Featured Needlepoint Artist
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Barbara Bergsten
Designs,
Hunting Valley, Ohio
440-227-9018
Beautiful Stitch-Painted
Needlepoint Designs
Barbara Bergsten began designing stitch-painted needlepoint
canvases in early 2006. Since then, her company has
grown rapidly as needlepoint aficionados everywhere
discovered her clear, uncomplicated colors and easy-to-stitch
designs. Both decorative and functional, Barbara's
work has definitely turned heads around the country.
Below are some excerpts from a recent conversation:
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You'll find all of Barbara's beautiful hand-painted
designs on her website: www.barbarabergstendesigns.com
Her needlepoint blog can be read by clicking: createneedlepoint.typepad.com |
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WoNP: Please tell us how you
became involved in the needlepoint business.
Barbara: "During high
school in the mid-70s, I worked in a local needlepoint
shop. Needlepoint was all the rage at the time. I painted
small canvases from an original that were sold as kits.
In those days, canvases were done with oil-based paint
that took days to dry. I quickly discovered I preferred
painting needlepoint to stitching. After graduation, I
gave up needlepoint and headed off to college.
Five years ago I decided a change of direction was in
order. I began looking for a new form of art in which
I could express myself. I designed a needlepoint belt
as a present for my daughter. I'd heard about a wonderful
needlepoint shop nearby so I went there to buy some yarn.
It had been years since I'd been in a needlepoint store
so I was amazed with the advances and innovations that
had been made in the world of needlepoint; the variety
of thread and all new stitches were truly amazing!
The shop owner, Anne Forquer of Wool & Willow Needlepoint
in Cleveland, asked who had designed the belt. When I told
her I had done it, she immediately asked if I'd be interested
in designing canvases for her store. This is how my needlepoint
designing career began.
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After two years designing for Anne,
I introduced my own wholesale line in June 2008
at the TNNA trade show in Columbus. I can't say
enough about my "show buddy," Juli Poitras
of JP Needlepoint, who guided me through my first
show. She showed me the ropes as it were, helping
with all the little details. From drapes to how
many catalogs to bring, Juli filled me in on everything
a first time exhibitor needs to know and then some.
Thanks again, Juli!"
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WoNP: Have you had any other jobs?
Barbara: "I was an insurance
adjuster for ten years and then a stay-at-home mom until
I returned to college to complete my bachelor's degree in
art from Ursiline College in Cleveland, Ohio.
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WoNP: What are your favorite canvases?
Barbara: "I love things
that are colorful, fun and functional. I'm crazy for color."
WoNP: We know you love to design needlepoint, but do you stitch as well?
Barbara: "I stitch finished
samples of my designs for display at trade shows. I've become
much better at stitching over time and this has really improved
my painting skills. Everything I design is carefully stitch-painted."
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WoNP: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Barbara:
"Color and design inspire me most. I'll look
at something and say, 'That would make a great
needlepoint canvas!' Then I stop and think, 'What
will it be when it is finished? Can it be easily
stitched? How can it be embellished with specialty
stitches?' I usually pull threads and then paint
with the threads in front of me. I want my designs
to be colorful, fun, practical and whimsical.
I like needlepoint to look like needlepoint, functional
needlepoint for everyday use. Some design ideas
just don't convert well to needlepoint."
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WoNP: What are your favorite pieces to paint?
Barbara: "Right
now I'm doing different sized canvases with 'painted
stitches'. I came up with this idea after teaching
a class where the stitchers had to count out the
stitch steps. Some found it very frustrating so
I thought, 'I'm stitch painting so why not count
out the stitches and paint them in two colors?'
I'm hoping this will help more people try different
stitches."
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WoNP: How can we attract more people to the World of Needlepoint?
Barbara: "I
think we need to rekindle interest in needlepoint among
those who have stopped. There a whole new world of threads
available, making the hobby much more interesting and
fun. We need to get the word out that this is not your
mother's needlepoint.
I also feel we need to grab the attention
of younger stitchers, showing them fun and functional
needlepoint items for everyday use. The recent innovation,
'self finishing' needlepoint, may appeal to the younger
crowd. Perhaps a series of Open Houses for garden clubs,
Junior Leagues and other community organizations offering
an 'Open Stitch Day' may help generate interest. If there
is anything I can do as a designer to help grow the industry,
I'm happy to do it!"
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WoNP: Is there anyone in particular
from whom you drew inspiration for your new venture?
Barbara: "My
parents are both very supportive of my new business.
My mother was an avid stitcher in the 70's, and
has recently begun stitching again!"
WoNP: Is there anything else you would like to say?
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Barbara: "Regarding
designing, I try to think about colors, threads
and stitches; how the piece will be finished as
I'm creating a new design. I carefully stitch-paint
each canvas to ensure that stitchers know exactly
where to place each thread. Uncomplicated, clear
colors best describe my designs. In general, I
believe my style is more graphic design than a
'painterly' style, which works well for my line
of needlepoint.
I try to design canvases for stitchers at all
levels. My designs are easy to stitch for the
novice, and can be creatively embellished for
the more experienced veteran. A simple canvas
can become an intricate finished piece utilizing
interesting stitches and unusual threads. I strive
to produce colorful, fun, functional and whimsical
hand-painted needlepoint. I'm all over the place
with themes. One day it's a Waddle of Penguins,
the next it's Beach Girls. I do whatever strikes
my fancy!
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