ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS SCHEDULE  

2016

      

I can't believe it is already 2016.  Classes in 2015 were so fun and what wonderful new friends we made along the way.There is so much to look forward to this year! I am so fortunate to have such beautiful projects to share with you this coming year.  And, as always, I'm very excited.  Of course, if I'm not excited about it I won't be doing it.  So, what ya' say we just jump right in!

I am posting this schedule so that those who have interest can watch for trunk shows, special sales, etc. since so many post on the Internet and give easy access. The sooner you have your canvas the better off you will be - no stress!

Also, you can register at any time for any of the classes by emailing me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Registering merely places you on the notification list for advising that invoices will be forwarded.   Invoices are sent out a month before the class starts. (You may also request to be invoiced earlier to adjust to your budget.)

mid-January - Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories - Brenda Stofft

Yes, it is actually almost time to start!  It is such a fun canvas. The first lesson is ready to share with you and it will get you off to a great start for the new year.  Eggs have been distributed! What better way to start the New Year than with a happy, colorful project that you are sharing with friends?

mid-February - S.O.S. in Cyberspace

This is our second online embellishment class. The first went so well that we decided to continue and do it again.  The quality of canvases covered in this class is amazing!  It is wonderful.  This class is limited in size and filling fast.  This is the only class that is $200 for a 6-session packet. For complete details on this fun class, scroll waaaaayyyy down (July 27 initial posting) and there is a blow-by-blow description of how it works. To register email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

mid-March - Thanksgiving Critters - Melissa Shirley

I choose to call this Autumn Critters because it is a beautiful fall/autumnal themed canvas and much more than Thanksgiving. We will have a lot to play with on this project and no one area is overwhelming!  We'll create different furs (wonder if needle felting might be involved some?), padding, weaving, ribbon maybe, beads surely, stump work techniques, we never know.

mid-May - Pillow Collage - the collection  - D-141 Needlepoint of Back Bay

18 ct.  26” x  15”

This project is scheduled to cover a year of time.  It is still a 6-lesson packet for $150 but each lesson will last for a period of 2 months.  Lots to do on this one. This design just oozes with dozens of techniques, thread introduction, beads, etc., etc.  I just know we'll have a ball creating our finished product.  Heck, we'll even paint if you want to!

mid-July - Happy Haunting Grounds - Eye Candy HW-134

This colorful, fun piece - typical Ada - is on 18ct with a design area of approximately 12" x 13".  My cut canvas is 17" x 18".  I was thrilled when Ada asked me to consider featuring this as one of my Mystery Classes.   Oh dear, whatever will we do with this happy thing?  Beads?  Ribbons? Bling? Fantastic threads? Techniques?   We'll just have to wait and see!

mid-September - Robin Wreath - Melissa Prince

18ct mono canvas with a design area of approximately 14" x 14"

I was very excited when Melissa said we could do this as a class.  This is one of a series of wreaths but it is the first one I saw and fell in love with.  I knew it would be perfect for our venue.  Look at all this stuff!  Fruit, nest, eggs, foliage, and a beautiful robin.  It is going to be so fantastic.  I am gathering threads like crazy and anxious to try out my ideas and share them with you!

mid-November - Santa's Reward - DND - D-03

This 12" x 12" design is handpainted on 13ct mono canvas.  This beautiful childhood memory is also available on 18ct canvas.  Please note, however, the class will be conducted on 13 ct.  We will be working shiny ornaments, delicious cookies, furry outfit, wonderful beard, etc.  What delightful memories will be revived while we are stitching this guy! Don't you just want to eat one of those cookies? Beautiful Devon!

mid-January 2017 - Large Easter Rabbit - Brenda Stofft -  B-264

18 ct monocanvas 14" x 16" Design

Okay, I could not resist the tease! This will be such a beautiful companion to our 2016 beginning so decided to make it a 2017 beginning also! Several names are already on the notification list! We will talk about him in more detail later.  Look at the 'stuff'!

As stated earlier, if you would like to be placed on the notification list for any of these classes, simply send me an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Invoices are generally distributed one month before the class starts - however, for those who so desire, we can invoice earlier so you can work magic with your budget.  At invoicing time you will receive an email stating that you have indicated an interest and the invoices will be sent that day (or soon thereafter).  At that time you can advise if you wish to withdraw from class consideration.  If you miss that opportunity (or I didn't see your email) and you receive an invoice, it is just a simple matter to delete the invoice if you want to withdraw.

