Do you like to needlepoint? I have tried knitting but that’s too hard. I like to crochet, but it is a little boring. Needlepoint is much more fun to me, it’s kinda like coloring in a coloring book with thread instead of crayons!
This bunny pillow started out as a sketch
which was inspired by a glass
and a platter
You can buy kits at the hobby stores, with everything you need, but I was interested in more custom creations. I decided to figure out how to paint those pricey original needlepoint canvases myself. Let me guide you through this simple process.
Find a picture or design that you like and do some rough sketches. Your inspiration photo doesn’t have to be in the colors you like, you’re the designer now, you can make it anyway you want!
After you have a sketch you like, draw it to the size you want, 8″ x 10,” 11″ x 14,” or whatever. You can use regular paper or graph paper, as shown above with the bunny, to help get your design centered and proportioned. Next, color it in with markers.
You can even use tracing paper, so you can trace parts of your design from your photo or photos. Please don’t totally STEAL art work or design, use it for inspiration, change it to your style and give the artist credit by name. The mermaid was folded in my files, sorry she’s crinkled!
Tape your sketch down and then place your needlepoint canvas over drawing and tape in place. I use 13 gauge needlepoint canvas because it’s much easier to see and work with than the smaller gauges. My designs are simple so they transfer well into blocks of color.
You’ll need an archival ink marker to draw with. These are available in art stores, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon.com. Use the marker to carefully draw the design onto your canvas. NOTE: You can use a pencil but it can smear so use a hard lead. After painting try to remove as much pencil as possible to prevent soiling your thread.
You can see some of the drawn lines here in the yellow hair, parts of the face and dress.
Next carefully paint your canvas. Using acrylic paint, lightly fill in the appropriate color in each area, taking care not to fill any of the grid holes with paint. Use a stiff brush, and do not over saturate it with paint. You want to just color the top of the grid. Acrylic dries quickly, you’ll be stitching in no time!
You can jazz it up your piece with fancy threads, stitches and finishing techniques, the possibilities are endless. It’s slow going, so if you start a bunny today, he probably won’t be done until Easter 2014! It’s tons of fun though, and very relaxing. There is something soothing to me about the slow repetitive process…
As I stitched I experimented with different textures by using different stitches. Some french knots in the bunny’s tail and some fuzzy yarn on part of the bunny’s back created some interest,
and some long straight stitches in a glossy ribbon thread to create the grass
and some carrots with a curly top lined the edges for a fanciful touch.
Wendy witch was the inspiration for the witch pillow.
She’s a sweet, innocent witch known for her very unmanageble curls!
I didn’t use any fancy stitches on Wendy, just a little silver sparkle ribbon thread for the moon and her buckles. Some gold thread makes the Jack o’lantern glow.
This is “Holly Day Stress,” she has the same unruly hairdo as Wendy,
she is the ultimate super stressed out holiday shopper!
She got some silver bells and buckles to along with fuzzy fur trim on her hat and dress.
The Merry Mermaid swam onto a turquoise velvet “sea.”
I am in the process of making seasonal pillows from some of my favorite glassware painted designs, as well as making Christmas stockings for my grandchildren. It’s a great hobby for trips to the beach.
There are lots of FREE PRINTABLE NEEDLEPOINT DESIGNS available on line. Barbara Bergsten Designs has tons of stitch guides, printable designs and tips. You can easily create your own handpainted canvas using one of her cute designs as a guide.
You can buy needlepoint canvas at your local craft store, but I recommend you see if it’s available by the yard at a needlepoint specialty shop, they will have a higher quality canvas.
Visit a specialty store to discuss thread options. My favorite is a silk blend thread because it is so easy to work with. You will need a more durable yarn for items that will get a lot of use, so make decisions wisely and seek professional opinions.
Using a frame will keep your needlepoint straight while you’re stitching and you won’t have to block it as much when it’s finished.
NOTE: I did have these pillows professionally finished.
Thanks so much for your visit, do you enjoy knitting, needlepoint or crochet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these time honored hobbies!
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The designs, pillows and glassware are my original designs from my former business JMdesigns
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I’m joining some of these great parties this week:
the Tablescaper for SEASONAL SUNDAY
Between Naps on the Porch for METAMORPHIS MONDAY & TABLESCAPE THURSDAY
Stone Gable for ON THE MENU MONDAY and TUTORIALS, TIPS & TIDBITS THURSDAY
The Gunny Sack for WHAT’S IN THE GUNNY SACK?
Memories by the Mile for TUESDAY TRIVIA
Savvy Southern Style for WOW US WEDNESDAY
Cuisine Kathleen for LET’S DISH
Rattlebridge Farms for FOODIE FRIDAY
Alderberry Hill for MAKE THE SCENE MONDAY
The Dedicated House for MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY
No Minimalist Here for OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY
the Answer is Chocolate for BFF OPEN HOUSE
The Busy Bee’s for THURSDAY BLOG HOP
Crafts ala mode for WHAT TO DO WEEKENDS
check out these amazing blogs!