Sunday 10 August 2008

One Step Forward...




I think I've been on a little voyage...a voyage of discovery!
About 15 years ago, I had a bit of a penchant for machine embroidered earrings - I particularly remember a pair that were shaped like bishop's mitres. At the time, I thought, 'why am I spending money on this? I can do it myself!' So, I did.

A lot has gone on since then. Art college, a job, getting married, having children - the usual. I'm making jewellery...but with no machine embroidery! Why? Because my trusty machine gave up the ghost after 17 years of service, and I was blowed if I could get my new machine to co-operate! (Notice how it was the machine's fault? Couldn't possibly be mine!!)
Enough was enough. I had to conquer this! I pestered the lady in my local haberdasher's. She couldn't help. I wrestled with endless pieces of decent material, and my rubbish bin filled up at an alarming rate. I dawdled about having a shufty around flickr - so many wonderful artists store their work there for public viewing. It's really a visual treat, a gallery in your computer!
I had the fortune to stumble upon dogdaisy92, and Jackie, who creates divine works of embroidery art. The lady is a godsend! With her as inspiration, I had one more attempt - success!
The pictures above are the result. Look closely and you'll see elements of machine embroidery, and also a bit of couching! Haven't done that for years! Notice how everything I make has to be plastered with beads and embellishments? I just can't help myself - but I guess it wouldn't be 'me' without them!



Jackie, thank you so much for your time and inspiration. xx

7 comments:

Jackie said...

Congratulations!!!Lovely work! And thank you for mentioning me too. Glad you found it helpful.
x

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Lovely work.The colours are beautiful.

saraeden said...

Wow thats lovely the colours are wonderful , i have only just found your blog recently and you make some beautiful things !!
Im a bit of a add a bit more sparkle or a few more tiny stitches type person too !!

Sara x

Travel Turtle said...

This is so beautiful. So much detail, great color combination.

I think it's great that you have so many good embellishments. I'm always too scared to embellish which can leave some of my work feel a bit flat.

Nic Hohn said...

Charlotte, Forest of Dean (sounds so English!) what a beauitful creation....and all the more sweeter from the process and challenges!

Contessa Kris said...

Ohhh, this is so gorgeous and I'm uber jealous and I must make one. Have you seen the spring 2008 Sew Somerset mag? There are some outstanding sewn pins that this reminds me of! Just beautiful.

trisha too said...

your pieces are gorgeous, so rich and detailed, it's like you never finish looking at one.

:)