Bluebird and Dogwood

It’s spring and a lovely Bluebird in full mating plumage perches amid some full blown dogwood blossoms. The very realistic bird is worked in numerous hues and values of the characteristic colors of this species, blue and its complement, a light orange. Dogwood blossoms proliferate about the bird, announcing that the vernal equinox has arrived.

All these elements are worked in Soie d’Alger French silk; techniques include needlepainting and soft shading. This is an exercise in re-creating reality; students will learn to produce in thread what they see in nature. To complete the effect a tone-on-tone trellis-like blackwork pattern is stitched as a subtle background.

This composition works up quickly and the student will have much accomplished by the end of class.

• Time: 2 days
• Proficiency Level: Intermediate
• Kit cost: $70
• Ground Fabric: Congress Cloth
• Size of Piece: 7″ x 9″ on 11″ x 13″ stretcher bars