| Show All Teaching Pieces | Show Non Teaching Pieces |
| View Categories | Search Pieces |
Displaying non-teaching pieces
| Birds of Missouri |
 |
| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not a teaching piece Ground: 18/inch mono canvas & 24/inch congress cloth Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
|
Our new daughter-in-law is Jewish, and still she enjoys celebrating Christmas with us. She needed a Christmas stocking, and yet the traditional Christian themes were probably not appropriate. She lives in the country, in northeast Missouri, and has lately become an avid birder. This is such a change for the New Yorker who has become a country girl and birds fill a special need for beauty. Rachel suggested this theme herself, as her interest in avian life continues to grow, and she gave me a list of her favorite birds--the ones that visit their homestead most often. I originally planned 5 birds, but couldn?t choose because they were all so beautiful, so I finally narrowed it down to eight. In two cases I also included the female as her plumage was so dramatically different from that of the male. All in all, I stitched ten birds. The birds are worked on 24/inch congress cloth which has then been appliquéd onto #18 canvas. Each bird is worked as realistically as possible and all are stitched in Soie d?Alger. In most cases there are 4-6 colors in each solid area of the bird; this does not include the wings or tails or heads which are usually different. Rachel and my son Tony wanted to keep everything on the stocking indigenous to their area of Missouri--indeed this is the way they choose to lead their lives. The only evergreen which is native to the area is the Eastern Red Cedar so that is the foliage I have chosen to compliment the birds. It is a bushy tree with short needles; birds treat it as their refuge and hide among its branches. In some ways the birds were less prominent once I added the greenery, but then I realized that is the purpose of their plumage and this is what protects them from predators. It is my hope that we will fill this stocking for many years to come. | |
| Heartwood Manor |
 |
| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: retired piece Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 11" x 8" Length of Class: | |
|
A riot of flowers illuminate the verdant English countryside, announcing that spring has arrived. Heartwood Manor depicts a traditional English thatched roof cottage surrounded by its gorgeous gardens ablaze with the bounty of spring. The trees are in full bloom, the gardens at their most radiant, and the wrought iron arbor is heavily laden with rambling roses. The roof of the main house, and also of its neighbor are expressed with rows and rows of outline stitched, carefully positioned to give the effect of thatching. Two brick pillers flank the entrance to the garden and these support the climbing roses. A stone walls protects the garden, but itself is a backdrop fro a myriad of beautiful spring blossoms. A profusion of flowers line the fence and spill out into the yard itself. A stone pathway invites you to enter into this glorious settings. The student will earn stitches appropriate for depicting flowers of different sizes. Attention will be given to closing appropriate stitches with regard to their placement in the fore-mid, or background of the compositon. | |
| My Stitching Studio |
 |
| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not a teaching piece Ground: Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
|
While doing my Honors Research for the National Academy of Needlearts I pondered what my stitched presentation piece would be. My research topic was paintings or other artworks which depict people engaged in the needlearts. Obviously my stitched piece had to also depict a stitcher. Most artists eventually do a self portrait. Shouldn't I, also? Thus was born the Stitching Studio, the name I have used for over 20 years as my business designation. This Stitching Studio depicts my own studio, which (in addition to the computer center and the work/teaching table that are not shown in the rendition) contains shelves and shelves of well beloved books and other objects which are meaningful to me. I am an avid collector of Pueblo pottery and part of my collection is reproduced on the shelf at the top of the bookcases. My other passion, besides needlework is traveling and the shelves contain allusions to some notable trips: matrioshka from Russia, an Eiffel tower, a fan from Spain. Photos of my children hold a place of honor; another picture shows my husband at Machu Picchu and there is a also a baby picture of my grandson. One stack of books shows the languages I speak; another row names places we have visited. Others name favored embroidery techniques: canvas, crewel, silk. Another shelf holds art books: Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, Rodin. Elsewhere you may discover magazine folios which say Pieceworks, ANG, EGA, and NAN. One of my topiaries graces the wall. Out the window is not what I usually view, but what I fantasize to overlook. And in that scene is a tiny plane, indicating my constant desire to travel. Perspective was a major challenge in the composition, especially for the rug and the tiny turquoise cabinet at the right. A much younger, much more svelte, and greatly overdressed Gail Sirna sits in the studio, happily absorbed in her needlework;, but always with one eye on that plane to take her to far away destinations. | |
| Nutcrackers Around the World |
 |
| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: Not a teaching piece Ground: Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
|
Nutcrackers Around the World We were so pleased to become grandparents when my daughter gave birth to her son Connor. But it takes a bit of time to get to know the child and to discover what he is like, so it is only now that I feel I can stitch a stocking for him (2002). After all, as I remind my students, a Christmas stocking lasts a lifetime, and the child will only be a baby for a short time. So I look for something that will go with him throughout his life. Last Christmas we took him to see the Nutcracker at the ballet. He loved it (after much preparation by his mother). Our grandson is ?all boy? and loves rough and tumble and battles so he especially appreciated the sword fight between the Nutcracker and the mice. Connor is also a combination of many nationalities--Irish and Italian in a big way, and to a lesser extent, German and French, so I depicted those ethnic groups in their native dress. He attends a bilingual pre-school and is studying Spanish (since he lives in Texas) and so added a Mexican Nutcracker. Connor, although only 4 has already visited Mexico and France; we hope we take him to many other faraway lands in the years to come. Each nutcracker holds a weapon (well, the French one has a paint brush--much more appropriate) since Connor is a big fan of battles and weapons, much to my dismay. But these are only ceremonial weapons--parade weapons. I added some significant historic buildings from the countries depicted on the stocking, just for interest, and to remind him of what he saw. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Assisi |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress coth Size of Piece: 7" x 5" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