Classes cover a 6-month time period.  You are invoiced up front for a 6-lesson packet of $150 (with the exception of the embellishment class S.O.S. in Cyberspace which is $200).  Once payment is processed you will receive an invitation to the secret Facebook page.  There you will find helpful memos about various things that I decided to write about - LOL - our FB rules,  the materials list, and meet other members as they are added, etc. 

There are a few shops that I provide contact information for that agreed to work on thread kits for those who desire to have them.  These are some shops where I have taught numerous times and trust their integrity and judgment.  Occasionally, a shop will also offer a special discount if you tell them you are a member of this group - they are members so can readily check to see if you are. (Shops are not allowed to advertise on this FB page - I share whatever pertinent information I discover concerning specials, etc., that relate to our project.) 

So we try to cover as many bases as possible to make this a pleasant experience for you.  What better way to take a class than to forego the travel expenses - flight, hotel, meals - time restrictions, preparation (we can wear our jammies!!!) etc.  Also, you get to interact with others and share their questions and solutions as we go along.  You will find that you will add new friends quickly.  We all share the same uncontrollable passion of the needle arts.

Please consider joining us!  We would love to have you!

May you all have a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2016!

S.O.S. IN CYBERSPACE - an Online Embellishment Class


This new concept has been growing and from Session 1 we are now entering Session 3 and managing to survive and in the middle of our heaviest holiday season too.  We just lubber along (after looking up the definition of this word I had to go down about 5 examples before it fit but somehow that word just popped into my head and I wanted to use it)  at our own pace (almost) but we get it all in.  Some folks are entangled in life - can you imagine that - and can't always post a question right away; other folks have a kazillion questions ready and waiting.  And I approach the issues as I can give them the attention I feel they deserve. Bottom line - if you post 6 questions in the 6-month time span (and they cannot all be posted in month 6-no fair!) then you will get 6 suggestions.

What a delightful time I am having in this class!  I certainly hope my participants are getting as much, hopefully more, from this than I.  I choose to call those attending class as participants because many are far more experienced than I and I need not refer to them as students at this point and in this scenario.   We are not teaching per se we are sharing suggestions and ideas as to how to approach certain areas of beautiful canvases that might be hindering them at the moment and discouraging forward movement. We all come up against a brick wall every now and then and we welcome a different approach to the issue.  We may not always like it or use it but it might trigger yet another possible solution while traveling down the suggested path.

What beautiful canvases we are being exposed to!  Goodness knows there are plenty out there in the marketplace but we are given the opportunity to see some very unique ones that we might not otherwise encounter.  The quality has been superb and I feel very blessed at the caliber  of the designs my participants are sharing. And a great many the wonderful, top notch, designers are represented here as well.  Ones like Leigh Designs, Brenda Stofft, the collection, Melissa Shirley, Peter Ashe, Charley Harper, Raymond Crawford, Liz, oh gosh, I could go on and on.

Look at some of the wonderful areas that I get to analyze:

And we are just scratching the surface here.

This Online Mystery Class - S.O.S. in Cyberspace is not a stitch guide.  It is a class where you pay one fee upfront and ask a question about a specific area (or spot) of your canvas with which you are having some difficulty.  It might be hair, tree, sky, shell, belt, wing, etc.  But, additionally, not only is your problem area addressed, you are privy to the answers of all the other questions presented by those other participants!  Class size is limited  (15 to 20 (haven't decided if I want to make it that large yet - LOL) so potentially you are receiving 15 stitch suggestions each month for a 6 month period.

We are tentatively scheduling the next S.O.S. in Cyberspace class to begin around mid- February 2016.  The unofficial registration is well underway so if you are interested you must let me know as soon as you can so that I can put you on the notification list.  The 6-month lesson packet for this class is $200. Also, current enrollees have first preference until mid-January 2016 then registration will go by first come, first served.

Just thought I'd throw this in while I'm having my coffee and pondering today's stitching.  Let us know if you want to join us for the next S.O.S. in Cyberspace by emailing me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  We'd love to have you join us!

