Have your Zen moment with Zecca

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

What a week! Politics aside... Mother Nature is showing us who's boss. Hang in there, Texas!!

We need a moment of Zen, and needlepoint from Zecca is just the right place to start.

Karen Hennessey creates a wonderful world of color, design and thoughtfulness. For me, it all began with "Early Bird" (ZE -107).

"Early Bird" by Zecca (ZE-107)
stitch guide by Robin King

I also stitched the "Thistle" (ZE-178) and "Lotus Squared" (ZE-134) ... small designs with lots of techniques to share. Great teachable moments! These commercial stitch guides are available thru your Local/Favorite Needlepoint stores from Zecca.

(Side note: Zecca will attend the Dallas Market on September 9th weekend. It is a Cash & Carry Market; your shop owner can bring some Zecca goodness to you. 😊)

"Early Bird" (ZE-107) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King 

"Thistle" (ZE-178 ) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King

"Lotus Squared" (ZE-134) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King

I have also written many custom stitch guides for Zecca canvases... 19 so far. 😊

• Birds in Paradise 1 (ZE-344A)
• Make Stuff Be Happy (ZE-314)
• Bird Purse (ZE 208)
• Turquoise Paisley (ZE-330)
• Home is Where the Heart Is (ZE-379)
• Molting Season (ZE-280)
• Vested Owl (ZE-318)
• Winter (ZE-103)
• Fall (ZE-99)
• Summer (ZE-98)
• The Librarian (ZE-258)
• Koi Pond (ZE-326)
• Housework (ZE-322)
• Wading (ZE-341)
• Little Family (ZE-256)
• Anu (ZE-282)
• Many Birds (ZE-293)
• Peacock (ZE-262A)
• Don't Pursue Happiness... Create It. (ZE-118)

Here's some of those stitch guides finished. Love it when stitchers send me photos!

"Many Birds" by Zecca (ZE-293)
stitched by Leslie Hanna
stitch guide by Robin King

"Molting Season" by Zecca (ZE-280)
"Wading" by Zecca (ZE-341)
stitched by Alice Gertzman
stitch guides by Robin King

"Vested Owl" by Zecca (ZE-318)
stitched by Jan Stone
stitch guide by Robin King

"Little Family" by Zecca (ZE-256)
stitched by Jane Makowka
stitch guide by Robin King

"Don't Pursue Happiness... Create It." by Zecca (ZE-118)
stitched by Luanne Samson
stitch guide by Robin King

Currently, there could not be a truer message for me than this canvas called "Housework."  😀

"Housework" by Zecca (ZE-322)
stitch guide by Robin King

Last thing to show you is how finishing can enhance one's needlepoint. I finished my "Lotus Squared" canvas into a black lacquered box which was handy for traveling and teaching. Plus, I really like to have useful items, too.

"Lotus Squared" by Zecca (ZE-134)
stitch guide by Robin King

Several years ago, I taught at Ruth Schmuff's shop, Bedecked and Beadazzled. Ruth stitched the same "Lotus Squared" and had hers framed; she does love color.  What a talented lady!

"Lotus Squared" by Zecca (ZE-134)
stitched by Ruth Schmuff
stitch guide by Robin King

Well, that's all for now. Go discover Zecca and find your inner Zen. ☮

Until the next time... HUGS!  Robin

Beading Wrap-up

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Thought I'd wrap up our conversation on Beading. So far we've talked about Stitch Beading and Bricked Beading. Today we will talk about some other Beading techniques you might want to use on your needlepoint.

Let's begin with Messy Beading. I first heard about this from another needlepoint teacher, Julia Snyder. I'd like to show you how I do Messy Beading. The general concept is to add multiple beads at a time per stitch. Permission given to add the Beads in a random fashion; pile them on, if you wish.

When I was stitching this flower on the "Flowers in a Vase" canvas (ND 311),  I wanted a "ring" of beads at the outer edge of the flower center. I was going for a 3D effect and decided to try Messy Beading. I used size 11 Seed Beads and added 3 Beads at a time per stitch. I really liked the look. Thank you, Julia for your endless creativity.

Messy Beading example
"Flowers in a Vase" (ND 311)

Next let's talk about Piggyback Beading. It is when you have one Bead stacked on top of another Bead. The larger Bead is on the bottom and the smaller Bead is on top... going along for the ride.

