For Canadian creative and photographer Tammy Murdock, art has always been an essential part of her life. Whether behind a camera, working with textiles, or exploring mixed media, she has always been guided by curiosity and a desire to create meaningful work. But when she discovered Take Two and the nurturing world of textile artist Fleur Woods, something shifted. Tammy found not only new techniques but also a deeper connection to herself and the creative community she had long sought.
Before joining Joyful Embroidery, Tammy went through a period of change. Photography had been her main artistic outlet for years and was part of her professional life, but she increasingly wanted to return to creating art by hand. Although she enjoyed stitching and mixed media, she often lacked confidence and direction, feeling uncertain about how to combine her ideas in a cohesive and expressive way.
She also wanted to reconnect with a sense of play. After years of working to client expectations, Tammy longed for a creative space that was entirely her own - free from rules, pressure, or judgment.
Tammy initially discovered Take Two via social media, where she was instantly attracted to the beauty and heartfelt nature of their Friday Feature Artist interviews. She was inspired by stories of artists worldwide and enchanted by the interviews' warmth. Upon finding Fleur’s Joyful Embroidery course, she felt an immediate connection.
What stood out most was Fleur’s authenticity. Tammy was struck by her gentle teaching style, her encouragement to find joy in the process and her ability to make every student feel valued. For Tammy, this was no ordinary online course. It felt like stepping into a creative retreat, led by someone who genuinely cared.
For Tammy, one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the course community. As a first-timer in a Take Two art course, she was uncertain about what to expect but soon found herself among supportive, like-minded artists from across the globe.
Posting her work, something she usually hesitated to do, became easier. The community responded with kindness, encouragement, and genuine interest, which gave Tammy the confidence to explore more boldly. As she watched others develop their voice, experiment with colour, and share honest reflections, she felt inspired to do the same.
The course became more than just a learning experience; it became a place of belonging.
Throughout the course, Tammy explored everything on offer: composition, colour palettes, textured stitch work, and the layering techniques Fleur is known for. She especially enjoyed the gentle pace of the course, which let her savour the creative process without feeling rushed.
One of her biggest breakthroughs came from learning how to let go of perfection. Fleur’s mantra of joyful, intuitive stitching helped Tammy quiet the pressure to produce something “just right” and instead trust her instincts. She began experimenting more freely, following her hands and allowing the artwork to evolve naturally.
The result was a renewed love for stitch, texture, and tactile expression. She found herself stitching every day, often losing track of time in the peaceful rhythm of thread and fabric.
As Tammy’s confidence increased, she started finding ways to blend her photography background with her developing textile work. Fleur’s advice to draw inspiration from daily life helped Tammy recognise her photographic skills as an advantage, integrating them into her new practice.
Colours discovered on nature walks became palettes for stitching. Patterns observed through the lens inspired designs. Her two creative worlds started to blend, enriching each other.
Since completing the course, Tammy feels more rooted in her artistic identity. She no longer hesitates to call herself an artist. She trusts her voice, follows her curiosity, and grants herself the freedom to create without needing external validation.
Stitching has become a daily ritual, a source of calm, courage, and joy. The course gave her the confidence to share her work more openly, explore new techniques, and embrace the idea that her creativity is worth nurturing.
For Tammy, this is just the start. She aims to keep developing her textile art, finding new ways to blend photography, paint, and stitch into unified mixed media pieces. She dreams of building a collection that mirrors the honesty, softness, and connection she feels when stitching.
Most importantly, Tammy has rediscovered a creative home. Through the guidance of Fleur Woods and the support of the Take Two community, she has found a place where she can create freely, expressively and with joy.
Tammy’s story reminds us that sometimes all an artist needs is gentle encouragement, a welcoming community, and permission to follow the spark inside.
Hosted by tutor and artist Fleur Woods, Joyful Embroidery welcomes students from all over the world. Participants include both new and experienced artists who are able to stitch and learn at their own pace while they experiment, expand their skills and join the contemporary stitch revolution!
This course is an experience that supports genuine creativity, empowering students to create mixed media embroideries and textile collages with texture, layers, and embellishments with confidence. And with lifetime access to course materials and videos the creative possibilities are endless.