PRACTICE + STITCHES

Armed with an expanded vocabulary and knowledge of what is possible, it is time to get to work.

If you have followed my work for any time, you know I don’t trust artists with clean work areas. I can spread out quickly while working. Embrace the creative clutter.

I’m taking baby steps towards a grand vision. For the last few years, my creative output has been illustrating high-quality art decals for my business, Nice Enough Stickers. I love creating visual puns that bring a smile and hiding little easter eggs that spark curiosity. However, I have visions for grander works and am working on a collection to debut in Jackalope Park’s gallery for its grand opening in 2025.

We need to walk before we can run. There is still a journey ahead, but I’m starting to feel my balance on two feet.

Layering thread like one would layer paint on a canvas.

I love texture and the way light dances off it to create depth.

I’m using a technique called free-motion stitching. With this method, I move the fabric where I want the stitches to land. The faster I move my hands, the larger the stitch. Slightly overlapping different-colored threads create the illusion of blended color.

Like with a blank canvas and a new paint set, the possibilities are endless.

Thousands upon thousands of stitches. 

Patience is the name of the game.

I’m still learning to switch threads out efficiently in my machine. There are many ways to blend and mix colors to create different looks and effects I haven’t explored. The jackalope above took me two days to complete.


I know I will get faster and continue to grow. Learning to control a medium to previsualize the outcome before you start the creation process has always been my definition of mastery. It is the journey and exploration that is the most rewarding.