I imagine I’m like many of you – I started making things when I was a young girl and just kept on going. It’s in me to create, to stitch, to design, to paint, to decorate. To make.
And to teach too.
I taught school for a bit before my children were born. Staying home with my three girls inspired me to make the most of what I really loved to do. I could draw a little and I could design a little, but an adult-ed class in rug hooking helped me combine those simple skills into a huge passion. You could say I was hooked, designing and making stacks of gorgeous, colorful hooked rugs, originating with my drawings, made from repurposed clothing. Start to finish, I loved making wool felt from clothes for my rugs, thrifting it, dyeing it, cutting it up and giving it new life underfoot. So much fun! (Once I even cut up my father-in-law’s trousers for a rug. Oops, I thought he didn’t want those anymore!)
Country Living did a feature story on my rugs in the 80′s and then my friends, Mary Engelbreit, Barbara Martin and I collaborated on the Mary Engelbreit Home Companion series of books and later the magazine too. We had the best time traveling the country in search of inspired homes and artists to include in our books. There were eight of those including the seasonal craft book series!
My family moved to New York where I had the chance to author my own beautiful books with Simon and Schuster. Mothers and Daughters at Home is pretty much the story of my creative life at home with my three daughters. Must say, it’s a stunningly beautiful book full of timeless projects to share with children. Soon after, I wrote Between Friends: Craft Projects to Share, another lovely collection of projects and design.
Along the way, I also designed projects for many magazines, began licensing my work for the marketplace, started teaching again, both here at home and all across the country (Silver Bella, French General, Tinsel Trading, MEHC Workshops). My classes are popular with crafters who appreciate a down to earth approach to making things. Really- it’s supposed to be fun! All skill levels are welcome in my classes where we laugh and share everything from tools to tips. On every level, I learn so much from my students. What’s better than making something in the company of other makers?
What am I doing now? I’m designing fabric for this year’s Quilt Market and stitch samplers for my Etsy shop. Forever and always, I love to playfully collage bits of things together from the collections in my studio – lots of wool along with vintage fabrics, papers, trinkets and trims. And I still get out the rug hook every now and then. Handwork is my daily yoga.
I’m excited about TCC! I love to teach and I’m looking forward to meeting you, having a chance to share what I know, what I brought with me and then dig into all that creative energy and make beautiful things side by side. These events are the most inspiring ways to refresh the creative spirit. I’ve met some of my dearest friends and greatest inspirations in classrooms like these. Let’s make something! Hope to see you there!
Charlotte is teaching two great classes at
THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT:
{Home is Here}
{The Book Bag}
PLUS!
She’s giving away a signed copy of Between Friends and a stitch sampler: Josie’s Garden. Simply comment to this post and you’re entered!
Additional entries:
*Follow WWC and TCC on Twitter
@WHEREWOMENCREAT @TCCEVENT (1 Entry)
*Tweet about this contest (1 entry)
*Blog about this contest and mention THE CREATIVE CONNECTION (1 Entry)
*Have a WWC button or link on your blog (1 Entry)
*Post a Comment on THE CREATIVE CONNECTION BLOG (1 Entry)
Remember to post separately for each additional entry and please only post the amount of entries allowed. Also, make sure we have a way to contact you. This contest ends on Friday, August 12th at Midnight (MST), so make sure to get your comments in by then.
One more thing … Facebook rules are ever changing, so we never involve them in any contest we have. However, we would appreciate a “Like” on our THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT Facebook page.
Creative Karma will be bestowed on you!
And speaking of CREATIVE KARMA, make sure you register today for
THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT, classes are filling fast … You can’t miss out!
oh, how i would love to have this book and your sampler……. i am just like you , just not famous!!!!
Love the book and sampler! Looks fabulous! :)
Charlotte, Your things are beautiful. I’d love to win a copy of your book . . .
How wonderful!
what beautiful things!
I’d love a copy of that wonderful book!! And the sampler–it is soooo pretty!!
This book looks wonderful!
Among Friends looks like such a sweet book, Charlotte! Hope to meet you @ TCC! Registering this w/e ~ thought I might win the registration/hotel room,just like a ton of others! LOL! :) Love your style!
Debbie :)
Love your handwork, you are uber talented. Would love your book and sampler. Hope to meet you at TCC. So excited to be able to attend this year.
What a rich, creative life she has led, and continues to lead. Thanks so much for the generous giveaway.
