Adorn

Couture here and there.

2012-01-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Deng Hao

Haute Couture 2012

China

Orna Willis

Grab Bags Couture 2012

USA

Marvelous thread boxes, with beads, charms, braids, ultrasuede, pearls, crystals, My Etsy store is back!

A journey that starts in Philadelphia.

2012-01-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.needleartjourney.org/

This year will be the 40th anniversary of ANG, The American Needlepoint Guild. I am super excited because it is taking place here, this August, in Philadelphia. Along with the yearly Seminar and the celebrations associated with that event, there will be another very important event, a first of it's kind. Leaders in the needleart community have come together to form a three year venture meant to bring needleart to the attention of a wider audience, composed of people who do not necessarily belong to ANG or even those who do not necessarily do needleart. It is aimed at artists, art collectors, fiber art enthusiasts, and the general public. This venture begins with an amazing needlework exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, (PAA), in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square section of Philly. The exhibit will be an art exhibit, comprised of antique samplers and of modern samplers. It will focus on pieces from the far past, and move into highlighting the beautiful work, the modern approach found in today's work. I have the great honor of chairing the committee in charge of this exhibit. I have been working with some wonderful ladies, (and friends), who have a vision which I share, and we hope to make this exhibit a first of it's kind. In addition to the exhibit there will be an auction of needlework which will take place on the opening night of the exhibit.

http://www.needleartjourney.blogspot.com/

This venture (which we named "A Journey with Needleart; from the past to the future"), will continue to Anaheim in 2013 and will culminate in Chicago in 2014 with a Sampler Competition! To that end we have designed a website and a blog devoted to bringing the information and the beauty of all this to you. Please visit both these sites and make sure to have them bookmarked on your computer. I also urge you to consider coming to Philly to join in the festivities. Seminar will take place at the Philadelphia convention center which is smack in the center of this wonderful city. There is so much to do in Philadelphia, so much to see! Bring a friend, a spouse, a child along, they will not be bored while you take classes. It will be a blast, I promise!!

August/September in Philadelphia...THE place to be!

Tiny Corners, oh the treasures you'll find!

2012-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

You guys made me feel so good with your response to my Statement Ring! I really do cherish your input, thank you for taking the time to write!

This year I will be introducing my series: Tiny Corners. I find that I love working on one big piece of needlepoint while making sure I have a few smaller projects going on to keep me satisfied. I came across these beautiful, magical locket frames. They have sweet little locks and glass on both sides. They are perfect, PERFECT, for tiny little vignettes of needlepoint. I bring them to you...

While I wait for a big order of the locket frames to arrive, I just had to share them with you. In fact, I have put them up on my website and am taking advance orders for the kits. of course, I will be offering a nice discount for placing your orders and waiting two weeks for gratification.

If you'd like to see more, just hope on over HERE and HERE and HERE to check them out in more detail.

The next time you are at the doctor's office, waiting to be called into the examining room, only to find yourself waiting there some more... make sure to have one of these little projects handy. By the time the Doc finally shows up, you will have a new piece of jewelry to show.

PS - I'm taking your advice and you'll be seeing some Statement Rings soon.

Have I gone too far? What do you think?

2012-01-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

Last month, Shiri, my lovely daughter, (the one who gave us little Nomi), said to me: "Just when I think you have thought of everything that can be done with needlepoint, you come up with something new!". I wasn't sure how to take that; compliment, teasing, hint? Ever since then I've become a little self conscious of my needlepoint endeavors. I've been sitting on this one for awhile, a little embarrassed to present it to you. However, today I'm taking the plunge.

What do you think? Have I gone too far? Would you wear a needlepoint "statement" ring? Would you stitch a needlepoint "statement" ring? Don't worry about offending me, I can take it, (says she, terrified of having to take it). See you in the comment section...

Have a wonderful Sunday!!

I can't tear myself away from these paper artists.

2012-01-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

Ingrid Siliakus

Isabelle de Borchgrave

Su Blackwell

Peter Callesen

Amy Flurry and Nikki Salk

Junior Fritz

Calvin Nicholls

Jeff Nishinaka

Oona Patterson

Ferry Staverman


Brian Dettmer

Jen Stark

Cheong-ah Hwang

Su Blackwell

To Russia with Love

2012-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

This year has started with some very interesting new friends. About a week ago orders began coming in from all over Russia. As much as I was excited by the foreign addresses and the thought of my designs traveling off to a far far away place, it was still puzzling. Why now, and why so many? Ask and you shall know...

"Hello, Orna!
Everything is very simple - I tell about your beautiful designs and about your sale to my stitching friends :) We communicate in Russian stitching forum and in blogs. They also are interested :)
. . . I am interested in your designs for a long time. "Shields of life - Triumph" was the first needlepoint design I have ever seen. And it was the love with the first sight :) Now I am needlepoint maniaс :)
This kit is in my nearest plans.

Thank you for fast shipping!

Best regards,
Tatyana"

How cool is that?!

SO welcome new friends to the land of the needlepoint maniacs. Thank you!!

приветствовать новых друзей

2012

2012-01-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Four days into the new year. I've been wanting to write, to say something spectacular, maybe a resolution? But what I really want is to continue being able to enjoy my family, create and share my ideas with you. Just more of the same. Things around us are in an upheaval, that's how it seems when you read the papers. The future? Nothing much, just stay the same, no worse, and I will be happy. So Happy New Year, my friends. Take good care of yourselves, fill the upcoming year with creativity, love and enjoyment. Orna

Preparing for 2012

2011-12-12T04:14:00.000-08:00

2012 will be one of my busiest, I know that now. I want to believe that I will keep a healthy balance. Between all the workshops, the cyber classes, the new designs, all the commitments, I want to believe I will stop to enjoy.

My family has changed this year, we have added a new generation, Nomi. Nina is growing up so fast, soon it will be 10 years since we first met her in Cambodia. Reid and I will be celebrating 19 years of marriage in 2012, WOW! I hope I remind myself each and everyday, to keep my life balanced, to take a moment and look up from the canvas or the computer. I know it sounds cheesy, but I want to remember to look up at the sky!

But in the meantime, it's still 2011 and there is much to do before this year ends. BTW, Nina is wearing a new design for earrings. Lots of Tiny Secret Corners introduced next year. We'll talk soon, so have a great week!

Orna

Even Designs need a little lovin.....

2011-11-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

Do you recall, old friends, the Carolina Cuff? This one was designed back in 2003, and recently, I saw a faded, unfocused photo of this beautiful cuff, and knew it was time! The instructions have been overhauled, and the thread lists have changed to compensate for discontinued or otherwise unavailable threads. A special thanks to Gayle Roelofs for stitching the lovely new models -- her impeccable technique made it easy to show off the design!

I've mentioned Gayle before, we go way, way back. We used to talk about our pre-adolecsents, now we talk about our grandchildren.

You've seen a preview of the kits for Dolci being compiled. Over 300 little bottles! We've had many requests, after the deadline, asking to sign up for class. Well, we were thinking that while we can't accept any more registrations for the class plus kits, we will continue to accept sign ups for class participation only. The "Class Participation" option for the Dolci class is being extended to anyone who wishes to take advantage of this wonderful class! With this option you get to learn the special techniques that go into Dolci beadmaking, as well as hang out with other fabulous stitchers on the beautiful Dolci forum. What better way to spend all that extra post-holiday time?

Now could I possibly finish without giving you yet another look at Nomi?

Visit me on Friday!

2011-11-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

I am having a 30% off sale for BLACK FRIDAY! Such a scary sounding name, but if you have ever ventured to the mall, you know it truly is scary out there the Friday after Thanksgiving!

So I put all of my beautifully packaged Notions on sale, along with silk threads, rulers, needles, beginners kits, and much much more. Use the coupon code : black1 to receive 30% off of any items on the Notions page! This sale will run only the 24 hours of Black Friday, so be sure not to miss it!

In other news, has anyone else seen a dog that smirks? This picture basically let's you know who wears the pants in this family! "Ok lady, will you put down the camera already?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

MY FRIENDS!

Who am I and do I care?

2011-11-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

From the first time I took a needle to canvas, almost 17 years ago, I have read and heard many heated discussions on whether needlepoint is a craft or an art. And if it is an art, whether I am an artist or a designer? On top of that, I have always wondered why the needlepoint world confuses designers/artists with teachers of needlepoint technique?

I'll start with the last one, it's the easiest. Being a good teacher requires excellent knowledge of the subject matter. But it also requires an ability to capture attention and interest, an ability to take the complicated and break it down to the accessible. Do you need to get formal education in order to know a subject matter very well? Not necessarily, and when we think of teaching technique, of hand-work, years of experience or great motor skills are just as important. You can teach good practices that assist in the making of a good teacher, you can teach how to prepare a lesson, how much to try to cover in a given period, how to assess the progress of a class. But how to walk in to a classroom and within a few minutes to have all eyes on you, twinkling and showing great curiosity, you can't teach that.

Now, let's say you are a wonderful needlepoint teacher both knowledgeable and possessing the ability to transfer the knowledge, does that mean that you are also a great needlepoint designer? Or a great fiber artist? The answer is obviously: NO! Then why do we ask designers to teach and if they are indeed artists, why do we judge their technique, or in needlepoint terms... why do we look at the back of their canvas?

What about craft vs. art and is needlepoint one or the other. When I use the word craft, I use it with the highest regard, the very highest. To me, craft means not only what you create but also how well you create it. What degree of importance you put on the beauty of the "how" and not only the beauty of the what.


From the Philadelphia Museum of Art 2011 Craft Show

From Wikipedia: In English, to describe something as a craft is to describe it as lying somewhere between an art (which relies on talent) and a science (which relies on knowledge).

To me, that sounds very much like needlepoint.

I don't think I care about how to define what I do. I think I care to:

1. enjoy it

2. do it to the best of my ability

3. bring joy and excitement to the viewer and the stitcher.

Now, off to make dinner!

Tiny packages.

2011-11-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've always been attracted to miniatures. Have you ever been to see the miniature rooms at the Chicago Art Institute? And this Clue game with the miniature rooms in which someone murdered someone with something in a particular room. I used to spend hours making miniature foods with polymer clay, never did anything with them, just loved the process.