When I was stitching the "Lotus Squared" canvas by Zecca (ZE 134), I used the Piggyback Beading technique for the Red Dots. I used size 6 Bead for the bottom Bead and size 11 Bead for the top Bead. What a great way to take deal with dots; letting the Beads do all the heavy lifting.

Piggyback Beading example
"Lotus Squared" (Zecca  ZE134)

Next let's talk about String Beading. This technique can have both ends attached to the canvas or one end attached with the other end loose.

I used the "both ends" secured when I laid down a string of Beads on top of a Ribbon for some extra decoration.

String Beading - secured example
"Lotus Squared" (Zecca  ZE134)

I used the "one end" secured when I made a Tassel with Beads on my "Nutcrackers Christmas Stocking" (Shelly Tribbey CS17). Notice how you can use a combination of Beads (Bugle Beads and Seed Beads).

String Beading - one end secured example
"Nutcrackers Christmas Stocking"
(Shelly Tribbey CS17)

Throw on a Bicone Crystal Bead and call me happy. 😊

Next up: Lasso Beading.  I use the Lasso Beading Technique when there is a single Bead standing all by itself.

Last technique I'd like to mention is the Stacked Beads. This is what I did on the "Sunflower and Berries" (ND 309). You bring the needle up where you want the stack. Add the Beads that make up the stack. Take the needle and thread back down through all Beads (except the top Bead) and give a little tug to make the stack stand up. 

Stacked Beads example
"Sunflower and Berries" (ND 309)

But wait.. there's more. You can add a Bead whenever there is a Tent Stitch. You can use a Bead to attach a Sequin. You can use Beads when making Jessicas. The possibilities are endless.  😊

My last helpful hint is to secure (on the backside of the canvas) the beaded technique before you move to another area. We want to make sure the Beads don't get loose!

Well, that's all for now. Time to see what's for lunch. 

Until the next time... HUGS, Robin

Teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled 2012

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

When last we spoke, I was only 3 hours into describing the last day of TNNA Fall Needlecraft Show. Let's pick up from there...

Approaching the noon hour, my chariot arrived; taking me to the land of Bedecked and Beadazzled. (Big thanks to Missy and Francis.)

It is certainly a magical place. Full of wonderment. And needlepoint, too. I had been invited to teach the Lotus Squared canvas by Zecca (ZE 134) to a full house. Seeing friends from Facebook was fun. I even met Ruth's mother, Bessie. What a jewel.

As with any Ruth Schmuff event, presentation is everything. Look at those awesome gift bags.

Before class, I took some photos of her shop. 

Look at all of those threads!

Yes, the rumors are correct: Lime Green walls and Leopard carpeting adorn her shop. There is even a black Chandelier, too.

Ruth has the most awesome finished models on display.

And, new canvases, too.

If you are into Pinterest, here is your Ruth Schmuff/Bedecked and Beadazzled board... just add lime green and leopard. 

The class was scheduled from 1PM - 4PM. Everyone completed the first stitched Lotus. From there, all they need to do is the Background stitch (Skip Tent), repeat 3 more Lotus designs, and call this project done. Did I mention it is on 13 mesh? Love it.

Ruth also took photos during the class. You can see them on her blog, It's Not Your Grandmother's Needlepoint.

I was also a customer at Bedecked and Beadazzled. What can I say? The lady has good stuff...

Here's some of the new things I brought home:

Snap Trays. I had some but they were already full. Now,  I have more. Gotta love the Snap Trays. (Thanks for the awesome design, Carol.)

Brads. Can't wait to add these to a canvas. So cute. Halloween and Snowflakes. I am an equal holiday fanatic.

More Accoutrement Magnets. All from Ruth's shop. The Bedecked and Beadazzled magnet is nice. Love the Hello Kitty, Elegant Kitty and the Butterfly, too.

Sequins from The Collection. I hadn't seen these, and let me tell you, when you need a little bling, these are good to have on hand. Need to enhance your stash? Just give Ruth/Bedecked and Beadazzled a call.

After class, it was my last supper of Baltimore Crab Cakes. OMG, are they so good! (And, having picked hard-shelled crabs the night before, I really appreciate them now.) But actually, it is also the company which brings them to the next level of superb-ness. New word? Go ahead and use it. 

I had the best time during these 4 days in Baltimore. Hope it isn't my last visit. 

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA/Columbus 2012 - wrap up - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home from an exciting TNNA/Columbus Market and teaching at
What's The Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, OH.

Step with me into the Way-Back Machine as I recap this wonderful experience...

