Modern Threads: How a South Bay Mom is Reviving Needlepoint with Fresh Designs and Passion
In the bustle of ballet classes, park playdates, and the constant motion of motherhood, Torrance resident Laura Cameron found something special. She discovered a creative outlet that not only brought joy to her life but also reimagined an old craft for a new generation. This South Bay mom, entrepreneur, and designer is the heart behind Mason June Canvas Co., a business dedicated to modern needlepoint canvases.
Laura’s journey started in February when she stumbled upon a TikTok video showcasing needlepoint. As someone who loves textile arts and graphic design, she knew she had to give it a try.
"I needed a creative outlet, but one that wasn’t super messy and that I could take places with me," she said. "As a mom, you're always going places, doing stuff, and waiting around. I needed something I could do while at ballet class or at the park."
It wasn’t long before her hobby became a full-blown passion. But needlepoint, traditionally seen as an "elite" and expensive craft, posed a challenge.
"Needlepoint is one of the more elite fiber arts. Everything in needlepoint stores is hand-painted, making it pricey," Laura explained. Instead of letting this deter her, she took matters into her own hands. "I thought, ‘I can make these myself,’ and I had so many ideas for modern designs."
And modern is exactly what Laura’s designs bring to the table. Forget the typical rustic cabins and floral samplers — Mason June Canvas Co. offers canvases featuring sardine tins, “girl dinner" themes, and even Taylor Swift-inspired patterns.
“Taylor Swift fans and needlepointers? The Venn diagram is just one circle," she joked.
As Laura points out, needlepoint is having a moment. In a world dominated by screens, many people are looking for ways to unplug and unwind.
“Needlepoint is something you can do on the couch with the TV on or while listening to an audiobook," she said. "It gets you into a flow state. You’re focused, but it’s also incredibly relaxing. It’s a cozy, meditative craft that’s good for mental health."
Her husband, Mike Bohley, admires her entrepreneurial spirit.
“She’s always been an entrepreneur," he said. “After having a kid, she wanted a way to decompress. She saw that most needlepoint designs were made for older women, so she started creating her own, making the patterns more relevant and fun."
Since launching Mason June Canvas Co., Laura has sold over 800 canvases and has 90 designs available on her site. But she’s just getting started. One of her goals for next year is to open a retail space in the South Bay — a cozy, community-oriented “Babe Cave" for crafters of all kinds.
“I want a place where you can pick out specialty threads, start a project, hang out on a couch, and maybe sip some wine," she said. “A community clubhouse for people who love crafts, whether it’s crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, or embroidery."
Laura’s story is a reminder that creativity can bloom in the busiest of lives and that traditions can always be reimagined. Through Mason June Canvas Co., she’s stitching together art, community, and a little bit of modern magic, one canvas at a time.
You can explore Laura’s designs at masonjune.com.