A Conversation with Ava Hall Wasserman of Clair de Lune Needlepoint

By Karen Owens
Publisher

If you’ve stepped into Pretty Palm House in Pawleys Island lately, you might have noticed a vibrant, meticulously detailed new display catching everyone’s eye. It belongs to Clair de Lune Needlepoint, the creation of Ava Hall Wasserman, the newest member of the Palm House Crew. Ava specializes in hand-painted needlepoint kits that turn a classic craft into an absolute work of art.

We recently sat down with Ava to talk about her creative journey and new business venture. 

Georgetown SC Gazette:

Ava, congratulations on your new business. Tell me what first inspired you to start Clair de Lune and focus on hand-painted needlepoint designs?

Ava Hall Wasserman: Thank you so much! I have always loved a creative hobby and when I got started with needlepoint, I discovered it was very expensive. I wanted to learn how to create canvases for myself and others to make it more affordable. So I learned how to create designs digitally and then transfer them onto the canvases. It is a very detailed and meticulous process, but I was able to bring some of my visions to life by designing them myself.

Clair de Lune really started out of a love for the craft and a desire to create something truly unique. Each design is created with care, intention, and thoughtfully painted by hand to bring a sense of calm, charm, joy to every stitch. When you see a hand-painted needlepoint canvas up close, there’s a texture and a level of precision that you just can’t get any other way. I wanted to design pieces that aren’t just projects, but heirloom keepsakes that people will treasure for years to come.

Georgetown SC Gazette:

So how does someone purchase one of your designs?

Ava Hall Wasserman: I started selling through Etsy (Clair de Lune SC) in February and have had a wonderful response. In addition to my own creations, I have crafted a lot of custom canvases for people who have reached out with their own design ideas. I also offer full needlepoint kits that come with everything you need to get started. The price typically runs between $25 to $85 depending on the size and creative detail involved.

Georgetown SC Gazette:

I understand you have another option for locals and visitors who would like to purchase your designs. Tell us about where we can see your beautiful display in person.

Ava Hall Wasserman: Yes, that’s right. I now have shared some of my inventory to create a display at one of Pawley’s newest boutiques, Pretty Palm House. The shop specializes in vendors for apparel, home décor, gifts and more. It’s a dream come true to have a physical display where people can walk up, touch the canvas, and see the depth of the colors in person. The energy at Pretty Palm House is amazing, and the team has been so incredibly welcoming. Being able to share my passion with local shoppers is the best feeling.

Georgetown SC Gazette:

For someone who has never tried needlepoint before but is completely captivated by your display, what is the best way for them to dive in?

Ava Hall Wasserman: Don’t be intimidated! Needlepoint is incredibly therapeutic once you get into the rhythm of it. I always tell people to pick a design that truly speaks to them—whether it’s a coastal motif or a detailed pattern—and just enjoy the process of watching it come together stitch by stitch. Come by Pretty Palm House, check out the display, and let’s get you started!

Georgetown SC Gazette:

Last question – how did you come up with the name Clair de Lune?

Ava Hall Wasserman: When my daughter was a baby, I created a classical music playlist, especially for her bath time. Clair de Lune was her favorite song, so I chose it for my business name.

Georgetown SC Gazette:

Well, that’s a beautiful name that goes perfectly with your beautiful designs!