I commented on the Heather Bailey free fabric post on TCC.
You have no idea how badly I would love to win … no idea whatsoever. This woman is my idol and I would be honored to receive this giveaway.
I was so inspired by Charlotte’s bio. She has such a unique perspective!!
I posted on the TCC blog!
I’m following WWC and TCC on Twitter from redredreeves.
I tweeted about this!
http://twitter.com/#!/redredreeves/status/100012990992097280
What a creatively inspiring life Charlotte has led! Such beautiful creations!
Your creations are beautiful! I am going to try embroidery again after seeing how pretty it is. I used to do it many years ago and think it will be fun to do again!
Handwork as yoga is a beautiful way to write it, how inspirational.
Beautiful designs, and wonderful story!
I’m inspired by everything you do. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents.
I would enjoy owning a copy of “Between Friends” as well as the delicate stitch sampler. Love your rugs, also.
Awesome giveaway!
Following both on Twitter (@sazzyfrazzy)!
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/100791667350716418
Have your button: http://sazzyfrazz.blogspot.com
Left a comment on the Creative Connection Blog on the “On the Fence” post:
http://www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com/on-the-fence/#comment-2424
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/sazzyfrazzy/status/100791667350716418
I love your work. The embroidery brought back memories of college and making do. A story for another day. But isn’t sewing fun…
I am al inspired….I would love to win your book….Thank you.
I am all inspired….I would love to win your book….Thank you.
I’d love a copy of the book. Thanks for the opportunity..and the inspiration! :)
what a great opportunity….thanks Charlotte for all of your inspiration…
I’m a follower for of both WWC and TCC.
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity to win. Katie :-)
I just posted my comment on TCC blog. Thanks again for the inspiration!
I’d love to win a copy of Between Friends – it’s been on my wish list for a while now! The stitch sampler would be a lovely bonus too.
I just retweeted the contest. :) @mestisa
I’m following @WHEREWOMENCREAT and @TCCEVENT as @CreativARTitude
I also love to create all kinds of things and would love to read your book and have a piece done by you! Thanks for the giveaway!
What a talented lady.She sounds like someone I would love to know. I’d love to win your giveaway!!
I just tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/CreativARTitude/status/101706062205423617
I loved the Home Companion magazine and am so sad it is no longer published. I loved the cut out paper dolls in each issue!
I just added the Where Women Create to my blog. I can’t believe I haven’t done it before.
The books looks wonderful as does the sampler. Such inspiration!
I’m a twitter follower too!! So please enter me again.
Congrats on being able to work at what you love. If more people could do that, it would be a much happier world. Would love the chance at winning your book and kit. Love embroidery and creating things!
I loved the article! It spoke to me, a former teacher, and life long crafter!
Over the years, I used many Mary Englebreit themed posters, and classroom decor in my 3rd/4th grade classroom! So fun to read about one of the designers.
Thank you for posting this on Facebook; so someone like me could find it.
I Love your vintage looks on the card and cloth baskets and the pocket wall hangings , this is a great idea for my granddaughters, their mother and I to make one evening , they want to spend the night and I was looking for a project , this is it ! Thank you for showing this !
Love the book and covet the sampler!! Will keep checking on you to see what’s new.
Can not wait to meet you and see Between Friends see ya in Sept.
How wonderful and inspirational!! xoxxo
Love your creations! I have enough of a collection of materials to craft for some time to come but need some ideas. Thanks!
So glad I followed link from Where Women Create. Lovely makes – particularly enchanted by your modern take of the scissor holder (brain-freeze – will remember proper name the second I press send).
Oh to be so creative…your work is absolutely beautiful. I could only hope to be as creative one day.
Your work is gorgeous! I would love to win it!
Charlotte is always so inspiring. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of her books.
Charlotte is an amazing artist. All of her work is filled with her heart. This is a great giveaway.
Also, I have a WWC button on my blog sidebar.
I took a class from Charlotte and would love, love, love to have her exceptional book! Thank you for the great give-away!
Thanks for a great giveaway!! Would love to have Charlotte’s book…
I would love, love, love to win. I love her work!
Have been reading Charlotte’s blogs for years. Would love a copy of her book.
There are so many creative people out there..Great book and I love the sampler! Thanks for a chance. Beth N. ([email protected])
I’ve been following Charlotte’s blog for a couple of years now and adore her hand stitching. It’s one craft I haven’t tried much but would love to learn. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to have a copy of this book… I just love Charlotte and her samplers on Etsy. They are so fun to stitch! Pick me, pick me!
