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Archive for the ‘Holiday Gifts’ Category

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!

Give The Gift Of Needlepoint This Mother’s Day!

“Mom’s smiles can brighten any moment,
Mom’s hugs put joy in our days,
Mom’s love will stay with us forever
and touch our lives in precious ways” . . . . 

This year skip the flowers and the candy — stitch a thoughtful gift to show your mom how much you love her today and the other 364 days of the year! These NeedlePaint Mother’s Day Kits will look great finished as a door hanger, a charming ornament, or even perhaps a softly scented sachet. 

Best Mom Ever Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Once upon a memory, someone wiped away a tear.
Held me close and loved me, thank you mother dear.”

Soccer Mom Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“There is no blessing quite so dear, as a mom like you to love year after year.”

Mother Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Of all the special joys in life, the big ones and the small,
a mother’s love and tenderness is the greatest of them all.” 

Number One Mom Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”

Super Mom Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.”

I Love Mom Needlepoint Ornament Kit

“Mom you’ve given me two things. One is roots, the other wings.”

Is your mother the one in the family who loves to stitch?
Give her a needlepoint gift certificate that will lead to hours of enjoyment!

Contact us with any questions that you may have. If you would like to purchase a gift certificate that can be printed out on your home computer, please let us know at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a thoughtful gift for your Mom!

Sweet Valentine Needlepoint Details!

It’s February and we are LOVING our new candy “conversation” heart canvases!
This needlepoint collection is a great way to practice decorative stitches,
without having to work around too much design detail.

We thought you would enjoy this stitched sample, showing the options that are possible with the Be Mine Valentine canvas. We’d love to see this collection finished as a set to use as Valentine ornaments on a garland, or even as a darling door hanger. That’s what we love about needlepoint — endless personal options. 

Please contact us with any questions that you may have,
or if our designer can create a special message for you to stitch,
let us know at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a little something sweet,
for someone special who has capture your heart! 

Love is in the Air With These New Needlepoint Valentine Kits!

Start this year’s Valentine’s Day conversation by stitching a little something sweet, for that special someone who has captured your heart! These fun new Needlepoint kits will look great finished with a box edge for a “real piece of candy” look, or a delightful Valentine door hanger. Each canvas is 5.56” x 5” on 18 mesh canvas. 

Sweet Heart Valentine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
You’ll always be my “Sweet Heart”! 

“Love is fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or
burn down your house, you can never tell.”  — Joan Crawford

Pizza Valentine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
This friendly lighthearted mysterious message, will keep them guessing!

“Lots of people want to ride with you in a limo, but what you want is someone who
will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”  — Oprah Winfrey

Hot Stuff Valentine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
Love is in the air . . . just tell it like it is! 

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get — only with what
you are expecting to give, which is everything.”  — Katharine Hepburn

Love You Valentine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
You know I will always “Love You”! 

 “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous
that you realize just how much you love them.”   — Agatha Christie

Be Mine Valentine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
Love is in the air . . . “Be Mine” dear Valentine!

Feel free to contact us with any questions, 
or if our designers can create a special message for you to stitch, 
let us know at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a little something sweet for your special Valentine!

Welcome to the NeedlePaint Family!

NeedlePaint would like to introduce, an experienced and knowledgable stitcher who joined our family last summer! She helps us out in so many ways: coordinating new projects, patiently answering all of your questions, and still has time in her day to stitch and create some amazing needlepoint projects.

W e l c o m e   C a r o l i n e !

By Caroline Dicken

My mom taught me to needlepoint when I was about 8 years old. She has been stitching since she was a young adult. My paternal grandfather also learned to needlepoint so he had something to do while his wife, my grandmother, was convalescing during her chronic terminal illness in the 1950s. Needless to say, there was a lot of needlepoint in our house growing up! I didn’t really appreciate it until my grandfather passed away—now we have all these handmade pieces to remember him by.

My first canvas was a butterfly… and then I am pretty sure I didn’t stitch again until high school! I was an art major in undergrad but as an adult who is not a professional artist, I have found that needlepoint is just the creative outlet I need to scratch that artistic itch.

Santa's X Mask Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Santa’s X Mask Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

I love making ornaments to commemorate major life events, and what was more major than the crazy year we just had? I love the idea of the masked Santa as a nod to the weirdness that was 2020.

NeedlePaint Santa's X Mask Ornament.1

Ornaments are the perfect projects to play with stitches and fibers. Since they are not really touched and used like a pillow or a belt, the stitches can be longer and don’t need to be quite as durable. Plus, if you end up trying a stitch that you don’t love, it is not a huge area to stitch (or rip out)!

NeedlePaint Santa's X Mask Ornament.2

One of my favorite parts of this design was the shading that our designer Gwynn, included on Santa’s bag, as well as the numerous opportunities to incorporate fun fibers and stitches. On an area with great shading in the printed canvas, I love using an open stitch that allows that to show through. Alternating skip tent is one of my favorite open stitches that also gives a section of canvas texture.