Most of my time was spent working in the NeedleDeeva booth. Here is what the
Fab Firs looked like all together. The 6-foot Fab Firs banner was a nice beacon to draw people towards them.

Join the next Retailer's Club by NeedleDeeva
Fab Firs • Stitch Guides by Vicky De Angelis

The new NeedleDeeva designs were well received, too:  13 Christmas Cupcakes,
3 Cats and the Sugar Skulls that I am stitching (stitch guides available).

Can you guess which Skull goes with this preview? They are so much fun to stitch. Bring on the bling!

NeedleDeeva
0453-C • Stitch Guide by Robin King

I finally took the time to walk the floor and visit friends/designers. How exciting is it to call them by their first names... and, for them to know mine! Here are some of the new canvases which caught my eye at the Maggie Co / Ewe & Eye booths. I love anything mid-century modern so these really spoke to me.

Maggie Co
Blue Bird •  M-1488
In the Pink •  M-1487

Maggie Co
Mod Holiday Dove • M-1597

You know I had to include a cat canvas...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 391KB • Brown Cat

and my usual and customary fondness for anything Santa...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 390KB • Fat Santa

and Pumpkins, too...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 373KB • Pumpkin in Vase

I really enjoyed seeing the artwork by Lisa Krause from Deuxbijouxbijoux. Lisa lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jim, and designs hand-painted frames to coordinate with the Maggie Co and Ewe & Eye canvases. Just look at this frame for Sheep Quilt. I love it. Your local needlepoint shop can order these.

Hand-painted Frame by Lisa Krause
EWE-359 • Sheep Quilt

The class I taught at TNNA (Lotus Squared • ZE 134 by Zecca) for the shop owners was a success. Originally, I was told there were 10 who signed up... and then 14... and finally 15. How exciting to see all of their faces. Shop owners from Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Minnesota, Baltimore, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Hawaii were in attendance.

One of those dry eraser boards was brought in for my demonstrations and illustrations. A picture is worth 1,000 words, right?

Early plans were also made with some designers and shop owners for future stitching and teaching events. I will keep you in the loop as those materialize. Perhaps you could join me? Here's the schedule for the next upcoming markets. Whew! Who knew the needlepoint industry worked at such a fast pace?

On Monday afternoon, the Market came to an end... and it was time to pack up the NeedleDeeva booth. Soon after that, I was whisked away for my teaching of the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) canvas at What's The Point? Needlepoint.

Sounds like a good stopping point for now. Next time we will pick up from here...  Until then...

Hugs, Robin

Have Teaching Manual - Will Travel

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Happy Father's Day to all reading this blog. I credit my dad for many of my creative talents. Sure do miss him.

This week is the "gotta get it done" week because I will be heading to Columbus, Ohio to teach the Lotus Squared class at TNNA, work the NeedleDeeva booth, and then to teach at What's the Point? Needlepoint shop in Dublin, OH. Exciting times are ahead, for sure.

Thread Kits for Lotus Squared • Zecca •  ZE 134

The Thread Kits for the Lotus Squared are kitted and ready to travel. All threads for the TNNA class were donated from these following wonderful companies. Be sure to patronize them when possible. Their generosity is greatly appreciated:

• DMC Corp. - Embroidery Floss and DMC Memory Thread
• Gloriana - Silk Ribbon Floss
• Kreinik - Kreinik Braid size 8
• Rainbow Gallery - Flair, Neon Rays, Splendor
• River Silks Ribbon - 4MM
• Wichelt Imports - Mill Hill size 6〫Glass Beads and Antique Glass Beads

Then, I printed and bagged the stitch guides. Zecca did the artwork for the cover sheet. I love her style. There are a few more seats available in the Saturday morning class. If you are a shop owner going to Market, be sure to consider spending 8AM - 10AM with me.

I also made my Lotus Squared Teaching Manual. It is a tradition I do for each teaching event. It is the same text as the stitch guides with large print and one design element printed per page. The charted stitch with a behind-the-scene photo are also printed as a reminder of what I did and when/how I did it.

Each page is then put into a sleeve protector and into a binder which has a place for front cover and binder edge information.

Blog readers who have been with me from the beginning may remember my earlier teaching manuals.

I also have the Sunflower and Berries Teaching Manual ready to go with me because I will be teaching the class at What's the Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, OH right after Market on Tuesday, June 26th.

My collection of Teaching Manuals is a reminder of the commercial stitch guides I have written. Looking forward to more opportunities... beginning in Columbus.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin