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Robert Mahar

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Gail Swain – Well Crafted Sonoma

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Last Tuesday morning, we kicked off Well Crafted S

Last Tuesday morning, we kicked off Well Crafted Sonoma with a creative exercise in simply beginning. ✨🪡📸

Each participant received a randomly selected black-and-white vintage photograph mounted on watercolor paper, along with a collection of simple, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Choosing just one color of floss, they positioned a pattern, punched the holes, and began to stitch.

No overthinking. No pressure to imbue the work with meaning. Just a simple, tactile invitation to make something - and to begin stitching together.
The results? Pretty spectacular. All the pieces pictured were created by participants. #WellCraftedSonoma

Today concluded my second annual Well Crafted Sono

Today concluded my second annual Well Crafted Sonoma creative retreat. I have SO many pictures to post of our adventures - but today as we rest at the end of a happy packed week - I would be remiss if I didn't mark the day by posting my gratitude for this brilliant group that gathered from around the country with their generous spirits, kindness and curiosity. Thanks upon thanks upon thanks - and safe travels home. 🥰 #wellcraftedsonoma

Meet Walter. ❤️

Meet Walter. ❤️

I'm excited to invite you to a workshop that combi

I'm excited to invite you to a workshop that combines two things I love: photography and hand embroidery.
🪡✨📸
Using stunning Sonoma County images by photographer Emma Kruch custom printed on fabric (from Wineland, Chef Charlie Palmer's new book celebrating Wine Country 💛) I'll guide you through simple embroidery techniques to add color, texture, and unexpected details directly onto printed photographs.

Whether you've been stitching for years or are picking up a needle for the very first time, this workshop is designed to be welcoming, creative, and inspiring. Together, we'll explore how a few simple stitches can transform a beautiful photograph into a truly personal work of art.
I hope you'll join me for a morning of making, conversation, and creativity at Appellation Healdsburg.

Saturday, June 27 • Healdsburg, CA • @appellation_healdsburg • @emmakcreative • @chefcharliepalmer

For years, I've explored ways to embellish vintage

Happy Friday, friends 🪷 Sharing a little pondside

Happy Friday, friends 🪷 Sharing a little pondside wander during a midweek break from my computer screen. 💻😵‍💫 The water lilies are thriving in @sonomabotanicalgarden’s upper pond, and the tiny world beneath them is full of magic. Can you spot the tadpole? 🐸 Wishing you a restorative weekend ahead. 💚

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