National Academy of Needlearts 2022 Assembly

Class Offerings and Teacher Biographies

March 18 – 22, 2022

Somerset Inn, Troy, MI

4 - Day Classes: Saturday, March 19 through Tuesday, March 22 ______2 401: Interpreting the Painted ─ Debbie Stiehler ______2 402: Shay’s Stitch Buffet ─ Shay Pendray ______2 403: Pyramids at the Oasis ─ Wendy Moore ______3 2 - Day Classes: Saturday, March 19 through Sunday, March 20______3 101: Discovering Value ─ Do Andrew ______3 102: Starry Night Kimono ─ Toni Gerdes ______4 103: Pom Pom Shoes ─ Deborah Mitek ______4 104: Secret Window ─ Kurdy Biggs ______5 105: Felted Beech Tree ─ Laura Smith ______5 106: Crewel Necessities ─ Kim Sanders ______6 107: Studio time with Dawn Donnelly ______6 2 - Day Classes: Monday, March 21 through Tuesday, March 22 ______7 201: Casting Spells ─ Dawn Donnelly ______7 202: Pumpkin Patch ─ Jennifer Riefenberg ______7 203: Poppies in a Copper Bowl – Gail Sirna ______8 204: Winter Wonderland Stocking ─ Kurdy Biggs ______8 205: Batik to Stitch ─ Laura Smith ______9 206: Daisy & Red Clover ─ Kim Sanders ______9 207: Studio Time with Diane Herrmann ______10 Half-day classes: Friday, March 18 ______10 001: Trellis ─ Vicky Witterschein (Friday Afternoon) ______10 002: Dude, I Come in Peace – Heather Shulick (Friday morning) ______11 003: Acorn Hill Needlebook ─ Kathy Andrews (Friday Afternoon) ______11 Teacher Biographies ______12 National Academy of Needlearts – 2022 Assembly Class Offerings and Teacher Biographies

4 - Day Classes: Saturday, March 19 through Tuesday, March 22

401: Interpreting the Painted Canvas ─ Debbie Stiehler Proficiency Level: Advanced Kit Cost: $70 Ground: Painted canvas Design Size: 12” x 12” or 144 square inches (or smaller)

Debbie will interpret your canvas using the principles of focal point, depth perception, and color placement to create a unique stitch guide for each student. The design size is limited to 12” x 12” or 144 square inches. A full-size photocopy of your canvas is due to Debbie by January 10th. Students will receive a list of suggested threads and embellishments prior to class. Class size is limited to 18 students.

Student to Bring: Painted canvas mounted on stretcher bars, suggested threads and embellishments, and usual stitching supplies.

Pre-work: Select canvas, mail photocopy of canvas, and gather threads and embellishments that Debbie will suggest.

402: Shay’s Stitch Buffet ─ Shay Pendray Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: None, unless starting a new phase of Japanese Ground: n/a

What fun we will have in this class, choosing colors, expanding our minds, challenging our stitching and most of all, we will learn great things from the other students. It is always stimulating to study with a diverse level of stitchers. This class is open to anyone in any phase of Japanese Embroidery or any student who has an unfinished Shay project. No doubt you all finish your pieces the minute you go home, but just in case this did not happen, here is the place to get help and move forward. If you want to start a new Japanese Embroidery phase, that’s fine too, but give us time to get the supplies you need. There is not a kit fee unless you are starting a new phase. In that case, please contact Shay at [email protected].

Student to bring: All the things you need to work on your own Shay or Japanese Embroidery project.

Pre-work: None

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403: Pyramids at the Oasis ─ Wendy Moore Proficiency Level: Advanced/Intermediate Kit Cost: $170 Ground: Congress Cloth Design Size: 10” x 10”

You are on a magic carpet and flying over a sanded plain and viewing down upon pyramids in all sizes, colors, and shapes…surrounded by lush greenery. This design is a study in texture and three-dimensionality. Using simple threads such as Floche and pearl cottons, as well as metallic/silk blends, silk floss and pearl cotton, and metallics of different weights, these shapes will rise up off the canvas and become almost touchable. Stitch these shapes in simple and complex composite stitches such as Jessicas, laid filling stitches, knotted, and tied stitches, as well as easy to manipulate stitches, to create the look of textured surfaces in an explosion of color. Kit to include: Threads, beads and mat, needles, line-drawn canvas, instructions, pictures.

