Stumpwork - part 2 - Tree and background

Order of work:
1. Paint background

2. Add tree (do not finish)

3. Add swing (now finish tree)

4. Add lady

5. Finish off by adding surface embroidery.

Step 1 - Painting background:

Acrylic paints watered down painted onto wet white cotton. Once dry I mounted into frame for embroidery and placement of swing and wrapped wire pieces.

Step 2 & 3 - Adding the Tree and swing:

Next I wrapped wire with thread and placed into position and couched into place. Then I made my swing, it's made of balsa and wire, painted it and then wrapped the ends around the tree wire already couched and secured later under raised chain band with some more couching stitches.

This photograph shows my progression of the tree, with the raised chain band in place, covering the attaching wires for the swing, the feature of the tree – the large woody grain and springy looking branches, made of several wrapped wires added at different intervals placed in the middle of the tree. I have tried to use chunky brown variegated threads to give a more natural and rugged look.

At this stage I was happy with the tree and swing so far.

 
 
Part 1 Inspiration
Part 3 will be the under layers of my lady.
Part 4 adding dress, head, hair
Part 5 hat
Part 6 finishing touches
 
TTFN
Arlene