Kristen Gula

My name is Kristen Gula, a self taught fiber artist, specializing in hand embroidery. I started getting stitchy and sharing my work in 2013 and within a few years - I began teaching workshops locally and writing my first book, "200 Embroidered Flowers”. Soon after launching my Youtube Channel, I began traveling to teach (across North America) and teaching virtually to anyone wanting to learn.

Over the years, my work evolved from a "less is more' mentality (where I would only use a handful of simple stitches) to a "the more the merrier" approach - as I began to embrace the chaos that comes with trying to create with a brain like mine.

Because I am neurodivergent and disabled, I taught myself embroidery in ways that worked best for me - by ignoring difficult rules, changing unnecessary steps of the process, switching up materials that work better in my hands, etc. Now that I teach this medium to others, I try to keep the same mindset - teach in ways everyone can understand. I always say, "If something is too difficult or you just don't like it, throw it out and do what you want”; I think that approach works really well for everyone - not just those who are like me.

My hope is that my process throughout this course encourages you to let go of what you think art should be, so you can create the art that best represents YOU.

Will you join me on this #STITCHVENTURE?