Hanging by a thread

January 30, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 3 Comments

As promised, here are my experiments in embroidery! I started by finishing a project I had started last winter… beleive it or not those satin stitches took FOREVER. I do love the results and have proudly listed it in my second etsy shop, although I’d be happy to keep it too! My first brand new design began with a monogram. I don’t think it was quite as successful, so I’m going to try the idea with a different stitch next.

But while I was still in love with French knots, I tried a few more things. Though I’ve embroidered before, I couldn’t remember how to do them (I found a great tutorial here!), and once I figured it out I was hooked! I started with my own color experiment in red.

Next up: combining those French knots with other stitches in a less abstract design. I’ve always loved poppies and I thought their black centers would be a fun way to work in texture to a piece. Red Poppy hoop available here! Stay tuned… I’m just waiting on more hoops to arrive in the mail and I’ll show you all what else I’ve been working on!

Thinking Spring

January 26, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Is it too early? I spent a little time printing up my dandelion design on a “regular” sized card last weekend. They’re available here and the tall and skinny original dandy cards are still here. Enjoy!

One month and counting

January 14, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

T-minus 30 days until Valentine’s! Just sayin’…

An old soul

January 10, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 3 Comments

My sisters like to call me an old soul. I wouldn’t define my style as retro by any standards, but I do like old things: Bess, my press, old houses, repurposed furniture, and lately, heirloom crafts. In the last couple weeks, I’ve rediscovered my love for embroidery. I’m not going to lie to you—it’s putsy and incredibly slow, but there’s something lovely about single strands of glossy thread laying just right against a fabric. Plus, I’ve been trying to pare down the amount of stuff I own—and this is the perfect thing to create so as not to accumulate even more!

This morning I thought I’d share a few of the embroiderers who are inspiring me—enjoy, and look for new work from yours truly soon!

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: I’m a typography nut. Typography-inspired embroidery has been my latest project… and while I’m still working out the kinks, I love it! Look for new work in the shop soon, otherwise I found the examples above on Pinterest!

I always admire artists who can create something truly abstract, as that’s something I struggle with. I beleive art has to be made with purpose in order to be art, so I have a difficult time just working with pattern or texture and no subject. I love this simple color progression from Sometimes I Swirl. I say simple because the design is clean and modern and the stitch is repetitive—but after my recent projects, I know this took a lot of work!

There’s something weird and wonderful about a technical drawing reproduced in thread—or any unexpected medium really. Why wouldn’t you want a 9 inch illustration of a Buckminster Fuller Dymaxion Car on your wall? I can’t think of a single reason.

Last but not least, something a little more traditional. I love simple and clean traditional motifs—they always look modern but can work in with any decor style. This miniature version in the form of a brooch by Skrynka is a great example. I told you I was an old soul!

And finally, my own embroidered wallhanging was included in several treasuries not too long ago. Thanks to Lotus and Janneke Hoekstra for the inclusions!

Faith

January 5, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

Over my Christmas print-stravaganza, I printed a verse that my mom had requested a couple years ago. I had light blue on the press and I thought it would look great, but after just one impression, I knew this verse would be better un-inked. Powerful words need nothing extra, and I hope this piece reminds you to have faith.