Student to bring: 14” stretcher bars (2 pair), laying tool (required), frame stand or frame-weight for hands-free stitching, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification.

Pre-work: None

2 - Day Classes: Saturday, March 19 through Sunday, March 20

101: Discovering Value ─ Do Andrew Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $20 Ground: n/a Design Size: n/a

Have you walked away, after finishing a long-worked on piece, and returned later, only to see a glaring spot, jumping out at you? Has anyone told you that your wonderful new piece is bland? This has happened to all of us. Value is one of the important, but so easily neglected elements of design. It is often lost in the more “glamorous” world of color and texture. A good dose of value concentration will help to overcome these troublesome conditions. We’ll experiment with subtle values, with strong values, deal with lost and found edges too, and study how values help with form. Exercises will be in collage, colored pencil, and in watercolor. Controlling value will give our work more structure, and us more confidence to keep up with those other exciting Elements.

Student to Bring: Two to three works-in-progress, or design in progress (finished or unfinished), watercolor paints (8-10 colors including black and white), colored pencils (18 colors including some light values), (8-10 colors, with at least 3 values of each), usual stitching supplies and small color wheel.

Pre-work: None

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102: Starry Night Kimono ─ Toni Gerdes Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $150 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: 8 ¼” x 11 ½”

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s painting and Don McLean’s song, the Starry Night Kimono is the fifth in the Artist’s series of kimonos after The Wright Kimono, Mackintosh Rose Kimono, Klimt Kimono, & O’Keeffe kimono. The kimono combines the view from the asylum where van Gogh painted while incarcerated with the artist’s conception of a windy starry night. The serene village is depicted with Cypress trees, stars, moonlight, & the dramatic wind. Using many silks, wools, cottons, Soy Luster, with touches of metallic will bring this scene to life. This intermediate level design will be stitched on 18 ct canvas with a variety of decorative stitches to create the perspective landscape & whimsical night sky. The design can be done as the original, a kimono, or as a rectangle (with explanation & permission).

Student to Bring: 12” x 16” stretcher bars & usual stitching supplies.

Pre-work: None

103: Pom Pom Shoes ─ Deborah Mitek Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: $225 Ground: Hand painted canvas by Kate Dickerson, 18 ct Design Size: 8½” x 10”

Kick up your heels and have some fun learning canvas embellishment techniques with added silk ribbon embroidery! This colorful canvas from an original painting by artist Maren Devine is further embellished using a variety of silk threads and shaded velvets to create dimension and texture. Openwork canvas stitches are used to highlight the shaded areas of the piece while preserving the integrity of the painter. The bold use of silk ribbons, beads, and sequins makes this canvas pop!

Student to Bring: 12” x 14” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, usual stitching supplies including a wooden laying tool and/or trolley needle, floor stand or table clamp for hands- free stitching. Lighting and magnification optional.

Pre-work: none

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104: Secret Window ─ Kurdy Biggs Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $195 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: 11” x 14”

Come along with me on a stitching journey to create our own arched window or Secret Window. We will develop our own 3D-stained glass style window using an array of stitches that include Walnetos, Jessicas, Crescents and more. These stitches will be brought to life using a variety of silk and metallic threads. Once the stitching is done, we will add crystal bicones and beads for added depth and translucence. When the piece is finished it will go into the arch frame that is provided in the kit and finishing instructions will be provided.

Student to Bring: Two sets of 16” x 20” stretcher bars and tacks or staples to attach the canvas to stretcher bars, usual stitching supplies including light, laying tool, frame stand or weight, magnifier and extension cord if needed.

Pre-work: None

105: Felted Beech Tree ─ Laura Smith Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: $84 Ground: Lutradur®, a sturdy non-woven fabric made by the Pellon Company Design Size: 9” x 11”

Construct fabulous textures and color depth with layers of silk hankies, wool roving, hand dyed gauze, ultra-thin Lutradur, recycled fruit mesh, and foiling. Work with Lutradur to paint a background. Add subtle or bold highlights by foiling if desired. Create felted features similar to the tree shown using a handheld embellisher machine. A shared Class Treasure Chest of materials and threads provides the full range of color options, including nuno felt for the tree. Students can modify the design and colors as they desire.

Student to Bring: Usual stitching supplies including for paper and fabric. Wear painting clothes on the first day.

