Kelly Clark started her business as Kelly Clark Needlepoint in 2005 and founded Kelly Clark Studio in 2011. She sold the Kelly Clark Needlepoint brand to Colonial Needle in 2015, but retains creative control of the brand as a consultant to them. Kelly designs Needlepoint with a special focus on Stumpwork. We are thrilled she is joining us to Escape to Europe in 2018!
We asked her a few questions so you can get to know her!
What inspired you to become a designer?
I worked in textile and wallpaper design right out of College. My Degree was in Interior Design and Textiles from Miami University in Oxford, OH. I took a summer workshop from a visiting professor where we silkscreened our own designs on fabric; we did 2 designs and 3 yard lengths, screening multiple colorways of each design. I was hooked! Thirteen years later I got married and started a family and found the pace and travel for my profession was not compatible with being a Mom. So I took a few years off from 2000 to 2005, when I started Kelly Clark Needlepoint.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Very Laid Back. I talk a lot when teaching and teach best by showing the technique and doing demonstrations. The class is gathered around for the demo. Students can record the demo if desired. Then I send them back to their canvases to try it out. I go around and check on everyone as they work.
Where do you live?
I live in The Woodlands, TX
Do you have a spouse, children, pets?
I married my husband, John Clark Munger in 1996. John is a Graphic Designer for Whole Foods. We have 3 children: Jack, 21, lives in Denver, CO where he is a part-time art student, while working full-time. Grace, 17, graduates high school in May, and is still undecided about where she will go to school. She is in Theatre and Choir and planning to study Communications with a minor in Theatre. Our 3rd child is Olivia, 14, who loves being a highschool kid. She is on the Soccer team and is an Art Student. So 2 professional Artist parents and 3 creative kiddos?!?! We also have two dogs, Zelda, a 3-year-old Borador (Border Collie Labrador mix) and Penny, a 4-month-old Boxer Labrador mix.
When did you start doing needlework?
With my Mom in about 5th grade.
Besides needlework, what do you do in your spare time?
Quilting, Shadowbox Work
What are you looking forward to on the 2018 cruise?
EVERYTHING!!! I’ve never been on a Cruise so I am tickled pink about the whole experience.
Kelly’s 2018 Escape to Europe Classes
