Stumpwork Bee

I've finally completed the DMC stumpwork bee kit. Sadly, these kits (there were about 6 in the series) are no longer on the market, which I think is a shame given the helpfulness of kits when learning a new technique. You have all you need to complete the project as well as detailed instructions and diagrams that walk you through the process without the need to go and buy a number of specialist items.

Anyway, here's the creation of the bee itself in turkey stitch/ghiordes knots.

Here's the turkey stitch trimmed and combed out (with an old toothbrush)

Below I've added in the legs in DMC black metallic stranded thread and eyes using one black seed bead each:

One of the wings in progress (wire secured to a double thickness of calico, then wing worked in DMC white stranded metallic. Cut it free from calico pad by snipping between the calico layers.):

Wings attatched from various angles

And the completed piece in its entirety

© Elizabeth Braun 2009