Pre-work: None

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106: Crewel Necessities ─ Kim Sanders Proficiency Level: Basic/Intermediate Kit Cost: $53 Ground: Linen Twill Design Size: 5” x 7”

Organize your favorite tools in a beautifully embroidered huswife. Crewel Necessities uses a wide variety of stitches to make the stitching fun. Tips on handling crewel wool, making plump, smooth , creating sharp corners with and invisibly joining a new thread for line stitches ensure success. Students may embroider the interior of the huswife as shown or substitute their favorite stitches. The back of the class sample is blank. Students may choose to personalize their huswife with initials and/or a date.

Student to Bring: 10” x 15” stretcher bars and tacks, .5mm mechanical pencil (Bic or similar fine point), 5” or 6” , magnification and lighting as desired, and usual stitching supplies including a laying tool or large needle such as a #18 tapestry.

Pre-work: None

107: Studio time with Dawn Donnelly Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: None Ground: n/a Design Size: n/a

If you would like to finish some works in progress or begin an old or newly purchased project, this class is for you. If you wish to treat yourself to the luxury of uninterrupted stitching time, this class is for you. If you have any unfinished class projects, now is the time to get additional help. The informal structure of Studio Time lets you use the class to meet YOUR needs, offering a great learning experience...and fun, too!

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2 - Day Classes: Monday, March 21 through Tuesday, March 22

201: Casting Spells ─ Dawn Donnelly Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $122 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: 8½” x 10½”

Before the spell casting hour of midnight, a witch needs her hat to shape her spells. Adorn this hat with some fun stitches: eyelet, satin, , stem, staggered cross, hesitation, patio cashmere, padded satin, , and squared filling. The hat wouldn’t be complete without a rose made out of a zipper and tulle. And to complete the piece, we’ll add a fun saying using scrapbooking paper and a spider button.

Student to Bring: 12” x 14” stretcher bars, laying tool and usual stitching supplies.

Pre-work: None

202: Pumpkin Patch ─ Jennifer Riefenberg Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $125 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: Up to 6” x 8”

Autumn flashes its warm smiles of color in the Pumpkin Patch. A of stitches creates the verdant earth on which the pumpkins sit in anticipation of harvest. Learn about color harmonies in this intermediate level class, as you experience many threads and stitches and practice techniques on the canvas. Learn about using fun yarns as an embellishment to your pumpkins as you create your own, unique vines.

Student to Bring: Basic stitching tools (scissors, lights, magnifier), 10" x 12" stretcher bars (pre-assembled for class), tacks or staples, and either clamps or a frame weight or whatever you use to hold your frame.

Pre-work: None

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203: Poppies in a Copper Bowl – Gail Sirna Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $120 Ground: Congress cloth Design Size: 7” x 10”

Poppies are a joyous celebration of earthly fertility, found especially in the fields of Europe and some places in America. To many they are a symbol of the fallen soldier, and especially poignant in the military graveyards in Europe. But they grow elsewhere in the old countries and are a lovely addition to the landscape. In this design the poppies are stitched in a variety of silk threads: Soie d’Alger, Gloriana, Straw Silk, Silk Ribbon, plus some Kreinik and Accentuate.

Each poppy is worked in a different stitch or technique, such as needlelace, diaper pattern couching, long and short stitch, and a variety of embroidery and canvaswork stitches. Each poppy is a small exploration of the technique or stitch, and is readily completed in a short time.

Student to Bring: 13” x 14” stretcher bars, laying tool of student’s choice, frame weight or table clamp so both hands are free for working, extra #26 & #24 needles, magnets for holding needles, pencil for taking notes, air soluble purple pen and masking tape.

Pre-work: None

204: Winter Wonderland Stocking ─ Kurdy Biggs Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: $125 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: 5½” x 7½”

Winter Wonderland Stocking is an innovative way to stitch both a stocking and a cuff on the same canvas. Using an array of stitches that include Jessicas, Mistake and Crescents, the bottom will be stitched with Rainbow Gallery’s sumptuous silk threads on an antique blue canvas creating our Winter Wonderland. Then stitch the cuff on the silver painted side with blue pearlescent threads for luster and shimmer. When finished we will add texture and dimension with pearls, crystals, and a variety of beads.

Student to Bring: 10” x 14” stretcher bars and tacks or staples to attach the canvas to stretcher bars, highlighter, usual stitching supplies including light, laying tool, frame stand or weight, magnifier and extension cord if needed.

