Tell us about yourself!
When did needlepoint become an integral part of your life?
Almost 20 years ago, my girlfriend introduced me to stitching – all very basic, but I enjoyed it immensely. At the time, an LNS was very close to my home, and the owners couldn’t have been more helpful and encouraging.
What inspired you to start Melissa Prince Designs, and how did you make your vision come to life?
I worked in a family-owned marketing/advertising firm. It was centered around print
media, and we all know what happened there! It closed, but two of the sons started up in
digital and asked me to come on board. I declined, wanting to start something of my own,
and in the meantime, I had fun painting things for my kids’ homes. The same girlfriend who introduced me to needlepoint was visiting one day and commented that what I was painting would be a great canvas; “you should do some!” still echoes in my head! I took my design experiments to my LNS, and she loved them. She said to leave them, and we could see what happened. The next day, she called and said she had sold them. Poof! I was kindly introduced to people in the industry after that, and it all happened.
Walk us through your design process. Where do you find inspiration for your next design?
Either beauty or humor! I was raised to love nature. Painting it is second nature to me and very soothing. Wreaths and birds are some of my favorites. My movie and travel coasters, as well as the abstract animals, hopefully make people laugh or smile. We are a family that quotes movies all the time. I’m also branching into favorite streaming TV series.
What was the very first canvas you ever designed, and how has your style evolved since then?
The very first canvas that I took to my LNS was a small bird. My style now is more dramatic and graphic. I’m very color-focused; I like color blocking.
What does a typical day look like for you as a designer and business owner?
Chief cook and bottle washer! One of the fellows I worked with in my former occupation
called one day to check in, and we had a good laugh about my sitting on my office floor
taping post office boxes when I used to run around NY in suits and heels. Fulfillment takes a lot of time. Fortunately, I can paint at midnight if I need to.
Do you have a favorite decorative stitch or one you always come back to?
I love the motion in a canvas that Bargello creates when used properly.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a needlepoint designer?
People write to me about my designs. I love hearing from people! One in particular that I
will always remember was a woman who said that she was stitching The Birds of America
series while receiving her chemo infusions, and it was the only thing that kept her happy.
She planned to make a wreath for her sister. I think about her and hope that she is well.
What advice do you have for someone just starting their needlepoint journey?
Do what you do best, but stay away from copyrights and trademarks!
There’s a whole world to paint out there!
What’s coming next for Melissa Prince Designs that stitchers can look forward to?
It’s always a secret until the next show!
This or that
18 or 13 mesh? 18 mesh
Simple stitches / decorative stitches? Simple because I’m better at painting than stitching
Stretcher bars/ stitching in-hand? Stretcher bars!
Favorite project you’ve stitched: My “Joy” banner
Top 3 must-have accessories: Light, light, and light for both painting and stitching. I have all the goods, but they are worthless without lighting.
Shop Melissa Prince Designs here.
