Mission
The dream of "Stitches for Smiles, Threads for Healing" wasn't born in a boardroom, but blossomed from the quiet joy that grew in my mother's heart. She was an embroidery designer that would embroider and embellish wedding dresses, everyday wear, and accessories. But when the weight of who world settled on her shoulders, when she craved a refuge from stress, she would take on a needlepoint canvas to unwind. With each stitch, the empty canvas wasn't simply being filled with thread, it was being imbued with the silent promise of warmth and a hidden smile that waited to be revealed. Transforming that canvas into a pillow, a bag, a gift for a loved one - that's where the magic truly happened. The sparkle in her eyes when she presented a handmade treasure, the warmth of appreciation from her loved ones - it filled her with a happiness that money could never buy.
Now, that same joy is about to be shared with others. This dream of ours is to create a unique volunteer program that would bring the calming craft of embroidery, fostering connection and well-being while weaving laughter and learning across generations. Volunteers bring joy and connection to diverse communities, teaching this gentle art while reaping its unexpected health benefits, from memory improvement to stress reduction. We envision a world where "Stitches for Smiles, Threads for Healing" becomes more than a program; this initiative brings together compassion, creativity, and the love of embroidery to create a powerful experience for everyone involved.
It's a dream we're embarking on together, needle and thread in hand, ready to stitch a brighter future, one smile at a time.
Stitches for Smiles, Threads for Healing.
Benefits for the communities
Embroidery isn't just a fun craft, there's scientific evidence to show it has calming benefits. Studies have found that:
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Learning a Calming Craft: The program offers the opportunity to learn different types of embroidery, a relaxing and meditative art form.
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Stress Reduction and Improved Well-being: Sewing motions are calming and can help people focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
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Social Connection and Community Building: Volunteers will bring the program to diverse communities, fostering connections and a sense of belonging through shared learning and creativity.
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Intergenerational Learning: The program aims to weave laughter and learning across generations, suggesting potential opportunities for families and communities to connect through this shared activity.
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Sense of Accomplishment and Joy: Creating something beautiful with their own hands can bring a sense of accomplishment and the joy of giving.
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Improved Cognitive Function: Based on medical research mentions unexpected health benefits like mindfulness and focus, improve motor skills, suggesting the program might offer some cognitive benefits as well.
Activities
Our program will partner volunteers with diverse communities and organizations to bring workshops all over! We will work with community centers, senior centers, schools, and other locations to create a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all backgrounds to learn and connect through the art of embroidery.
Our volunteers will be partnered up with a community or organization to teach embroidery workshops in small, intimate groups, bringing a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where participants can connect and learn together. Starting with a small lecture about the type of embroidery that will be taught. After the introduction, volunteers will guide participants through the steps of creating their embroidery project. At the end of the workshop everyone will be provided with refreshments.
We will provide premade kits for the workshop. Depending on the age and ability of the participants, we will have an appropriate one type of embroidery kit in a workshop. The types of embroideries that can be expected to be covered in different workshops: needlepoint, cross stitch, slow stitch, beadwork and more.
Embroidery Therapy
Calling all crafters with caring hearts! Are you interested in how embroidery can be a source of comfort and healing? Our blog, "Embroidery Therapy," will dive into the world of stitching for well-being. We explore how mindful stitching can reduce stress, improve mood, and even aid recovery. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or a curious beginner, there's something for you!
Discover therapeutic stitches and calming patterns to get you started, or delve deeper into embroidery techniques to create beautiful pieces. We also shine a light on the "Stitches for Smiles, Threads for Healing" volunteer program. Here, you can share your love of embroidery and make a positive impact on others. Learn about past events, where these volunteer opportunities might take place, and how you can get involved. So, join us as we explore the therapeutic power of embroidery and the joy of giving back!
Partnership with Organizations
Embroydica will cultivate a network of partnerships to empower our programs. Fashion companies can donate materials, enriching our workshops. Museums and embroidery organizations will be welcoming spaces to gather and stitch. Collaborations with embroidery magazines and influencers will help spread the word, attracting new participants eager to explore the art. These partnerships will ensure that we will have the resources and reach to bring the joy of embroidery to every thread of the community.
If you are interested in partnering with Embroydica please fill out the contact form here.