cross-stitch

Year in Review - 2024

Reflecting back over the past year, I’m happy to say I achieved so much that I’m proud of and succeeded in my goal to have a better work life balance! Read below for a summary of my 2024 year in review.

✨January

  • Largest custom pet portrait to date

  • Introduced heart cards

✨February 

  • “I weathered the storm…” project 

  • Designed patches for market merch

  • Designed DIY Glitch X-Stitch Kit

✨March

  • Expanded sticker collection

  • March Mini Collective Chaos Show

  • Sold original artwork at March Mini

  • Slice Mini Mart

✨April

  • Eri Silk project, 125 hours of labour

✨May

  • New market display mock up

  • Eri Exploration group show

  • ESF Spring market

  • West of Main Art Walk

  • A Closer Look Group Show/Artist Talk

✨June 

  • Time off/long weekend in Whistler

  • Updated Etsy Shop

  • Static Glitch Series

✨July

  • Mini Framed X-Stitch prep for VMF

✨August 

  • Dream Mechanism group show

  • Richmond Art Walk

  • Vancouver Mural Festival

  • Custom Portrait

✨September

  • B&W First Saturday Exhibition

  • Flats Fest @ Emily Carr

  • Car Free Day Main Street

  • Fall Patch collection

  • Market display upgrade 

✨October

  • Studio sale/pop up

  • Merry Chrismukkah sign/card design

  • Slice Mini Mart

  • Hanukkah card restock

  • Holiday inventory prep 

✨November

  • Silk Purse Holiday Artisan Market

  • Quilted Vest project 

  • STA Christmas Craft Fair

  • Open studio w/ Steph

  • ESF Holiday market

✨December 

  • Holiday pop up at Rath Art Supplies

  • Slice Holiday Market

  • Make It Show (2nd year vending)

  • Rush Custom Portrait

What an amazing year! I’ve been enjoying a relaxing end of December, spending time with family, reading, and relaxing. Last weekend, I took myself out for a fancy 5 course meal, at a vegan restaurant, in Kits, called Folke to celebrate. It was a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year, bring it on 2025!

Labour Report - 2024

First Saturday Open Studios - Jan 4

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208
Mallory Donen – Studio # 211
Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123
Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221 

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6
Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

September 2024 - Update

September 2024 - Update

Only 1 week left to register for my Fall cross-stitch course! All classes are taught out of my studio at City Centre Artist Lodge, which means classes are 6 students maximum. This way everyone gets plenty of one-on-one time. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to sign up before spaces fill up!

Read More

August 2024 - Update

August 2024 - Update

I’m so excited to be offering a 4 week course this Fall, dedicated to the art and craft of cross-stitch. Lucky for you, you’re getting first access to registration since you’re reading my blog!

Read More

January 2024 - Update

  • Cross-Stitch Workshop - January 20

  • First Saturday - January 6

  • 2023 Year in Review - Highlights

  • 2023 Labour Report

Cross-Stitch Workshop - January 20th

Learn basic cross-stitch skills & the freedom of stitching without a pattern in this meditative workshop.⁠
⁠
The workshop will begin with an introduction to basic cross-stitch skills, techniques, and tips. Students are encouraged to stitch at their own pace and stitch whatever their heart desires! This workshop does not include a cross-stitch pattern, as it is meant to be expressive and meditative in nature.⁠
⁠
All supplies will be provided, including: a small hoop, Aida cloth, a needle, and embroidery thread.⁠
⁠
Saturday, January 20th⁠
12:00-3:00pm⁠
2111 Main Street⁠
Studio 211⁠
$75⁠

First Saturday - January 6

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32

Five Cat Collective - Studio # 31

Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34

Niki Brown  - Studio # 103

Pressure Point - Studio # 108

Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Shelley Saltzman - Studio # 130

Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208

Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Zandi Dandizette - Studio # 235

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: January 6, 2024

Time: 12pm-5pm

 https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

2023 Year in Review - Highlights

It’s been another whirlwind year, read on below for some of my 2023 highlights!

