Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I am Aimee Ray, author of the Doodle Stitching hand embroidery book series and proprietor of little dear (little-dear.com) I create embroidery and hand sewing craft patterns and kits, as well as art prints and printable/digital craft files which are available in my two etsy shops: littledear.etsy.com and littledearprintshop.etsy.com.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

Most of my previous books are focused on creating or embellishing a finished project featuring embroidery, such as a bag, clothing, useful or home decor items, but my favorite way to use embroidery is simply as an art form. So this book really focuses on different ways and techniques to create your own hand embroidery art.

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What was the inspiration behind it?

I really love for people to take my patterns, add their own ideas and create something unique with them. So for this book I have created a lot of starting points, ideas and techniques for you to use as a jumping off point to take and create a one of a kind custom piece of embroidery art that you will treasure as well as love working on.

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Which is your favourite project?

It's hard to choose! There is a lot of variety, from simple, quick designs to year long projects. One of my favorites is the double hoop wreath, it's a fun technique and very versatile.

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What is your craft space like?

My bedroom is also my studio, office, shipping, packing and crafting space. Even though it’s very utilitarian and has to hold all of my business supplies, I do have lots of art that I love on the walls and shelves for all of my favorite collections: toys, rocks and crystals, handmade dolls, and lots of things that just make me feel happy and cozy. I do my best work in the evening after my kids are in bed, so I also have twinkle lights and a star projector!

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Have you always been creative?

I have always loved anything creative or crafty. I can't remember a time when I wasn't drawing or making something.

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When did you first start crafting?

I first started embroidering around age 6 when my grandma would bring little samplers for me to practice on. From there I would raid my mom's sewing boxes and make artwork or little toys that I played with just as much as anything purchased.

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Who are your crafty heroes?

Jenny Hart of sublimestitching.com was one of my very first embroidery inspirations and I still love following her work. I’m in awe so many amazing stitchers on Instagram, some of my favorites are @velvetmeadow @rabbithatdesigns @carinacraftblog @sarahbethtimmons @cozyblue @jessicalongembroidery @kirikipress

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Where do you find inspiration?

Nature and animals have always been my biggest inspiration, I'll always find them endlessly fascinating and beautiful. I'm also so inspired by other artists online, I follow artists working in all kinds of different styles and media and it makes me want to do my best work and keep trying new things.

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What's next for you?

I am always working on something new, I have monthly Patreon subscriptions for embroidery samplers and felt sewing patterns, and that keeps me designing new things every month! I also have another book coming out this year and I can't wait to share that one soon too.