Remember to Stitch with a Smile and I hope 2016 brings you all those wonderful canvases that are your heart's desire - get them!  Life is short!

HOLIDAY SEASON IS DRAWING TO AN END.

Well, it is actually over at our house as we do not celebrate the New Year through the party route. Hubby enjoys sports on the widescreen TV and I get to sit close by and stitch and enjoy the fire whenever weather allows.

Oh gosh, I finished stitching Beijing Butterflies.  I can't wait to share it with you.  It always saddens me when I post the final lesson of an Online Mystery Class.   It is amazing how quickly that 6 month period slips by.  Thankfully there are more waiting in the wings!

Also Cats in A Dinghy is coming along nicely.

Isn't he cute?   Photo is from Lesson 2.  Lesson 3 will be posted in the next couple of weeks.  I can't believe it is also half over!

We are really getting all geared up for the Online Mystery Class of the beautiful Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories by Brenda Stofft.

I understand that all the ordered canvases have been shipped out to the shops so it shouldn't be too much longer until all those participating will have their canvas in hand.  Get them mounted on the stretcher bars!  We will be ready to roll mid-January just a s promised.  He is too cute!  So much to cover and explore!

In the meanwhile, I am preparing to travel and do some f2f teaching at TNNA Winter Market, San Diego and Callaway Seminar in Georgia.  If you are around stop by and introduce yourself.

So, back at it here on the this end - remember to stitch with a smile!

MARKET, ONLINE MYSTERY, CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ! 

I know that we all fall into the trap of stating - there is too much to do - I'm running out of time - there is not enough time - I'm too busy - etc., etc.  Well, the Good Lord only gave us so many hours in a day and it is our personal choice how we use those hours.  It is how we prioritize our lives.  Thankfully I am at a stage in my life where I can honestly say that I am never bored.  There is always something on my plate - even if it means taking a nap (which I am currently learning how to do with fervor!)

Now that my family is away and totally consumed with their lives, I have taken great joy in conducting my Online Mystery Classes.  Those of you who participate cannot imagine how much your participating means to me.  I can truly say that even though we have not met face-to-face (that is beginning to change through my visiting classes), and most of you do not personally know each other, we are developing a strong bond of friendship and love made possible through our shared passion!  While many of you continue to sign up for each new class, we also gather some new members as we go along and we 'suck' them into our wonderful, private world with open arms and encouragement!  All are welcome and we love having new inductees!

I am gathering supplies for the TNNA Winter Market classes to be held in San Diego in January.  So needless to say the dining room table is a mess (well, some excuse is better than none - I will never win the Martha Stewart award for housekeeping - and, know what - I don't care!)  Here's a peek at what your lucky shop owners will have the opportunity to enjoy if they so choose.  Let them know if something interests you and they can order the canvases and stitch guides at Market.

Leigh Designs has a new crown series that will knock your socks off!  Bling is everywhere!  Her model stitchers have gone above and beyond on these guys.  Mine is conservative compared to some of the others. I am somewhat limited to those sponsors that are available and with whom the shops can easily place orders.

I created another new crown darning pattern for this design and it will be in my book of darning stitches.  The stitch guide is also available through your LNS!

A second class is this cute Potting Shed from The Point of it All.

There sure are a bunch of techniques going on in this piece as well.  It too has a stitch guide available. Hyla finished this to hang over the door knob, on the edge of a shelf, or on the wall.  Clever!

And the third class I am teaching is a Brenda Stofft piece.

I believe the last time I checked this class was full.  Your LNS can still order for you, however. It, too has a stitch guide.  There is needle felting covered on this guy!  Lots of fun.

And, lastly, registration is really down to the wire on our Brenda Stofft piece for our next Online Mystery Class - Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories.

The first lesson has been stitched and my fingers are really itching to get on to the second lesson!

If you still want to participate, email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com - NOW.

Our next project Online Mystery Class will be Melissa Shirley's Thanksgiving Critters which will start mid-March 2017.  We are accepting registration interest at this time - class has grown quite large.

This cute fall piece has lots to offer, too, and I know we will get into all kinds of trouble with it!  Hmmm, let's see, 6 lessons, 5 critters and backgrounds - wonder how these lessons will break out? So come join us!  We'd love to have you.  Scroll down through older posts for more complete details.

