Spreading Joy Through Whimsical Art

Carrie Cantwell, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is not just any artist. She’s an illustrator, a surface pattern designer, and an art educator on a mission to make people smile. And as someone who loves bright colors (have you seen my feathers?), I must say she’s a kindred spirit. Carrie’s work can be found on all sorts of things: from fabric to home decor and even needlepoint kits! Her creations are cheerful, fun, and just the thing to brighten your day, much like a sunbeam—if that sunbeam also knew how to doodle in bright colors!

Carrie didn’t always know she’d become the artist we love today. Like many of us, her path was winding. She’s lived in Atlanta since 1985, crafting her unique artistic style while balancing her roles as a designer, teacher, and collaborator with major brands like Spoonflower and WebMD. (No big deal, right?) Carrie’s whimsical art has been exhibited in places like the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Design Atlanta. Her patterns have even graced the top 10 of Spoonflower’s lists and been featured on Society6! Talk about colorful feathers in her cap.

It’s easy to see why her art resonates—whether she’s illustrating a "Blue Whale" that brings a splash of fun or designing for surface patterns, she channels joy into everything she does. One of her most beloved works, "Mykonos Alley," transports stitchers to the charming streets of Greece. (No plane ticket required!)

Honestly, don’t we all need a little more joy these days? (Side note: What do birds have to do to get a “Mykonos Alley” inspired perch? I’m asking for a friend.)

Fun fact: Carrie's artistic talents might just be inherited from her mother, Judy, who worked as a licensed family therapist. And while Carrie has carved her own vibrant niche in the world of art, she’s also a teacher at heart. She’s a Skillshare Top Teacher with a class on signature style. If you're ever curious about how to blend your own personality into your work, Carrie's the one to follow.

And speaking of teaching, did I mention she’s created over 100 patterns available for licensing? That’s a lot of creativity to go around! Whether you're looking for bright florals, bold geometric designs, or some fun travel-inspired art, Carrie has something for everyone. (If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of her classes!)

One of my favorite things about Carrie’s work is how her designs translate into needlepoint kits (perfect for all you crafty folks out there). Take her "Dear Santa, I Can Explain" kit, for example. Picture this: a mischievous cat (who, like me, doesn’t always stay out of trouble) knocking over the Christmas tree. It’s the perfect project for feline lovers and holiday decorators alike! And for those of us who dream of sunny days, her "Sunshine 2" kit brings rays of vibrant yellows and oranges to your needlework. I’d say it’s like capturing the sun on canvas, only less burn-y and more stitch-y.

Each kit comes with a heartfelt note from Carrie: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for buying my art!” What a sweet reminder that behind every project, there’s an artist who put their heart into it.

Now, since we’re all friends here, I’ll let you in on a little secret—this blog post isn’t just to tell you how fabulous Carrie is (though she absolutely is). It’s also here to help all you lovely readers find her work a little easier. So if you’re looking for #NeedlepointKits, #SurfacePatternDesign, or even the best #HolidayStitching ideas, you’re in the right place. These hashtags and keywords will help you (and Google!) discover more about Carrie and her fabulous designs.

And don’t forget to visit Carrie on Instagram (@CarrieCantwellArt) and Facebook, where she’s always posting something delightful. Be sure to tag her if you create something from one of her kits—I know she’d love to see it!

So, if you’re ready to add a splash of joy to your home, why not start with one of Carrie’s playful needlepoint kits? Whether you’re stitching the mischievous cat, the colorful streets of Mykonos, or that delightful sunburst, you’ll be crafting a little piece of her whimsical world. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to figure out how to make a nest out of needlepoint threads… Is it possible to sew a nest? Let me know if you’ve got ideas! Tweet me… oh wait, birds don’t use Twitter anymore. Let’s just say “until next time!”