So now I'm packaging all the DOLCI kits and the silver pieces are going into teeny tiny glass bottles. The LARGE bottles are 7/8"! I'm having so much fun!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Follow Up: That's no splinter, that's a STICK!

2011-11-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is what came out of Nina's foot today. Even the doctor turned white!

OUCH!

2011-11-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

Mommies can say anything three million times and it just doesn't register. "Don't climb up there..." "Don't touch, that's hot", "Don't get on chat rooms without my knowledge..." the list goes on and on. I've said "Don't walk around barefoot, you can get a splinter on the wood floors!" a zillion times. Not exaggerating! A zillion times. So on Saturday, when Shiri, Orin and Nomi were here for the weekend, we here a sudden scream, a wail and then heavy sobbing. Nina, no shoes on, was dragging her feet and a splinter, a big one at that, lodged into the sole of her foot. We all ran over, all five of us, (Nomi didn't seem too interested), and started throwing all sorts of advice around. Soak the foot, cut the foot, heat the foot, ice the foot. To make a long story short, we tried it all but the good-for-nothing piece of wood is still there. If it doesn't come out by this afternoon, we are off to the doc's office.

Nomi witnessed it all. She is 7 months old, mind you, (TODAY!), but still... do you think she learned how important it is to listen to Mommy?

Dolci Jewelry

2011-11-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Colorways Revealed!

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone-- Genevieve here--we have been getting all sorts of questions about the differences between the two colorways in our Dolci bead class, so Orna put together the colors for MOD and NOUVEAU and took some up close shots of all these beautiful threads!

Indulge yourself in these gorgeous colorways and join our class! Registration ends on November 15th!

Color Inspirations, oh how I love you...sigh

2011-11-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

How do they do that?

2011-10-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here at my computer, trying to keep myself focused on charting a new design, but my eye keeps wandering to the chair next to mine. Nina is sitting at the other computer, editing a video, listening to some Japanese pop music and singing along!?!? Earlier today she was experimenting with Garage Band, arranging the beat, the music, I don't even know what she was doing!

I don't care what people say about the "youngsters of today". (You know, about how great we were and how they just aren't the same). I think these young people are wonderful! They know so much, but still stay so curious to learn more. They are citizens of the world and at the same time loving beings in their own homes.

BIG FAT KISS TO YOU, NINA!!

WHY WASN'T I TOLD!!

2011-10-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

The E-Z Needlepoint-Ruler. A ruler that counts stitches on needlepoint canvas. There is a side for 10, 12, 14 and 18 count canvas. Did you know about this?


GENIUS!!

So before stocking it in our shop, I thought I would check to see if it's really as good as it says, and...

YES! It's perfectly accurate. I counted 93 and look at the ruler, it says 93!! I'm in love!

Those Eyes, ahhhhhhh

2011-10-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

They say it all.

We love you, Nomi.

A Harvest of Color and Dolci updates.....

2011-10-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Adorn Hues Deluxe Package

We have just put together a whole slew of hand-picked, custom thread packs called AdornHues. Every delicious pack includes 6 thoughtfully coordinated, all-silk skeins. Each 8-ply skein measures 5 meters.

All of these beautiful combinations are one of a kind. Buy a single, or treat yourself to a few, and give yourself some new color to play with! Also available is the deluxe box which includes over 60 skeins of color overload.

In Dolci news: more beads back from our wonderful, specially trained finisher! Angela is perfecting the art of the Dolci bead and taking it to levels of detail and consistency we could only have hoped for. Her work is amazing! Contact info and pricing for her services will be included in your kits. We just cannot get over how completely "on" her work is.

If you have not had a chance to sign up for the Dolci bead class, or if you just need more information, follow this link here.
Spots are filling up fast!

Free Gift and Finishing Details!

2011-10-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

As a little something special for the holiday season, we had these wonderful little Adorn Travel Tape Measures made up. They are really handy---perfect to throw in your purse or travel bag. We will include them with every order we send out to you, until supplies run out.

The Adorn Travel Tape Measure

AND for all you Dolci students --- wonderful news. If you normally go to a finisher with your needlepoint work, we wanted to make sure you had that option for the Dolci Cyberworkshop. SO-- we have secured a finisher for the Dolci class who, if you so choose, can complete the Dolci beads from the stitched canvas you send her. She's been carefully trained, does marvelous work ---- we could not be happier with her skill. We will include her contact, pricing and ordering information in every kit!

A sample from our trained Dolci Bead Finisher

Back in a bit!

The Awesome Days.

2011-10-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

The holiest of the Jewish holidays begins tonight. Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement. On this day we atone for the sins of the past year, we search our souls and ask forgiveness for our sins against God. While this is most important, as we plea to God to inscribe our names in the Book of Life, I find the second part of our duties on this day to be most beautiful. It is our duty to ask forgiveness for the sins we committed against our fellow human beings. We are asked to shed our bad thoughts, our anger, our guilt, and to come with outstretched arms toward any person we may have mistreated, asking for forgiveness. Doing this wholeheartedly has no perks. It does not insure our fate in the coming year, it has nothing to do with our relationship with God. This is between us and our neighbor, our family member, our perceived enemy. We hear a lot about how forgiving someone who wronged us lifts a burden off our own shoulders, frees us from the weight of anger and hate. These are not modern day concepts, they are at the center of this Holy Day, Yom Kippur. We ask forgiveness, we forgive others and in doing so we free them and ourselves of the burden of anger and resentment. We set forth into the coming year lighter, unburdened, and with a loving heart.

GIVEAWAY WINNER and DOLCI IN DEPTH

2011-10-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

We have decide to go into detail about the options for the new Dolci class, to answer any questions that may be out there. Let's start off with what you guys like best: THREADS!

Any Option that includes threads in the title includes the following:

12 skeins--- 2 metallics and the rest silk. It also comes with seed beads to do the sewn beadwork that
shows up on some of the individual designs.

There are two colorways, MOD and NOUVEAU. This is a MOD colorway Bead:

MOD COLORWAY

Mod is all about bright contrasts, purples, apple green, red, lilac. It's on the louder side. Bright, flashy, cheery.

This is a NOUVEAU colorway bead:

NOUVEAU COLORWAY

As you can see, these colors a little softer--teal, turquoise, browns, and tangerine. Elegant, refined. To see more of each colorway, check out the past two blog postings, go to the website or the product page and you will find many variations on the theme! It really is just two colorways, it's just different combinations!

Here you will see the eight bead patterns you are going to make. The picture shows some of both colorway, but there are eight distinctly different patterns:

The Eight Bead Designs for DOLCI: The Cyberclass

Now, onto the anything that contains "metal" in the title! In each Metal Kit you will receive professional jewelry tools such as round nosed wire wrapping pliers, flat nosed pliers and wire cutters. You will receive headpins, beads, jump rings and other jewelry findings which will be utilized in the finishing of the beads. This kit also comes with the seed beads that are used as accents on many of the individual designs.

Now Options: To figure out which option is best for you, go to the cyberworkshop page. This page will give you detailed descriptions of each option. If an option lists "Threads" in the title, it includes all the threads for one colorway- Mod or Nouveau. If it lists "Metal" in the title, it includes all the things listed in the metal kit. If the title has Metal and Thread in the title, it includes a "Metal" kit, and a "Thread" kit in whatever colorway you choose!

Every option includes the Class Pass, which gets you into class! Each lesson will be posted in an easy to download, printable PDF for all students, no matter which option you choose.

*** We have also just added a Fifth option as requested by one lovely customer--just in case there wasn't enough to choose from! Option 5 is the Metal Kit and Both Colorway Kits--Mod AND Nouveau! So get all your supplies and roll around in all that silk, if you wish--you can make every bead you see, from beginning to end with this kit!

Ok---AND NOW A WINNER!!

Congrats to Geeky Heather, who has won the latest "My Family" free giveaway kit! Please email us with your snail mail address and we will send you a wonderful array of threads to go with the latest free design.

Please feel free to post any and all questions you have about this class---we will answer any and all questions, and maybe your comment will help others out!

Modeling Jewels

2011-10-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Over the holidays, this past week, Shiri agreed to do some modeling for my Dolci bead jewelry. Looking at her, so poised and beautiful, watching as she mothers Nomi with such love and gentleness, hearing her chat with Reid about legal "stuff" with the eloquence of a seasoned, sharp attorney, I just about burst with pride!!

We also took a photo of a bunch of Dolci beads in Shiri's hands so that you can get a good idea of their size. I think they are so beautiful bundled up in her hands, Yummy!

A New Design, A Fresh Approach and A Class you will love!

2011-09-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

For months now, I have been hinting at a new Cyberclass. And here it is -- at long last -- Dolci...

Nouveau Colorway--The Sunburst Bead

Dolci ( pronounced "dole-chaye") means "sweets" in Italian. And it fits these new bead designs perfectly: bite-sized, delicate, and oh so sweet! I am incredibly excited to introduce this class... I feel that this is a new way of doing things, a new way of working with canvas and thread. It's about details, and it's about presentation--two things I love.

Nouveau Colorway --- The Checkerboard Bead

What sets these beads apart from other jewelry components I have created in the past, is that they are true beads. They are rounded and double sided. They have a 3-dimensionality that has not been done until now. In the Cyberclass, you will be working with the first 8 designs of a whole new line of Dolci Bead designs from Adorn. You will learn all of the new techniques needed to create these tiny gems. And they really are tiny--the smallest is as small as a dime!

Nouveau Colorway -- 4 Crescent Bead

It was a long process getting these designs exactly right. We were looking for fiber beads that could be elegant, wearable and sophisticated. A grown up version of fiber jewelry. We wanted there to be a metal element, to give them the ability to hold their own in a finished jewelry piece. We wanted versatility, and above all, an easy way for students to create them.

Mod Colorway -- The Stop Sign Bead

And we did it! We got all of that into this class. And we are really proud of it! In addition to that, I put together four registration options, five kit options, and two colorway options! Whew! And you all thought I was kicking back in Israel all summer....

So, go to the website and get more details about Dolci. Read all your options, and see which one suits you best! Registration ends November 15th, 2011, and class begins February 1st, 2012.

