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Who
can resist the whimsical charm of Charley Harper whose
unique graphic wildlife subjects adapt well to canvas.
This "skinny dipping" cardinal is framed in
a circular border and mat embellished with two original
open canvas treatments. The outlines will be stitched
ahead to make class time more productive.
Four
metallics combine with silks, cotton pearl cotton and
floss, velour, Rachelette, and several types of beads
to produce a glittering winter setting for the bird
as he "cleans and preens his flying machine."
Techniques explored include couching, blackwork, and
beading. Two formulas are used to add scattered frosted
leaves.
Some
original patterning is used in the border treatments
of the design and in a few accent areas. Some variations
of familiar stitches such as Old Florentine and Hungarian
are used in the birdbath. Web and Burden stitch are
also used along with Stem stitch to achieve the soft
curves needed in the leaves and the bird. The reversible
blackwork in the wings is a layered pattern that uses
two values of red to produce a soft shaded effect.
This
is the fourth print of Charley Harper's that I have
adapted, with permission, to canvas. The others have
all been popular designs, and he is well known in embroidery
circles today due to the exposure given to his work
by KD Artistry and successive needlework companies.
The cardinal itself has always had special appeal to
bird fanciers, and the architectural details made this
scene particularly appropriate for a canvas interpretation.
In
addition to creating an elegant design, students will
also learn some guidelines about pattern development
and control in class. The addition of appropriate borders
and how to develop them will also be discussed.
COLOR
CHOICE: None
PREWORK:
The border outlines must be worked prior to class. Estimated
time is 15-18 hours.
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to appropriate ways to adapt
from non-embroidered sources.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and
backgrounds for designs.
3. To share ways to develop formulas for repeated elements
like the leaves.
4. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere"
in a piece - snow scene here.
5. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive unusual
stitch treatments for a design.
6. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and
other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch
treatments used.
TEACHER
PROVIDES: Complete kit that includes all materials
needed to execute the design except stretcher frame,
comprehensive instruction booklet, and colored photograph
of the model with four detailed views. Fee includes
the mail-ahead segment too. Threads used include pearl
cotton in two weights, Au ver a Soie d'Alger silk, four
different Kreinik metallics, tangerine Rachelette, and
red Fine Velour. Beaded accents include silver beads,
opalescent paillettes, black pebble beads and clear
balls.
STUDENT
PROVIDES: Two Hi-Liter pens, laying tool, basting
thread, 18" stretcher frame, embroidery scissors,
a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, lamp
and/or magnifier, if needed, along with an extension
cord.
TEACHER'S
CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and chalk preferred
(marker board acceptable alternative). U-shape arrangement
for student tables if possible. Need large table somewhere
for exhibit of visual aids. Small table in front near
board for teacher's notebook and stitched model.
SUGGESTED
FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece
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