This month, we’re celebrating the playful sophistication of Pepperberry Designs — a fan-favorite designer known for her bright colors, cheerful motifs, and irresistible holiday charm. From festive ornaments to whimsical seasonal scenes, Pepperberry’s canvases capture the joy and sparkle of every occasion. Her attention to detail and vibrant palette make each piece a delight to stitch and display. Pepperberry Designs brings a fresh, modern twist to traditional needlepoint that stitchers can’t get enough of.
Shop the Pepperberry Designs Collection here.
Tell us about yourself! We’d love to hear a bit about who you are beyond the needle and thread.
I have always been creative and earned a degree in Fine Arts with a major in graphic design. Before I started Pepperberry Designs in 2013, I spent the majority of my professional career in package design. I began my journey at an advertising agency and later moved to a package design role for an office products company. However, the most enjoyable experience was working in package design at Nestlé USA headquarters in Glendale, CA, with the chocolate and confections group.
My husband, Porter, and I currently live in Louisville, Colorado, near Boulder, after stints in Pasadena, CA, and Dublin, OH. We have three children, all in their 20s, so we are empty nesters unless you count our two golden retrievers, who love to chase squirrels and go for walks. During our walks, I find myself working through design problems or brainstorming new ideas—fresh air is great for that…or maybe it’s the altitude and lack of oxygen! : ) In addition to design, I love to cook and bake, and I enjoy creating things with my hands, whether it's wreaths, topiaries, floral arrangements, or flagstone pathways. I'm willing to try my hand at just about anything! I am also an avid gardener, and last summer, my big project was constructing a couple of 7-foot wooden garden obelisks for my vegetables and vining plants.
What first sparked your interest in needlepoint?
When I was a kid (probably about 10 or 11 years old), my mother bought me a needlepoint kit from the Lee Wards craft catalog (yup, I am that old). I stitched it, though I didn't really know what I was doing, put it in a drawer, and forgot about it. It wasn't until our daughter was born that I got the chance to stitch a section of a 6-foot tree skirt for a charity I was involved with, and I was hooked!
Where did the name “Pepperberry” come from?
I used to make wreaths and loved using pepperberries in them – yes, they are a real thing. They are clusters of fun little pink berries with soft green leaves, and I thought if I ever started a business, that would be a great name.
How has your style or approach to design changed since you started?
From the start of my line, I have always been drawn to bright color palettes and whimsical
designs. My approach to design has not changed much either. I still doodle on any piece of paper I can find when an idea comes to mind. I have about eight or nine sketchbooks filled with ideas…some good, some not so good, and some just need more thought. When I first started designing, I let my head get in the way. For example, I felt like I needed to incorporate different color palettes, but I was never truly satisfied with the results. Now, I've let go of the pressure to do anything differently than what brings me joy. One thing that hasn't changed is my obsession (a term commonly used in our house to describe what I believe is my best trait) with snowmen. The very first piece I designed was, of course, a snowman, Brrr… SN01. He will probably always be my favorite snowman. I think snowmen may have been the first 7 or 8 pieces. That hasn't changed either; I just designed 11 more for the 2025 fall market!
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
Honestly, I love every step, from the initial tiny idea sketch with ideation notes beside it, to the meat of the design and painting – I do love painting! The way color can make or break a piece, and the joy of making a design come to life, is what excites me. I know a design is finished when I can look at it and smile, and that feeling is what I hope to evoke in others.
Do you have a favorite canvas in your line?
I do have a favorite piece (set) – my three-dimensional gingerbread house and all the stand-ups that go with it. Creating it was so much fun -I was definitely in my happy place. The only thing better than designing is seeing it stitched and finished!
What’s your go-to decorative stitch?
I love the Criss Cross Hungarian, T-Stitch, and French Knots!
What advice do you have for new stitchers?
Decorative stitches are a blast - don't be afraid to try something new. Basket weave is very soothing and can find its place in any piece, but decorative stitches can really make a piece pop. Start small, ask questions, take a class, and learn something new!
This or That
18 or 13 mesh? 18 mesh
Simple stitches / decorative stitches? Decorative
Stretcher bars/ stitching in-hand? Stretcher bars! It kind of freaks me out when I see people stitching in-hand…LOL!
Favorite project you’ve stitched: All of my family's Christmas Stockings – all Melisa Shirley, by the way.
Top 3 must-have accessories: Needlework System4 Floor Stand, so I can use both hands; a felt needle minder to stick my needle into, otherwise I lose them…Yes, I am that person (Merry L Needlework Accessories has some adorable ones), and sharp scissors!
