Enjoy radiant autumn leaves accentuated by a background of evergreens in your choice of colors. You may decide on a sunrise, a sunset, a bright blue sky, or a stormy sky with virga — rain that evaporates before hitting the ground–as shown above. Paint the entire background on sturdy, translucent Lutradur 100. Then, embellish it with sheer fabrics to adjust the colors and create texture. Create evergreen trees with one stitch and render brightly colored deciduous trees with a contrasting stitch. Choose from several options for stitch combinations. Learn how to group the stitches into cascades to mimic the textures of an old-growth forest. Add perspective with color gradation techniques and stitch size control. An optional deckle edge will make finishing easy and inexpensive. The design works up quickly because it consists of a painted, textured background accentuated along the bottom one-third with hand embroidered trees. The design is 11” high x 14” wide.
Teacher: Laura Smith
Technique: Embroidery and Mixed Media
Level: All levels
Kit fee: $84.00
Kit: All materials to complete project
Student provides: Stretcher bars/frame/hoop, usual stitching supplies
Laura Smith is an embroidery innovator and nationally known designer/teacher working in textiles and mixed media for over twenty years. Her art has been shown all over the U.S. She holds the Master Craftsman designation the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA), and chaired the EGA Master Craftsman in Color Program for 12 years. She is past Chairman of EGA Fiber Forum, former director of an arts center, and currently president of her EGA Chapter in Concord, NC (4th term). Her education in chemistry has helped her to understand mixed media that are compatible with textiles.
Website: www.stitch4fun.com
