Little Birdie Embroidery was born from a legacy of love, faith, and gentle strength. It is more than thread and fabric. It is a tribute to my great grandmother, affectionately known as Granny, whose life continues to guide every stitch I make.

Granny’s life began with both loss and resilience. She lost her mother at birth due to complications and was raised primarily by her grandparents on their farm during the Great Depression. As part of the Greatest Generation, she lived through the Dust Bowl and World War II, learning early the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. She rode a horse to school and, by the age of eight, was driving a grain truck to the elevator during harvest. These responsibilities shaped her quiet strength and steady spirit.

When her grandparents passed away during her teenage years, Granny moved to Perkins, Oklahoma, to live with her aunt. It was there she met the love of her life, Clement Russell. They were married in 1942, and after the war, they settled in Valley Center, Kansas, where they built a life rooted in service, faith, and community.

Granny had a deep love for children and learning. After attending college and earning her elementary education degree, she began teaching third grade, a role she cherished for nearly three decades. Even after retiring, former students stayed in touch through cards, letters, and flowers, a testament to the lasting impact of her kindness and care.

She was the most welcoming person you could ever meet. If you loved someone, she loved them too, no questions asked. Her home was always open, a place of rest and warmth we lovingly called, The Little Green Motel. Whether you needed a hot meal, a listening ear, or simply a place to belong, Granny made sure you felt at home.

She also found joy in community and creativity. Granny was part of many local groups and friendships, including Stitch & Chat, where conversation and craftsmanship went hand in hand. She loved creating with her hands and noticing beauty in simple things, especially birds. Her favorite was the cardinal, which she delighted in watching outside her window. To this day, whenever I see one, it feels like a little message from her. A reminder of her love, faith, and unwavering warmth.

Granny taught me to embroider not just with my hands, but with my heart. She showed me that the most meaningful things are made slowly and with care. Every piece I create reflects that belief, handmade with intention, like a whispered prayer or a warm embrace.

Over time, I have come to think of Granny as my little birdie, a gentle guardian watching over me. Like the cardinal, often seen as a sign from heaven, I believe her spirit is never far. She lives on in every design, every detail, and in the heart behind this brand.

Little Birdie Embroidery is rooted in the quiet power of faith and guided by Hebrews 13:2:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Through each design, our hope is to offer more than a product. We hope to offer a feeling of being seen, held, and loved. May every stitch serve as a reminder that beauty can bloom in quiet places and that no one is ever truly alone.