Sometimes you go along working slowly and all of a sudden it's done. That's kind of what happened with this small piece of Japanese embroidery. I began it a couple of years ago and just worked on it here and there until this spring, when I realized I could finish it if I worked at it.
So, it became my focus. The piece is called Three Happiness. The motif is Sho Chiku Bai in Japanese, a natural winter group of plum blossom, bamboo, and pine. It's also called the three friends of winter and is a symbol of good luck and happiness.
The materials were familiar to me, and some of the stitches, but not in the same context. So it was a learning experience. I had a lot of trouble controlling the tightly twisted "katayori" thread used to outline the bamboo. I've never done the stitch in the bamboo leaves with two colors. I found that really difficult, too. I liked doing the pine boughs and needles, though, and enjoyed the plum blossoms (although I ripped a lot there). The setting above is how I plan to frame it, with the white space at the bottom.
Rather than resting on my laurels after finishing the stitching, I got out the ruler and measured the piece, decided on a mat and frame size, cut the foam core base and covered it with thin batting. I also got out my books, wheat paste (or is it rice? it's a white powder, whichever, to be mixed with water and cooked), my white velvet pillow to beat out the dust, finishing paper and instructions. I hope to begin the finishing process next weekend.
Then I really rested. And while I was sitting, I finished a bracelet. I had been working along on it for a week or so, a bit here and there. It's the same chain maille pattern as the others. As I was working on it, I really questioned my color choices. But now that I've worn it, I like it better. I didn't make earrings because of the color issue, but I may now. I was overtired when I finished it and the pliers kept slipping (you use smooth jawed pliers so you don't damage the wire). I should have my mouth washed out with soap. But at least I didn't fling the thing across the room when it slipped for the umpteenth time on the same ring. I've been known to do that with beading.
Your embroidery is lovely, such an elegant design :) I really like the funky bright colours in your bracelet, I haven't tried chain malle yet because I've heard it's really hard on the patience, LOL ;)
ReplyDelete