Just talking . . .

It looks like today is going to continue to be a beautiful day! The sun is shining and there is no snow on the ground! But of course the most beautiful part is that I have been given this day through the generosity of my Lord.

I have been working on the mystery classes and I cannot express to you the true joy and delight I am having working with you all that participate. Heck, we haven't even started the new, upcoming HARVEST class and there is lots of dialog already being exchanged over on our private Facebook Page. I know this is going to be such a fun group!

Another surprise class will be announced in a couple of weeks.  This class is for a smaller piece and I have just sandwiched it in between the 'regular' Online Mystery Classes.  It was just too cute to pass up.

A third class to follow after HARVEST is also onboard.  Leigh Designs has created an exclusive just for us and this canvas will be distributed only through The Needleworks in Austin, TX, as it will only be available to those who participate in the Online Class.  Colleen and I have been busily working on thread selections for this wonderful class.  As with others, there will be an optional thread kit offered.

In my other life (really?), I am working on kits for my pilot class in 2 weeks in the Boston, MA area for Pumpkin Spiced Tea.  This class is being hosted by the  Massachusetts Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild of Wellesley, MA. The class is being piloted for the EGA National Seminar in San Antonio, TX in late October - class actually begins October 29, 2015.

Then after I return home I head back up north the following weekend to have a fun time with Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beadazzled in Baltimore for the Sandra in Wonderland weekend.  We are going to have so much fun playing with the whimsical and striking canvases from the Alice in Wonderland Series of Sandra Vargas canvases - The Queen and Lady Hatter.

As we are working on two canvases simultaneously, this will not be a large class.  Check with Ruth, however, to see if she still can fit you in.  I'd love to have you join us! Give them a call at 410.296.0405.  Be sure to visit the website too and look at all the companion canvases for this series. 

www.BedeckedandBeadazzled.com

Oh, and in between these visits up north, I am conducting a workshop at our local ANG Chapter on embellishing tassels.

Oh, and I'm polishing Series V book!

Oh, and I'm kitting classes for the TNNA Summer Market, oh, oh, oh. . . 

Okay, I don't allow myself to think too much beyond that.  I would get discouraged if I did - LOL.

May you enjoy your day as much as I plan to enjoy mine!  And remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

TNNA SUMMER MARKET is just around the bend!

I am in the process of getting kits together for the wonderful classes I am fortunate enough to be teaching at the TNNA Summer Market held in Columbus.

First up will be on Thursday evening.

May 21 from 12 noon until  3:00 pm will be Hollywood Gold Digger by Leigh Designs Class #T202T

This gal was such fun to stitch.  I had to restrain myself from adding too much bling.  I wanted her to be style-a-listically trashy - is there such a thing?  You know the kind.  We all see them.  They are beautiful and hanging on the arms of men that we may question the attraction and we automatically say - she's with him for his money.  Or we say she's his trophy girlfriend.  So naturally, she must look the part. We'll play with some threads you may not be too familiar with including Legacy by ThreadworX and the new Entice by Rainbow Gallery plus many of the old standards.  Also, there's beads and crystals to add a little more sparkle.  Her background was created especially for this piece and is in my new upcoming book of Backgrounds and Darning Patterns.

May 21 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm will be The Black Queen by JP Needlepoint Class #T303T

I like to refer to this gal as Her Regalness!  I had such fun doing her.  I challenged myself to add riches without making it over the top and cheap!  Her beautifully beaded gown has beads that shine but don't sparkle - does that make sense?  She has pearls and of course wonderful crystals.  I love her face and I like the color that Juli chose for her crown - so subtle.  This background, too, was created especially for this piece and will also be in the new book.

Friday classes are limited to business only so I will not be teaching on that day.

May 23, Saturday morning, however we have a technique packed class from 7:45 am to 9:45 am Flower Sampler sponsored by Susan Roberts Needlepoint Class #S102T

This piece may be tiny but is mighty in techniques!  While we will not have nearly enough time to cover all the things going on we will certainly hit the ones that might be more intimidating to some. But I am confident that the stitch guide will enable all areas to be finished beautifully.

All these designs will be available through your Local Needlework Shop and stitch guides will also be available after market.  Have your LNS go by and check out the new companion pieces that will work with the ones highlighted here.  There is so much to see at market (for instance there are 8 Gold Diggers!; I've lost count how many Owls are in the series; and Susan has so many cute canvases that are easily manageable) but that's saved for when you get there!

So, all you lucky shops that attend market, go to the TNNA.org site and check out the classes.  I would be honored if you choose to attend mine!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Sandy

SPRING ! ! ? ? ! !

I heard a rumor that Spring might be on its way!  Oh joy! Oh joy!  We are so ready here at Arthur Acres!

In the meanwhile, our thoughts and fingers are turning towards fall and autumn.  The Online Mystery Class HARVEST is moving full speed ahead.