Pre-work: None

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205: Batik to Stitch ─ Laura Smith Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: $75 Ground: Kona® Cotton (3 to 4 pieces in various sizes) Design Size: 12” x 12”

Batik creates complex, stitchable designs through layering color on fabric. Wax is applied with a stamp called a tjap (pronounced “chop”). Student’s choice of colors are painted in layers alternating with wax. An optional crackling technique can create a marbled effect. The piece is ironed to remove wax. Images available include turtle, irises, lilies, sunflower, butterfly, dragonfly, gecko, and square geometric. Learn how to do the batik process on Day 1. On Day 2, create stitch plans, stitch, or create more batik.

Student to Bring: 8” hoop, usual stitching supplies including scissors for metallic thread and fabric, recycled newspaper and grocery bags. Wear painting clothes on the first day; details in welcome letter.

Pre-work: None

206: Daisy & Red Clover ─ Kim Sanders Proficiency Level: Basic/Intermediate Kit Cost: $30 Ground: 100% Linen, unevenweave backed with 100% cotton muslin Design Size: 5” x 7”

Daisy & Red Clover is a two-day class designed to give students a taste of in an easily completed size. Needlelace daisy petals are worked over felt. The daisy leaf is embroidered on a second ground fabric with an overcast and buttonhole edging over wire, cut out and applied. Whipped chain, padded satin and layered detached chain stitches continue the raised character of this embroidery. Tatting thread/No. 80 cordonet is used for the needlelace. Cordonet is tightly spun so it resists splitting, ensuring students’ success in making needle . Beginning surface embroiders should find outline, stem, French knot, and detached chain within their reach, while more advanced students will be challenged with creating the detached element and working needlelace, as well as benefiting from tips on creating beautifully smooth satin stitch.

Student to Bring: 8” x 10” stretcher bars and tacks, 3- or 4-inch ring hoop, sewing thread in white or pastel for transferring design, usual stitching supplies including ruler, scissors capable of cutting felt and paper scissors.

Pre-work: None

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207: Studio Time with Diane Herrmann Proficiency Level: All Kit Cost: None Ground: n/a Design Size: n/a

If you would like to finish some works in progress or begin an old or newly purchased project, this class is for you. If you wish to treat yourself to the luxury of uninterrupted stitching time, this class is for you. If you have any unfinished class projects, now is the time to get additional help. The informal structure of Studio Time lets you use the class to meet YOUR needs, offering a great learning experience...and fun, too!

Half-day classes: Friday, March 18

001: Trellis ─ Vicky Witterschein (Friday Afternoon) Proficiency Level: Beginning/Intermediate Kit Cost: $61 Ground: Mono canvas, 18 ct Design Size: 3½“x 5“

Try something different, it is fun and easy! Have you ever wondered how counted work is different from surface embroidery? Can they be used together? Trellis combines counted stitches, surface embroidery and beading in a pretty floral design. You will learn a simple and quick counted stitch for the groundwork, and then you will learn how to use a tissue pattern to stitch surface embroidery on top of counted . Seven basic surface embroidery stitches will be taught: vertical satin, stem stitch, outline stitch, detached chain, couching, French knot and ray stitch. Also, you will learn the difference between stem stitch and outline stitch.

Student to bring: Two sets of 10” x 8” stretcher bars, stapler or tacks, usual stitching supplies, laying tool and a frame weight, which is a great tool to free-up your hands if you don’t have a frame stand.

Pre-work: None

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002: Dude, I Come in Peace – Heather Shulick (Friday morning) Proficiency Level: Intermediate Kit Cost: $85 Ground: Tyvek Design Size: 2½“ x 3½“ with 30” beaded rope

Not all visitors to our planet want to conquer. Some of them just want to hang out and get to know us. Dude, I Come in Peace is ready to socialize at any future party that demands a statement piece. This intermediate class introduces students to a new ground foundation and an unconventional focal point for traditional bead embroidery. Students will create a custom foundation for their Cool Dude by painting and heating Tyvek®. Students will incorporate a peyote bezel, a classic bead embroidery technique, around their Cool Dude and finish their necklace with a beaded rope.

Student to bring: Small ruler or tape measure, good working task light is essential, magnification as needed and small pair of pliers or a needle puller (such as Dritz). Beaders may want to bring their usual beading supplies, but all materials needed to bead will be supplied in class.

