Canvas Conversations: Anne Fisher

A lifelong artist, Anne Fisher first dipped her toe into the waters of customizing needlepoint canvases almost 20 years ago when she ran into a friend with a needlepoint business. Anne began painting custom canvas designs for her, and the rest is history. So many of Anne's colorful canvas designs are begging to be stitched with the long-anticipated arrival of these warm summer days ... be sure not to miss her beautiful sunset and lighthouse landscape canvases in my shop.

You can follow Anne @AnneFisherNeedlepoint and shop her canvas designs here.

We sat down with Anne and asked her 20 Questions:

Favorite needlepoint project My favorite needlepoint project so far was a frog I designed and stitched for my mother commemorating all her special moments

On your needlepoint wishlist My wish list is very long! I have no time to stitch lately but I would love to stitch the Lester Lanin Hat from Belmead Designs. It reminds me of the Charity Ball in Philadelphia growing up with friends. I am almost finished the hummingbird from Hello Tess which I am making into an ornament for my husband. Ultimate wish list item is a stocking for each of my family members. I have a few picked out but love the new one from Blue Ridge Stitchery that she just debuted at the Spring Market. 

Dream stitching spot On a beach anywhere with my family. My goal for Memorial Day is to spend some time on Long Beach Island stitching through my massive stash of WIPs.

13 or 18 Mesh Canvas That really depends on the design honestly. I’m slowly going blind from all the painting so 13 is easier but the detail on 18 just can’t be beat. I decided to paint most of my designs on 14 because it gives just a little more detail than 13 but is easier to stitch than 18. It’s the best of both worlds. 

Last book you read and liked I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and read a book but I just listened to An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and enjoyed it. I have The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave up next. I’ve been loving listening to podcasts lately while I paint especially The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos and 99% Invisible with Roman Mars. I know this might sound crazy but I’ve also been listening to a class at Yale on Roman Architecture. I took a similar class at Trinity College when I studied Art History but it’s absolutely fascinating. It also incredibly challenging to try and remember all the terminology, especially while I’m concentrating on painting something, but it’s fun.

Favorite flower Peonies – my husband has them planted all over the yard for me

Guilty pleasure Date night at Teresas in Wayne and having really good whiskey

On your nightstand a notepad (for all the things keeping me awake), back issues of magazines I’ll never get to and crossword puzzles

Currently listening to my ipod is pretty eclectic but my favorite is Pearl Jam

Currently watching I just watched My Octopus Teacher and loved it

If there were more hours in the day I would Knit. I started a sweater for our son when he was about 4 months old and he is turning 21 in 3 weeks. At least it’s started for a grandchild down the road 😊

Favorite places to shop When we travel I like to find the off the beaten path places that only locals know about. 

Favorite Instagram follows Too many – I spend too much time on Instagram and am trying to wean myself off

Coffee or tea Coffee but only 2 small cups in the morning, tea in the afternoon

Favorite holiday to celebrate I love sitting in our dining room filled with family around the table, good food and laughter. My favorite time of year is Christmas. We have at least 3 trees in the house, including the dining room. It’s magical at night with all the lights.

Wardrobe staples Anything navy blue. A beautiful scarf. A David Yurman bracelet my husband gave my over 25 years ago and my diamond necklace I received from my parents on my 25^th birthday that I never take off.

Creative inspiration I look to design classic timeless pieces that can be passed down. I get a lot of inspiration from different trips we’ve been blessed to take and from summers at the beach

Best piece of advice Always say please and thank you, open the door for strangers and do random acts of kindness as often as possible

Life mantra Give yourself some grace and stay true to who you are. Remember that everyone is on their own journey.