Kathie Bell helped bring a little humor last Christmas when it was especially needed. She embroidered 2020 Coronavirus ornaments to commemorate the year of toilet paper and masks. One of them had the Grinch holding a face mask and embroidered across the top were the words, ‘Stink, Stank, Stunk.’
Bell said, “I have always sewed, I think I was in sixth grade when I started.”
Bell is an artist in her embroidery work. The origins of embroidery can be traced back to the Warring States period in China and Sweden’s Migration period, and some would argue that it hasn’t changed much over the centuries. But certainly, the embroidery back then did not feature pandemic themes.
Bell said, “I have done a variety of crafting endeavors, I started cross-stitch in high school.”
And while traditionally embroidery may have been associated with floral, pastoral, or Biblical art, this new wave of artists like Bell are reclaiming the craft, and Bell is having fun with it.
How did she market the pandemic-themed ornaments?
Bringing humor to the dreariness of the pandemic, Bell stitched these funny 2021 holiday ornaments.
Bell said, “I used Facebook Marketplace to display my work. I got a lot of requests. People were looking for some humor to pass along as gifts.”
Social media has become a vehicle for a craftwork revolution. Bell’s work is shareable and eye-catching, but more than that, it provides opportunities for embroiderers to get their work out there.
Karen Semancik, a quilting artist herself said, “I have known Kathie for about 13 years. She has more energy and ambition than most people. Kathie is clever, creative, ambitious, and helpful. I am happy to call her my friend.”
Has Bell participated in any craft shows? The answer is yes.
“I started doing craft shows about 10 years ago. The first one was the Del Webb craft show, schools, and women’s clubs,” she said.
Bell’s 2020 ornaments bookmarked the year of Covid. And now her 2021 embroidered ornaments mark the year of vaccinations. But Bell’s talents extend beyond the embroidered ornaments. She makes quilts, table runners, Aldi quarter holders, potato bags, baby rag quilts, purses/bags, and cord wraps.
Bell said, “At the Artisan Fair at Dell Webb this year, I featured Santa magic keys for houses with no fireplaces and embroidered snowballs for indoors.”
What was your most popular item?
Bell said, “I introduced little Christmas trees with embroidered characters. They were Minnie mouse, Micky mouse, Grinch, snowman, and Olaf Christmas trees. They sold quickly.”
