I'm Building a Web Site!

Not only have I provided a very rare blog post for you, I've gone and done something else that is quite exciting...

I'm working on building a web site!

This has been a goal/dream/aspiration for literally years now. It used to be that I didn't have time because I was caring for very young children. Then, as the children got a little older and more independent, my online Etsy business began to get so big that I wasn't operating a shop - a shop was operating ME.

I reached a near-breaking point in February, as I was desperately trying to stay on top of Etsy while also preparing some very exciting new releases for the yearly wholesale needlework market in Nashville. There were some days that I honestly didn't know how I would be able to take time out to sleep. But rest is essential, so sleep I did, and sometimes things had to wait.

Everyone survived.

Market was a huge success.

I came home ready to make changes. Ready to go to town and rent office space and hire a person to run my Etsy shop for me. Ready to free up my time so that I could be creative again; so that I could plan and design and let ideas flow. My business consultant aka husband and I had a few intense conversations about letting go, and financial responsibility, and how we/I could move forward during a highly active growth period in the Cross Stitch industry while still retaining and being able to harness that artistic side of me that brought me here in the first place.

Ah... and then COVID-19 came rushing in to the forefront and I was given that much needed break from running the shop. I pared back to only filling shop and distributor orders, which still kept me so busy I thought it would never let up. But slowly, I realized that I was humming to myself more and the laundry was getting caught up on, and there was less dust on the shelves than there had been in ages. I was still working a LOT. But I had time to think. I had time to be Mom and Wife and Keeper of the Home. And ideas were beginning to flow.

Then today I realized two things.

One: I had an entire day before me with very few items on my to-do list.
Two: I HAD TIME TO START PLAYING WITH A WEB SITE

And that leads us to right here in this moment.

This pandemic is dreadful. It has terrorized the entire globe and I really don't want to think too hard about the impact it is having today and will continue to have for some time to come. But, I also can't help but be thankful for the forced break in the rat race - the screeching halt that we've all had to take. I hope that I'm not the only one reassessing what really matters, taking a closer look at what I've been up to and whether or not it was all necessary.

I could talk at great lengths about how my kids miss their friends, and yet how much more relaxed they are. Not to mention how much more relaxed the adults in this house are. My husband's job has been highly stressful during this time, but he's also had more time to putter around outside. We miss the old ways, but we embrace the for-now ways, knowing that eventually the old ways will reassert themselves.

It feels good to have words back; I haven't had the urge to write for a few years now, but I can feel the itch again. I may never return to running my business the way I did before. Time will tell. It does keep ticking, after all, even if it feels like it is standing still.

Now, if you're curious... go take a peek at my new site and tell me what you think.

Share the Stitchy Love

During the remainder of March, and into early April, as I continue to catch up on Market orders and Shelter in Place with my family, I will be leaving my Etsy shop on vacation mode.

Should you care to share the stitchy love with the Needlework shops that purchase directly from me at regular intervals throughout the year (please do!), you can find their info by clicking on these words.

Be Well and Happy Stitching!

*FREE CHART* Thankful Every Day

My gift to you, in honor of my very favorite holiday.



Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file.

This simple little design was stitched on 32 count Smashing Jack by Dames of the Needle, using the threads mentioned on the chart. I shaped it into a large pin pillow, and filled it with sheep’s wool. However, you may choose to finish it in any way your heart desires, on any size linen or other fabric, with any color of threads.

My only requirement for this design is that as you stitch it you do it with a thankful heart and think about the many ways you have been blessed. It has been proven that thankfulness has the power to banish darkness from the corners of our minds. I try to operate with a heart of gratitude daily, not just during the month of November. I won’t deny that this is a big challenge, but I’ve found this practice to dramatically shift my attitude toward my circumstances in a most positive way.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this design, and also feel free to send me a picture of your finish, as well as any story you may want to share about how gratitude has changed your life. My email address is: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Shop owners, feel free to print up as many copies of this design as you want, and distribute freely to your customers. Stitchers, please do the same, sharing this design with as many of your stitching friends as are interested. It is my free gift to you.
I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to create cross stitch designs that are met with welcoming arms. I could have never imagined twelve years ago that I would still be skipping down this happy path; you have made it possible for me to have a dream for an occupation. As I stitched this model, it was with Thankfulness in my heart EVERY DAY, because of YOU.
Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*FREE CHART* Christmas Promise

This is my Christmas gift to you, my dear friends and constant encouragers.

Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file.

I didn’t have time to stitch up a model of this little design so that you could see an actual photo of the completed project, but this doesn’t mean there is any less meaning behind my Christmas gift to you.

I created it with a glad heart, inspired by my favorite author, Charles Dickens, the quote from A Christmas Carol, when, at the end of his story, Scrooge declares, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

A sentiment that is still relevant today, 175 years after it was first published.