NeedlePaint Santa's X Mask Ornament.3

For Santa’s beard, I wanted to give the field dimension but in a more controlled stitch than the turkey work on the hat’s pompom. By alternating every row with a stitch over a small bamboo skewer, I was able to achieve a fluffy beard worthy of the big guy.

NeedlePaint Santa's X Mask Ornament 4 copy

When doing decorative stitches (especially anything involving French knots), I always stitch on a frame. I have tried several different kinds, but my favorites are the mini stretcher bars (see first photo) from FA Edmunds https://faedmunds.com/needlepoint/.

NeedlePaint Santa's X Mask ornament.5

All finished stitching!

Stitches and fibers I used on this ornament canvas:

Background: Diagonal mosaic stitch in DMC Perle Cotton #5

Santa’s Bag: Alternating skip tent stitch in DMC Perle Cotton #5

Santa’s Glove, Face and Mask: Basketweave in DMC Perle Cotton #5

Presents: Basketweave in DMC Perle Cotton #5 and RG Petite Very Velvet

Bow on Present: Long stitch in Kreinik Gold Braid

Santa’s Suit: Basketweave in Petite Very Velvet

Santa’s Beard: Basketweave alternating stick in Planet Earth Wool

Santa’s Fur Trim: Alternating French knots and basketweave in Vineyard Merino Wool

Pompom: Turkey work (unclipped) in Planet Earth Wool

St. Nick's Delivery Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Fingers crossed, Santa won’t need a mask next Christmas!
St. Nick’s Delivery Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

We’ll be checking in occasionally with Caroline to see what she’s been working on. If you have any questions: on this canvas, about our ornament finishing service, or any project that you may be working on, don’t hesitate to send her an email: info@needlepaint.com.

H a p p y  S t i t c h i n g !

US Travel Rounds — Needlepoint Destination Ornament Collection

At NeedlePaint, we’ve had a great time designing new travel destination ornament needlepoint canvases for you to stitch! Now we would love to share with you, some locations that are a little closer to home. Do you have a favorite travel destination? Let our designers create a custom travel round needlepoint ornament especially for you!

New York Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

New York . . . the big apple!
“I would give the greatest sunset in the world
for one sight of New York’s skyline.” — Ayn Rand

Our New York needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, the city skyline with Freedom Tower,
a taxi and Wall Street sign.

Chicago Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Chicago . . . the windy city!
“I miss everything about Chicago except January and February.” — Gary Cole

Our Chicago needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the city skyline, Willis Tower, the Bean (Cloud Gate), Buckingham Fountain,
Navy Pier, the Water Tower, and a slice of deep dish pizza.

Las Vegas Needlepoint Ornament Canvs

Las Vegas . . . the city of lights!
“Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks — it says goodbye.”
— Frank Sinatra

Our Las Vegas needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the Las Vegas Strip, Luxor Hotel, New York-New York Hotel,
the Flamingo Hotel, Paris Hotel, and Las Vegas sign.

San Francisco Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

San Francisco . . . city by the bay!
“Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart.
You want to linger as long as possible.” — Walter Cronkite

Our San Francisco needlepoint ornament canvas features:
the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, a cable car, Coit Tower,
Fisherman’s Wharf and the view from Fort Point.

New Orleans Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

New Orleans . . . the big easy!
“In New Orleans, culture doesn’t come down from on high,
it bubbles up from the streets.” — Ellis Marsalis

Our New Orleans needlepoint ornament canvas features:
St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, Mardi Gras mask and float,
a po’ boy sandwich and street car.

The ornaments that you have hand stitched, reflecting your family travels, will add great joy to your holiday tree! We will continue to add more travel destination ornaments to our collection. In the meantime, if you have a special destination in mind, our designers would love to create a custom needlepoint ornament canvas for you! We are here to help with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Enjoy exploring your next needlepoint adventure!

NeedlePaint Gift Giving Made Easy!

Even with the best of intentions, holiday shopping can get out of control. The main culprit — lack of time. We’ve found that most people do not plan their holiday gifts 2-3 months in advance. 

Let NeedlePaint simplify your gift list! We can create a digital gift card preview of a finished NeedlePaint product, that you would like to gift. These can be printed out and put into a Christmas card with a note to your recipient saying that their custom needlepoint belt, wallet, flask, card wallet, pillow or key fob is being stitched and will be ready in a few weeks. 

NeedlePaint Digital Gift Card Preview

It normally takes us 3-5 business days to create your preview once your order has been placed. We begin stitching your order, once your design has been approved. We can create a digital gift card preview if you approve your order before December 21st. Quick and easy to print on your home computer, wrap it up, and put it under the tree or in a stocking.

