Barbara Richardson received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and worked for ten years as a bank teller and analyst.

After attending her first needlepoint class, Barbara was immediately captivated by the geometric, layered stitches and beautiful threads. She subsequently joined local chapters of both ANG and EGA, serving over the years as secretary, treasurer, and president. While working in local needlepoint shops, she taught beginning and embellishment classes. In 1996, she attended her first national seminar, where she took classes and formed lasting friendships.

In 1998, Barbara was elected ANG National Secretary, beginning a long career of service to ANG that included roles as Opportunity Basket Coordinator, Seminar Coordinator, and NASA Patch Coordinator before ultimately serving as National President. During these years, she stitched numerous special projects, including seminar logos and ribbon centers, and the NASA patch, and designed the Golden Needle Society nametag. She also worked on the Roosevelt Chair for the Blair House and the Past Presidents Ruby Bear created for the ANG 40th anniversary auction.

Barbara’s most recent project involved the Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild’s “Hearts for Hospice” initiative, in which stitched hearts are presented to family members as remembrances. She was invited to design a heart and grant permission for her “Heart of Hearts” design to be used nationally as part of the project. Articles about the initiative have appeared in Needlepoint Now and Needle Pointers magazines, with many chapters adopting the project in their own communities.

Barbara has taught nationally for TNNA, ANG, EGA, and local needlepoint shops, and her work has been published in both Needlepoint Now and Needle Pointers magazines.

Click on any image below for an expanded view and artist statement for each of Barbara’s designs.