Monica
charlotte, your creativity is an inspiration! and there really is nothing better than a day spent crafting with friends! would love the book :)
I have checked this book out from the library over and over and over and over and…..
Everyone should take at least one class from Charlotte! She’s wonderful!
Coming over from Charlotte’s blog to say “hi” while crossing my fingers hoping to win the wonderful book, which I have wanted forever, and her incredible sampler! No one does them better!
It would make my day to get this – and would love to share EVERYwhere…
Such beautiful work! I hope I win.
My daughters and I have really enjoyed her other book, and I’d love to see this one.
Oh, I’d love to win! Charlotte’s samplers are just adorable!
I enjoy Ms Lyons so much – she is so talented. I would be honored to have her book. Thank you.
Charlotte, I have loved your work for years. I’ve also been lusting over your wonderful Samplers. Please pick me!
I have the WCC button on my blog!
http://www.myveryeducatedmother.blogspot.com/
Would love to win!
I follow WWC and TCC on Twitter!
I’m in such awe of her work!!! Just extraordinary,inspiring and so creative!!!! :)
Posted a comment on the TCC blog!
LOVE Charlotte’s blog — would love her book! :)
When I grow up, I want to be Charlotte Lyons!! I love reading her blog each day and wish I could take a class with her sometime!!
When I grow up, I want to be Charlotte Lyons!! I love reading her blog each day and seeing what she is creating. It would be great to have a class with her!!
I just love everything Charolette does. I am working on one of her stitch samplers now. Would love the chance to win her book. Thank you
Charlotte is my inspiration to teach myself how to embroidery, I just went out today and treated myself to some floss to get started….I read her article in Molly Makes and would DIE to win the sampler….what a dream come true.
thanks Charlotte for your inspiration and beautiful talent
Oh, what fun to even SEE this book! Thank you!
I would be super excited to receive the book and the sample….pick me, pick me!!!
What a lovely crafted life, Charlotte!
Love Charlotte and have never seen the books in person!
Have seen her amazing creative projects, though – BRAVO!~
Put me in the running for the drawing of the book….such a treasure..thanks!
I love Charlotte’s samplers and am working on one now! Just need to do the finishing touches, I’ll be ready for a new project soon, hope it is Josie’s Garden.
i stumbled upon her blog a year ago and being from S A had not seen or heard about her books…but i loved her blog and the lovely down to earth manner in which she shared her work..never knew that she was well known….WOULD love her book, and sampler…
I am sure there are many many admirers of Charlotte’s work..how could any not be…pure and simple and her work has such an honest quality to it.. I would be honored to win!
xo
Such wondrous handmade beauty… So inspirational!
It would be a dream to win this lovely book and sampler.
Thanks for the chance to enter.
I love everything Charlotte. Her samplers are beautiful! I would be thrilled to win her book! Please enter me in your contest. Thank you for this opportunity!
Wow – a great giveaway! I’d love to win it!
i am trying to set up a womens craft book at our museum and this would be so great to use (after i had a good read alone first!)
I would so love to win this book and Charlotte’s sampler. Love her work! Have been a fan of her work with ME since my sister lived in St. Louis and “brought them” into our family of 4 sisters many years ago….
Your books are terrific!.I love your style. I would welcome winning your book. Thanks!
I love Charlottes work and would love winning this giveaway. thanks for the opportunity.
Love Charlotte…such a talent! Would love a copy of her book!!!
LOVE Charlotte! She is soooooooooo talented and nice and open and sweet! Thank you for sharing this post with us.
For a chance to win I have:
commented
followed WWC & TCC on twitter
tweeted.
You may reach me at
Best! xo, Cheryl
Such beautiful work can only come from a beautiful heart!
Charlotte,
I have been following your blog on Google Reader for yonks and love your work. I would be so happy to win your book and sampler…..I will have my fingers crossed!
Love the “Home is Here” project. Book looks terrific–fingers crossed (stitched!!haha) Julierose
I have purchased quite a few needlework pieces of Charlottes from the Etsy website. They turned out beautifully. Her designs are fabulous.
I have always loved and followed Charlotte’s blog. I was fortunate this past fall to meet her in person in Omaha at Silver Bella. I did not get to take her class but I did get to buy one of her incredible kits. She is so sweet and talented. I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for the chance.
