My name is Ann Beck. I am an embroidery artist, former theatrical costume designer and textile artist. I spent over 20 years working professionally in fashion and theater.

During my career, I designed costumes for many of the top figure skaters in the world, including Olympic and World Champions Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, Dorothy Hamill, Katarina Witt, and Tara Lipinski.  I designed and made costumes for ballet companies and television figure skating specials, and worked with Tony Award winning designers and choreographers. From 1993 - 2007, I owned a costume shop in San Francisco which constructed stage costumes for dance companies and performers across the U.S. and internationally, including over 30 productions for San Francisco Ballet. My costume designs were seen on the Stars on Ice tour, and costumes constructed at my shop were featured on the cover of Dance Magazine. 

As a costume designer I was known for my use of intricate appliqué embroideries, brilliant color, and hand painted textiles. After leaving the theater world, I began to focus on creating fine hand embroidery artworks.  I continue to use glorious color in my hand embroidery designs, and create textural interest with multiple techniques including silk shading, goldwork and beading.

I started Ann Beck Embroidery to share my love of hand embroidery.  I am passionate about teaching, and am very excited to be teaching a workshop next year based on my Nightbirds embroidery, organized by the wonderful embroidery tourism company, Creative Experiences.  This embroidery retreat will take place in Paris and Provins, France, in April of 2025.   Please go to my Workshops page for information and for a link to register.

I hope you will follow my journey as I develop more beautiful kits and workshops.  I look forward to sharing my passion for this incredible art form with all of you!