January 

  • Vancouver Cityscape, first quilt project

  • City Centre Motor Hotel Sign

February 

  • Womanmade: Crafting Architecture and the Mundane, first exhibition in the USA

  • Reel goes viral, 14 million views, 40k followers

March

  • Proofs of Labour, conceptual project completed for solo exhibition in April

April-May

  • travelled to Indiana to install my show

  • The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft, second solo exhibition in the USA

June

  • First cross-stitch portrait commission 

July

  • City Centre Neon sign

August

  • Vancouver Mural Festival, biggest sales weekend in history of my art career 🥰

September

  • Monochrome series for First Saturday group exhibition 

  • Started selling at Slice of Life Giftshop 

  • Returned as an artist at Pacific Arts Market 

October - November

  • Event planning 

  • First markets of the holiday season

  • Started selling at Artisan Avenue

December

  • CCAL Holiday Market

  • Make It Show Vancouver 

  • Eastside Flea

2023 Labour Report

October 2023 - Update

  • QR code Sign

  • New Monochrome Series/Exhibition

  • First Saturday - October 7

  • Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

  • Fall/Holiday Schedule

The past month has been another busy one, so here’s a quick recap:

I vended at Car Free Day for the first time and had such an amazing time!

I made a new cross-stitched QR code sign (photos below).

I spent lots of time focusing on holiday production (stay tuned for Xmas cards and ornaments).

My new monochrome series is currently being shown at First Saturday Group Exhibition.

I finished writing a collaborative project proposal to the Canada Council for the Arts for a grant in 2024.

QR Code Sign

New Monochrome Series

Last Friday was the opening reception for the Monochrome group show at 1000 Parker St studios in East Vancouver, the first member’s exhibition curated by First Saturday. It was a very busy opening with lots of support for the exhibiting artists! Of course, my friend Hayley and I dressed monochromatically accordingly.

The show will run until Thanksgiving, so this weekend is your last chance to see all the works in person. Unsold works will return to my studio and be available for sale shortly there after.

Please email me directly if you’re interested in any of the works from my cross-stitch Monochrome Series.

First Saturday - October 7

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34

Pressure Point - Studio # 108

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Zandi Dandizette - Studio # 235

Five Cat Collective - Studio # 31

 

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: October 7, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm


https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

If you're feeling crafty this fall and want to learn new skills (or shake the dust off of some old ones), then these fiber workshops are for you!

Fall/Holiday Schedule

Oct 7 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 4 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 5 - STA Christmas Craft Fair, 541 W Keith Rd, North Vancouver
Nov 16-19 - Studio Hours TBD
Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, Yaletown
Dec 2-3 -City Centre Holiday Market, City Centre Artist Lodge
Dec 7-10 - MAKIE at Make it Holiday Market, PNE Forum
Dec 16-17 - Vendor at Eastside Flea Holiday Market, 1101 Union

September 2023 - Update

  • New Monochrome Series

  • Pacific Arts Market

  • First Saturday - September 2

  • Fall/Holiday Schedule

  • Only 1 spot left in my Sept 30 workshop!

I’m still recovering from the whirl wind that was Vancouver Mural Festival! Thanks again to everyone that stopped by my studio and supported my art. Since then I’ve been working hard to prepare for a very busy Fall season. Starting with a new Monochrome series, installing retail space at Pacific Art Market and planning for several fall workshops. Read on to find out more!

New Monochrome Series

A few weeks ago I made this new monochrome series for an upcoming group show at 1000 Parker St studios in East Vancouver as part of a member’s First Saturday exhibition. Stay tuned for opening reception details in a few weeks! Until then, here’s an exclusive first look at this new cross-stitch series.

Pacific Arts Market

After a long hiatus, I’m officially back at Pacific Arts Market with a retail wall display. I’ll be selling my work at this retail art location near W Broadway & Granville (1448 W Broadway) till the end of the year. Here you’ll find a selection of my framed art, prints, greeting cards, buttons and stickers. There are over 60 local artists and small businesses in this space, so the next time you’re in the area please check it out and support local.

First Saturday - September 2

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34

Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Five Cat Collective - Studio # 31

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: Sept 2, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

August 2023 - Update

  • Exclusive 15% Discount on Website till August 6th

  • Vancouver Mural Fest (Aug 4-13)

  • First Saturday - August 5

  • Open Studio Schedule

Exclusive 15% Discount on Website till August 6th

Early access to new work that I’ll be selling during Vancouver Mural Fest (Aug 4-13).