We are also considering adding another S.O.S. Online Embellishment Class to begin in February.  Notify us if that is of interest to you.

In the meanwhile, from our home to yours we are a Christian family and therefore  Wish you All A Very Merry Christmas!  Enjoy the holidays as you choose to celebrate but know that we are all united in our passion for the needle arts!

In the meanwhile, stitch with a smile!

Sandy

ANOTHER ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS BITES THE DUST!  

It seems we just get started on an Online Mystery Class and boom!  it is over!  We just completed 6 months of fun stitches with colorful eggs and the most adorable little bunny head.

EASTER WREATH is an ABradley canvas and is obtainable through your LNS.  Stitch guide will be available on my website shortly.

We had so many fun techniques using great threads, fabulous embellishments and also needle felting. We covered quite a bit on this little guy!  But now it is time to say goodbye and move on to our next adventure.

As you've seen from previous pictures of EASTER BUNNY WITH MORNING GLORIES

and looking over the previous finished class your mind can be in a whirl visualizing what I am going to conjure up for this 'hip' guy (sorry I couldn't help myself).  Yes, there will be beads.  Yes, there will be ribbons.  Yes there will be ruching.  Yes there will be techniques and threads that are going to be fun and provide enjoyment as we go down this journey together.

Invoices have been sent out for this next class beginning mid-January 2016.  If you think you have enrolled in this class and you have not received an invoice, then I do not have you registered.  Please email me immediately so we can take care of it!  email:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Don't forget to scroll down through older posts to get upcoming class information.

Oh:  I noticed that http://www.fancystitches.com/ is having a 30% sale on canvases so you might want to check and see if any of our upcoming class canvases might be available.

This is a very busy time of year for me and I'm not referring to Christmas festivities.  I am in the process of ordering materials for the TNNA Winter Market classes.  The are going to be great fun too.

Santa and Elf from Brenda Stofft

Potting Shed from The Point of it All

Coronation from Leigh Designs

Your LNS can order any of these canvases at the San Diego Market in January so let them know ahead of time if you want some.

Then a week after that market I am off to Callaway Gardens to teach my three classes so I am busily preparing kits for those:  Pumpkin Spiced Tea; Heloise Hooty and Beading for Needlework.

After that it will be time to kit and ship the Blue Bonnet classes - Pumpkin Spiced Tea and Boston Terrier Cocktail.

Then on to Oklahoma where we will be teaching the Crazy Needles Journey.

Crazy Needles Journey

Okay, I don't want to think any further ahead - I'm getting dizzy.

So, if you are bored and looking for something to do, you can join me in some of my face-to-face classes or/and you are always welcome to participate in our Online Mystery Classes.

Got to go now - spent way too much time typing and not stitching . . . . .

FA LA LA LA LA     LA LA LA LA M . . .

Somewhere along the way we are supposed to stop and prepare for the holidays.  I'm having so much fun that I have difficulty pulling myself away from my canvases that I am playing with to do silly things like trim the tree, etc.  Guess I better do so soon or the holiday season will be over - LOL.  It will be over quickly anyway but I don't want to miss it.

I wanted to take a minute and remind you about my upcoming classes.  The next one open to the general public is at  Callaway Gardens in January and registration for those 3 classes are closed - sorry you missed them.

Next on the list is the Blue Bonnet Retreat which takes place in February- visit bluebonnetstudio.com.
 I am teaching two classes there.  The Pumpkin Spiced Tea is scheduled for February 13 and 14.

This is a 2-day class and involves needle felting with silk roving, bargello, stump work, and lots of interesting techniques.  

The second class is the Boston Terrier Cocktail which is through Ruth Schmuff Designs.

This guy with an attitude is also a 2-day class being taught February 15 and 16.  We will be doing needle felting in this one too and lots of cool techniques using cool threads!

NOTE: The last day to register for Boston Terrier Cocktail is December 10 if you want a canvas to work on in class.  These are hand painted canvases and will not arrive in time for class after that date.  You would need to work on a doodle cloth only if you register after that date.

Go check out the online registration form and come play with us!  It is a beautiful setting and wonderful people attend.  Go to bluebonnetstudio.com and check out the classes and registration details.  We would love to have you join us.

For those of you who cannot travel but still love the idea of classes, we are still accepting registration for our next Online Mystery Class -  Brenda Stofft's Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories.

