Susan Portra has been teaching and designing needlepoint since 1982.  She is bringing over 42 years experience to our needlepoint industry.  With many needlepoint charted designs and books such as the “Spirit of the Southwest”, “A Series of Saints”, “Odyssey” and “Infinity”: she brings her talents and experience to needlepoint lovers every where as a needlepoint artist, author and teacher.

As a former shop owner (My Friend and Eye Needlepoint, Huntington Beach, CA) and whole sale business (Susan Portra Designs/SNAPP Assoc. Lomita, CA) she is ready and certainly knowledgeable to help the students with suggestions, hints and tips to make their canvas come to life. 

Susan spends over 300 days a year teaching “on the road”.  She has taught at many fine needlepoint stores throughout the US and Canada, EGA, ANG chapters and national seminars.  She has sponsored eight needlepoint cruises, retreats in Santa Fe, NM and Lakeside, MT. Susan continues to hone her teaching skills to a needle art level.  

Being rewarded with Best of Show (nationally) along with 72 first and second place ribbons her goal is now on her students winning those awards in national and international needlepoint competitions.  She takes great pride in her students work.

 Susan’s “Bring Your Canvas to Life” class is about taking a single dimension canvas, recognizing the focal point and working towards enhancing the “art level” of needlepoint,  determining the focal, middle ground and background with texture, depth, movement and light play.  These are created by using specific threads, stitches and multiple techniques to elevate your needlecraft into needle art.  Susan also helps her students with finishing tips and suggestions to enhance their projects to be proudly displayed in their homes.

730 Edgewood Place

Whitefish, MT.  59937-3443

714-231-3816