Just loved it! Every element! And felt it was a great rhythm to get 'homework' every week...took me away from day-to-day life and unbelievably/embarrassingly my phone usage went down by about 90%! What a success!
EmmaStudio Challenges
The Studio is our membership club for those who want to deepen their creative practice. As a member, you’ll receive The Studio Dispatch, our inspiring Friday newsletter, discounted refill kits, and exclusive access to The Studio Shop, featuring one-off and limited-edition designs.
You'll also have the opportunity to join our Communal Challenges, with structured guidance, an exclusive virtual course, and a dedicated creative space. Plus, enjoy Studio Days at our London studio and explore The Archive, a growing collection of past newsletters, craft guides, and discussions.
If you want to make creative practice part of your life or find your own creative voice, The Studio is here for you!
What is the challenge?
Pushing you out of your comfort zone
Our challenges run twice a year. Each one is a 12-week creative adventure designed to help you explore your own creativity through embroidery. Every programme focuses on different aspects of the creative process – whether that’s how to tell stories through design, build your technique, or experiment with colour. No prior experience is needed – just a willingness to dive in and discover what you’re capable of.
You’ll receive a curated bundle of materials, access to a whole host of online resources, weekly creative prompts, and a supportive online platform to guide you through the process from first idea to finished piece. Each challenge centres on a different skill set – some develop your stitching technique, others help you shape your painting style or sharpen your eye for inspiration. We vary each one so they build on what you’ve learnt before.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a community – sharing the journey, building confidence, and cheering one another on.
If you’re looking to kick-start your creativity, or get out of a bit of a rut, this is the perfect place to begin.
Why would I want to take part?
A 12-week creative adventure
If you’ve ever felt stuck creatively or just wished for a bit more structure and encouragement, this challenge is for you. Here’s why we think you’ll love it:
You’ll gain confidence – Learn to trust your creative instincts and push past self-doubt.
You won’t be alone – Connect with a supportive group of fellow makers, bouncing ideas and sharing progress.
You’ll have a plan – A structured 12-week timeline guides you step by step, making the process approachable and fun.
You’ll experiment & grow – Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll develop your own style and try new techniques.
You’ll actually finish something – No more abandoned projects! With prompts and accountability, you’ll see your ideas come to life.
This isn’t just about embroidery—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and the magic of making something uniquely yours.
Don't just take our word for it...
How do I take part?
Look out for the next challenge!
We run two Story Book Challenges a year, from April to July, and from November to February runs, with sign-ups open to Studio Members throughout in either March or October respectively. We will send out a newsletter in the run up to the next challenge beginning with details on how to take part. Each challenge is limited in numbers to ensure that the group isn't too large - therefore it is on a first-come first-served basis. The course is also only open to Studio Members.
It costs £150 to take part in one of the challenges, which includes all your materials and access to the 12-week programme. You will be able to see more detail on what is specifically involved when the next challenge is open.
How is the challenge structured?
A weekly structure to take a fear out of designing
Every challenge is different so that they build on each other and teach you different skills. As an example, here is the structure from our last challenge all about storytelling:
- Week 1: Explore resources, find inspiration & connect with others.
- Week 2: Story Time Doodles – warm-up exercises to loosen up your creativity.
- Week 3: Experiment with design composition using cut-outs & sketches.
- Week 4: Finalize your design & share it with the group.
- Week 5: Learn how to translate your design onto fabric.
- Weeks 6-8: Start stitching! Weekly prompts & community check-ins keep you on track.
- Week 9: Paint your frame to complement your artwork.
- Week 10: Add a motif to your frame for that finishing touch.
- Week 11: Celebrate & share your finished piece!
- Week 12: The challenge wraps up until next time.
What will I get out of the challenge?
A whole lot of creativity for £100
- A bundle of materials – Everything you need, from fabric & threads to frames & paints.
- A structured 3-month plan – Weekly prompts guide you through the design process.
- An exclusive virtual course – 12 videos covering every step, from idea to final piece.
- A private online community – Share progress, ask for advice & connect with like-minded creatives.
- Creative breakthroughs – Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll push yourself in new ways.
- A completed, framed artwork – Something you’ll be proud to show off!
Creations from Past Challenges
This isn’t our first rodeo! We have now run two challenges and had over a hundred people go through our programme—ranging from total beginners to seasoned makers. Each person has had their own take on the creative brief, found confidence in their own style. The results were nothing short of incredible.
The real magic, though? It wasn’t just about the finished pieces. It was the process—the shared struggles, the breakthroughs, the unexpected moments of confidence-building. Participants supported each other, shared insights, and most importantly, felt less alone in what can sometimes be an intimidating creative journey.
The Impact of The Challenge
Any other questions??