Meet the Designer: Anna McKenzie Studio
13 or 18 mesh?
I am a big fan of both 18 and 13 mesh - for painting and stitching. I always have multiple WIPs going at once so I hop back and forth.
Favorite personal project completed to date?
I am working through my Christmas village and can’t wait to see them all finished and displayed together!
Any WIPs you’re loving working on?
I color swapped my Creation of Adam canvas, stitched the hands in very velvet and I’m currently stitching with silk ribbon to make a flower border!
What's on your needlepoint wishlist?
I would love to stitch a large tapestry one day!
Favorite place/time to stitch?
I have about an hour once I get back from the gym in the morning until my little one is ready to start the day so I take advantage of that time and stitch away. I also love to wear my passenger princess crown and stitch in the car on our road trips!
What is your biggest inspiration for your canvases?
My biggest inspiration for my canvases is my awe and wonder of The Lord, He deserves all the glory and honor and praise with everything we do! Even with how relaxing and stress relieving this hobby is- there is nothing that can surpass the peace of God that is over our hearts and mind when we trust in Jesus. Everyone should know they are loved, chosen, and redeemed!
Can you tell us a little bit more about your faith based canvases?
The faith based canvases serve multiple purposes, and can mean many things for different people. When creating them, the ultimate goal is to bring people joy while they are stitching and I pray that the Lord blesses that time of meditation. They are a conversation starter, they are a form of worship, the designs are an expression of gratitude for what He has done in my life and the miracles I’ve seen Him do. I hope it encourages those that don’t have a great relationship with Jesus, to trust in Him and accept the love He wants to give.
What are your biggest goals for 2025 and Anna McKenzie Studio?
I want to continue to grow and improve my custom ordering process. I have had the sweetest interactions with clients that order customs from me, I have learned their story, and been told how much the canvas meant to the recipient, it is so sweet to be a part of and a joy to create unique designs for fellow stitchers!
Favorite canvas you have designed to date?
I really love the Fearfully and Wonderfully Made canvas because it was inspired by a painting in my daughter’s room of a bunch of different, colorful crayons and it is such a sweet reminder of how our Creator looks upon us. Any fun hobbies besides needlepoint?
I love weightlifting and start every morning at CrossFit trying to get better! Cooking for others is my love language! I don’t measure, I don’t like following a recipe, I just love to whip things up and share a meal with others. Oil painting is my first love and something I’m doing more of these days. Playing outside with my daughter and going on walks are ways we fill our evenings. And you will find me at a local gallery, antique store or thrift store just about every weekend!
Any new surprises coming to Anna McKenzie Studio that you can share with us?
We have recently released more faith based designs that are full of color, all on 18 mesh!
