Owl Embroidery

Owl Embroidery

I started this owl way back in the year as a 'working sampler' for some embroidery workshops I was running. I used a wooden hand carved printing block to take a rubbing using fabric crayons and then I began embellishing the rubbing with stitch. Over the year the sample has grown as I've done various workshops and this week I got it finished off. I always like to have a work in progress when I'm running sessions so that I can use it demonstrate techniques on a piece of work rather than just a plain piece of cloth.

Ear detail

Head detail

I really love the block that I used and have made several prints and rubbings from it for other projects. This is probably one of my favourite things I've done with it though as I think the stitching adds to his quirky and slightly scruffy appearance. I used my favourite colours and the stitching is mostly chain and feather variations.

Body and wing detail

Body and wing detail

Body detail

Easter Antics

Owl woodblock

I've been having a nice rest over the bank holiday weekend as I was totally worn out (and I want to be rested for my holiday in just over a week!) However, that doesn't mean I've been sat on my elbows doing nothing. I've been working on finishing the James Rennie rag-rug, preparing lessons and workshops and doing a bit of printing and stitching.

Patterned woodblock

Patterned woodblock

The continental markets were in Carlisle this weekend and I got myself some lovely woodblocks. They look lovely in themselves and they make great prints, it's a win-win. I was just going to buy the two patterned blocks and a little elephant but having handed over my money I spotted the owl and decided I needed him!  Today I have been using him to print t-shirts (pictures to follow) and then I started experimenting with doing rubbings using fabric crayons. I didn't think it was going to work too well but I was pleasantly suprised; the colours are quite dull until you apply heat (from an iron) which makes them much more vibrant. I think these rubbings would look great with some added stitching.

Printing with the owl

Rubbings with fabric crayons

Rubbings on calico bag

The other side of the bag

I also made some cards using recycled paper. I made some basic origami shapes and then mounted them up on card to make greetings cards that are beautiful, green and simple.

Recycled newspaper and envelope card with bow

Recycled newspaper card

Recycled newspaper and envelope card