New Free Design - My Family Series

2011-09-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Before I get on with the next installment of the My Family series, I wanted to let you know that I am putting this chapter on my blog with a bit of trepidation. It might not seem possible, being that I have a blog and that I've been writing about my life, but you must believe me when I tell you that I am a very private person. This blog has been and still is an exercise for me in opening up, not being afraid to share. This installment, more than others, is very personal but I feel you can't know anything about my life without knowing about Shiri. This was originally written 11 years ago, (before Nina came into our lives). Shiri was a college student then. Now she is a mother, a wife, a lawyer, a beautiful human being and a loving, caring, delightful daughter. I am leaving this installment exactly as it was in the magazine 11 years ago...


Shiri, Orin and Nomi

My Daughter Shiri

By the time this issue comes to your homes it will be March. Twenty-one years ago, on the 25th of March, my daughter Shiri was born. She is my only child. When Shiri was a few months old, her father and I separated. I raised her on my own for the next twelve years.

I came into parenting at the age of 23. I remember well looking down into my baby’s eyes as she was put on my stomach for the first time. Her blue round eyes were huge and they gazed up at me with intensity.

Shiri and I spent the next twelve years as a solid unit, she and I facing the world together. In the first year of her life I was facing a divorce which rocked my world and terrified me. I had to make immediate changes in my career, becoming the sole provider for our family unit. I was faced with financial devastation and began a struggle that would last for years. Planning for my future was a luxury I did not allow myself. It was Shiri’s future that I would think about at night. How would I make it all possible for her?

She was an easy baby, very inquisitive, happy and funny. We spent many hours together, the two of us, and I remember talking to her constantly. From early on Shiri invited me to be a part of her inner most emotional life and she made her way into mine. Our bond has always been like a metal chain linking the two of us from within.

When she was twelve years old I met Reid and we were married a year later. Our family unit expanded and Shiri had to make way for a new member. Just as she did not have any say in her being raised by a single mother, she was now faced with such a big change and she must have been terrified. The first year of our new life was rocky, but soon Shiri and Reid began establishing a wonderful relationship that has grown into a beautiful combination of love and respect.

I could go on and on about my Shiri. She is the pride of my life. . . *

* As I mentioned, this installment came before Nina

Drum Roll Please.....

2011-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

When I first started up my website in 1998, I had a lot of people ask me simply: "Why?" Websites and emails were still untested, untrusted waters, but I thought that it would be a great way to reach out to other fiber lovers across the country and across the world. Well, as it turns out, it was a great move, and I am really proud of what we have achieved over the years through our website, blog and cyberclasses!

SO it is with great excitement that we unveil the new www.ornadesign.com!

Beyond the fabulous new look -- we also put our heads together and looked for ways to meet the needs of the great people that have been our customers over the years. We came up with a new "Notions" section full of the little odds and ends that make life easier. We will be adding more new items in the next few weeks. Our Needlepoint Design section has great new pictures and better information. Cyberclasses and Thread Gatherings have been given room to breathe in their own easy to navigate sections. In fact, keep an eye out for our first Cyberclass announcement for the 2011-2012 season, due out October 1st! Students of this class will get access to our new, simplified, beautified forum board.

And best of all--we decided to do away with shipping charges---Forever! That's Free Shipping on all of your ADORN orders. Forever.

* * * * *

As part of our new website launch, you will also find the beautiful design Squaredance available for sale. This checkerboard design combines 45 bite-sized squares and a world of stitches and color combination to create a dazzling eclectic spin on a traditional sampler. Utilizing laid stitches, woven stitches, satin stitches and knots, each square combines multiple layered techniques to create tiny vignettes of color and texture. A kit full of silks, metallics, overdyes, filament and Ultrasuede gives you an amazing palette of materials to play with!

So, there are a bunch of new good things for you---go check out the new site with all it's bells, whistles and beauty!

And thanks for being a part of everything we do!

Finally I can show you!!

2011-09-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

ANG Seminar of 2012 will be in Philadelphia! Yea!! To top it off, ANG will be celebrating a 40 year anniversary. I was so very excited when I found this out and immediately sat down to design a piece to be taught at Seminar. It's called "My City, My Skyline". Now, can I be honest? I LOVE this piece. It's very different, it's a combination of all sorts of materials, it's three- dimensional and it includes finishing done by the stitcher. When it's done it is ready to hang.

This photo shows all the fiber colors. What a rainbow, eh? At the bottom of the photo you see the acrylic blocks especially designed and sized for the piece. They are used to bring dimension to each segment of the city.

The entire composition is placed on 3/4" artist board, ready for hanging. Also students will receive a sepia colored photograph of the Philadelphia skyline to place on the artist board and under the stitched pieces. Check out the buildings in the sepia photo and their stitched interpretation.

Hang the completed piece on your wall, give it the right lighting, and the city will come to life!

I'd love to see you in this class.

Back home.

2011-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Even if you didn't know the date, ( AHHHHHH, it's September 1st!!), looking around the city, one could tell instantly what time of year it is. School buses are making their way through the streets, the "water ice" shops are announcing their September close dates, (water ice is a very strange Philly phenomenon), and evenings are beginning to have a breeze and even a little chill. Fresh from our trip back to Israel, we have walked straight into fall, a big change to be sure!

Nina is heading back to school next week, although "back" isn't quite right-- she is starting 5th grade at a new school that's music focused. I am so excited to see what she finds at this new school! I may have Mozart living with me. Or maybe Sid Vicious~ who knows what she will come up with?!?

As for the studio-- I am getting back in the swing of things. It seems like I was gone for 6 months--it doesn't seem possible it was just shy of a one month. The trip was wonderful. I saw my family, my friends, and studied metal-smithing with a most extraordinary teacher. Her name is Uranit and you can see her work here. She taught me methodically, with an emphasis on preciseness, quality work, meticulous execution. I feel I learned so much. We talked about setting up a work station here at my home so that I could work, practice, design and create metal jewelry. But I'm afraid of myself. I enjoy it so much, what if I get caught up in it and ignore my needlework? What if I am swept away by the magical process of turning a flat piece of metal into a three dimensional object of beauty? Can I really trust myself to take that journey without cheating on my first love, needlepoint? What's a girl to do?

I found inspiration back home. The colors, sounds, smells always perk up my creativity. I spent lots of time at museums on this trip and that too is a great source of inspiration. You'll see...

We have all sorts of things coming up this month, we should be announcing an amazing new cyber workshop at the end of the month, (if we can stick to our schedule...)! This one has truly been a labor of love, and if I dare say so, the project looks like no other I have seen! So we are getting back down to work, and watching for fall leaves.

It's SALE TIME again!!!

2011-08-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello All! G here--Orna is away, and as always--I am sorting and cleaning and trying to pare down around the shop. I have just put new Deluxe Packs of Threads on our ETSY site, as well as new 2 new Beginner's Kits in 10 x 10 and 6 x 6. The Beginner's Kits have the very basic tools you need to get you or someone else started in on a brand new project!! Great in combination with any of our kits on the website! Use coupon code : AMAZING25 to receive 25% off everything on the Etsy site. The Sale ends when I head off for family vacation this Sunday, so use it soon!

Keep an eye out for our new class announcements coming in September! We are putting together truly exciting and innovative classes that will offer you more than we have ever been able to before. Stay tuned!

Hey Australia, you have a winner!

2011-07-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

The random number generator went all the way to Australia and our winner is...

Anne S!!

Congratulations!!

Please send us an email with your address so that these fabulous fibers can head out across the seas to your doorstep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A quick reminder - if you have a coupon that ends August 1st,

don't forget that you only have 6 more days!

Leaving very soon.

2011-07-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

We leave for Israel on August 1st. One day it was... we are going to Israel in 4 months and the next day it's... we leave in 9 days! There never is a good time to pull away from home, work, dog, house, etc. etc. There is so much to do, argh!

Genevieve will be here to take care of things in the studio and to watch over Esther. (Poor Esther has had surgery on her hind leg and needs love and attention). Any needlepoint issues you may have, Genevieve will be here to help. She will also be busy photographing for our BRAND NEW WEBSITE, ooops I let that slip...

This is one of the most busiest times I can remember at the studio. We have eight (8!) new projects in the works, lots of teaching for next year, lots of new needlepoint jewelry coming and lots of new concepts we are very excited about. Nina is holding a little preview.

I'm packing work to take with me. A very small preview of Hanging Gardens is shown on the right. It's not nice to talk about favorites, it's like declaring you have a favorite child, therefore I won't say that this is one of my favorites designs ever. I hope to come home with most of it done. Between family and friends I haven't seen in three years, between private lessons I will be taking with a fantastic jewelry designer and improving my soldering skills, between excursions to see sites Nina is begging to visit, I will do my best to make great progress on this piece.

But there are 9 more days of work so... on Tuesday we will be announcing the winner of the kit for "Reid" in the family series. Don't forget to tune in for that.

See you soon!

xo Orna

New design, Reid

2011-07-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

I couldn't bring myself to write on the blog until I had the next free design installment ready for you. When I first told you all that I would be posting this series I thought, "oh, I'll just copy and paste it up on the blog, it should be a no brainer!" But why do things easily if I can make them a project. I decided that I wanted to present the installments in the new ADORN format, redo the illustrations and charts to be their best and just spruce it all up for you. That takes longer.

So here is the next installment. It's about Reid, my husband. Some of you have met him and know he is a sweetheart and very, very encouraging of my work and my love of art. So, Reidi, to you!

My Family – Reid
From my column in Needlepoint Now 2001

I have often heard discussions about whether each of us has a destined partner, one lid for one pot. If that is so, what if this one special mate is half way around the world? How will the magical meeting take place? I don’t consider myself a believer in some great plan that guides each of us to our destiny, but let me tell you a story which tested my disbelief…

In 1985 Reid Willis accepted a three month assignment in the San Francisco Bay Area and upon arriving he began looking for a synagogue to attend. He was told to visit Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California and a colleague at work joined him for a Friday night service. “It was a packed house that night”, he tells, “It turned out that I was attending a special event. The rabbi was going on sabbatical for a year and the congregation turned out in record numbers to pay tribute to him. Several members of the congregation advanced to the pulpit to sing the praises of this good and wise man. The President of the board spoke, the Executive Vice-President, other board members spoke. And Eva Sulzer spoke. Eva was 90 years old. She was about 4’11” tall and probably tipped the scale at 92 lbs. She had a strong Yiddish accent and a booming voice. She obviously had experience as a public speaker because she spoke eloquently and at length but without the aid of notes. I got a chance to meet Eva after this service and I liked her. She was a character! I made up my mind that I would attend every Friday night services at this synagogue for the following three months of my stay. And I did.”

