Company Name and History:
Designer Sandra Scheller explains the origins of the company. "I had registered the name Joyful Expressions 15 years earlier as a
division of a sales rep business I had started that sold gift items to
Christian Bookstores. When I started designing Cross Stitch, it was a
perfect fit to use the same name with an adapted logo, as all the
designs are Joyful Expressions!"
How Sandra Got Started:
Sandra got started because there were very few contemporary designs available that featured Bible verses so she started creating her own. Sandra's computer graphics design background, love for memorizing favorite Scriptures, and enjoyment of cross stitching were a perfect fit for a business venture.
Themes of Patterns:
Pattern themes are based on Bible verses. Each verse is paired with a complimentary graphic that expresses the meaning of the words. Sandra says, "I love working with colors and when I discovered that floss came in over 400 colors, I was thrilled. I personally test stitch each design as I want them to be fun and relaxing to stitch."
Borders and Verses Service:
Borders and Verses is a special service offered by Joyful Expressions. Customers choose a border from several selections and then submit a favorite verse. Joyful Expressions then creates a unique chart at a reasonable cost.
Types of Designs and Products Offered:
Joyful Expressions charts are downloadable (.pdf format) and most of the designs are available as complete kits. Sandra explains that the kits are very popular overseas and with stitchers who enjoy the convenience of everything already put together for them - Aida, floss, chart, needle.
To help offset framing costs, many Joyful Expressions designs are compatible with standard frame sizes such as 5x7" and 8x10".
To help offset framing costs, many Joyful Expressions designs are compatible with standard frame sizes such as 5x7" and 8x10".
Stitching Level Required:
Most of the designs are for beginning to intermediate stitchers. All the designs are created for 14-count Aida or 28-count evenweave (over two). There are no quarter stitches or "orphans" (single scattered stitches) and the chart symbols are easy to follow. Sandra finds that most of the Joyful Expressions designs are purchased to create gifts. Her customers want to stitch up something attractive that won't take months to complete.
Features of Website:
Visit the Joyful Expressions homepage to find out more about available designs. Other popular features of the Joyful Expressions include:
Newsletter:
Sign up for the free Joyful Expressions newsletter to find out about new releases, special promotions, and other interesting tidbits.
Information About the Images:
The Brokenhearted Design features Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the broken hearted..."
The Love Never Fails Chart is based on I Corinthians 13: 7-8. With two entwined hearts, this would make a good wedding or anniversary gift.
The Love Never Fails Chart is based on I Corinthians 13: 7-8. With two entwined hearts, this would make a good wedding or anniversary gift.