All participants should have received an invoice by now for the 6 Lesson Packet.  If you did not get yours please let me know right away.  Payments are being processed and invitations are going out to join the private Facebook Page.  As people are joining they are introducing themselves to each other. This is going to be a fun group.

Teresa, my partner in crime (aka daughter/business partner) is busily stitching the 13ct canvas model while a friend is trying to make sense out of my instructions on the 18ct canvas.  We are striving to have as many show-and-tell pictures of the work in progress to assist those who can grasp ideas better when they have a picture to see. Also, we want to make the experience of working on a painted canvas for the first time go a little smoother for those of you new to this process.

I just finished stitching the last model for the TNNA Summer Show that is being held in Columbus.  I won't be able to share it with you for a couple days yet as the designer hasn't seen it and she should get to see it first.  You will enjoy it I'm sure.  Just a few more days.  In the meanwhile, the other classes are already up on the TNNA Trade Show website so be sure to go look and sign up.  I'd love to have you there with us.

Getting ready for my pilot class in Boston, MA on  April 11 and 12 for the Pumpkin Spiced Tea class that will be taught at the EGA National Seminar in San Antonio, TX the last of October.

I'm very much looking forward to it and hoping that the snow/ice will be gone by then. 

I have a lot of stitch guides I'm working through for clients so hang in there, it won't be much longer.

So, enjoy the day and if you get to stitch remember to do so with a smile!

Sandy

Lots going on at Arthur Acres!

Today we sent out all the invoices for the new Online Mystery Class HARVEST.  These were emailed to those I have registered as participating.  If you think you are registered and did not get an email please let me know right away.

TNNA Summer Market is looming ahead.  Last of May and First of June I think.  I am teaching three classes there.  One is a Leigh Designs class - she is such fun!  Well, you know Leigh!  Her designs are fun, classy, elegant, just plain ole beautiful!  Folks signed up for that class won't be disappointed. Can't show a picture of her because this blog goes out to the masses.

A second class is a JP Needlepoint owl.  Juli has created her regal-ness as a companion to go with her other wonderful owls.  This gal is loaded with beads, crystals, metallics, bling - bling - bling!  I can't wait for you to see her!  I'll share a picture of this gal in a couple days.  Gotta wait until Juli gets to see her first!

A their class on Saturday morning is from Susan Roberts Needlepoint.  Talk about bang for your buck~!  We are doing a flower sampler.  Although this is a small piece, it is packed with techniques and wonderful threads. There's weaving and beads and mirrors and ribbons and, and, and. This canvas is now available through your LNS.  Stitch guide will be available after market.

Those who are TNNA members can go to their website and see pictures of these classes now.  Melanie has done a great job getting them posted for you to see.

Most of you know that my classes are sponsored by some fantastic companies who are very generous with their products for these classes!  Those who sign up are never disappointed in their kit contents.  This market is no exception.

So, that's just a little of what's going on this beautiful, sunny day in Central Kentucky.  Unbelievable considering what horrific weather we had just a few short days ago!

Get to stitching and remember to do so with a smile!

Sandy

OH BOY!  OH BOY!  OH BOY!

More fun to start!  Today I will begin distributing invoices to those participating in our current Online Mystery Class HARVEST.  I'll process the emails from yesterday and then we will be off!

If any of you need assistance with obtaining your canvas just let me know.  I can probably help you speed that process along.

I am currently putting together the materials list so that I can provide it to a few shops who are interested in making thread kits available for those who desire them.  That information will be posted.

All future information about this class will now be posted on the private Facebook Page.  Anyone that is not participating in the class who may have questions should direct them to my email address at duodesigninc@yahoo.com.

Next, you will be getting information on a special 'bonus' class that I have thrown in there in between my regularly scheduled classes.  You are gonna love it!  It is way too cute!

In the meanwhile, enjoy your day and stitch with a smile.

Sandy

FINAL DAY!  IT IS HERE!  REGISTRATION CLOSES FOR HARVEST!  TODAY!

I am soooooo excited!  This means that after today we get to start really working on this wonderful project!

Starting tomorrow I will be sending out invoices!  Then that means after that I will send invitations to join the private Facebook Page!

Then that means that after that we will be ready to distribute our first lesson in mid-April!

Can you believe it ? !  ?  !

Okay, so if you haven't joined all the wonderful folks who are participating you still have time!  Simply send me an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and tell me you want in.  I'll acknowledge your email from there.

For more details just scroll down through previous posts about this wonderful Robbyn's Nest design.

Okay, gotta run and get things cooking'!

Remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

BUSY!  BUSY!  BUSY!

There should be a law against having so much fun while one is working their butt off (and I'll be the first to admit that I have plenty to spare).

