CASK10: Raccsnack
Class Description:
This whimsical design is classic Charley Harper with a clever raccoon posing as the midnight marauder who is about to snitch a few sunflower seeds. The design lends itself readily to three-dimensional effects, and the raccoon face is a traditional canvas applique' that uses an approach that eliminates much of the usual tedium of this technique.
Students will stitch the raccoon's face separately on an 18-mesh canvas as a prework assignment. In class the applique' will be stripped and the mounting procedures will be demonstrated and discussed. Students will learn the applique' methods accepted by the EGA Master Craftsman Program along with some of my innovative solutions that eliminate some of the tedium of this technique. Other raised elements are included to balance the padded applique' - such accents are needed to keep a single applique' from having an overwhelming "bull's eye effect" within a design. Additional three dimensional effects include the birdfeeder dome (a piece of applied clear plastic), the feeder tray (an ultrasuede applique'), and the moon (a silver kid applique').
The background areas are executed in black to simulate the evening sky. Both the reversible blackwork pattern used above the limb and the darning pattern used below the limb use patterns with an appropriate star motif. A special folded paper formula was developed to add variety to the leaves in the design. The shapes are outlined in stem, and the veins are added as side trips in a double running technique. A few scattered silver beads embellish some of the leaves to suggest dew.
The threads used in the design include pearl cotton, silk and cotton floss, Medici crewel, Marlitt and five different Kreinik metallics. The presence of so many shiny elements gives the design the desired "moonlit glow," and the intimate view of this mischievous rascal is both elegant and amusing.
COLOR CHOICE: None.
PREWORK: Applique' of the raccoon's face must be prepared. Anticipated stitching time: 8-10 hours.
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To teach the fundamentals of traditional canvas applique' along with some refinements and solutions to make the technique less tedious.
2. To teach other approaches to raised effects on canvas - the use of kid and ultrasuede applique', etc.
3. To share ideas on adapting canvas designs from non-embroidered sources.
4. To teach the fundamentals of reversible blackwork and to discuss innovative ways of making this technique more uniform on canvas.
5. To share ways to develop formulas for repeated elements like the leaves.
6. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere" in a landscape - moonlit evening scene here.
TEACHER PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design along with a colored photograph and a detailed instruction booklet. A pamphlet on general canvas applique' will also be available for purchase in class on an optional basis for $15.00,
and this information will be relayed in the prework cover letter.
STUDENT PROVIDES: A 10" stretcher frame for the applique', basting thread, embroidery scissors, cuticle scissors. an awl or stiletto, a laying tool, two HiLiter pens, an emery board, a pillow case, a clamp and/or alternative method to secure the canvas to the table, and a lamp and/or magnifier, if needed, along with an extension cord.
TEACHER'S CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and chalk preferred (marker board acceptable alternative). U-shape arrangement for student tables if possible. Need large table somewhere for exhibit of visual aids. Small table in front near board for teacher's notebook and stitched model.
SUGGESTED FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece
This whimsical design is classic Charley Harper with a clever raccoon posing as the midnight marauder who is about to snitch a few sunflower seeds. The design lends itself readily to three-dimensional effects, and the raccoon face is a traditional canvas applique' that uses an approach that eliminates much of the usual tedium of this technique.
Students will stitch the raccoon's face separately on an 18-mesh canvas as a prework assignment. In class the applique' will be stripped and the mounting procedures will be demonstrated and discussed. Students will learn the applique' methods accepted by the EGA Master Craftsman Program along with some of my innovative solutions that eliminate some of the tedium of this technique. Other raised elements are included to balance the padded applique' - such accents are needed to keep a single applique' from having an overwhelming "bull's eye effect" within a design. Additional three dimensional effects include the birdfeeder dome (a piece of applied clear plastic), the feeder tray (an ultrasuede applique'), and the moon (a silver kid applique').
The background areas are executed in black to simulate the evening sky. Both the reversible blackwork pattern used above the limb and the darning pattern used below the limb use patterns with an appropriate star motif. A special folded paper formula was developed to add variety to the leaves in the design. The shapes are outlined in stem, and the veins are added as side trips in a double running technique. A few scattered silver beads embellish some of the leaves to suggest dew.
The threads used in the design include pearl cotton, silk and cotton floss, Medici crewel, Marlitt and five different Kreinik metallics. The presence of so many shiny elements gives the design the desired "moonlit glow," and the intimate view of this mischievous rascal is both elegant and amusing.
COLOR CHOICE: None.
PREWORK: Applique' of the raccoon's face must be prepared. Anticipated stitching time: 8-10 hours.
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To teach the fundamentals of traditional canvas applique' along with some refinements and solutions to make the technique less tedious.
2. To teach other approaches to raised effects on canvas - the use of kid and ultrasuede applique', etc.
3. To share ideas on adapting canvas designs from non-embroidered sources.
4. To teach the fundamentals of reversible blackwork and to discuss innovative ways of making this technique more uniform on canvas.
5. To share ways to develop formulas for repeated elements like the leaves.
6. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere" in a landscape - moonlit evening scene here.
TEACHER PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design along with a colored photograph and a detailed instruction booklet. A pamphlet on general canvas applique' will also be available for purchase in class on an optional basis for $15.00,
and this information will be relayed in the prework cover letter.
STUDENT PROVIDES: A 10" stretcher frame for the applique', basting thread, embroidery scissors, cuticle scissors. an awl or stiletto, a laying tool, two HiLiter pens, an emery board, a pillow case, a clamp and/or alternative method to secure the canvas to the table, and a lamp and/or magnifier, if needed, along with an extension cord.
TEACHER'S CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and chalk preferred (marker board acceptable alternative). U-shape arrangement for student tables if possible. Need large table somewhere for exhibit of visual aids. Small table in front near board for teacher's notebook and stitched model.
SUGGESTED FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece