Sunday 27 December 2009

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

15 comments:

Rachel Cotterill said...

Beautiful! :) The whole piece is lovely, and the bee is worryingly realistic!

Oh, and to reply to your earlier comment - the point I was making about Thailand is that I had the opportunity to go, and didn't take it, which is what I regret. I'm looking forwards to rectifying my error some time in the next couple of years so I'll be interested to hear what you make of it :)

Nic said...

Your bee is fabulous, the stumpwork captures the texture wonderfully and you've stitched it so beautifully!

I know I have that kit in my stash somewhere, when I get round to is - hah! - I may be bugging you for tips, I've not really done much stumpwork before!

Lakshmi said...

Beautiful piece of art...bee looks real..:)

Anonymous said...

So lovely! Your bee turned out fantastic and like the others said it is very realistic looking!

the whole thing turned out so pretty!


Ann Flowers
flowerscrazyq@gmail.com

Sparklyjools said...

Excellent, I really like the bee and you turned the whole thing into a tutorial! (how do you get your stitching so beautifully neat?!!!)

zetor said...

That is fantastic, I love that bee!

Mylene said...

A beautiful finish, congrats!

Hope all is well at your end. Take care.

Carmen said...

amazing bee! and beautiful work.

Susan Elliott said...

That little guy is BEE-UTIFUL!!!

Mary Corbet said...

I love the bee!! Turkey work is great, isn't it? The flowers are so perfectly stitched, too - it looks like it was a fun kit to work!

Maddy*Moo said...

WOW, this bee embroidery is incredible! I have saved your blog on my list, you have some very interesting work and I can't wait to see more!

Heather said...

The wings are amazing. Lovely work.

Janet Granger said...

This is the best looking stumpwork bee I've ever seen! Even better than the Jane Nicholas way of doing them :-)

MoodyCatCrafts said...

I love your bee!
I've never done any stumpwork before, but I might have to give it a go!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

Your bee is SO realistic!!! The finished piece with the flowers is stunning. I've featured your work today.

 
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