As I’ve mentioned, I recently demonstrated the embroidery machine at our local NEOS (North East Open Studios) show, and I noticed something interesting. People did like the framed embroidered pieces that I exhibited as “wall art” but they were much more likely to buy loose embroideries, or embroidered craft items (bags, cushion covers etc). Of course the framed things were a little more expensive – good frames aren’t cheap – but I don’t think that was the only reason the craft things were more popular. After all, a framed picture is rather a Big Thing. It has to be really special, you have to have a place to hang it, and you have to be sure that you’re not going to get bored looking at it. But a bag or a cushion isn’t so important. If you get tired of it, you can hide it or put it away, and it isn’t as intrusive as something hanging on the wall. It also has a practical use!
So I thought I’d try to make a few more practical things for the next exhibition. For example, this is an old cushion design that I’m making again – the Big Pink Bird. (If you want to see it a bit closer,the post that describes it is here: https://theaccidentalembroiderer.typepad.com/the-accidental-embroiderer/2011/06/the-optical-bird.html). The original one was bought at the exhibition, and the new owner sent me this picture of it, in place in her house
The Big Pink Bird at its new home
And this is another idea, although not quite finished yet. The designs are my old butterfly designs, from a LONG time ago, arranged simply on a cushion cover. In the photograph the cover is just pinned in place and not yet stitched, so it looks a bit lumpy, but you can get the general idea
The Butterflies pinned in place, soon to be a sewn-together cushion cover
Your pink bird pillow is beautiful and looks lovely in the customer’s house. I thnk you butterfly pillow will be quick seller at your next craft show. Totes, purses, lap quilts, or other useful items do seem to be popular at craft shows.
Both pillow designs are lovely. I think I am partial to the butterflies. It would look great anywhere you placed it.
I believe you are spot on! A great way to be creative and have the fun of seeing your work enjoyed by others.
I love your Pink Bird pillow. When looking at it, my first thought was WOW. Your client’s pillow with the watercolor animal is very interesting also. Have you ever thought of doing something similar to it.
The bird pillow is fantastic. I love how this simple design is so striking. And your butterfly designs are wonderful! They are just gorgeous. I’m sure you’ll be very successful at this show! I hope you’ve made up some tags with your design name for them or plan to have an embroidered signature on each piece. That would add to their uniqueness.
I really like the arrangement/color selection of the butterflies. Not sure why it speaks to me but it really does. Would be pretty on the back of a shawl.
Beautiful! There *is* something more flexible about putting designs outside a frame. I found myself wishing for those long gift bags to put bottles of wine in this last week. I was in too big a hurry to make any, though. It needs to go on my list.
Thank you for sharing your talents and imagination with us!
I like them all but the butterflies I can see in my house. You are talented