Tony Minieri
As an internationally-known needlepoint teacher with Level I Certification from The National Academy of NeedleArts, Tony instructs for the American Needlepoint Guild, Inc., The Embroiders’ Guild of America, The National NeedleArts Association, needlepoint shops, guilds, and private groups. His body of work encompasses teaching and designing, and he is in much demand for creating stitch and thread guides and for teaching his project classes.
Canvas Embellishment
May 6th – 8th, 2026 and October 14th -16th , 2026
For a three-day embellishment class with Tony Minieri, the student will select a painted needlepoint canvas to stitch. Tony evaluates this canvas, selects threads for enhancement and develops a custom stitch guide for the student which is based on the student’s proficiency, personal goals and ability. In the class, Tony works directly with the student to insure his/her understanding of the stitch guide, the learning of new techniques and thread uses and helps with visualization of the end creation.
Canvases are selected in advance of the actual class in order to provide an ample amount of time for Tony’s interpretation and production of the stitch guide. Canvases not purchased from Absolutely Needlepoint will be subject to a $75 charge.
Proficiency Level: All
Space is available. Please call the shop at 513-561-7999 to sign up.
Paula Rae Schmidt
Paula Rae Schmidt is a renowned national needlepoint instructor from St. Paul, Minnesota. From a beginning needlepoint class in a department store her passion to enhance a canvas was born and has developed over the decades. With more than 50 years of stitching experience and more than 25 years of teaching others she is a sought-after needlepoint teacher. Paula’s passion for the art and her unselfish approach have made her a favorite of many stitchers as she inspires confidence and skill in the art of needlepoint.
Canvas Embellishment
April 13th -15th, 2026 and April 17th -19th, 2026
September 20th – 22nd, 2026 and September 23rd – 25th, 2026
Canvas Embellishment explores the student’s vision for an individual canvas and recommends stitches and techniques for that unique development.
Approximately three weeks prior to the class a full color photocopy is submit to Paula. From that copy Paula develops a series of stitches and thread
recommendations so that every participant can start stitching immediately. Over the three-day class, which is the most common length, Schmidt will work with each class participant in the development of stitches to bring the piece to life in the vision that has been described. Techniques are demonstrated so that stitchers can develop new skills that may be transferable to other projects. Class canvases must be purchased from Absolutely Needlepoint.
Space is available. Please call the shop at 513-561-7999 to sign up.
Begin with Basketweave – an Absolutely Needlepoint Signature Class
November 15th , 2025 and November 22nd, 2025 12 – 2 pm
Basketweave is a foundational needlepoint stitch known for its smooth durable finish and beautiful diagonal texture. Worked on a diagonal, this stitch
”weaves” over and under canvas intersections in a way that mimics the look of woven fabric – hence the name basketweave! It’s a perfect stitch for beginners and seasoned stitchers. Once you learn basketweave, you’ll have a strong foundation for building more advanced stitching techniques.
Space is available. Please call the shop at 513-561-7999 to sign up.