The co-owner of Bowral craft store Chelsea Fabrics has received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the craft of hand embroidery as an artist, author and teacher.

The honour was a great surprise for Jane, who said she never could have imagined her hobby would lead her down such a life path.

"I was really thrilled, I was a bit overcome actually," she said.

"Hand embroidery doesn't really get much attention, so I'm delighted that this will increase the profile of my craft."

After dappling with embroidery in the mid 1960s, Jane became serious about her hobby in the early 80s through her involvement in a sewing group.

"People need something to do with their recreation time," she said.

"Embroidery takes a lot of time, but it's very therapeutic and it gives people a lot of pleasure."

An interest in the 17th century embroidery style of stumpwork, also known as raised embroidery, led to teaching and publishing opportunities as she developed her knowledge of the craft.

"It was very obscure, and if you pick up on something no-one knows about, you tend to become an expert," she said.

Jane now teaches stumpwork techniques at needlework stores in Australia and New Zealand, and has also appeared as a presenter at conferences and seminars in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

She is also the author of four books and has also had articles about her craft in several trade magazines.