Pre-work: None

003: Acorn Hill Needlebook ─ Kathy Andrews (Friday Afternoon) Proficiency Level: Beginning/Intermediate Kit Cost: $60 Ground: Linen Twill Design Size: 4¼” x 4½“

Delicately colored autumn leaves and darling acorns stitched on creamy ivory linen combine in this delightful crewelwork needlebook. The inspiration for our needlebook comes from the woods behind our family home. The design comes from the Miscellany of 1608 by Thomas Trevelyon. In this 3 hour class, we will embroider this design using split stitch, stem stitch, satin stitch, long and short shading and seeding.

Student to bring: Usual stitching supplies; 8” hoop, magnification and lighting, and a lap stand, roller frame or slate frame and stand.

Pre-work: None

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Teacher Biographies

Do Andrew Do is an artist and designer, teacher, lecturer, judge, and author who creates work in a variety of media in the needle art and fine art disciplines. She has NAN certification as both a Master Teacher and Master Judge, and completed the Honors Level. Do was the Director of Judges’ Certification for six years and currently is the Monitor for the Master Judging program. She holds a BFA degree from Syracuse University and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art. Dolores is a retired Associate Professor of Art at Essex Community College in Baltimore County MD. She has written and illustrated three books on subjects and is represented by several galleries. Her artwork has been accepted in juried exhibitions throughout the U.S. www.DoloresAndrewDesigns.com

Kathy Andrews With her enthusiasm for stitch and encouraging classroom atmosphere, she is a sought after teacher of embroidery. Kathy has taught and lectured for EGA chapters in the USA, a mini-class at EGA National and globally in her many online courses. She received her Certificate of Technical Hand Embroidery with Merit from the Royal School of Needlework and her City and Guilds Certificate in Design and Stitched . Kathy is a member of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the EGA and the EGA Fiber Forum. She and her husband are the third generation to live in the family home in rural Iowa.

Kurdy Biggs Kurdy is a counted canvas designer, teacher, and owner of Threedles Needleart Designs. Kurdy holds a Level II Teaching Certificate from NAN. Her geometric designs have won numerous awards from ANG, NAN, EGA, TNNA and Woodlawn. She has been published in Needlepointers, Now, and Cross Stitch and Needlework. Kurdy has taught for national ANG, EGA and NAN seminars and in retail shops. www.threedles.com

Dawn Donnelly Dawn Donnelly is a mixed-media artist who enjoys incorporating other forms of art within needlepoint. She holds Level II teacher certification in canvas from NAN and teaches nationally and locally for NAN, ANG, and EGA. Dawn has been recognized in numerous exhibits for the excellence of by work. She spends her time volunteering as membership chair, registrar, and dean of faculty for NAN and president for ANG’s Magnificent Obsession Chapter. Several of her articles have been published in Needlepoint Now and Needlepointers. www.threadupdd.com

Toni Gerdes Toni holds Level II Teachers’ certification from NAN specializing in canvas embroidery. She currently serves on the Board of NAN as the Director of Education after serving 5 years as Assistant Director of Teachers’ Certification. Toni has also served on the Board of Directors for several ANG chapters as Program Chair & President. She is a past President of NETA and has received numerous awards for her designs. Toni has taught for NAN, EGA, and ANG, as well as guilds & shops. She has been published in Needlepointers, Needlepoint Now, and in Needle Arts as the Artist Across America. She enjoys all types of stitching and especially sharing her knowledge with others. Toni currently resides in Colorado. www.tonigerdes.com

Diane Herrmann Diane holds Level II Teacher Certification in canvas embroidery from NAN, where she is currently Assistant Director of Teacher Education. She has taught for local and regional guilds and chapters, and has received several prestigious awards and honors for her work. Diane often uses mathematical concepts as inspiration for her designs and presentations. She is a contributing author of Crafting by Concepts: Fiber Arts and Mathematics. Diane lives in Chicago. www.dianeherrmann.com

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TEACHER BIOGRAPHIES, continued

Deborah Mitek Deborah is a needlework designer and teacher specializing in silk ribbon embroidery and surface stitching on both fabric and canvas. As a member of EAC, NAN, ANG and EGA for over 38 years, she teaches at the national, regional, and local levels. Her work has been featured in both Needle Arts and Needle Pointers magazines. Currently, she is the owner of Island Stitchery & Studio, a retail needlework shop. She can be reached at [email protected].