I was able to provide Brenda with a projected number of class participants and she currently has the canvases available so you will be able to get your canvas in time for class - first lesson scheduled for mid-January 2016.  Remember to ask for that special Christmas gift maybe!

To register:  Send me an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and tell me you want to play with us! Then contact your LNS and get the canvas ordered right away.  We'd love to have you.

Scroll down through older posts to see more details about this and other scheduled Online Mystery Classes!

QUICKIE NOTE:

Saira at Chandail in Houston, TX is giving 20% discounts to students for all my Online Mystery Classes when you purchase the canvas and the threads together - - - - just saying!  Currently there are thread lists out there for Cats in a Dinghy and Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories.  However, I bet you can go ahead and order other canvases and have them held until I get the thread list out!  That means Thanksgiving Critters, Pillow Collage, Happy Haunting Ground, Robin's Wreath,  just to name a couple more.

WoooHoooo.  Look at all this fun!

Sandy

ONE DOWN - ONE TO GO !

Thanksgiving has come and gone for those of us in the U.S. who celebrate.  I fear, however, that the pounds will remain attached to my hips forever!  Next on our list here at Arthur Acres is Christmas.  We are trying to gear up enough energy to start the tree decorating and get things out.  With the years creeping in and family going separate ways we are putting out less and less each year.  I love Christmas decorations but my stamina is blocking some of my enthusiasm.  I do hope, however, that I can get my mantle in shape as I dearly love my fireplace and hubby keeps a fire going for me all the time that the weather permits (which for me is most of the time)!

(If you look really close to the right between the fire screen and the logs and straight down to the bottom of the picture - that is where my feet are propped up with my stitching stand on my left and I'm stitching away!)

But there seems to be no lack of enthusiasm or excitement when it comes to our Online Mystery Classes, commissioned Stitch Guides, and model stitching in general.  I actually begrudge getting tired and sleepy and needing to quit at days end.  I suppose I might be addicted - you think?

Great news for some of you class participants - I understand that ABC Stitch Therapy in Texas has all her canvases, etc., marked at 20% off through December 2.  You might want to check if you do not have your canvas for any of the upcoming classes - she just might have it.   If not, ask if the discount extends to items ordered - I do not know the answer to that but probably not as most sales are for inventory reduction at this time of year - http://www.abcstitch.com.  Tell her you are needing it for a Sandy Arthur class.  She also has most threads that the designs require because I picked up several when I was there a few weeks ago so you could share the materials list with her as well.

Speaking of which - just a quick reminder that the next, upcoming new Online Mystery Class taking registration is the wonderful Brenda Stofft Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories - B-303.

Stitches have been determined, threads have been selected, unique specialty beads are being distributed to those who asked, and actual model stitching is underway.  It is always so exciting to start a new canvas!  Remember I'm an addict!

The invoices for this class have been/are being distributed.  Payment is due December 15, 2015.  The first class is scheduled to begin mid-January 2016 - I can't wait ! ! !

If you think you are signed up for this class and have not received an invoice, contact me right away at email duodesignsinc@yahoo.com as I may not have you listed.

If you still want to sign up for this class, contact me right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  There is still time.

If you have not ordered your canvas now is the time to seriously consider doing so if you want to get it in time for the first lesson - it is very tight time wise at this point and you may have to wait a week or two to start stitching.

If you want more particulars, email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com, or scroll down through the older posts here back several weeks and review the information.

Also, with Thanksgiving just behind us, there has been some buzz about the upcoming class of the Melissa Shirley Thanksgiving Critters, which I refer to as Autumn Critters as it is not limited to Thanksgiving at all.

Several new people are signing up for this class which is scheduled to begin mid-March 2016.  Invoices will be sent out the first part of February 2016.  If interested send me an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Lurking in the background is (or should that be are?) kit preparations.  I am putting together kits for the TNNA Market San Diego, Callaway Gardens, Blue Bonnet Retreat, and ANG Oklahoma Chapter for January and February.  It is hard to believe it is almost time!  Here's some pictures of upcoming classes but I don't know how to line them up across the page in a pretty fashion - they just go where they want to go!   Urgh!

   

That's enough for today.  I must get back to stitching - and, yes, I do so with a smile - either physically or mentally.

Sandy