Reid moved back to Michigan at the end of his assignment. He never saw Eva Sulzer again, but interestingly enough when he moved back to California a few years later, he became friendly with her daughter, Selma Grossman. They both were members of the choir and were very active in the synagogue. For the next five years Reid moved on to make his mark at Temple Isaiah and was elected to the board. On the first Sunday in February of 1992 Reid attended a lecture at the synagogue and found a seat next to his friend Selma. When they had a chance to chat Selma told Reid about her cousin’s daughter, an Israeli named Orna who had come to the States with her 10-year old daughter, Shiri.

“Selma told me that Orna was a teacher in the Sunday School and would I be interested in meeting her? What a nice way to ask, I thought. No pressure, only if I was interested. A few minutes later a woman walked into our room and Selma gave me the elbow. ‘That’s her,’ she said. Yes, I thought, I would be very interested in meeting her.”

Eva Sulzer was my great aunt. I have very warm childhood memories of her. She was a great supporter of my meager attempt at poetry writing and saved paintings and drawings of mine sent to her over the years. During my childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area my family and I would spend many wonderful weekends at Selma’s home, and often Eva would be there with us. When we moved back to Israel in 1969, I continued to correspond with Eva. I saw her very infrequently and was saddened to hear of her death.

In 1985, the year Reid Willis visited Temple Isaiah and met Eva, I was living in Israel. I was divorced by then, working hard to support my daughter and myself and had no plans of ever moving back to the United States. Was it just a coincidence that Reid met my great aunt years before he ever met me? That he walked into the Synagogue on that particular Friday night when my great aunt was on the podium speaking? Was it a coincidence that the day Selma told him about me and then asked if he would like to meet me, just minutes later I walked into the very same room?

Or are we a pot and it’s lid?

Please don't forget to make sure you are registered as a follower on the blog.
This design has a wonderful pack of threads and you wouldn't want to miss out
on winning it as a gift!!

about a baby...

2011-06-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

The top left photo is of Nomi's diaper bag, namely her Pamper Swaddler diapers. Nomi is visiting for the week and it's all about the baby. Her diapers became an inspiration for all of us here: Genevieve, Shiri and I have been working on this inspiration board between feeding, diapering, soothing, smiling, cooing, and admiring our little Nomi.

What's prettier than the inspiration board? This is!

oooops!
I had to come back here to remind me to remind you that - just over a week left to buy your individual kit of SWEET! Remember? Starting July 1st they will be available as Thread Gatherings of 6. Till then you can get them as individual kits. Don't let this opportunity get away!

And the winner is...

2011-06-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

The winner of our second thread pack for the "My Family" series is

NATALY K!!

Please send us your address so we can gift the threads to you.

See you soon with our next installment.

xoxo

Orna

Second Free Design and Giveaway!

2011-06-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for our second installment of "My Family".

From the series I wrote for Needlepoint Now ten years ago, this time it's about my parents.

The free design is available for download on the right sidebar under: My Family - Download the Series of free designs.

Now, for the GIVEAWAY... if you are a follower of my blog, you are automatically entered in the drawing for free fibers for this design. If not, sign up to follow my blog and you will be entered as well, for this design and any future ones! Look for the Follow button on the right sidebar and put yourself on the list. This way you will also find out about all that's new around here.

My Parents: Reuben and Slava Borenstein

I was the first born to my parents. I have often wondered about the effect of the sequence of birth on the child/parent relationship. Being the first born, I had the youngest parents compared to my siblings. Everything they did with me was a first: the excitement of bringing home a newborn, the worry over the first night of crying, the marvel at the first smile. Later on the not so exciting events: first time disciplining, the first time a fever crept through a small body, the first time the young parents heard a defiant “NO!” from this young “angel”.

Perhaps the most marvelous of events brought on by a first child is the creation of a new family. When I was born my parents became a family unit onto themselves and that is when the plans for the future began.

But let’s go back a bit further. My parents met at their workplace. My mother petite and vivacious, my father tall and distinguished. The romance sparked and they became a couple. Like every child, I loved to hear the story of how my mother first spotted my father, the tall, handsome European and how shortly after they met, my father was enthralled by my mother’s zest for life. They courted, fell in love and married. I was born a year later and with that they had begun their own family. When I was three years old we left Israel and set off for the United States. Over the years my parents would make moves all over the world with us, leaving things behind, starting all over in new environments. The moves were made to improve our lives, to move ahead, or to come back to roots. Some moves were easier than others, some better than others.

I look back now and try to find the thread that stayed constant throughout my parent’s marriage, and throughout my family’s year together, through thick and thin. It is humor. There is nothing my parents like more than to look back at times and situations and see the humor in them.

When we were little there was no better compliment than my parents saying that my sisters and I had a sense of humor. Even moments of anger and disappointment could be recalled with laughter.

Till this day my parents love to tell the story of my near brush with school expulsion. We had returned home to Israel after a summer trip to United States and found a letter addressed to them from my school principal. The letter told them of the damage I had caused to school property. They were asked to show up at the principal’s office and sign a letter explaining the conditions of my being accepted into class for “one last chance”. I promise you there was nothing funny about the situation at the moment! I was reprimanded and punished, and I made sure to change my ways. But not long afterwards, the story of our arrival home from the airport to find the letter would become one of the funny tales we tell about our family. It was not that the situation was taken lightly, but rather that the range of emotions, the description of their faces, or their initial thought that the letter perhaps announced my receiving a school award of some sort, all these are retold with much humor. To this day my parents lovingly poke fun at each other, tell us of other funny moments and just love to laugh. It is a gift I have taken with me into my own family unit. It is what made me fall in love with Reid. He can still make me laugh hysterically. Shiri is funny and can easily laugh at herself. If a funny situation occurs in my life, it is my parents that I call to relay the story.

** My father passed away in 2007. I miss him so very much. I designed GIBOR in his honor and as a part of a Cure for Cancer event.

*** I have put the down-loadable pdf file on Google docs. This should be very easy to access. I am not able to individually send the file to you. Thanks.

Announcing a Thread Gatherings for the next generation

2011-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

As the idea of Thread Gatherings began taking shape in my mind, I knew I was looking for more than just a design to stitch. I was looking for the concept of congregating, of togetherness, of a gathering. I was elated when I realized that Thread Gatherings were bringing people together to share in this wonderful art of fiber. Much more than just a design.

But, I wanted to go a step further with this concept. I want to bring in a young generation of stitchers, bring them together, have them spend time with each other and with us, their mentors. Thus a series of Thread Gatherings for Young Stitchers came to be.

I am not totally opposed to my daughter spending time on the computer or even playing with one of the many electronic gadgets available. It's all a matter of moderation. The best way to achieve moderation is to offer an alternative. How do we offer these young minds and hands an appealing alternative? We make it fun, beautiful, and enticing...

We introduce SWEET!

SWEET is a work of art for smaller hands. It's an introduction to needlepoint, and an introduction to bookbinding. Intended to be a First Sampler project, it is a perfect activity for birthdays, for sleep-overs, for rainy summer afternoons, and for family time. SWEET is offered for groups of 6, your youngster and five friends. The project is an album of needlepoint samplings, beautiful, decorative, something to display and be proud of. Each page of the album is devoted to a stitch to be learned. A color chart of the stitch is displayed on the back of that page. The album is then bound using delightful papers, fun and colorful stickers, and a ribbon with the sweetest beads.

How SWEET!

Everything your burgeoning artist would need, but more important, would want, in a box. For each participant the box includes...

- Bright, bold Overdye threads

- 6 pieces of canvas

- Stretcher bars and tacks

- Instruction book
- 6 colored charts

- Needles, scissors, glue

- Ribbon and beads

- Accordion book parts

- Paper to decorate with

- Stickers and embellishments

The best part of having a SWEET Thread Gathering is to hand down something that has given you so much pleasure over the years. You are passing on the art of needlework, in a style that will speak to a younger generation, some of the old, some of the new.

AND HERE'S THE BEST PART...

Normally Thread Gatherings kits are not sold individually. However, with such a fresh concept, we are excited to have our readers give this kit a whirl! We are offering a limited amount of individual kits to our readers, available for purchase on my website. Our special offer will run through July 1, and then SWEET will only be offered for sale as a set of 6.

Click here to receive:

The Thread Gathering SWEET, a gathering for 6 individuals - $270 including S&H

Or click here:

For only a limited time you can purchase the individual kit - $45 plus S&H

WOW, I'm so glad you stayed with me for the entire story. I am very, very excited about this one!

If you have any questions... write to me.

Compulsive Doodler, intervention anyone?

2011-05-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Before Needlework came into my life, you could find little scraps of paper with doodles everywhere. The telephone area was particularly bad, (remember when you couldn't go anywhere with your phone, you just sat in one spot close to the phone outlet?).

Curlicues, triangles, eyes, (I loved to doodle eyes, I think there is some sort of psychological interpretation here), perspective, imaginary houses, windows, you get it...

Then Needlework came into my life. The doodling didn't stop, it just moved onto canvas. I have 2 drawers FULL of doodles. I hang onto them because many of them eventually find their way into one of my designs. I was cleaning up this morning so here are the doodles of this past month or so, making their way into the doodle drawer.

Do you doodle? On paper? On canvas?

Philip "Wild Hat" Treacy - a genius for the head

2011-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

You don't have to like them, you may even think they are crazy and wouldn't be caught dead wearing one, but Philip Treacy's hats are incredible. He is a genius for the head. An Irish born designer who recently got much attention for his hats worn at the Royal wedding, Treacy has the ability to turn one's head into a fairyland, a space station, a fireworks display.

Not much to say, just take a look yourself!

I think if you dare wear one, you will think you are pretty special on that particular day.

WINNER! and other stuff

2011-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to announce that the winner of our first Free Design Thread Set is: Follower Teresa!

Congratulations Teresa S!

You will be receiving the fibers to stitch my design "My Grandparents" just as soon as you contact us. (Please email:ornawillis@gmail.com)

If you are not Teresa, don't despair! We will have more fiber set give aways with each new design!

