Toni Gerdes Needlearts

I love all forms of fiber art, including needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, weaving, and just playing with fibers.  The biggest influence in my designs is the element of color.  I have always been attracted to the richness of the colors we have in our world and this is reflected in my work. 

I hold Teachers' Certification from the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) and am currently serving on their board as NAN Coordinator.

Education:

• National Academy of Needlearts –Teachers’ Certification, Level II in Canvas Embroidery
• Callaway Gardens School of Needlework
• American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar, Kansas City, MO
• The Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild - Classes from various national teachers
• University of Missouri, Kansas City, Studied Accounting
• Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Missouri, Studied Accounting
• Research Hospital School of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri

Experience:             Taught canvaswork classes at the following locations:

• ANG 2010 & 2011 Seminars - contracted to teach
• National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) - 2009, 2010, and contracted for 2011
• EGA – Heartland Region Seminar – contracted for 2011
• EGA – South Central Region Seminar – contracted for 2011
• Two the Point Needlearts shop, Overland Park, KS – individual classes,

        “Tiny Treasure” Monthly Program and the

        Stitch of the Month” Monthly Program

• Stitching Thyme Studio, Mission Hills, KS
• The Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild, Kansas City, MO
• Little London Stitchers – ANG chapter, Colorado Springs, CO
• Serendipity, Buena Vista, CO
• Sangre de Cristo Needlepointers, Santa Fe, NM ANG guild
• Mile High ANG guild, Denver, CO
• Colorado EGA guild, Denver, CO

Needlework Affiliations:

• National Academy of Needlearts, NAN
• American Needlepoint Guild, ANG
  • Chapters:
  • The Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild, Kansas City, MO
  • Mile High Guild, Denver, CO,
  • Little London Stitchers, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Cyberpointers
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America, EGA:   Colorado EGA chapter, Denver, CO
• National Embroidery Teachers’ Association, NETA

Needlework Accomplishments & Recognitions:

• Awards:
• National Academy of Needlearts – Louise Downing Scholarship, 2009
• National Academy of Needlearts – Mary Ann Stobenau Scholarship, 2008
• National Academy of Needlearts -   Jean Thomas Howard Scholarship, 2007
• Piecework Magazine, The Needleworker of the Year Award, Finalist, Needlepoint, 2003

Publications:

• Needlepoint Now, July/August, 2009, “Puzzle Pieces” with Carole Lake and Lois Caron
  

Ribbons:

• National Academy of Needlearts Exemplary
  • Betsy Robb Award, 2009, Golden Ginkgo Kimono, Professional, Original
  • 2^nd Place, 2009, Golden Ginkgo Kimono, Professional, Original
  • 3^rd Place, 2009, Pretty Petal Hat, Professional, Original
  • 3^rd Place, 2008, Christmas Tree, Professional, Non-Original
  • Honorable Mention, 2008, Mystique, Professional, Non-Original
  • Linda Calsing Award, 2007, Venetian Mask, Professional, Original
  • 1^st Place, 2007, Venetian Mask, Professional, Original
  • 1^st Place, 2007, Hot Stuff, Professional, Non-Original
  • 2^nd Place, 2007, Rodriguez the Rooster, Professional, Non-Original
  • 3^rd Place, 2006, Pieces of Africa – Serengeti Sky, Professional, Non-Original
  • Honorable Mention, 2006, Anasazi Song, Professional, Non-Original
  • 1^st Place, 2005, Independence Day, Professional, Non-Original
  • 2^nd Place, 2004, Fan-tasia, Professional, Non-Original
  • 2^nd Place, 2004, In a Purple Passion, Professional, Non-Original
  • 2^nd Place, 2003, Dominos & Squares, Professional, Non-Original
  • 3^rd Place, 2003, An Austrian Sampler Adaptation, Professional, Non-Original
  • Honorable Mention, 2003, Bottles, Professional, Non-Original
  • Honorable Mention, 2002, Community Garden Birdhouses, Professional, Non-Original
• American Needlepoint Guild
  • 2^nd Place, 2006, Anasazi Song, Professional, Class Piece
  • 1^st Place, 2005, Independence Day, Professional, Independent Project
  • 3^rd Place – 2004, Fan-tasia, Professional Independent Project
  • Judge’s Choice, 2003, Geometric Butterfly, Professional, Original
  • 3^rd Place – 2003, An Austrian Sampler Adaptation, Professional Independent Project
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America

                  Callaway Gardens - 1st Place, 2005

                  Geometric Butterfly

                  Professional, Original