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This
charming design was the second Charley Harper print
that I received permission to interpret on canvas. The
title of the original print was Armaditto since mother
armadillos always have quadruplets and the quadruplets
are always the same sex, but I simplified the title
to clarify the fact that it was a mother nursing her
four babies.
The
design follows the same contours and proportions of
the original print, but a special formula was developed
for the leaves, using folded paper to add variety since
it was impossible to copy the details in the drawn ones.
The whimsical nature of Charlie's subject matter and
the beautiful symmetry and carefully chosen geometric
shapes inherent in his style make his work very adaptable
to canvas interpretation. Some guidelines and ideas
for translating such a design source will be discussed
in class.
The
shapes of the animals are defined with a simple Tent
outline, and this is done as prework by the students.
Most of the fillings in this design are original arrangements
of couching patterns that were developed for this specific
piece. A number of metallics are used for the laidwork
foundations, including an interesting Rozashi metallic
along with Coronet braid and black and bronze Kreinik
braids. Two different Au Ver a Soie silks are used for
the silk overlays along with some pearl cotton accents
to create the textures desired.
The
animal faces are filled with simple darning patterns
to create a delicate contrast to the crusty bodies.
The mother's nose and toenails and the babies' faces
are executed in peach Marlitt to make them stand out
well.
The
leaves are placed in a scattered arrangement using a
formula of poked-holes to outline each oval shape. Then
a stem outline is used to form the curved edges, and
a combination of back stitches and double running side
trips will add the inside vein lines. Clear rocaille
beads are then added to some leaves to suggest dew.
COLOR
CHOICE: None
PREWORK:
The armadillos must be outlined in Continental or Tent
stitch. Estimated time: 6-8 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 - must unify the elements in
a design.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting
stitch treatments for a design. Emphasis here will be
on original couching patterns.
4. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and
other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch
treatments used.
TEACHER
PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design
(except stretcher frame), comprehensive instruction
booklet, and colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT
PROVIDES: Two Hi-Liter pens, laying tool, basting
thread, 18" stretcher frame, a clamp or weight
to secure the frame to a table, embroidery scissors,
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 |
