Meet Anna and Piotr Angiel, who create embroidery art and kits inspired by their hikes in the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Piotr’s photographs of their adventures are translated into embroidery projects inspired by the scenery that Anna then stitches.
How did you get started designing embroidery patterns? Always an artist or was there a ‘moment’?
My journey into designing embroidery patterns began organically during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020. Inspired by my husband Piotr’s graphic depictions of mountains from our hikes, I saw an opportunity to translate these designs into embroidery projects.
This marked a pivotal moment in my embroidery journey, where I combined my passion for stitching with Piotr’s artistic creations to create intricate landscape embroideries.
Embroidery wasn’t a new pursuit for me, though. I first learned to stitch as a child, and it’s been a recurring presence throughout my life.
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Additionally, my journey led me to graduate from art college as an interior designer. This phase of my education deepened my understanding of colour theory, composition, and honed my skills in drawing and painting.
Tell us more about how you collaborate on new embroidery designs.
Piotr and I collaborate closely on new embroidery designs, drawing inspiration from nature and his photography of landscapes.
We begin by selecting a photo or sketch from Piotr’s collection, which we then translate into an embroidery design. Throughout the process, we engage in discussions about thread colors, composition, and design improvements. And then come the hours of stitching.
Together, we’re able to create embroidery pieces that capture the very essence of the landscapes we hold dear.
Does your environment influence your creativity? How?
Our environment, especially the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, plays a huge role in fueling our creativity.
The rugged beauty of the limestone peaks, the serene glacial lakes, and the vibrant wildflowers captured in Piotr’s photographs serve as constant inspiration for our embroidery designs. Additionally, my cozy and inviting workspace, bathed in natural light, provides an ideal setting for my creative endeavors.
How do you make time for creating? Do you try to create daily?
While I don’t necessarily create daily, I find embroidery to be a perfect on-and-off activity that offers relaxation and artistic expression amidst my other responsibilities.
I prefer to always have a project underway. Creating my larger embroidery pieces can demand over 60 hours of dedicated work, spanning across many days.
Similarly, designing and preparing embroidery kits is a meticulous and time-consuming process.
Striking a balance between my creative endeavors and the demands of running a business is crucial, and I strive to manage my time effectively to accommodate both aspects.
How do you balance your personal life, work, and creative endeavors?
Finding that balance is key. It’s a top priority, really. I pour my heart and soul into growing my embroidery business, but at the same time, I hold dear the moments spent with my family.
One of the perks of working from home is the flexibility it offers—I can tailor my schedule to fit around my family’s needs and my own commitments. I’m keenly aware of the dangers of burnout and the need for mental health breaks.
During intense periods like the Christmas season, I often find myself putting in long hours—sometimes up to 12-hour days. However, I’ve learned that pushing myself too hard can lead to exhaustion and creative blocks.
That’s why I make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and take time off to recharge. Stepping back allows me to rest, rejuvenate, and return to my work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Absolutely, I’ve carved out a special room in my home where creativity thrives. It’s my dedicated workspace, where I find myself spending most of my day. Picture it: cozy vibes, inviting atmosphere, and inspiration abound. I’ve decked it out with comfy swivel chairs and a sofa, a trusty lamp for those late-night stitching sessions, and plenty of storage to keep my supplies organized and at arm’s reach.
A north-facing window floods the room with soft, diffused light that’s just perfect for my embroidery work. There are also two desks—one is my “business headquarters,” where I handle all things admin, while the other serves as the bustling “assembly line” for creating those DIY kits.
What is your favorite storage tip for your fabric, thread, and other creative supplies?
For me, keeping my embroidery supplies in order is essential for a smooth and enjoyable stitching experience. It’s not just about saving time; it’s also about being able to dive into my projects without any unnecessary hassle.
With my huge collection of embroidery threads—there are over 400 colors to choose from—I’ve developed a system that works like a charm. Each thread is carefully wound around a clothespin and then hung on stretched strings, creating a practical yet visually pleasing display. This setup not only keeps everything organized and within reach but also adds a touch of charm to my creative space.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I find the initial stages of the design process particularly enjoyable, as I collaborate with Piotr to select scenes and sketch out ideas. Completing the final stitches of the project is another deeply satisfying moment for me.
However, I must admit that the most challenging—or rather, the most tedious—part of the process is transferring the pattern onto the fabric. Additionally, I tend to struggle with documenting the process in photos for social media—I prefer to immerse myself in stitching without interruptions.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
I find motivation and inspiration in the positive feedback I receive from customers and the embroidery community. Knowing that my work brings joy and relaxation to others fuels my passion for embroidery and encourages me to continuously improve my craft.
Additionally, collaborating with Piotr and drawing inspiration from nature keeps my creativity flowing.
Do you think that creativity is part of human nature or is it something that must be nurtured and learned?
I see creativity as something deeply woven into our human essence. But I also recognize the vital role of nurturing and fostering it.
While some people may naturally find themselves drawn to creative endeavors, I firmly believe that each of us carries within us the seeds of creativity, waiting to be nurtured and cultivated.
Through practice, exploration, and drawing inspiration from the world around us, we can all unlock our creative potential and grow our skills in ways we never thought possible.
What traits, if any, do you think that creative people have as compared to people who are not creative?
In my experience, I’ve found that creative folks often share certain characteristics that set them apart. Traits like curiosity, open-mindedness, and a love for experimentation seem to be common among them. They’re not afraid to tackle problems from different angles or dive into new experiences headfirst, even if it means making a few mistakes along the way.
On the flip side, those who don’t necessarily see themselves as creative might tend to lean towards structured thinking and prefer sticking to routines rather than seeking out novelty. They may also be a bit more cautious when it comes to stepping out of their comfort zones and trying something new.
Tell us about your website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
I hope that by visiting my website, people will find themselves immersed in a world of creativity and inspiration.
With a range of DIY kits, downloadable patterns, art prints, and original embroidered artworks, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Beyond just products, I also share instructional materials, tips, and “behind the scenes” content on my Instagram, and I want visitors to feel encouraged and empowered to embark on their own creative journeys.
Whether they’re seasoned embroidery enthusiasts or complete beginners, I aim to provide resources and support to fuel their passion for stitching.
https://angiels-art.myshopify.com
https://www.instagram.com/angiels_art
Interview posted April 2024
Browse through more hand embroidery projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.