How and when did you begin needlepoint?:
"I've always had a pencil in my hand and been creative as long as I can remember. In 1968 through 1970 I attended the Dallas Art Institute, my intention was to go into commercial art. One of my friends from that time had a girlfriend that was working on a needlepoint pillow she had designed. It was very large and she had gotten bored with it, so she offered to let me stitch on it. She taught me how to do continental and basketweave. I was interested in learning how because my Mother always wanted to learn needlepoint and had never had the time, so I thought if I learned I could teach her. It worked."Does your work follow a particular design or theme? :
"Mostly I'm known for "Petei People". But I do holiday themes, florals, patchwork, Santa's, historical/fairytale/nursery rhyme characters and Texana theme designs. Everything is small, I love the challenge of seeing how small I can make something and it be recognizable. I love sitting and painting all day it surprises me that I've been doing this for over 25 years now and I still love creating new designs."For which stitching level do you design? :
"I don't aim for any particular stitching level, I feel my designs can be stitched many ways by anyone. I know some shops like to start beginners on them because of the way I stitchpaint and teachers love them for classes."What do you feel makes your work unique?:
"My work is different from what other designers are doing, in many ways- specifically, my "Petei People", and everything being counted. I feel if you can't be different why bother."What inspires your work?:
"Everything or anything inspires me. I never know what or where it comes from, it's always a surprise even to me. I do live in an area that gives me great pleasure from it's natural beauty. Anyone who has ever been to the Big Bend area of Texas will know how unique the area is."Do you hold industry credentials or organization memberships?:
"I don't have any Needlepoint credentials/organization memberships."How do you spend your time outside of needlepoint?:
"Mostly what I do in my spare time is involved with the outdoors and nature. I've also been involved with Sharon Yarbrough and A Michael Powell's book on Ferns and Fern Allies of the Trans-Pecos and Adjacent Areas, they used some of my photos for the cover. I've also done botanical illustrations for Dr. A. Michael Powell. This is something I truly love doing, and if life had been different, I would have pursued botanical illustration as a career."What nature-related memberships do you hold?:
"In 2006 I became a Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalist. I am also involved in these organizations: Chihuahuan Desert Reach Institute, Native Plant Society of Texas, volunteer collector for the Sul Ross State University Herbarium, Sierra Club , Texas Trail Writer's Association, Fiber Fanatics and Big Bend Arts Council. Last year I did 140 hours of volunteer time, mostly leading hikes and doing interpretation for groups."What else have you been involved with?:
"In my spare time last year I took Carole Fairlie's Illustrated Book and journaling class, I have been making handmade books for 40 years and wanted to learn new techniques for illustrating them. I made 11 books in class and used some of my poetry as my text. It was a great experience, I might even take it again in the Fall Semester."Where can you find Petei and her work?:
Petei's Website, Petei's Designs, is a great place to see her lovely work.
Petei's design collection can be found in a variety of stores, vist the directory to find a location near you.
Petei has amazing photographs of the most beautiful locations on her website. Visit the gallery to take a look for yourself.[/link]