any question that you may have at:
info@needlepaint.com

Create treasured memories, one stitch at a time!

Category:

Christmas Decorations, Christmas Gifts, Christmas Ornaments, Holiday Gifts, Needlepoint Holiday ornament, Needlepoint Inspiration

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Egg-cellent Self-Finishing Needlepoint for Spring!

Explore our Chinoiserie Inspired Egg Canvases and an Easy Self-Finishing Technique

This Spring we are loving the combination of the classic Easter egg with blue and white chinoiserie!

We have several options from which to choose.  These needlepoint egg canvases are beautiful by themselves or stitched as a collection.

One of our favorite quick needlepoint self-finishing options is framing.  This is such a simple process.

First we stitch the main portion of our design.  Then we purchased a frame with a pre-cut mat at our local hobby shop. Open the back of the frame and remove the mat.  Place it on top of your stitched ornament upside down so you don’t accidentally put a mark on the front.

Carefully mark all four corners of the inside of the mat board on the canvas. Remove the mat board and now you can see the area you will need to fill with your background stitch.  Select a color and stitch you like and complete your project. We used Nobuko stitch and DMC Perle Cotton 5 in 906 for a grass-like look.

If you did not stitch on stretcher bars you might need to block your canvas to get it straight before framing.  Cut a piece of art board or mat board to fit inside the frame.  If you don’t want to measure you can pop out the glass and trace it.  Trim your completed canvas with an inch border around the stitched area.  Using acid free art tape, affix the canvas to the art board by taping the unstitched border of the canvas to the art board.  Use a little tension to make sure the canvas will lay flat. Reassemble your frame with the mat and now you have a beautiful framed piece of needlepoint art for your home!

SHOP OUR ENTIRE EASTER COLLECTION

Happy Spring and Happy Stitching!

Category:

Easter Decorations, Easter Holiday Needlepoint, Easter Needlepoint Kits, How to finish Needlepoint, NeedlePaint Collections, NeedlePaint Inspiration, Needlepoint, Needlepoint Inspiration, Self Finishing Needlepoint

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