“Stitch your own” Needlepoint canvases are still available for orders placed before December 7th with regular shipping (shipped on December 11th) and orders placed before December 14 available with rush shipping (shipped December 18th). 

 

We can even create a digital gift certificate in any dollar amount
for those who like to stitch their own canvas.

IMG_1929

Let us know how we can help with your gift list at: info@needlepaint.com. 

Check that off of your list!

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!

 

 

Hoop Them Up! NeedlePaint’s DIY Christmas Ornaments

12 Days of Christmas 3%22 ornamentsWritten by Peggy Bond

It’s not basketball season, but time to start planning new decorations for Christmas. At NeedlePaint, our 12 Days of Christmas motifs have been resized to be 3-inch Christmas tree ornaments. And, embroidery hoops are a great way to finish them.

The designs are printed on an 18-point canvas of 2 columns and 6 rows. Each row can be cut and each row of 2 worked individually on a scroll frame or stretcher.  When stitching, cover the grey circular boarder to ensure that there will be no unstitched canvas.

Our previous blogs for the 12-Day blocks have suggestions for a variety of stitches that can be used but I found myself using the Continental stitch because of the small size of the ornaments. 

DIY Christmas Ornament Supplies

Supplies for finishing the ornaments are:

• 3-inch bamboo hoops which are available from several suppliers including JoAnn Fabrics, Etsy, and Amazon and in Europe Cloud Craft.

• Fabric for the back side, preferable felt or felted wool. It is best to use a fabric that does not ravel.

• Padding such as quilt batting or polyester stuffing (optional).

• Strung glitter sequins, ribbon, or similar for hanging the ornament.

• Fabric glue.

Stitched Ornament 

Once stitched, cut the ornaments apart leaving them as squares with at least 1 inch of unfinished canvas around each ornament.  It is tempting to trim the finished canvas into a circle, but having the long corners makes it easier to place  evenly around the inner hoop. 

Before hooping the canvas, use the inside of the inner hoop as a guide to cut padding. The padding will give the ornament some roundness and makes affixing the felt backing easier.

Folding back

 Loosen the screw fastener of the outer hoop as far as possible. Position the canvas over the inner hoop. Then put the outer hoop in place and tighten. Turn over the ornament and fold in the edges of the canvas. I found that steaming the canvas helps make it more pliable when trying to get the edges turned to the backside of the hoop and once it dries, it will hold its shape. 

Finished Oranments

 If you are using padding, place it inside the inner hoop on top of the back of the stitched canvas. Then, trace the hoop on your felt backing and cut it out. Glue the felt backing to the outer hoop’s edge, following the instructions of the glue manufacturer. 

I used strung glitter sequins for hangers. I had originally purchased the sequins to glue to the outer hoop but decided that I like the look of the natural bamboo. One could also stain or paint the outer hoop. Many more options out there. Let your imaginations go wild!

It’s Never To Early To Needlepoint A Custom Christmas Ornament!

Wouldn’t you agree, that the best gifts are those which are handmade and truly from the heart? Yes we know, you have finally finished packing up all of those gorgeous Christmas decorations, and vacuumed up the last of the pine needles. With the help of NeedlePaint.com, it’s never too early to start stitching your handmade ornaments for the next holiday season.

Custom Needlepoint Christmas Ornament     custom needlepoint ornament vacation

Let us design an ornament of your granddaughter or a memory of a special trip you took last year.

We would love to design something especially for you or your loved ones! Our custom needlepoint ornament canvases, are designed with you in mind. Choose any theme: your home, your pets, memories of a special trip, a favorite sport, hobby, or even the cutest little portrait of your granddaughter. The possibilities are endless!

custom needlepoint ornament homes     custom needlepoint beer ornament

Your childhood home, or your husbands favorite beer; the perfect ornament for anyone on your list.

These ornaments are the perfect needlepoint project to keep you entertained this winter; while waiting at the doctors office, or to take along on your next vacation. The perfect size canvas to take with you anywhere!

custom needlepoint ornament trip theme     Needlepoint ornament custom shapes

These two ornaments feature the location of where a very special engagement took place. 

Have fun stitching custom ornaments now!  You will have heartfelt handmade gifts to give to your loved ones next Christmas. These custom canvases also make for the perfect gift to give as an “ornament kit” to tuck into a stocking for someone who loves to needlepoint.

Needlepoint ornament finishing service     Needlepoint Chritmas ornament finishing

We’ll finish your needlepoint canvas into a very special ornament!

Not sure how to finish your custom needlepoint ornament? We’re here to help you with our Christmas Ornament Finishing Service. Send us your completed ornament canvas, and we will finish it with a velvet backing and decorative edging.

No rushing, no hurry, no stress; start your custom needlepoint ornaments today, and when the holidays arrive, you’ll be able to kick back, relax, grab your favorite cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy what the holiday has in store.

Happy Stitching!