fisherman embroidery

Here is the finished fisherman embroidery from the sketch I posted before. I love the way his eyes and beard have been stitched out. The thread is so shiny but my camera isn't great! I took the pictures in natural light, but the colour and depth of the textures have been lost in these images. If my aim is to avoid using computers to illustrate during my 'out-of hours' work time, it's no surprise that something created without the screen needs to be seen in 'real-life' without a screen. Next problem is to work out how to frame these pieces in the right way.

Sketch of new Embroidery Design

This is my fisherman character that I have created and have started to embroider. I traced the image onto plainweave fabric using my window as a light box (luckily it was sunny). I bought a bunch of shiny embroidery threads from ebay, but they aren't the best quality, you really do get what you pay for in life. I'm having a lot of trouble with their ends fraying, but once this guy is finished I''ll post him so you can see how he shapes up.

Hand-Stitched Embroidery

I had this week off work, so I decided to avoid technology and get hands-on with some sewing. I had a whole list of things to do, but I got some amazing art books for my birthday and they were so inspiring, I could not resist the lure of the hoop.
For my birthday I received Push Stitchery by Mr. X Stitch. A collection of contemporary fiber artists. I was so impatient to pick up my needle and thread after reading through the book.
After two days of stitching I finished this embroidery of a girl's face. A self portrait really, but she's miles prettier than the real me. This piece has been influenced by Jenny Hart, who is an amazing embroiderer and illustrator. I love the way she mixes up the way she stitches. Chains for hair strands, knots for textures in the background.
Also, Catalina Estrada for her use of symmetry and cuteness that echoes throughout all her painted and graphic work.

Pixies at Christmas

Ashlea at Bunnycup Embroidery has been super busy stitching out various doodles I've sent her for her Christmas rush. I drew a set of 12 'Christmas Pixies' and here are just 4 all stitched out. If you have an embroidery machine these would might look cute on stockings or as a fun festive way to spruce up an item of clothing for your own little pixie in the family.

Movember issue of The Bedford Clanger

The Bedford Clanger is a local arts and events newspaper for Bedford. I'm the designer, which means every month I slot in a few articles, tart up a few photos and rustle up a few ads. Actually it can be hard work sometimes, especially as time is always against me! I find I have the layout just the way I want it then suddenly a last minute article gets emailed through and I have to shrink photos and jiggle everything around again. It's a good project to be involved with though and it's worth the effort.

We print our papers via the newspaper club and they are available to pick up at independent shops, cafes and businesses in Bedford town centre. Folks not of the Bedford parish can read it online at scribd .

This month is a Movember issue so we are focusing on men's health charity events from art auctions to gala nights. The front cover (pictured) is by Bedford based artist, Anne-Marie Stijelja. She created this Movemeber inspired artwork for the charity auction.