Needlepoint an Adler-Inspired Paperweight

Updated October 22, 2021.
Paperweights such as these from Jonathan Adler cost more than $50 but it’s easy to make your own and make them more personal and more interesting because they will reflect you.

Begin by getting a glass paperweight. You can find many sizes and shapes at Photoweights. We’ll use a rectangular one because that’s what the inspiration uses.

First, measure the area for needlework inside the paperweight. This rectangle is 2 x 3.5 inches. Mark out an area that size on your canvas. If you will be charting your design (to make a word paperweight, for example, convert that measurement to thread count and mark that on your graph paper.

If you are making a Bargello paperweight, decide if the pattern will go across the short side (as in the inspiration) or the long side. Pick your colors, stitch your first line and go.

If you are making a word needlepoint, chart out the word in pencil on your graph paper. When you like the results go over it in ink or make a copy so it’s easy to see and stitch away.

If you are making an icon needlepoint, find a chart of the object you like that will fit inside your area with a margin of at least a couple of threads on all sides. You can also chart your own. Stitch away.

Once your needlepoint is complete, block it if necessary. Cut the needlepoint five threads beyond the edges and cut out the corners to reduce bulk. Fold under the raw edges and place the needlepoint into the paperweight. Peel the adhesive off the backing and center the backing so it covers the needlepoint and a bit of the glass on the back. The kits come with the backing included.

This is such an easy and fast project, any needlepointer can do it. They make outstanding gifts.

I should note that I have a paperweight like this I made more than 30 years ago and it’s still perfect and I use it often.