Use CODE: 15-EXCLUSIVE-SUMMER23 for 15% off all artwork purchased through my website.

This is an exclusive offer that I’m only offering through my website/mailing list.

Free local pickup from my studio (2111 Main Street, Studio 211, Vancouver, BC)!

Otherwise, standard shipping charges will be applied to order at checkout.

Offer ends August 6th, 2023.

Vancouver Mural Fest

The most anticipated event of the summer, Vancouver Mural Festival is starting this weekend! Check out the website (link below) for full schedule & events. This weekend is just a teaser with the Make Good Party (happening just down the street from my studio), Aug 5 & 6. Then it’ll be time for the big Mount Pleasant Street party Aug 11-14 at City Centre Artist Lodge!

First Saturday - August 5

Not only is it opening weekend of Vancouver Mural Festival, it’s also First Saturday!
See below list of open studios.

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Paulo OConnor - Studio #225
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123
Mallory Donen - Studio # 211
Denise Coles - Studio # 221
Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: August 5, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

Open Studio Schedule:

Aug 4 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 3-5pm

Aug 5 - First Saturday
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 6 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 10-11 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 5-10pm

Aug 12-13 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 2-10pm

I hope to see you in person soon!

July 2023 - Update

  • Studio Update/Process

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

  • First Saturday - July 1

  • Vancouver Mural Fest is BACKK!!! (Aug 4-13)

  • Summer Schedule

Studio Update/Process

It’s been so nice getting back into my studio rhythm this past month, I’m back in the thick of it taking on multiple projects at once, I just can’t help myself! I work better when I’m busy, it helps me stay focused and committed to larger cross-stitch works. That way I can balance my time by taking “breaks” from my big projects by stitching smaller things here and there. I’m also happy to say that because of this I have more freedom to exercise my creative muscles and experiment with other techniques/approaches I’ve been itching to try. One of the new approaches I’ve been wanting to explore is cross-stitching with bigger stitches. This means instead of one stitch per square on Aida cloth, I’m actually stitching across two squares.

My newest project Glitch Streak 04 (an addition to my Glitch Streak collection, inspired by a scan glitch) uses this new technique and will be part of an exhibition for a Pride celebration during Vancouver Mural Fest. I’m not ready to share the completed piece yet, I’m still getting it framed! But I’ll share this detail photo instead so you can see the technique that I’m talking about.

Glitch Streak 04, detail, embroidery thread, Aida cloth, 2023

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

I had a schedule conflict with my workshop, but thankfully THIS___ gallery was so accommodating! We’ve adjusted the time to 9am-1pm. Hoping that works better and that more of you decide to sign up. This is my first in person workshop and I can’t wait to teach you how to cross-stitch. Spots are limited, so register now using the button below!

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

First Saturday - July 1

Stop by my studio this weekend for First Saturday (12-5pm, Studio #211) and visit several other artists at the City Centre Artist Lodge (list of open studios below).

I’ve been re-organizing my studio display and have even better ways to show you all what I have to offer! You can always visit me during other studio hours (listed below) or other events in Vancouver. Or contact me directly (reply to this email) to schedule a private studio visit.

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Five Cat Collection - Studio # 31
Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123
Mallory Donen - Studio # 211
Denise Coles - Studio # 221
Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: July 1, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

Vancouver Mural Fest is BACKK!!!

That’s right, you heard me! The most exciting, popular event of the summer is returning and there will be so much to check out this year! The festival takes place August 4-13, with mural tours, live music, food trucks, and of course open studios at City Centre Artist Lodge!

The main time to check out the studios at the Artist Lodge (City Centre Motor Hotel) will be during the Mt. Pleasant Street Party (Aug 10-13). But I’m also planning to have studio hours on the first weekend (Aug 4-5) of mural fest.

So if you want to take your time and have more room to explore my studio, I suggest stopping by on the first weekend! That will be the best time to get close and personal with my work! I hope you all can make it, please check out the mural fest website for more details/information.