I am so excited that the new private Facebook Pages are working so well for the Online Mystery Classes.  We just released Lesson 5 for the Mod Ornaments Online Mystery!  It is hard to believe that there is only one lesson left and it will be all done!  We all had some fun along the way however and a beautiful end product will be realized when all finished.

Just as exciting and waiting in the wings is HARVEST ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS!

There are only a few days left to register for this class as registration closing on March 15 - only 4 more days!  Then the first lesson will be distributed mid-April.

We are busy confirming email addresses and registrations to make sure no one falls through the cracks. If you haven't received yours be sure to email me again!  The PayPal invoices will be sent after March 15, when you can pay on line.  However, some are snail-mailing personal checks for the $150 fee for 6 lessons total.  We try to accommodate whatever works best for you.

The private Facebook Page has already been set up and awaiting the arrival of those who are participating in this class.  Invitations are issued as payments are processed.  

So if you are holding off joining this fun group your time is running out!  Registration is simple!  To register just send an email to me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and say 'I want in.'  You will then receive an email acknowledging your addition.  If you do not get an email from me it means that I did not receive a request from you.

Okay, gotta get back to work now as I'm finishing up items for my classes at TNNA Summer market.  

Too much fun! ! !

Sandy

ONE WEEK!  YES, 1 WEEK!  SEVEN DAYS!

That's how many days are left to register for this wonderful Mystery Online Class, HARVEST!

Scroll down for earlier postings for all the details.  But, here's a quick recap:

Registration closes:  March 15, 2015

First Class Begins:  On or about April 15, 2015

Class Fee is $150 for a total of 6 lessons.

Lessons are posted one a month beginning April 15 for the first lesson. Detailed instructions, illustrations and pictures walk you through each and every aspect of this design.

Private Facebook Page has be created for participants to compare notes, share what works for them or doesn't, etc., ask questions, etc., etc.  Facebook Page is limited to the Harvest Class ONLY!

Canvas:  Order canvas from your local needlework shop.  It is Robbyn's Nest Design:  R-888 and can be ordered in 13ct or 18 ct.

Threads:  A materials list will be provided shortly.  You can purchase from your LNS, use your stash, or take advantage of those shops who are creating Thread Kits for purchase.  I will be providing this information on the Facebook Page once it is gathered.

To Register:  Simply send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and provide me with your email address and say "I want in!"  That's all there is to it.

You will start getting invoices and additional information on or about March 16 after registration closes.

We have a very nice group started and would love to have you join us!  Come on over!

Sandy

MARCH ! ! !  Really?  MARCH!

I remember my Mom saying as you get older time flies.  Boy she sure wasn't kidding on that one.  As I sit here looking out at mounds and mounds of snow and continue to deal with frozen water pipes, it is hard to visualize that it is actually March.

I just returned from a delightful Stitch Away Retreat with the Lone Start Chapter of ANG.  We were at a lovely resort on Lake Conroe, TX.  It was a little chilly every now and then for me but it sure was warmer than it was back home.

While there, great interest was stirred for the upcoming Online Mystery Classes!  These are so much fun!  Mod Ornaments is gearing down as I prepare to post Lesson 5 of 6 lessons.  So thoughts are running towards the new ones on the horizon.

Time is running out for registering for the next class in line (or should that be online?)  Harvest is a beautiful seasonal rendering for those who would like something that is non-holiday related.  The wonderful oranges, greens, creams, purples, blues, reds, bronzes, etc., can be displayed from early September through December here in the States.

For more particulars, scroll down through previous posts and view the canvas count options, size of the canvas, Robbyn's Nest model number for ordering, etc.

We will be doing some great techniques on this design too:  lots of dimension (well, heck I'm beginning to think that is my middle name!).  Bling will be very subtle and subdued - not flashy on this one.  Once again we'll likely play with or nue`, some stump work techniques including paddings, needle weaving, attachments of 'things', etc.  Who knows as I progress along on this beautiful design.

There is a private Facebook page set up for those of you are participating in this class.  I will begin sending out PayPal invoices on or about March 15 for $150.00 that covers all 6 lessons at once.  These can be paid through PayPal or a check may be mailed to us for processing for those who do not care for PayPal.  Once payment is received and processed you will be sent an invite to join the Facebook group.  

There will be 6 monthly lessons posted, the first being on or about April 15 (notice how I cover my butt with the 'on or about' verbiage?).

So to register just send me an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and let me know you want in.  I'll send you an email acknowledgement.

Get your canvas ordered!

As a material list is developed I will be contacting some shops where I have taught in the past and solicit their interest in providing thread kits for those interested in purchasing them.  Stay posted for that.

In the meanwhile, please join us for this great class!

As a teaser, I am going to be throwing in a special Mystery that I'll start promoting in a few months.  Stay tuned for that.  It is super cute!

So remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy