About Donna
My journey with textile arts began in my early thirties, when I first discovered the joy of working with threads, colors, and the meditative rhythm of stitching something unique into being. Life’s many priorities — family, career, travel, and a new home — pulled me away for a time.
In my mid-fifties, just as the world slowed down during COVID, I picked up my needle again. My very first project was a bouquet of flowers tied with a red ribbon, a reflection of my lifelong love of blooms. That piece reignited my passion and soon led me to new challenges such as Raining Flowers, Mountain Sunset, and Quilting Village. Bringing to life the folds of a gown, a multicolored sky, or intricate patchwork quilts reminded me: I am painting with thread.
Today, my collection includes seventeen pieces and continues to grow by four to five each year.
Each work is a testament to patience, imagination, and the artistry of thread. I invite you to explore my collection, which is organized into three categories:
Signature
Distinctive works that
carry personal meaning
Nature
Inspired by landscapes, seasons, and the beauty of the earth
Whimsical
Playful pieces that celebrate
joy and storytelling
My Creative Process
-
Each piece begins with intention. Sometimes I’m drawn to the challenge of a new technique I’ve never tried, other times it’s the uniqueness of the design or my desire to expand a category of my work.
-
I organize my work into three categories: Signature, Nature, and Whimsical. These categories give me space to explore both deeply personal designs and lighthearted ones.
-
Timing varies depending on the size of the design, how densely the stitches cover the Aida cloth, and the amount of detailed backstitching.
-
Framing is part of the artistry. I start by selecting mats (I usually double-mat my work), then I choose a frame that enhances the piece. Most are framed with glass, though occasionally I leave them without to highlight the texture of the stitches.
-
My primary materials are Aida cloth and DMC thread, though some designs incorporate metallic threads, beads, or even wool for added texture.
Inspiration
I’ve been blessed to walk through life surrounded by people who encouraged me, inspired me, and nurtured the creative spark within.
One of the most influential was my grandmother, Josephine Woods-Yanez. A cosmetologist and seamstress by trade, she found her greatest joy in needlework—crochet, needlepoint, and crewel stitchery. I still remember watching her work on intricate designs, wondering how something so detailed was even possible. Today, one of her pieces, Potted Blooms, hangs proudly with my own collection, reminding me daily of the creative legacy she passed down.
