Paint one, receive one

The Busy Bee NDLPT DIY Needlepoint Canvas Exchange

A creative exchange for people who design and hand-paint their own needlepoint canvases.

Each participant will design and paint one original canvas for a matched painter and receive one from someone else. We will make best-effort matches based on shared interests, mesh and size preferences, and comparable painting experience so the exchange feels fun and fair.

  • $5 registration
  • One original canvas
  • U.S. participants age 18+

DIY Canvas Exchange registration

$5.00

Purchase one registration per participant. After checkout, you will receive the required matching questionnaire. Have your order number and at least one clear photo of a needlepoint canvas you personally designed and painted ready to upload.

The $5 fee covers application review, matching, and exchange administration. It does not include blank canvas, paint, supplies, postage, or package replacement. Registration is complete only after both payment and the questionnaire are received. The fee becomes nonrefundable when matching begins. If The Busy Bee NDLPT cannot place you in a suitable match, your registration fee will be refunded.

How it works

  1. Register and complete the questionnaire

    Pay the $5 fee and submit your form by the registration deadline. A required photo helps us verify experience and make fair matches.

  2. Receive two matches

    You will receive one person to create for and a different person who will create for you.

  3. Say hello

    Contact both partners within five days of the match email. Confirm the best way to communicate and verify the mailing address before shipping.

  4. Design and paint

    Create one original, unstitched needlepoint canvas specifically for your send-to partner, following the canvas standards below.

  5. Ship with tracking and insurance

    Mail by the published deadline, package the canvas securely, and send the tracking number to your partner.

What you will create

The exchange commitment is one original, hand-painted, unstitched needlepoint canvas that you design after receiving your partner information. A handwritten note is encouraged. Small extras are optional and should total no more than $20, excluding shipping. Extras are never expected.

Canvas standards

  • Design and paint the canvas yourself. The design must be created with your partner's interests in mind.
  • Use the mesh size confirmed in your match information: 13 mesh or 18 mesh.
  • Keep the painted design in the small-canvas tier, approximately 3.5 to 5 inches at its widest point, unless both partners and the organizer approve a different scope.
  • Leave at least 2 inches of unpainted canvas around every side of the design for stitching and finishing.
  • Paint a clean, stitchable canvas: color placement should be clear, mesh holes must remain open, paint must be fully dry, and the canvas must be free of stains, odors, flaking paint, or tackiness.
  • If any area is intentionally interpretive rather than stitch-painted, include a simple color key or chart so the recipient can stitch it confidently.
  • Original artwork only. Do not copy or trace another artist's canvas, chart, pattern, or artwork, and do not submit an AI-generated design as your own.

Rules and expectations

  • Eligibility: You must be at least 18, have a U.S. mailing address, and have personally designed and painted at least one stitchable needlepoint canvas before registering.
  • Complete registration: Payment alone does not reserve a match. Your questionnaire and required photo must be submitted by the deadline, and your checkout email must match the email on the form.
  • Matching: The Busy Bee NDLPT will try to match participants with similar painting experience, compatible mesh and size preferences, and overlapping interests. A perfect match cannot be guaranteed, and the available participant pool may limit options.
  • Communication: Contact both partners within five days, respond within a reasonable time, and tell your partner and the organizer immediately if a delay or problem comes up.
  • Respect: Be kind and courteous to every participant, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.
  • Deadline: Ship no later than the published ship-by date. If you can no longer participate, notify the organizer as soon as possible. Dropping out after matches are assigned may make you ineligible for future exchanges.
  • Shipping: You are responsible for supply and shipping costs. Place the canvas in a clean protective sleeve or ziplock bag, use rigid support or a sturdy box, verify the address, purchase tracking and insurance, and share the tracking number.
  • Loss or damage: The sender is responsible for contacting the carrier and filing any available claim. The Busy Bee NDLPT will help communicate and document an issue but cannot guarantee a replacement canvas or reimbursement.
  • Privacy: Your mailing name and address will be shared only with the participant sending to you and the organizer. Your email and/or social media handles will be shared with both partners for exchange communication. Submitted portfolio photos will not be posted publicly without separate permission.
  • Physical canvas and artwork rights: The recipient owns the physical canvas. The artist retains copyright to the original artwork unless the two participants agree otherwise in writing.

Dates for this round

Milestone Date
Registration opens September 1, 2026
Registration and form deadline September 12, 2026
Matching date September 20, 2026
Partner emails sent September 20, 2026 (check spam and promotions folders)
Introduce yourself by September 25, 2026
Tracked shipping deadline October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can a newer painter join?
Yes. You must have designed and painted at least one stitchable canvas, but you do not need professional experience. The form and required photo help us match newer painters with comparable experience.
Will I send to the same person who sends to me?
Usually no, though exceptions do occur. You will receive two partners: one person you create for and a different person creating for you.
Is it a secret exchange?
No. Contact both partners soon after matching. Conversation helps you create something your send-to partner will genuinely enjoy.
Can I send a purchased canvas or something I already painted?
No. The point of this exchange is to paint a new canvas yourself after matching.
Do I need to include threads or gifts?
No. The required item is one original hand-painted canvas. A note is encouraged. Extras are optional and should stay under $20.
What if I am unable to finish on time?
Email your partner and thebusybeendlpt@gmail.com immediately. Early communication gives the organizer the best chance to help. Do not wait until the shipping deadline.
What if my package is lost?
Contact the carrier using your tracking number and notify your partner and the organizer. The Busy Bee NDLPT will help communicate but cannot promise a replacement or reimbursement.
What happens if no suitable match is available?
The Busy Bee NDLPT may ask whether you are comfortable with an adjacent skill or preference match. If no suitable match can be made, your $5 fee will be refunded.
May the artist use the design again later?
The artist retains copyright unless both people agree otherwise.

Ready to join the next Busy Bee NDLPT DIY Needlepoint Canvas Exchange?

Questions before registering? Email thebusybeendlpt@gmail.com