The colors listed with the chart are suggestions only. I didn’t even pull them from my collection to make sure they went together well. I based them off of names and color swatches in my design software. Please use your favorite Christmas Red, Green, Gold, and Brown to finish your little project. You can finish it as a pillow or ornament, stitched over one or over two, on the finest linen or the most humble cloth… My only requirement for this design is that as you stitch it you do it with the same spirit as the changed Scrooge in Dickens’ tale, and the intention to do as he did, keeping Christmas in your heart all the year through.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this design, and also feel free to send me a picture of your finish, as well as any story you may want to share about how Christmas has changed your life. My email address is: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Shop owners, feel free to print up as many copies of this design as you want, and distribute freely to your customers. Stitchers, please do the same, sharing this design with as many of your stitching friends as are interested. It is my free gift to you.

I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to create cross stitch designs that are met with welcoming arms. I could have never imagined ten years ago that I would still be skipping down this happy path; you have made it possible for me to have a dream for an occupation. As I created this design, it was with a full heart, because of YOU.

Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Winter Edition

Mittens and Stocking Hats, Snowflakes, a Polar Bear, and Penguins, Hot Cocoa, Ice Skates, and a Snow Globe; all sweet and cozy and winter-y in all the best ways. You may not love the chilly winter weather, or you may look forward to it all year long. Either way, I daresay there's a fob in this set for you (or your stitching bestie). I hope you enjoy them!

I only have one more set left before my series of 12 is over and done. I'm so thankful for all of your encouragement and enthusiasm as I set out to complete this project. I must confess, I'm looking forward to being done with all of the tiny finishing projects for awhile!

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Clockwork, Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Oscar, Red Rocks, Seagull

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini Rick Rack: Vanilla, Bird Nest
Rick Rack: Storm Blue
Mini Pom: Vanilla, Rainy
Ribbon: Vanilla, Rainy


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*FREE CHART* Grateful Thankful Blessed

My gift to you, in honor of my very favorite holiday.

Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file.

This simple little design was stitched on 40 count Patriot’s Brew by R & R Reproductions, using the threads mentioned on the chart, with the addition of some Bird Nest rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. The candle holder that it rests in was found at Hobby Lobby (Wood Pedestal Candle Holder– Small, part #1453513). I designed it specifically to fit this candle holder, which has an opening that measure 3 1/8 inches in diameter. However, you may choose to finish it in any way your heart desires, on any size linen or other fabric, with any color of threads.

My only requirement for this design is that as you stitch it you do it with a thankful heart and think about the many ways you have been blessed. It has been proven that thankfulness has the power to banish darkness from the corners of our minds. I try to operate with a heart of gratitude daily, not just during the month of November. I won’t deny that this is a big challenge, but I’ve found this practice to dramatically shift my attitude toward my circumstances in a most positive way.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this design, and also feel free to send me a picture of your finish, as well as any story you may want to share about how gratitude has changed your life.

Shop owners, feel free to print up as many copies of this design as you want, and distribute freely to your customers. Stitchers, please do the same, sharing this design with as many of your stitching friends as are interested. It is my free gift to you.

I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to create cross stitch designs that are met with welcoming arms. I could have never imagined ten years ago that I would still be skipping down this happy path; you have made it possible for me to have a dream for an occupation. As I stitched this model, it was with a Grateful Thankful Blessed heart, because of YOU.

Happy Stitching! ♥ Beth

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Christmas Edition

A Cardinal, Poinsettias, the Nativity (complete with blue-jeans wearing Joseph), Christmas trees, and Wreaths of Holly and Bells are all represented in this little set of small motifs. Perfect for making scissor fobs or ornaments for your tree, this is a continuation of my ongoing series of tiny designs for you to make for yourself and your stitching friends.

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Blue Jeans, Bluecoat Red, Collards, Fawn, Grits, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Mocha, Oscar, Red Rocks, Skinny Dip

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini RickRack: Vanilla
RickRack: Mossy, Mother Lode, Sizzle
Mini Pom: Mother Lode

Ribbons used are all Hug Snug seam bindings:
Dark Olive Green, Havana Brown, Medoc


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Mistletoe, Tinsel, and Jingles

My three very favorite old-fashioned Christmas decorations are Mistletoe, Tinsel, and Jingle Bells. What better way to honor these fanciful and festive fripperies, but with their very own storage boxes, which in and of themselves are quite decorative.

Don’t let the finishing of these items scare you away! If you know how to wield a pot of glue and some fabric scissors, your job is nearly finished for you. Hopefully the included instructions are clear enough that you can duplicate my models. But if not, I plan to have a video tutorial completed very soon for you to watch the process happening in real time. Get your stitching done, gather up your needed materials, and head on over to YouTube to create your very own set of festive Christmas storage boxes.