Wendy Moore

I try to bring both my MFA degree in Costume Design and fourteen years of teaching to my needlework design and teaching, with a great interest in color theory and computer work. I am fascinated by mathematical and perceptual puzzles which come out in my designs. I teach my designs locally and have completed NAN Teacher Certification in canvas embroidery. In addition to NAN & EGA, I am also a member of ANG Great Lakes Stitchers Chapter and have held many offices for Monguagon EGA chapter and Great Lakes Region EGA.

Shay Pendray Shay is an internationally known teacher (certified by EGA) in many venues of needleart but is most well known for her study of Japanese Embroidery. She has studied Japanese Embroidery for the last 30 years (with 18 trips to Japan) and was the driving force in bringing Japanese Embroidery to the United States. Shay has many students in this technique from around the world. She was the host of a popular PBS show on needlework, and has taught at many national seminars for EGA, ANG, NAN, and Callaway Gardens as well as regional seminars and many guilds across the US. Shay was the recipient of NAN's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and ANG's Literary Award, and has been recognized as DMC Teacher of the Year.

Jennifer Riefenberg Jennifer is an accomplished needleartist, meshing her love of the arts into new and varied mediums. She loves teaching others, both the skills and the pure love and joys of art and creativity. Jennifer is a NAN-Certified Teacher/Designer and is also a certified Judge through NAN. Jennifer has taught at national seminars for ANG and NAN. Jennifer has won numerous awards for her needleart and other artwork. www.artofsunshine.com

Kim Sanders Kim is an EGA-certified teacher in Crewel and Surface Embroidery and a Master Craftsman in Surface Embroidery and in . She earned a degree in Textiles from the University of Tennessee. She has taught at shops, chapters, and EGA national and regional seminars, and has authored EGA correspondence courses. Her articles and designs have appeared in Inspirations, Needle Arts, Australian Smocking and Embroidery, and The Smocking Arts. She filmed four embroidery focused segments of the PBS program, Creative Living with Sheryl Borden.

“Lagniappe means a little something extra. It’s the 13th doughnut in a bakers’ dozen. When I teach, I love to add lagniappe – sometimes it’s history of the technique, fiber information or how to create a new design in the class technique. I feel most successful as a teacher when a student can apply what they have learned in class to future and perhaps be inspired to create their own design.”

Heather Shulick Heather is a mixed media and fiber artist who has recently completed the second year of NAN’s teacher certification program. She is a lifetime member of NAN as well as a member of EGA and ANG. Heather graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and from West Virginia University with a Master of Integrated Marketing Communications. When she is not tromping around the sheep barns of the Midwest’s sheep and fiber festivals, you can find her working in her spare time as a human resources executive. Heather lives in Chicago with her husband Brad and her dog Maisy.

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TEACHER BIOGRAPHIES, continued

Gail Sirna Gail received her teacher certification in 1982 and judge certification in 1990 from NAN. She is also certified as a teacher by ANG at the Fellow Level and has completed the Certified Graduate Teacher Program through EGA. In addition, Gail has completed Honors, Teacher cum Laude, and Master Teacher certification through NAN. She is the former Director of Education for NAN, was NAN Treasurer for 13 years, and has served NAN in numerous capacities. She is also a past EGA Director for the Great Lakes Region. Gail has taught extensively in the US and Canada for more than 40 years and her work has won many ribbons in exhibits throughout the country. She is the author of In Praise of the Needlewoman. www.gailsirna.com

Laura Smith Laura is an embroidery innovator, nationally known designer, and teacher with over 50 years of embroidery experience. Her work has been shown all over the US. She holds the Master Craftsman designation in Color from EGA, and chaired the Master Craftsman in Color Program 2006 - 2018. She chaired the EGA Fiber Forum from 2011 through 2015 and is the former director of an arts center. Her education in chemistry has helped her understand mixed media that are compatible with textiles. www.Stitch4Fun.com

Debbie Stiehler Debbie is an international needleart designer, teacher, and lecturer. She has taught at many seminars and guilds, and privately in the US and Canada. Debbie holds Level II teacher certification from NAN and is an EGA Master Craftsman in canvas embroidery. She served on the NAN Board for 6 years as Assistant Director of Teachers’ Certification and 4 years as Director of Education. Debbie currently resides in South Carolina.

Vicky Witterschein Vicky has been stitching since she was a young girl, whether it was counted work, surface embroidery, or just general sewing. She has only started designing in the last three years after being employed at Edwardian Needle. Currently, Vicky is finishing up Level II of NAN Teaching Certification. Vicky was previously an elementary school teacher and has found a perfect combination in teaching and designing embroidery!

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