A few weeks ago, I shared on Mixed Media Artist that I had been messing around with some traditional embroidery. Since I was seduced by beads and bead embroidery so many years ago, I have somewhat neglected my thread embroidery skills, if I ever really had any. Part of my new year's resolutions was to try something new, so I dug out an old book I'd purchased but never used, and put my needle to work: The Art of Dimensional Embroidery
If you are proficient at thread embroidery, you'll see all kinds of imperfections and irregularities in my stitches. I just want you to know that I got better as I went along!
Maria's book teaches what is called the Brazilian style of embroidery, which is a raised form that usually features rayon threads. I used some rayon, but mostly stuck with the cottons, silks, and blends that I already own. I highly recommend her book (all the stitches are shown as black and white drawings...very easy to follow), but if you'd like to see a few of the easier stitches online first before you decide, here are a few resources:
Loretta's Custom Stitchery
Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery
Leaves
The name for this piece was suggested by my friend Paul Bishop. Besides being a wiring wrapping guru, Paul is very clever at coming up with good names for pieces!
The tutorial is loooong, so I'll share the first half today and finish it up on Wednesday.
Materials and Tools
Square foot piece of fabric
Same sized lightweight fusible interfacing
Same sized backing fabric
Nymo O thread, white
Embroidery floss in multiple colors
Seed beads to match and accent
Size 8/0 seed beads for edging
6mm Swarovski Margaritas
2 oval rings
SoftFlex beading wire
4 crimp tubes
Assorted beads for straps, 4mm to 8mm
3 - 4 inches of chain, divided
S-hook
Head pin
Scissors, large and small
Paper pattern, optional
Marking pen or pencil
Beading needles
Chain nose and round nose pliers
Wire cutters
1. Follow my general directions for creating a pattern and transferring it to your fabric in preparation for beading. You can download a free copy of my introductory chapter on Bead Embroidery which will take you through the steps.
2. Stitch on the major stems and the flowers using embroidery floss.
3. Add leaves, smaller stems, and beaded centers.
4. Cut out the final form of the necklace.
5. Add tiny accent stems and accent beads.
Part two will be posted on this Wednesday!
Copyright 2011 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.
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Comments
Nice work.
Jackie
And I am incredibly impressed with your blog in general.
Karen
moseying along the bead soup trail...