I spent this past weekend with the ladies from the New Jersey Needle Artists ANG Chapter and what a delightful time I had! It's just perfect when you go off to work but really you are having fun, fun, fun! (Shhhhh... don't tell them or my DH)

Busy working on the Kreinik Cuff

We worked on Grace the first day. Rosie hosted the day at her home, (thank you, Rosie). We stitched, ate and drank (plenty of cold soft drinks in the fridge) and not a drop on our canvases! Time went by so fast, and it was 4:30 in no time. I was about 60 miles away from Brooklyn, so what did I do? Got in the car and drove to see little Nomi. Had I decided to swim to their place it would have been faster! If you are the Mayor of New York and you happen to be reading this post, kindly find a way to broaden the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, PLEASE! Two hours later I arrived to see Nomi and her wonderful parents. Some squeezes, some kisses, some talking to a baby who couldn't really care less and some Thai food, and back I went. The way back was very smooth and fast!

This historic Brick Academy was the site of our second day class

Day two with the ladies was held in a wonderful historic building, The Brick Academy. Speaking of historic, the group chose to stitch my Kreinik Cuff which is from way back in my stitching history. This piece was kitted by Kreinik in a neat purple snap box with sumptuous silks and metallics. Kreinik had stopped manufacturing the kits but dear Doug Kreinik agreed to put together some new kits for me and for the class. My new friends from class we all decided to rendezvous wearing our cuffs to the opening banquet at ANG Seminar Philadelphia! YES!


Kreinik Cuff in Gold

Well, back to work for me. Congratulations again Teresa, and check back for more free designs.

(Oh, almost forgot, I asked Doug Kreinik to assemble a few extra Kreinik Cuff kits in Gold, (as shown above). If you'd like to order one for yourself, send us an email and we will get one to you. They are $54, including the edging embellishments in the photo).

Byeeeee

You gotta see this...

2011-05-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through photos and videos on my computer and I came upon this. I never knew this existed. Somehow Nina figured out how to put one of my pieces in the background, compose and perform this rap all the while taping and recording her performance.
Nothing makes me smile more than this child! Nothing!

Enjoy!

COOL, really cool!

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

My very talented friend, Eleanore Macnish, just introduced me to an amazing lady - Iris Apfel, a designer, a style icon, a jewel. A few weeks ago I told you about Roberto Capucci, a genius designer and a king of color.

Here comes the queen...

(photos of her home are from Architectural Digest)

Iris Apfel's apartment is in this month's Architectural Digest

Books are beautiful anywhere

Love the pillows!

Something so beautiful about the color mix

The book cases are divine!

Look at that watermelon red!

The Divine Iris Apfel.

(and you know what else? Every time I think I'm all that,

I need to look at these great designers and remember

that I didn't invent the wheel!

Keeps one humble!)

Gifts for all... a free Design and GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

As promised, my first free design from the series I wrote for Needlepoint Now 10 years ago!

This first design honors my grandparents. You can read about them below. I have just become a grandparent so the timing is perfect. The free design is available for download on the right sidebar under: My Family - Download the Series of free designs.

My Grandparents

and for the GIVEAWAY... sign up to follow my blog and you will be automatically entered to win the fibers for the design! Look for the Follow button on the right sidebar and put yourself on the list. This way you will also find out about all that's new around here.

From Needlepoint Now:

My grandparents, Abraham, Rita (paternal) , Moshe and Rivka (maternal), began their lives in Europe. Both sets of grandparents lived a very different existence. Moshe and Rivka lived in a small community and were dreamers. They believed in the Zionist ideology: the belief in the need to have a Jewish State for the Jewish people. In 1933, my maternal grandparents left their village and their families and made the journey to Israel. In those times leaving one’s family usually meant never seeing them again. I cannot imagine the courage it took to make this move, or the anguished parting they had to endure. Travel in those days was long and difficult and their hearts must have pounded with the fear of uncertainty. It was, however, their strong beliefs and willingness to sacrifice that led them on that journey towards fulfilling their dreams.

My paternal grandparents lived in the terror of World War II and the Holocaust. Abraham and Rita were well to do business people and important members of society. When the war broke out, they were split apart. They and their three sons were sent to different places, and ultimately, to different fates. My grandfather was killed in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. His son, my uncle Severin, was murdered as well. At the end of the war, my grandmother and her two sons left Europe for the journey to Israel. There, years later, their children, my parents, met and made a bond that was to bring their two families together.

The piece I designed in their memory is an attempt to express the different worlds that came together, the mid-life change that came into their lives, whether by choice or not. The courage with which they built their new lives in a foreign land, all the while still dreaming and sacrificing, is what I placed in front of my mind’s eye when I sat down to design this segment.

*******UPDATE: Hi all--Genevieve Here--just a note--if you are having difficulty accessing the download, open a google window and use the address bar to go directly to Orna's Blog (ornadesign.blogspot.com). A few people had difficulty but it seems to be the way in which they have been accessing the page. Hope that helps!

Back home and on my way out the door.

2011-05-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm back from a delightful week with Shiri, Orin and Nomi. Nomi and I bonded at night, just the two of us, (except when I reluctantly had to pass her on to mommy for feedings). I'm told she misses me very much.

Shiri and I took Nomi on long walks, on car rides to Fairway Market for grocery shopping, (the best grocery store ever!), on sprees to Babies R Us and to her one month doctor visit. In between excursions and during her short naps, we decorated her room.

The Quilt is by Orin's grandmother. She also knit the beautiful yellow blanket on Nomi's bed

I love the print on the wall


The flowers we painted and the needlepoint hearts I stitched for her room.


Nomi's collection of vintage toys, the robot I crocheted on one of the shelves and the closet doors with flower outlines that Shiri and I are painting.

We aren't done but we are very happy with the progress and I'm looking forward to going back.

I've completed the Petit Trianon class, (great class, lots of fun), and the design is now available for you to purchase and stitch. On Friday I leave for 2 classes with the New Jersey Needle Artist ANG Chapter. If you are in the Morristown New Jersey area and want to drop by for a trunk show, send me a note and I'll give you the scoop.

I'm working on getting the first installment of My Family to you. I'm re-charting it so that you have clear well drawn diagrams. I should be ready very soon so if you still haven't signed up to follow my blog, make a stop on the right side of the blog and sign up. There will be a free thread kit raffled off with each installment, all you need to do is be a follower.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll be back very soon!

Where I come from and where I'm going

2011-05-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that there is nothing more important than knowing where I come from and where I'm going. It gives me a sense of grounding, purpose, responsibility and hope. Where I come from is my family. Where I'm going is my family.


My Family

In 2001 I wrote an ongoing column called My Family for Needlepoint Now magazine. Each column entry had a story about people in my family as well as a needlepoint design to go along with the story. The designs eventually came together to form a large composition which is pictured here. I would like to bring this series to you, along with the free designs, one column every two weeks.

Why now? Nomi, our first grandchild, was born on April 14th, 2011. She continues the story, she is where we are going.

And here is some fun news for you! Every installment of this series along with the free design will also include a GIVEAWAY. We will be giving one lucky follower a gift of the fibers used in the installment's free design!! I say follower because in order to be included in the drawing you must be a follower of this blog. To follow please look on the right-side column, under the About Me, where it says: Hi, and thanks for following! Sign up and you're automatically included in each of the drawings!

I will be posting the articles just as they were printed in the magazine at the time. Where I feel it important to comment, I will add an explanation on what was happening at the time. Today I will leave you with the introduction to the series. My next installment will include the first free design. I hope you enjoy these stories and perhaps you will be inspired to start a series of your own.

Auntie Nina and little Nomi

MY FAMILY – A NEEDLEPOINT FAMILY ALBUM

It is the greatest honor to be able to address you on a regular basis from the pages of this most wonderful magazine. I sit here in front of a blank page much like I sat 5 years ago in front of a blank canvas. In front of that first canvas, I did not know what a daunting task I was taking on. Many times in my life I have taken bold steps, made radical changes, and I wish I could tell you that they were done after deep thought and with much bravery—often, they were not. Had I thought each of the steps through, I may have backed down and stayed where I was. Luckily I was anxious enough for a change, curious enough to experiment. This time I know what I’m getting myself into. This time I am terrified!

English is not my first language. I sometimes mix up my idioms, translate expressions that make no sense to the English speaker and use words that I have read but never heard, pronouncing them totally wrong. I am being a bit manipulative now: I say all this to ask for your understanding when my writing is perhaps not as good as it should be to grace the pages of this publication. I hope that now I have you on my side…

On this blank canvas, I would like to bring you a “chain of creation”. I want it to start with an idea, develop into a complete concept and with the help of words and stitching, progress into a creation.

My idea began with the realization that the most important part of my life is my family. They are important not only because of the love we share with each other, but also because of the lessons of human nature that I learn from each and every one of them. They are all so different, and yet they all come together into one grouping: My family. Some I never met, some joined through marriage, and others are a part of my daily life, the background and foreground of my every moment, much like needlepoint—Creating needlepoint designs has become what I do, and defines much of who I am. I want to use needlepoint to create a design that will express the importance of my family, and I would like to create it along with you. I have no monopoly on the treasure of family. We are all embraced by it.

Over the next few months, I will share with you a design comprised of elements each representing members of my family. I will tell you about the people that inspired each of these components. They all have such wonderful stories. You can stitch along with me and when we are done, I will show you how they all come together to form my new design: Family.

Stitching for the young'uns

2011-04-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've got four (4!!) new Thread Gatherings in the works, but there is one I'm particularly excited about. BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS. This one is geared to youngsters, introducing them to the beauty of needlework.

The Accordion Book


Samples will attach to card stock acid free paper

This Gathering includes six stitch lessons. A Sampler of sorts. The stitch lessons will be put into a DIY accordion book which will display the stitch samples along with the charts that teach the particular stitches. Participating kids will thus make their own beautiful stitch glossary, their personal reference book.

There will be more books to come, more stitches to learn and eventually a library of reference volumes that each child can be very proud of!

Just think of a birthday party activity, an after school program, a neighborhood get together for the kids.

If you'd like more information about this particular Thread Gathering, just drop us a note, (orna@ornadesign.com) and we will send you a detailed information packet.