I would be thrilled to win.
I would love to win a copy of this beautiful book!
Oh ~ I love Charlotte Lyons! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Nice interview! Makes me want to read your book. Oh, if only I had one! :)
Winning the sampler and the book would make my Friday Fabulous!!!!
I love Charlotte’s work, and the sweet simplicity and joy imbued into all of her projects. I would LOVE to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win a copy of Charlotte’s book – everything she does is wonderful!
i have several of charlotte’s lovely samplers but i don’t have josie’s garden and i would to love to have a copy of her book! crossing my fingers…
I love her work and would really like to win her book and stitch sampler.
Everything Charlotte does is beautiful!
Please enter me!
I just love your work and would love to have that book and sampler! :)
I love all of Charlotte’s work.It would be a dream come true if I one day get to take a class from her.
Thanks for the chance to win these lovely items from Charlotte! She is a great artist who inspires us all to be creative with what we have.
I love your hand stitching. I have so many patterns and not
enough time to get them all finished.
We are kindred sisters. Keep stitching.
hugs…Sharon
Oh! What a treat this would be!
This would be very fun to have!! I love your designs and inspiration! Thanks
Looks like a lovely book. Love Charlotte’s style. Thanks.
I would love to win the delightful Charlotte’s book and sampler! I only wish I had more time for creative things.
Hi Charlotte, I feel fortunate to not only have taken some of your fabulous classes, but to also call you friend! I would love to win your book, as I continute to give it away every time I get my hands on it! If I win, this time I’ll keep it! Thanks for your wonderful creative spirit of creating and sharing!
Julie B.
I’m a big fan of Charlotte – her work is sweet, whimsical and wonderful. And she lives in my neck of the woods! I’d love to be the winner of this generous giveaway.
I love Charlotte’s work. And just found this blog! Thanks for a chance to win.
Would love to win Charlotte’s book. Am a fan of her and her fabric art.
What a great giveaway! I’d be honored and thrilled to own those books!
I LOVE Charlotte’s work. I’ve been following her career for a long time. She is a great inspiration for me . Thank you for the opportunity to win her book.!
i love the magazine “where women create” i also have been following charlotte’s blog for awhile. her work is amazing. thanks.
I check Charlotte’s blog daily. I love her work. Seems timely that I just bought myself a copy of “Between Friends” while on holiday. I could easily gift another copy! Thanks.
I’ve been following Charlotte since the 80′s and love her work as much today as I did then. I especially love Charlotte’s blog and her needlework patterns and would love to win the book and sampler!
Would love a copy of your book!
Friend on twitter!
Love all the handmade beauty and crafting with friends is truly the best!! Thanks for the chance!
What a perfectly perfect offer! Charlotte is splendid! Thankyou so much.
I am a huge fan of Charolette’s. I love her artwork, blog, and sense of humor. Kudos to you for creating a magazine that opens my eyes, inspires, and delights with each issue. Thanks.
Most of my friends are, like me, always doing something related to one art form or another. Some use paper as an every day way to have fun, be creative and delight their students or their own children. Others are photographers, needlework artists, quilters, dressmakers, do volunteer as costume designers for theater guilds, paint, own studios where art is displayed/sold, or like me, amble through life doing whatever interests them at the time and always on the look out for new ways to use everyday objects created by man or nature.
Life is so filled with artistic opportunity, that we have only to decide which path we will explore, knowing the outcome will always be FUN.
Victoria Bishop
what a wonderful prize–I would love a copy! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
What a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing your work!
These books look wonderful! I wish I could take the classes! Charlotte Lyons is amazing! Love her stuff!!
would love to have this book
My dream is to create – starting this fall when my son starts 1st grade! Sewing has always been my passion and grounds me. I admire you.
What cute ideas!
She I so inspiring with a warm nature, its like talking to a long time friend. Thank you!
I absolutely get it! Love to be inspired by all of the creative/talented people like Charlotte Lyons and amazing woman such as Joe Packham who consistently inspires artisans everywhere via “Where Women Create.” Thank you, for encouraging me to move forward in my own field of Home design and glass art!
I love your work ! I craft with a group of multi age ladies and learn something new every day. I would love to win your new book and sampler.
Bravo! Keep the creative juices flowing and we will keep drooling.
Love your work. This is the first time I found your web and found it
full of ideas and the work seems so dainty and beautiful.
I will be watching for more of your projects .
Thank you .