TASK9: Mamadillo
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Technique: Mixed Media Canvas Embroidery Level: Advanced Intermediate Class Length: Two days Kit Price: $80.00 Ground: 23-mesh OOE ecru Congress cloth Finished Size: 12" Circle |
Course Description:
This charming design was the second Charley Harper print that I received permission to interpret on canvas. The title of the original print was Armaditto since mother armadillos always have quadruplets and the quadruplets are always the same sex, but I simplified the title to clarify the fact that it was a mother nursing her four babies.
The design follows the same contours and proportions of the original print, but a special formula was developed for the leaves, using folded paper to add variety since it was impossible to copy the details in the drawn ones. The whimsical nature of Charlie's subject matter and the beautiful symmetry and carefully chosen geometric shapes inherent in his style make his work very adaptable to canvas interpretation. Some guidelines and ideas for translating such a design source will be discussed in class.
The shapes of the animals are defined with a simple Tent outline, and this is done as prework by the students. Most of the fillings in this design are original arrangements of couching patterns that were developed for this specific piece. A number of metallics are used for the laidwork foundations, including an interesting Rozashi metallic along with Coronet braid and black and bronze Kreinik braids. Two different Au Ver a Soie silks are used for the silk overlays along with some pearl cotton accents to create the textures desired.
The animal faces are filled with simple darning patterns to create a delicate contrast to the crusty bodies. The mother's nose and toenails and the babies' faces are executed in peach Marlitt to make them stand out well.
The leaves are placed in a scattered arrangement using a formula of poked-holes to outline each oval shape. Then a stem outline is used to form the curved edges, and a combination of back stitches and double running side trips will add the inside vein lines. Clear rocaille beads are then added to some leaves to suggest dew.
COLOR CHOICE: None
PREWORK: The armadillos must be outlined in Continental or Tent stitch. Estimated time: 6-8 hours.
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to appropriate ways to adapt from non-embroidered sources.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and backgrounds for designs - must unify the elements in a design.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting stitch treatments for a design. Emphasis here will be on original couching patterns.
4. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch treatments used.
TEACHER PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design (except stretcher frame), comprehensive instruction booklet, and colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT PROVIDES: Two Hi-Liter pens, laying tool, basting thread, 18" stretcher frame, a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, embroidery scissors, 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 charming design was the second Charley Harper print that I received permission to interpret on canvas. The title of the original print was Armaditto since mother armadillos always have quadruplets and the quadruplets are always the same sex, but I simplified the title to clarify the fact that it was a mother nursing her four babies.
The design follows the same contours and proportions of the original print, but a special formula was developed for the leaves, using folded paper to add variety since it was impossible to copy the details in the drawn ones. The whimsical nature of Charlie's subject matter and the beautiful symmetry and carefully chosen geometric shapes inherent in his style make his work very adaptable to canvas interpretation. Some guidelines and ideas for translating such a design source will be discussed in class.
The shapes of the animals are defined with a simple Tent outline, and this is done as prework by the students. Most of the fillings in this design are original arrangements of couching patterns that were developed for this specific piece. A number of metallics are used for the laidwork foundations, including an interesting Rozashi metallic along with Coronet braid and black and bronze Kreinik braids. Two different Au Ver a Soie silks are used for the silk overlays along with some pearl cotton accents to create the textures desired.
The animal faces are filled with simple darning patterns to create a delicate contrast to the crusty bodies. The mother's nose and toenails and the babies' faces are executed in peach Marlitt to make them stand out well.
The leaves are placed in a scattered arrangement using a formula of poked-holes to outline each oval shape. Then a stem outline is used to form the curved edges, and a combination of back stitches and double running side trips will add the inside vein lines. Clear rocaille beads are then added to some leaves to suggest dew.
COLOR CHOICE: None
PREWORK: The armadillos must be outlined in Continental or Tent stitch. Estimated time: 6-8 hours.
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to appropriate ways to adapt from non-embroidered sources.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and backgrounds for designs - must unify the elements in a design.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting stitch treatments for a design. Emphasis here will be on original couching patterns.
4. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch treatments used.
TEACHER PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design (except stretcher frame), comprehensive instruction booklet, and colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT PROVIDES: Two Hi-Liter pens, laying tool, basting thread, 18" stretcher frame, a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, embroidery scissors, 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