Was I dreaming?

2011-04-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is showing one of the most exquisite exhibits I've seen, the work of fashion designer Roberto Cappuci. To call him Fashion Designer is to cover only one aspect of this man's genius. The exhibit is curated and displayed perfectly. Around every bend I heard myself gasp.

If you are anywhere close to Philadelphia, give yourself a most amazing visual treat, go see the exhibit yourselves!

Welcome Nomi To the Great Big World....

2011-04-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is Genevieve--

As frequent readers may know--Orna's Daughter Shiri was expecting last week, and, well, you know how these things go--

Welcome a Healthy, Beautiful Nomi Wolf to the World!!!

Orna is up north with the new little family, and has let me know that Nomi is the prettiest, smartest, most talented three---er---four day old that she has ever met! Now does that sound like a Grandmother or what!!???!!

Nina is taking on her role as Auntie beautifully, she is very attuned to every squeak and squeal Nomi makes! And Reid is beside himself as only Reid can be. Mother and father are apparently getting the hang of the schedule, and Nomi, as a baby will do, is setting the pace for feedings and snoozing and snuggles!

Congrats to everyone!! I expect new photos soon, and will certainly post the cute ones!

What's Happening at Adorn and Coupon Codes for You!

2011-04-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All! The past couple weeks have been very busy ones here in Orna's Studio--we have so many projects that are "on the verge". They all need the finishing touches, the tweaks--in other words---a lot of attention! The projects are wide and varied. This past week, the First Thread Gathering was held by a group out on the West Coast, and we are thrilled that the ball is rolling. The first design was a beautiful (All-Silk---Yummy!) Cuff, and there will be more kits following in the next few months.

The Adorn kits ready for shipping, stretcher bars in tow!

Also going on this week is the assembly of kits for classes going on in the next few months. For one of our New Jersey groups, who are having Orna out to teach two classes in May, we are in the beginning stages of creating beautiful kits . They are going to be packing their weekend full--A Kreink Cuff on Saturday and the beautiful Design "Grace" on Sunday!

"Grace" in Oranges

"Grace" in Purples

At the same time, Orna is waiting for the birth of her first grandchild--so every phone ring has the possibility of setting in motion a Life-Changer! I just went through this waiting for my little niece, Cate, to be born two months ago, and it's such an odd place of limbo--but then it happens, and suddenly you have a new friend. It should be any day now for Shiri!

And onto our latest offer: Etsy Coupons! If you have ever shopped at our Etsy site, then we have sent you a SUPER special coupon in your Etsy email account--if you don't get notifications to your regular email, be sure to check---the offer expires on Sunday, April 10th.

If you have never shopped with us before, not to worry, simply use the code GLADTOMEETYA10, and receive 10% off your purchase between now and Sunday. And then you will be on our list and qualified for all sorts of special treats! We have just posted a few full kits, as well as new Thread packs, so there is sure to be something that will catch your fancy!

So that's the update from here, keep an eye out for new Thread Gatherings, and a Baby Announcement!!
Boy or Girl? We will let you know.....

Genevieve

A Big Announcement

2011-03-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

As needle artists, we are pointed somewhat against the grain. The world goes fast, we start a piece. The world goes faster--- well, we are still working on that piece. We are members of The "Slow" Movement. Results are second to process; the thrill is in the Doing. That's not to say that we don't appreciate a finished needlepoint! But the mindset of a needlepoint artist has been preemptively tuned to this new idea of slowing down. We savor our time, and know that anything worth doing is worth doing right. We are not afraid of the long-term commitment!

Another part of our reality these days is that we are living more frugally than before. I have realized that needlepoint groups and chapters don't necessarily have the resources to bring a teacher to them anymore. I have been mulling over ways to continue offering classes that allow needle artists the social aspect of what they do. Traditionally solitary, I feel passionately that the needlepoint artist must be exposed to mentors and in turn bring up mentees. Who has not evolved their craft by a hint or trick that was facilitated by stitching side by side with other artisans?

And so it came to me, the idea of a class that could be run without me there as a teacher. What would that look like? This is my answer:

Thread Gatherings are classes in a box. Each box is designed for eight people, with one designated leader. You can run these formally, or you can run them as a salon-style get together for like-minded folks. You can meet once to get everyone started, or weekly until everyone has completed their pieces.

The first class-in-a-box I designed exclusively for Thread Gatherings is a Cuff called "Grecian Glory". Cuffs are very popular among my students--it's needlepoint with a purpose! You can wear it and people see what you do.

What I provide in this Thread Gatherings is:

Eight Separate Kits for each participants:

scissors with decorative fob
All-Silk Threads in one of three colorways (each artist can choose)
fresh water pearls
glass beads
Ultrasuede
graph paper notebook to jot down notes or chart your ideas
needles
pencil
tacks

One "Leader Handbook" containing notes, hints and handouts to help with the teaching process
Seven Instruction Books
Eight sets of canvas stretcher bars
Finishing wire
Practice canvas

Of course the most important part of a Thread Gathering is the people, so begin by bringing together the people you would like to include in your Gathering. You can organize this on your own or pass it on to your ANG or EGA chapter program chair. (Any chapter choosing to order the Thread Gatherings will receive 10% of the cost back as a donation to the chapter. This is a great way to plump up your education fund).

So... have any questions or need more information? Visit the site or send me a note and Genevieve and I will be happy to help. We will have new Thread Gatherings coming soon. Sign up to follow the blog and you will stay in the know.

Orna

Apology

2011-03-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

On March 6th I posted an entry with photos of the Gucci Winter 2011 collection. Because the fur in the collection was so colorful, I assumed it was not real fur. I was wrong. I do not agree with the use of fur, particularly not for our vanity. While the clothing and colors were quite stunning, the same effect could have been achieved with faux fur.

My apologies for not doing my homework properly.

Orna

It's my baby's birthday today!

2011-03-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today is Shiri's birthday. She was born 31 years ago today. She was also born 10 days before my birthday, (on April 4th). Yesterday Shiri and I were talking and she said that she is hardly thinking about her birthday, she is too busy thinking about the baby due on April 9th. We both thought that it was totally uncanny, how history is repeating itself, almost to the day. I couldn't be bothered with my birthday back in 1980. All I could think about was becoming a mother.

Happy birthday my beautiful daughter. If history does repeat itself, you too will be a very lucky mommy. To have a child like you makes me one of the luckiest mommies ever!

Today I came back from a delightful workshop with the Shenandoah Valley ANG Chapter. I was spoiled by a group of fantastic stitchers, pampered with a lovely hotel, wonderful food and great company! We worked on Tessellations Again . We spent half of day one talking about the magic of Tessellations. Then we began stitching. It was a very productive workshop and if I'm any indication, it was truly fun! Thank you Shenandoah Valley!

We are now offering two new options for Tessellations Again, which will allow for different budgets. You can get the complete kit in silks as before, or just a quadrant of the design, in silks or in cottons and rayons. The instruction book for this design first introduces the main concepts of tessellations with diagrams and illustrations. Next it details the design along with five wonderful laminated charts.

We will talk again soon.

THINK SPRING COUPON!

2011-03-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's Genevieve here---my iphone promised me 58 degrees today, and it is 2:00 and reading a mere 48 degrees. So The Think Spring 15% off Coupon Campaign Continues until further notice. I am an avid bike rider, and although I can stick it out in colder temps, it's so much nicer to bike to work in weather over 55 degrees!

I will be adding Grass Greens, more Yellows and Sky Blue combinations throughout today and tomorrow.

All of this in the hopes that I will see a crocus or two peeping through this weekend!

For this, I'll take winter.

2011-03-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Gucci Winter 2011

This is how I want to dress.

Genius

Color fix!

2011-03-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

I think I can tell you now...

2011-03-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

Turns out I'm quite superstitious. When someone tells me how good they are feeling, or how cute a baby is or pretty much anything good, I sneak a quick "knock on wood", because you never know when the evil eye is listening! I'm afraid of telling a fib, such as: "Oh, I couldn't come, I was sick" because what if the spirits punish me for fibbing and make me sick, (did you notice I chose fib instead of lie?). During Oscar season, whenever an Oscar winner starts going on and on about their wonderful husband... I immediately think, "there goes that marriage, you shouldn't have said a word..." (see Sandra Bullock last year).

All this leads up to why I haven't shared our wonderful news with you until we were in the final stretch. Our wonderful daughter Shiri is having a baby in 6 weeks! How exciting and marvelous is that? (tfu tfu tfu, which is me spitting over my shoulder to keep the evil spirits away). We don't know if it's a boy or a girl, they want the surprise and we are happy with that as well. Here she is!

and now, just to make sure, please knock.

ADORN is the word I was looking for all along!

2011-02-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

I've been sharing my designs and ideas with you, my friends, for many years now. I took to needlepoint way back in 1995 and quite soon afterward I had the "Chutzpah" to chart my work and offer it to others. It didn't take long for me to wonder how my designs could be utilized. How can these pieces be brought to life by adding them to something we use, something we wear? Over the years I've designed shoulder bags, backpacks, embellishments for pants, tops, and jewelry. And all throughout I kept wondering what one word could encompass everything I do, everything I make, design and share? It was right there all along, and if you moved the letters around, there was my name!

ADORN

This word helped me decide on my path into the future. I will be exploring many new avenues in the upcoming year. I am working hard on many new offerings and I hope to be introducing them to you soon. In the meantime, let me know what you think of the new look. If you are reading these words, well, you've seen the change in the blog look. We will be using new gorgeous packaging, (you know I'm a great believer in presentation!). And in time the website will get a makeover. It's coming, slowly but surely.

So, what do you think?

ANNOUNCING A WINNER!

2011-02-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Suztats for bestowing our little friend with such an appropriate and clever name---

MR. IZONYU!

Nina will be pleased I am sure!

I just emailed her to find out what her blend of Thread Bundle will be, and we will put it together and get it in the mail to her as soon as we hear back! Thanks to everyone who participated!

REMINDER: If you received a coupon from us during the sale, the offers have expiration dates so use them while you can over on the Etsy Needlepoint Supply Site.

Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday today!!

I know, I know, you guys are tired of this, but...