Mistletoe Storage Box
Stitch Count: 89 x 89
Model stitched with one thread over two
on R&R Reproductions’ 40ct. Patriot’s Brew

Tinsel & Jingles Storage Box
Stitch Count: 109 x 109
Model stitched with one thread over two
on R&R Reproductions’ 32ct. Patriot’s Brew

Flosses Used:
The Gentle Art: Barn Grey, Cast Iron Skillet, Shutter Green
Weeks Dye Works: Grits, Hunter, Schneckley

Additional Materials Needed:
Paper Mache Lidded Boxes
Chipboard or Matboard and a Compass Tool
Felted Wool or Flat Quilt Batting
Cotton Quilting Fabric and Fabric Scissors
Mod Podge Glue and Brush
Acrylic Paint and Brush
Decorative Trim: Lady Dot Creates Mini Pom: Lush Lawn
Mini Silver Chenille Tinsel Garland and Rusty Jingle Bells


Conversion to DMC included with the chart.

This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* Festive Little Fobs : Harvest Edition

How do you condense the three best months of the year into 9 tiny fobs? I don't know, but I sure tried! Represented in this set are September's sunflowers, October's pumpkins, and November's changing leaves, as well as a black kitty and a turkey for good measure

This series, unlike the others that I’m in the midst of, has a clear start and finish, as well as a total number of volumes. There will be 12 total, one for each month of 2018. Some will be seasonal, the rest will have general themes, good for any time of year. The intent is for there to be a whole lot of littles that you can stitch for friends and/or that you can fill a little tree with. Imagine if you worked your way through this entire series; with at least 9 different motifs per chart, that’s a total of 108 little ornaments or fobs that you could fill an old feather tree with. Or 108 friends that you could spoil with the labors of your hands.

I’ve included basic instructions for a few of the fob finishes, but I encourage you to explore the internet on your own for the fabulous DIY tutorials there are out there on Floss Tube and Pinterest. I’m far from being an expert finisher, and easily confess that my methods aren’t new. The Silver Dollar finish might be original, but the other finishes are the same that are already out there. If you’re not a person that likes to finish their own stitching, I’m sure you can find a willing person out there to do it beautifully for you for a fee.

Each new theme will remain a mystery until the date of it’s release, but I think you’re going to love them all!

Stitch Count Varies: Approximately 30 x 30 or smaller for each fob

Models stitched with one thread over two
on Weeks Dye Works’ 36ct. Parchment

Using threads from Weeks Dye Works:
Clockwork, Fawn, Havana, Lichen, Mascara, Oscar, Pecan, Terra Cotta

Conversion to DMC included with the chart.


Additional Materials Suggested:
US Silver Dollar, Acid Free Card Stock, Acid Free Gluestick,
Felted Wool, Large Lobster Clasp

Trims from Lady Dot Creates:
Mini RickRack: Bird Nest
RickRack: Mary Janes, Jack
Ribbon: Licorice, Jack, Grubby Jack
Chenille: Bird Nest



This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

*NEW* You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice

Last September I was inspired to create this design as I sat in my house on a rainy day, sipping my own homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. Which, for me, entails some very black coffee with a small splash of a Pumpkin Spice creamer. I don’t usually go for that one certain latte that has created all of the fanfare because it isn’t coffee enough for me. BUT… I do desperately and dearly love ALL THE PUMPKIN THINGS. Pie, bread, cake, lasagna, roasted, steamed, blended, reduced to a scent and put into candles… you name it, I’ve always loved it. Maybe because I was born in November. Maybe because I was genetically engineered with pumpkin-shaped receptors on my tongue. Whatever the reason… It’s about time I jumped on the bandwagon and made something stitchy for this season we now nearly ALL confess to love…

I put it into my design software last year, and this Summer, with the help of Christy Mock, a sweet soul, who gently reminded me to ask for help when I have too much on my plate (unless it’s pumpkin something, in which case don’t ask for help, just gobble it all right up), I got the drum whipped up, and then decided to add the pincushion. Because why not. Never too much pumpkin, am I right?

Pumpkin Spice Everything Drum
Stitch Count: 183 x 75
Model stitched with one thread over two on R&R Reproductions’ 36ct. Old Mill Java
With flosses from Weeks Dye Works:
Havana, Oscar, Peach, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato

You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice Pincushion
Stitch Count: 111 x 75
Model stitched with one thread over two on R&R Reproductions’ 36ct. Old Mill Java
With flosses from Classic Colorworks:
Autumn Spice, Pine Needles, Tea and Biscuits
And flosses from The Gentle Art:
Acorn, Sarsparilla

DMC conversion included with the pattern.

Additional Materials Recommended
Quilting fabric for back, top, and bottom of pin cushions
Favorite filling (I prefer wool roving or sawdust for drums)
Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates in the color “Jack”


This design is now available in my etsy shop, and will soon be in the hands of my distributors and the shops on my auto ship list. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com