The second in my series of Postcards from Paradise, Assisi is a small town in Italy, about half way between Florence of Rome. It is the home of St, Francis and of Ste. Claire, both founders of religious orders during the medieval times. It is also the source of Assisi embroidery and one can find the women of the town relaxing in their doorways, chatting with neighborsries, while working small pieces of the embroideries for the tourist trade. Assisi glimmers on the hills of Tuscany, its ochre buildings and red tile roofs reflecting the warm rays of the sun. From a distance the rich valley is a patchwork of well tended fieldswhihc yield forth the bounty of the area: sunny olive oils, and rich Chianti wines. In the foreground I have chosen to include the cheerful poppy which is found throughout the region and brightens the landscape. In the town one can see the Cathedral of St. Francis with its campanile, and further to the left the monastery for the Franciscan friars. More hidden among the other buildings of the town is the Basilica of Santa Chiara (Ste. Claire). The town is almost mystical in the distance, beckoning one to come and further explore its enchantments. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Beijing |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 4-3/4" x 7" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
On a recent trip to China I was intrigued by this small pavilion which is located in the Summer Palace grounds. Yes, other places were grander and more elaborate but this place was so charming. I resolved to add it to my series of small needlework designs called Postcards from Paradise. The Pavilion of the Eternal Spring is elaborately painted with characteristic Chinese patterns. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens in full bloom. In my composition I have included two of the trees that were so ubiquitious and so eye-catching during our visit: the willow wearing its spring green leaves, and the plum trees laden in showy white blossoms. We wer fortunate to visit this attraction on a rare sunny day with a glorious blue sky. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Cordoba |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Coth Size of Piece: 5" x 6-1/2" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
Still another Postcard from Paradise -- this time it is Cordoba Spain, most specifically the wonderful Avenue of Flowers. The ancient white homes line a winding, twisting lane which is totally bedecked with fabulous flowers. They spring from pots, hang from window boxes and balconies and tumble from window sills. It is a glorious sight. When one reaches the end of this little lane you turn and see the wonderful La Mezquita, a one time mosque turned into a cathedral. Spain, more specifically Andalucia, is full of fabulous sights such as the Alhambra but La Mezquita and the Calle de Flores was the one I most remember. It is obviously there to entice the tourists with its beauty but most of the residents profited little from making their homes and their lane so glorious. Lesser known than the Alhambra La Mezquita was a mosque in the Mooorish era and is held up on the inside with, as they say, a "forest of columns." It is truly an amazing place. And just when you think it has revealed all its surprises you become aware that inside of the old mosque is a Catholic cathedral. Thank godness the early Christians had the good sense not to destroy the mosque. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Galapagos |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 6-1/2' x 5" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
Fourth in my series entitled Postcards from Paradise is "Galapagos" and recalls our journey to those far flung islands in the South Pacific. The islands are most famous for the visits of Charles Darwin which inspired him to formulate his theory of evolution. Now the travelers go to view the animals which were so cut off from civilization that they do not fear humans. The fortunate visitors has the privilege of very close encounters with wild life. The images I chose for my "postcard" are the ubiquitous lava and prickly pear cactuses, the sparse foliage, and especially the animals. We were particularly fond of the sea lions and the blue footed boobies. Other animals one encounters at every turn are the giant tortoise, the iguana, and such a plethora of bird species as to bring wonderment to all. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Kenya |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Cloth Size of Piece: 6-1/2" x 4-3/4" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
Here is another in my series Postcards from Paradise. This time our visit was to Kenya in East Africa and my design depicts the Maasai Mara, that vast ocean of grass along the border of Tanzania and the Serengeti. I have chosen the view is from the pool deck of our hotel. From here we could see the vast sweeping plain of the Mara, laden with animals of many species. I have depicted only giraffes and elephants but we could also see herds of zebra and gazelle, wart hogs and cape buffalo. Less visible were the predators; it behooves them to hide and be secretive. Here and there one can see the candelabra tree and the acacia, many hiding beautiful birds who filled the expanse with their song. Our rooms were shaped like Maasai huts. Inside the hotel walls all was bedecked with African flowers. Interspersed among the people in the deck chairs were rock hyrax--an animal slightly larger than a cat and related to the elephant; they availed themselves of the sun and often the chairs--and the safety of the compound. But one night a leopard came to get one for her dinner. Some artistic license has been taken in this composition for in the background one sees Mt. Kenya, but in truth it is hundreds of miles to the north and not visible from this vantage. But it was so a part of our Kenyan experience that I couldn't leave it out. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Mesa Verde |
 |
| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress cloth Size of Piece: 7" x 5-1/2" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
|
Mesa Verde is third in a series of my small designs entitled Postcards from Paradise. Mesa Verde, in the southernmost part of Colorado is one of the great American archeological sites; it is a rui, which gives us insight into the life of the ancestral native Americans. They built their homes into the cliffsides, along the canyons of raging rivers, but they were safe from the elements and marauding neighbors, the food supply was abundant, and they seemed to have the time to express their creativity in wonderful masonry, and in their cave art. My design gives us a little peek at the past and how the ancient ones lived. Viewed from across the canyon it is a ghostly reminder of an earlier time. | |
| Show All Teaching Pieces | Show Non Teaching Pieces |
| View Categories | Search Pieces |
Displaying non-teaching pieces