A day of rest following a lot of paint stripping (we are redecorating the outside of the house), and I finally managed to finish the ‘Bird on a Wire’ goldwork project by Helen Stevens. I am quite pleased with the results, although I think that I will need to work further on my ‘s-ing’ (the technique used to form the branch) as this is not of equal size along the length of the branch.
I have learnt a lot of new techniques during this project, including basket weaving and using gold plate, and have to say that at the moment I am really enamoured (maybe a little strong!) with goldwork. But what to do with this piece next – is the only option to mount and frame it for a wall? Any ideas?
And sew to the next project……. anyone who knows me, knows that I love brooches and that before becoming a teacher I worked as an entomologist studying ground beetles (amongst other things) – what better project could there be if I combined both interests? I bought Jane Nicholas’ book ‘The Stumpwork Beetle Collection’ sometime ago and have been wanting to attempt one of her projects for a long time – but did not feel I had the appropriate skills in goldwork. But why not now?
The thing is – I want to go big! I love the stylized gold beetle so maybe I will use this, although the appearance of 8 legs does not sit right with me, so he needed a little adapting. Apologies but drawing is not my forte…
Now all I need to decide is which method of padding to use – do I follow Jane Nicholas’ method, or maybe simple stuff an outline of material as I did for the 3D goldwork bird by Helen Richman.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this progress.
So am I – but goodness only knows what it will look like!
Congratulations on the finish! He looks lovely. Something to look forward to in your Certificate 😊
I too love Jane Nicholas books, but haven’t ever done much other than look at them! Looking forward to watching this develop 😊
Thank you Catherine – not guaranteeing the results.
The gold bird looks incredible!
Thank you – now I need to decide what to do with it!
oooh you’ve got lots of really interesting crafting going on. Love the bird, am intrigued by the beetle, and you different stitch squares look fab.
Thank you, I never seem to be able to settle to one thing as I am easily distracted