Summer Schedule:

July 22 - Vancouver Farmer’s Market,
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 4 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 3-5pm

Aug 5 - First Saturday
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 6 - Studio Hours
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 12-5pm

Aug 10-11 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 5-10pm

Aug 12-13 - Vancouver Mural Fest/Mt. Pleasant Street Party
City Centre Artist Lodge, 2111 Main Street,
Studio# 211, 2-10pm

June 2023 - Update

  • The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

Last month I took some time away from the studio to recover from the tiring burnout of three solo exhibitions back-to-back since Fall 2022. A couple weeks ago I met with a client for a portrait photoshoot and I’m currently working on their cross-stitch portrait commission. I have a couple commissions being framed now, I can’t wait for my collectors pick them up so that I can share photos with you! My books are still open for commissions, so please visit the commission section of my website to learn more and reserve your spot before my spots fill up for the year!

It’s the final week of my solo exhibition, The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft, so if you haven’t been following along on social media I’m sharing photos of the installation! I’m so thankful for all the support that everyone at Artlink Contemporary Gallery provided for the installation and documentation of my second solo exhibition in the US.

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

This solo show challenges notions of labour, productivity, and the value of art in relation to craft and women’s work. Throughout her practice, Donen has explored the connection between the repetitive nature of women’s work and machines. Advances in technology continue to make physical human labor obsolete. In opposition to mass production Donen embraces slow repetitive processes, such as hand-stitching and knitting to bring awareness to undervalued women’s labor and traditional craft.

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

This weekend you can find me vending at the Dragon Boat BC - Vessi 500M Championship in partnership with Got Craft. My booth will be set up along the sea wall, I’ll be sharing a booth with fellow City Centre Artist Lodge tenant, Happy Nomad Candles. It’s supposed to be another beautiful weekend, so stop by for a free market featuring 20+ local artisans/businesses between 9am-5pm and watch the live Dragon Boat racing!

June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, 9-5pm, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

2023 Schedule:

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), 11-6pm, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 10 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 5-10pm

  • Aug 11 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 5-10pm

  • Aug 12 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 2-10pm

  • Aug 13 - Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211, 2-10pm

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.

May 2023 - Update

  • The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

  • 2023 Pop-ups/Markets

  • Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

Last week I travelled to Fort Wayne, Indiana to install my next solo exhibition opening this week. This is my second solo show in the USA and the first time I’ve travelled outside of Canada to install my work. Overall, it was a great experience working with the gallery and I’m very happy with how the exhibition came together. I’ll be sharing more installation photos/videos on my social media in the coming weeks so be sure to follow me on Instagram (I post the most there)/Facebook.

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft, May 4 - June 4, 2023, Artlink Contemporary Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN

The Art of Slowing Down: Women’s Labour & Craft

This solo show challenges notions of labour, productivity, and the value of art in relation to craft and women’s work. Throughout her practice, Donen has explored the connection between the repetitive nature of women’s work and machines. Advances in technology continue to make physical human labor obsolete. In opposition to mass production Donen embraces slow repetitive processes, such as hand-stitching and knitting to bring awareness to undervalued women’s labor and traditional craft.

2023 Pop-ups/Markets

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.

Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.

The following artist studios will be open:

Maxine Woogman - Studio # 32

Tracy Anne Northey – Studio #34

Niki Brown - Studio # 103

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Shelley Saltzman - Studio # 130

Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

 
Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: May 6, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm  

https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

June 3 - Dragon Boat BC - VESSI 500 x Got Craft Market, 9-5pm, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street

2023 Schedule:

  • June 17 - VHS Market (Vintage & Handmade Society), 11-6pm, 800 West Georgia, Downtown Vancouver

  • Aug 3 - 13 - TBD Vancouver Mural Fest, City Centre Artist Lodge, Studio# 211

  • Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, 10-5pm, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (Vancouver)

Glitch Pin Workshop - Learn the Basics of Cross-Stitch

In this introductory cross-stitch workshop, artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate her step-by-step process of converting glitch images into cross-stitch patterns to make a glitch pin.

You will learn the fundamental skills of cross-stitch and pattern creation using Stitchfiddle.com.

By the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own cross-stitched glitch pin!

Tickets are $50 (+tax) including all supplies.