Tuesday 28 February 2012

Fools Gold 2 Round Robin - Gerry's Block

Well I've waiting a couple of years to do this RR, and am so excited about it.  Some have already posted their photo's of some of their work, I'm a little behind......

Gerry's blocks are of burgundy rich pinkie colours, gorgeous let me tell you. Her theme is Jacobean Floral embroidery.... and only ONE flower as the main focal point, certainly a challenge for me, not a big fan of the technique, not that I don't like it, just not sure if I like it.

Here is my design after about an hour or two thinking about and fanning through books that I have on Gold work and Jacobean embroidery. I had not realised how many I had... WOW, even I was surprised.

The final piece is slightly different mainly the leaf and the extension veins.
Here is the finished block and as always close ups of the elements.
The colouring is not the best and not all together true.
Added elements are the Jacobean Flower bottom left, with kid leather and gold beaded center, with each petal a different stitching technique, buttonhole, colonial knots, detached buttonhole, grid stitch and more detached buttonhole. Base of flower is gold thread and gold thread chain. 



The center leaf is laid chiffon, couched along it's edge with gold braid. The center stem is gold sequins and gold purl done in 's' ing stitch. 

The spider's web is made in silk gold thread and a beaded spider.  The flower  has a pearl center. 


The beetle is made of gold kid leather with gold filmy fabric for his wings, with stitched burgundy silk buttonhole edge and seed stitch.  His head is large gold gilt.


The three bottom round beads as an accent to even the elements out.  I really hope this is what Gerry had in mind when she chose her theme and I'm able to give it to her.
Well I did really enjoy this challenge and look forward to doing the rest.

Arlene

7 comments:

Marjolein said...

Beautiful! I love jacobean shapes.
I wondered about the chiffon. how did you make that wonderful leaf?
Doesn't it fray a lot?

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

As always, your little creatures are works of art! I love this beetle so much!

gocrazywithme said...

Beautiful, Arlene! Especially the beetle.

Suztats said...

This is so beautiful, Arlene! Love that beetle!

karen said...

It is a wonderful block, loved the different techniques in the flower petals, and the leaf is wonderful. thanks for sharing the details. I learnt so much. The bettle is amazing.

Cathy said...

Beautiful, amazing work as always!! I love everything you created! Hugs, Cat K

NickiLee said...

Beautiful work! You certainly have the "golden" touch with a needle!