Welcome to Merry Make.Do.! This is our first time offering craft kits and tutorials so you can Make.Do. at home. Now you can participate in our mission of creativity, connection, and compassion from anywhere!
This gnome embroidery was inspired by Pretzel and Fritz, the big gnomes that live in Make.Do.’s holiday window display. The tutorial is long. I’ve included chapters so you can skip ahead if you want. There are some troubleshooting tips sprinkled in along the way, like how to keep your yarn from tangling and the best way to take out a stitch if you mess up.
Speaking of messing up, there is a short section of footage with audio but no picture and a later section with picture but no audio. Ha, oops! I’m learning right along with you.
Coming to a class at Make.Do. is not just about the skill of creativity… it’s also about all the things the creative process itself has to offer. Since we can’t have these conversation in-person at the studio, let us share this createfull benediction instead…
The need to be perfect is debilitating. The fear that you might fail keeps you frozen. The fear that you might look foolish keeps you hidden. The fear that you might be wrong keeps you disengaged.
May stitching this hand embroidery be a practice in letting go of perfection. Find freedom in your mistakes! Let every crooked stitch be a reminder that it’s ok to stumble. Fix some and leave the others, they are an example of authenticity, not a measure of success. Enjoy the beauty of the big picture instead of letting the details weigh you down.
And the next time you are gripped with the instinct to freeze or hide or disengage, may you choose the pursuit of courage, love, and humility over the need to be perfect.
Of course, we miss getting to chat with you and admire your work! We want to see what you made. Be sure to tag Make.Do. if you share it on social media so we can brag on you.
Welcome! Make.Do. is a nonprofit in Searcy, Arkansas. We use creativity as a way to connect with community.