2011-02-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note. Our place is in the Philadelphia Inquirer with an interview about my art and interior design philosophy, (didn't know I had one). The journalist and the photographer were very nice and did a fine job. BUT, I'm embarrassed to bring this up since you have all been so patient about seeing photos and photos and more photos of our loft.

So if you've had it and are tired of seeing our place, I totally understand!

There, I've said it and now let's move on!

Really strange Give-Away...

2011-02-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

Nina is a promise you will never have a day without laughter. She is a promise that there will always be something surprising. Something that will make you think: "What? Where did that come from?". She is an assurance that no matter how stressed or upset you may be, she will do something, very naturally, that will make you feel so good!

So the other night I was making dinner. I turned around to fish something out of a kitchen cabinet and when I turned back to the stove top, there he was. There was Mr. ____________.

We need to give him a name. Can you help us out? He's been nameless for the past two days so we are in kind of a rush. Send some ideas my way and enter to win a beautiful Thread Pack. Check them out on my Etsy page. We will send one made just for you. You can even give us some thread color preferences, and while we can't promise anything, we will try to please!

The give-away is for 3 days only. Please help us by Sunday at noon.

(BTW, did you notice that Mr.__________ 's mouth/beak is adjustable? He can smile or frown. Also, you may have figured out that we are now out of a pair of socks...)

We do have one rule for participation. You must Follow us by clicking the "Follow" button in the navigation bar of my blog. Then just click until blogger tells you that you are following us! This way we can find you if you win!! Nothing is less satisfying than having a Give-Away sit by the door with no home to go to. Leave your answer in a comment below!

Samples of Thread Packs.

(We will send you a pack made especially for you)

STASH SALE!

2011-02-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

Head on over to my Etsy site where you will find an abundance of threads, canvas and unique supplies to answer all of your needle art needs.

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, TAKE 20% OFF YOUR ORDER!!

Beautiful thread Bundles of Silk, Rayon, Cotton and Metallics. Beads and Jewelry components. Canvas, Ultrasuede, and Ultrsuede Bundles! Replenish your Supplies!

When checking out, simply type in the coupon code JUSTBECUZ20 and your entire order will be discounted.

And if that weren't enough, as a thank you for your purchase, you will receive free 10% off gift certificates to send out to friends, family, and fellow crafters. When someone uses your gift certificates, you will automatically receive another 15% off your next order. Think of it as a Goes-Around, Comes-Around type situation.....

For the rest of the week, 2 to 3 times daily, we will be posting new Thread Bundles and Beads, so keep checking back. And keep an eye on your email for the free gift certificates!

Real Treasures.

2011-02-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

ETSY is an amazing site. It's sort of a grass roots movement for handmade. On Etsy you can offer your wares for sale among other handmade items from all over the world. It's so exciting to see crafted treasures, imaginative items that are most times very affordable. I have a couple of shops on Etsy, here and here. One of the neat features on the site is called TREASURY. It's where you can browse the millions of items for sale and put together a grouping that has a common thread you decide on. It may be...Things with Wings, or... In the Morning Light, or... a grouping based on color. The latter, no surprise I'm sure, is so much fun to put together. You are asked to place only one item from the same seller, and not include your own items, so you can show others some LOVE! I've put some Treasuries together here, as well as the ones you see above and below. Take a walk over there, I'm sure you'll have fun!

This is one of my favorite Treasuries. I didn't choose a common color

but it sort of comes out that way.

Jonathan's Needlepoint!

2011-02-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Adler is a potter, a designer, a personality. I've been collecting his pottery for years now. Over time he moved into designing furniture, accessories, lamps, and more pottery. He was one of the judges on the Bravo show TOP DESIGN. He has humor in his designs, color and more color, (now you know another reason for my liking him), and he's fun. I was driving up 3rd Street, here in Philly, yesterday, and I saw a big new store sign: Jonathan Adler. Yea!! He now has a store in Philadelphia! I quickly veered to the right, into the first available parking space and made my way into the store. What struck me immediately is the vast array of needlepoint in the shop. If you live in a city with one of his shops, walk on in and see it for yourself. If not, check out the website.

I LOVE fiber bundles!

2011-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Do you love to have? You know, have fibers and beads and fabric and tools. Just have?

Do you have that inner conversation:

"Now now, you don't need this".

"I know, but I R E A L L Y want it".

I love to have! And I always make sure that the second voice in the conversation wins!

So we just filled the studio with new fibers, then put them together with some beads, stones, Ultrasuede, pearls, in delightful thread packs. They are posted on my Etsy website.

I would be perfectly happy putting together thread, bead, and fabric bundles all day long.

These have some great silks, overdyes, metallics. They would be delightful for a small design, simple composition, just let the threads speak for themselves.

Something as simple as the chart to the right. Just like it says..."Let the Threads do the Talking!"

Natalie, my friend.

2011-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

Natalie is a close friend, her son is Nina's close friend, we both live in the same neighborhood and we are both artists, (she is an amazing ceramic artist). Now how lucky is that? So, to top it off, Natalie decided to try needlepoint. I was quite flattered that she would want to stitch one of my designs. She started with a small one ("A Year in Cards"), and then moved on to her second piece, "Midnight Garden".

This is Natalie's piece, her second needlepoint piece, the one she did with no help from me! I had to show you, cause I'm so proud of her!

Natalie, my talented friend!

It hurts, but then it gets better.

2011-01-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

I live in Philadelphia. My family lives in Israel, five thousand seven hundred forty, (5,740), miles away.

It's not just the distance, its all that we miss out on. Celebrations, birthdays, cousins growing up together, grandparents there to spoil the kids, holiday meals, comfort when things happen. It's all those things we miss out on.

This past Wednesday one of my sisters came to visit me. She flew five thousand seven hundred forty miles to spend time with me. We had been talking about a sister thing, just the two of us, hanging out, taking Manhattan by storm, laughing, being utterly silly. We both work hard, we both have children and obligations. It was hard to carve the time out but we finally did. My sister arrived this past Wednesday for five days. Eleven thousand four hundred eighty miles round trip, so we could be together for five days. It was unbearably, bitterly cold in Manhattan, but that didn't stop us. We both bundled up, coats, sweaters, gloves and scarves on our heads. We probably looked like a couple of woman from Odessa with our scarves tied beneath our chins. It made us laugh to look at each other. We shoved as much as we could into those five days. The last night, Shiri, my daughter, came to our hotel to spend the night with us. The three of us, a slumber party. By that time the sadness had begun creeping in. The next morning we had coffee at the Times Warner building where Columbus Circle was covered in beautiful snow and the park was in view. It was beautiful but by then I began thinking was it all worth it? Saying goodbye is so hard. It's so painful and I thought that maybe it would have been better had she not come. At least then it wouldn't hurt so much.

A few hours later we said goodbye, just like we do everytime. We hug, squeeze, choke with tears, turn and walk away, not able to speak, either of us.

This was yesterday and it still hurts. I know it will get better. We will get back to our routines, our children, our work, our obligations. We will call each other to talk about the kids, to wish happy birthdays, happy holidays. It will get better.

But it will always be five thousand seven hundred forty miles away.

Let me Point something out ......

2011-01-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

If you are the sort of Stitcher who likes to have lots of projects in the works, and who would love to try classes on the internet, let me point the way to a bunch of Stitchers who get together at a place called Cyberpointers. This unique chapter of ANG is devoted to classes and companionship for people who don't have a local chapter or who want a class that fits into their schedule. They offer resources and opportunities that cannot be missed. I have been working very closely with Elizabeth at Cyberpointers to put together a few classes for them throughout the coming year.

Last week registration began for my first class for them, "Petit Trianon". This is an intense, extremely intricate design, inspired by the summer home belonging to Madame Pompadour, and later, the infamous Marie Antoinette! The Kit comes in two colorways, "Chateau" and "Jardin".

I love doing classes through the internet. It gives students time to work through whatever problems they may have, ask any questions, and really digest the information they are receiving. This is a great supplemental class to any stitchers repertoire. And the finishing parts and instructions are part of the kit. So it won't just kick around the house waiting to go to the framers!

Aside from that, I am still working my way through my stash of supplies and bead components. There are new listings on the Etsy site every week. And every week there is a tiny bit more space in my cupboards. So it seems to be benefiting everyone!

And if you are planning on getting your Valentine's project going, nows the time! Pick your color from four different "LOVELY" options, and make something beautiful for a friend!

Hope everyone is getting through these past few blizzards with lots of warmth and stitching. Today we had an ice storm in Philly! What else can Father Winter throw our way?

Esther and I need some lovin'

2011-01-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our little Esther got "fixed". I'll start by saying, I know it's for the best, I know she will be healthier and safer in the long run. I know and would do it again in a heartbeat but... she's still crying and she looks confused and my heart is breaking. I hate, hate, hate when my loved ones are not feeling well. Every time someone I love is sick I can hear myself say, "give it to me instead, I'll be sick instead". If this were to happen each time I said this, I'd basically be in bed for the next 10 years, so really it's good that whoever is in charge doesn't listen to me! And it's not that I'm such a Saint. It's just easier for me to cope with pain, (take a few Motrin and go to sleep), than worry. I'm such a worrier!

Esther on a better day with her very best friend, Nina

* * * * * * *

Now, for some fun news, LOVELY, the new heart design will be used in a photo shoot for a kids bedroom. All four of them! Exciting!

* * * * * * *

So, wish us quick recovery, little worry and just a good peaceful weekend.

and a very peaceful weekend to you too, my friends!

Lovely Lovlies: New, (practically free), design

2011-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

February is fast approaching, and it's one month till that wonderful Holiday of Love, Valentine's Day. In honor of that and of all of you, my friends, who have been so supportive and enthusiastic towards all my creative endeavors, I have designed this Bargello Heart called "Lovely". The design is, well, almost free! The PDF is available for $1, (just to cover our expenses) over on my Etsy site or on my Ornaments website. Also available are the kits for four colorways. Each kit comes complete with the hoop that is pictured, as well as the felt, canvas, and threads. Kits come with a hard copy of the instructions, so if you have bought the kit, you don't need to purchase the PDF!

"Lovely" in Grey

"Lovely" in Blue

"Lovely" in Orange

and "Lovely" in Pink!

AND... If you have the notion that you would like to buy all four,

they are available as a set at a discounted price.

