11 December 2013

A finish at last!

I have finally finished my Walter Crane inspired swan embroidery. I didn't manage to finish it in class on Monday as I was too busy drinking tea and chatting! I stitched the last couple of chippings on last night and am reasonably happy with how it has turned out.
This was the original inspiration, a piece of arts & crafts wallpaper designed by Walter Crane...
My simplified embroidered version in silk shading and goldwork...
The leaves are silk shaded using Soie d'Alger silks in shades 5021-5025; the swans are appliquéd with silk velvet; the legs are kid leather; swans outlined with couched pearl purl, the wings in rococco; the reeds are a mixture of chipping and cut work in copper and chocolate coloured purl. I have learned a lot in this, my first piece of Goldwork (apparently it is still called Goldwork even if you don't use gold metal) It is very difficult to get a neat finish and I think I cut my chips too big, but overall I am happy with the piece. I also learned how difficult it is to make a design symmetrical!  I think I will frame it, so need to find a suitable frame, but for now I am just glad it is finished.






9 comments:

  1. Absolutely beautiful, Elaine! You must be thrilled! Lovely to see the detail photos of each part.

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  2. love your blog! Its so pretty! I look forward to seeing your new posts each day

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  3. Gorgeous workmanship! I love those cranes--simply stunning! hugs, Julierose

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  4. Wow! Love all the details! Such beautiful work -- congratulations on the finish!

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  5. Congratulations on such a beautiful finish. Your skills and attention to detail are awe inspiring!

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  6. Oh Elaine, it's stunning, congratulations on a beautiful finish.

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  7. It is lovely Elaine. You must be so happy with it, and it will look wonderful when it is framed!

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  8. Beautifull! good feeling to have a finish, enjoy it.

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