About Us

Robin Kingsley

I have been stitching in some form for nearly 40 years (amazing to think about).

After teaching crewel embroidery at a local store in Davis, California, and selling supplies to students from a wicker basket in the back of my station wagon, I opened The Sampler with a needlepointing partner.

At a trade show I met folks who produced needlework kits and soon was asked to move to Pennsylvania with my two young children. After many years "in the industry" my kids were grown and flew the coop and I moved home to Sonoma, California.

My sisters, Linda, Tina and I opened a gift shop in town called "Three Sisters"
We had a wonderful time for 6 years and closed the store in June, 2002 because Linda needs operations to replace a hip and two knees. Whew! She has had a hip and one knee replaced so far and can now walk again. We have a new "bionic" sister!

Bird*Brain*Designs was launched when I was asked to design a felt table rug and stocking for Better Homes and Gardens. I discovered how wonderful Penny Rug Appliqué is and began designing lots of other things - Bird*Brain*Designs was born.

My sister, Tina, is the Keeper of the Coop running the business end of Bird*Brain*Designs.  Designing and stitching is my forte - certainly not business.  Tina says she is "not crafty" but has taken up rug hooking and painting and is having a super time - surprise! surprise! Look for more of her goodies in a future section called "Other Bird Brain Stuff", things for your home you can buy already made.

We hope you enjoy our stuff as much as we do.
Let us know what you think - comments are appreciated!