The hardest word to pronounce: ARTIST

2011-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have been engaged in art since I was a very young child. In elementary school, I was one of the kids who "could draw". Through high school my work was chosen for competitions, for school exhibits, and along with a few others, I was one of those "artsy" kids. It was never considered something I would do when I grow up. As a struggling single parent in Israel, I taught English in exchange for painting lessons from some wonderful artists. I upholstered chairs with fabric I brought from South Africa, painted old tables in glorious colors, held soirees at home for local galleries in exchange for a painting. Art was always there.

When I was able to devote all my time to art, years later, I would always consider myself a mother who liked art, a teacher who enjoyed drawing, a wife who experimented with a needle and fiber. Never an artist. As a result, I did not want to hang my work on the walls of our homes, and if I did, they were always hung on walls that were almost hidden from view. I could not, no way, say I was an artist.

Only a few years ago, no more than 3 years ago, I was filling out a form that asked for occupation. I wrote ARTIST. Then, with great discomfort, when asked what I did, I managed to get the words out: I'm an ARTIST. Can you believe it? It's still hard. It is the hardest word to pronounce: ARTIST.

I wanted to show you what I did this week. I hung my work on a wall in our home in plain view! When you walk into our home, you see the wall loud and clear. There is my work, standing proud. I am an artist. I am an artist.

Goodies and Treats

2011-01-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone, it's Genevieve---Just a Shout out to everyone who wrote asking for more Beads---- I just listed new Bead Components and Thread Bundles in new Colorways over at Orna's Etsy Shop!! A number of people wrote asking about them after our first bunch sold, so we finally got pictures of the new stuff and posted them. I'm so glad all these fantastic bead combinations are getting out there into the world and going into great projects. Don't hesitate to send pics of your completed work our way---it's really nice to see what people do with all this great stuff!!!

Also, Orna put together a second Colorway for the Bestowed, so that is available at the

Ornathologie Etsy Shop---it's going to be all kits all the time there. We have a new found love of Etsy, it makes transactions so easy for us--it's like all the paperwork is Poof! Evaporated! More time to come up with designs and CREATE!

Hope all you guys have had a lovely Holidays and that getting back to real time wasn't too painful!

New Year, New Ideas, New Directions!

2011-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

2011

As the new year moves in, it is time to tell you how exciting things have become here at the studio.

A new year means new directions. We are not abandoning the old, we are blossoming with many new! In the spirit of these earth friendly, Cyber conscious times we live in, I have begun offering instructions as downloadable PDF's! These will offer you designs at a fraction of the cost while every tree between us will thank you!

The first PDF is available on my new Etsy site, Ornathologie.

"BESTOWED" is a new needle-art Pendant. It's small enough to work on just about anywhere. The pdf file for this piece is just $8 and you have the option to purchase all of the materials to complete the project for $25!

For years I have dreamt of a line of kits that give people the tools necessary to create high end items with their own hands. Over the course of 2011, I will be coming out with kits that will push you in directions you had not thought possible, using wonderful and surprising materials that will tantalize and mesmerize.

There will be cyber-classes that will feed your soul, broaden your horizons and give you a chance to shine. Keep an eye out for the announcement of my innovative new Cyber-class series. Designed to be more than a needle-art class, offering extras and opportunities that no class has offered before!

With the best of wishes for a wonderful new year,

STAY IN TOUCH,
YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED

Orna

Beads And Beads!! What's a Girl to DO???

2010-12-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

EXCERPT FROM TODAY'S STUDIO CONVERSATION:

Genevieve: "Hey Orna, what are you doing for New Year's?"

Orna: "I'm doing our annual Progressive!"

Genevieve: "That's my car insurance company...."

Orna: "No, no... It's where a whole bunch of families travel from house to house for appetizers, and then dinner, and then dessert. All the kids go, it's so much fun! We end up at the house nearest the fireworks. We've been doing this for 5 years. What are you doing Genevieve?"

Genevieve: "I just don't know. I have a party invite and a Romantic Getaway invite, but as of today, we have decided nothing."

While I try to nail down a plan of some sort, have a looksee at what I found this week:

We have beads! I have discovered an enormous stash of hand wrapped bead components that Orna has done as a "hobby" (please explain to me where you will find another Hobbyist who will apply such high craft to what she does in her "down time"?? Phew!!)

So I started putting together little sets and taking photos of the larger single ones. They are all available for sale on our Etsy site. This one below is my personal favorite set, but they are all really great. If you are working on jewelry or you need embellishments for your needle art projects, these are really unique options. I think they are so charming!

So I leave you all with these beautiful pictures, may they bring much inspiration. Have a lovely New Year's whatever you do, and feel free to drop a line and make suggestions for interesting things I can do on New Year's----- I am always open to new ideas!!!

To all!

2010-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

First things first: Happy Holidays, my friends!

I hung a large ring of silk ribbon from a high cabinet and squatted under the big big bunch to take this photo. I thought: what a perfect celebration of fiber for this festive season!

We were doing some clean up around here, (you don't want to know what the studio looks like!). Some of these were hanging around, so I stopped cleaning and started adding to the mess. I put together this collection of beauties, don't you think?

OH, and we posted a whole bunch if new, fun items on Etsy so pay us a visit, and enjoy the colorful display.

We'll talk again soon!

FREEBIE!! a needlecase design for you...

2010-12-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

It's ready for you, this free design, a needlecase.
The instructions are for the needlepoint as well as the sewing (which is very easy, so don't shy away)

If you'd like the free pattern, please email us here.

We are also offering the kit with all the materials and the mini button. You can purchase the kit for $15 on my Etsy site here.

Drop me a line and get the free design.. (hey, that rhymes!)

Colorful Bundles and a tour of my home.

2010-12-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

I went Thread Gathering this morning, skipping through the fields

of skeins and spools in my studio. Then I paired them......

all of these delicious pairings are available in my Etsy Supply Shop!!

Ice, and Chilly Grey Skies inspired this frosty combination of silk, cotton and metallics.

24 Yards complimented by onyx, agate, and czech glass beads.

Below is a cheery pairing in "Penchant for Plum". 24 yards of silk, gauze, and cotton set off by metallic glass, large purple rhinestones, and hand dyed wooden beads.

And finally, as named by the lovely Nina, we have "Strawberry Flower Pot"--

a Scrumptious Blend of Glittering Greens, Pinks and Plums.

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Speaking of Nina!!! You can see her beautiful face in our House Tour on Apartment Therapy!! I love that they lead with a picture of Nina in the kitchen. Head on over there and take a tour of my home!!

Orna's Therapy!

2010-12-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

We've been keeping this under wraps for awhile, but now we can formally announce that my home has been selected for a house tour on Apartment Therapy! The tour will be posted on Tuesday, December 14th. If you are not familiar with Apartment Therapy, this is what they have to say:

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"The Apartment Therapy Mission

Helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.

What We Believe

A calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world. Creating this home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space. It requires inspiration, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it. The basic elements of good home design can be learned and achieved by all. Simplicity and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

Our Goal

To connect people to the resources they need to improve their homes, while reducing their reliance on stuff."

* * * * * *

This website has every idea under the sun to rework your home and make it more beautiful and more functional! What I like most about the site is to see how many people love their homes, love personalizing their living space and have pride in their abode!

The website has "ohdeedoh" for children's rooms, "unplggd" for offices and technology and "re-nest" for great recycling and green ideas. I have been a fan for quite some time, however, be warned, it can be addictive!

It was really a treat to have photographer/writer Kristin Lubbe and her talented fiance' (pictured above) over for the photo session, and I am very excited to see her work when the spread is posted!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

2010-12-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Genevieve here--

We have our winners for last week's Giveaway! We so enjoyed reading about your traditions and memories we decided to do a second prize!! We put together a sampling of some of our new Silk Thread Bundles and Canvas available on Etsy starting today. Randomly chosen with the Google Random Generator, this little gift should make a nice treat for our Second Place winner AMANDA from Ontario Canada. Have fun!!!

And as for our First Place Winner---MARY from Louisiana takes the Making Memories Needlepoint kit and Instruction Booklet. Her memory of her Christmas Traditions are a perfect fit for such a special treat!!

If you are a winner---please be sure to email us your snail mail so that we get this to you ahead of the last minute holiday shipping!!!

In other news, we have been getting great feedback from our Cyber-Squaredancer's!!! Everyone has been getting their kits and I would just like to say thank you for all your kind words. We really really worked hard to get those out as fast and as beautifully put together as was possible in the 2 weeks since we received the final count from ANG on November 15th. It has been just great to read the happy posts--this particular assistant is breathing a sigh of relief!

And lastly---we have been brainstorming new ideas for Cyber Classes and I thought I would just ask you all what kind of class you would like to see in our Cyberclass series over the next year. We are looking for innovative ideas, classes that go beyond the ordinary!

Let us know if there has been a class you are dying to take and want to see worked up as Cyber class! Just think--you could be taking it this time next year from the coziness

of your favorite chair!!

That's it for now--Thanks everyone for your wonderful Holiday Thoughts---and here's hoping that the Season has been a happy one for you!

It's time for a giveaway!

2010-12-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year and I just feel like giving!!

It doesn't matter how old you get or what your family traditions are, this time of year you just have to get in a good mood. It seems like the perfect time for an Extraordinary Giveaway!!!!

Up for grabs is a "Making Memories" Needlepoint Kit. It comes complete with all the threads, supplies and instruction packet to make one book. The book is bound with blank pages and is suitable for photos, scrap booking, sketching, recipes---whatever you can think of.

So for this Giveaway, you can enter any or all of the ways below:

1. Comment on your very favorite holiday tradition.

2. Go to my blog : ornadesign.blogspot.com and start following me. It's a great way to learn about classes, workshops, new designs and really great sales!

3. And finally, visit ETSY and make my shop a Favorite! It's chock full of small kits, canvas, Ultrasuede, and equipment to help you with your Needlepoint!

If you do all three you can consider yourself entered three times!

Please be sure to keep checking back--and if you win, send us your snail mail!!

(We promise not to use it for anything else).

The deadline for this contest is December 7th, 2010 @ noon.

Here's what I've been doing!

2010-11-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

This is the first batch of kits (over 50), going out tomorrow for Squaredance.

Should have more going out everyday this week.