This lovely picture was a commissioned piece that my client gave to her mother on her 75th birthday. She showed me photos of her childhood home, and the beautiful flowers and window boxes surrounding the home told a story of a woman who took great pride in her garden. They had recently moved her mother into an apartment, and wanted this artwork for above her fireplace mantle to remind her of her previous home.

This full view includes the edge of the matting. I framed it behind glass to ensure dust and fingerprints (it is very tempting to touch!) did not deteriorate it over the years. This artwork is something that will be passed on to next generations, and although glass isn't always ideal for it's glare when hanging, it certainly protects the artwork underneath.

I used a combination of printed fabric, embroidery thread and silk ribbon to create a lush, textural scene that was in full bloom! The fabric used on the house was a slubby raw silk that I burned along the edge to create a thin dark outline. The curtains were created with a small bit of lace and I used machine zig-zag stitching to capture the wooden window frame. Using French Knots and the Bullion Stitch, I filled the window box with gorgeous flowers. Next, a Circle Buttonhole Stitch created the incredible hollyhocks. When doing this type of condensed embroidery, using a variegated thread with a slight change in colour provides a very subtle, but effective way to create depth and interest in the picture.    

 All of the leaves were added last with silk ribbon embroidered Raised Ribbon Stitches. I poured over books including Judith Baker Montano's "Floral Stitches" guide and Ann Cox's "Beginner's Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery" during this project to ensure I found the right stitches to use! French Knots, the Feather Stitch and Ribbon Stitches filled the scene.   

I think the showstopper in this piece has to be the beaded, wire ribbon flowers in the foreground. They spill over the matting and have such a beautiful richness in colour. As each flower was formed, small unseen stitches were placed in the folds to ensure they wouldn't ever fall out of shape. I stitched each of the centres with glass seed beads, other larger beads and a few silk ribbon knots. The beads created such a lovely mix of colour and shimmer that it just made me want to savour these blooms!   

This piece will always be remembered as one of my favourites. Not only because I enjoy embroidering flowers, but also because I loved helping to bring this heartfelt gift to life. Both mother and daughter loved the picture, and the happiness that was shared in this thoughtful gift-giving really fills me up. 🥰🎁💞