Summer Embroidery Classes at Dozen Odd, Carbonear!

Join Susan for a day of stitching in the beautiful Town of Carbonear. This summer, Susan will be hosting two hand embroidery classes at Dozen Odd Gallery in Carbonear. These classes are for all skill levels; beginner to advanced. Space is Limited. To register for workshops or for more information, please email blackhenstudio@gmail.com. 

Forget-Me-Nots
Saturday, June 25, 10 - 4 pm

Forget-Me-Nots have a long tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador as a flower of remembrance. This year as we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundland and Labradorians will once again wear the Forget-Me-Not as a symbol of remembrance.

With silk thread and metal threads on dupioni silk ground fabric, we will stitch up a sprig of Forget-Me-Nots suitable for framing. Finished size: 5" x 7". We will cover basic stitches, beading, working with metal and how to mount your finished embroidery. Cost of workshop is $50 which includes all materials.

Caribou Hair Tufting and Goldwork

Saturday, July 30, 10 - 4

Join Susan for a relaxing day that will cover the basic stitches of historic goldwork and traditional caribou hair tufting and mounting your work for framing. Each participant will create a small (approx 4" x 6") embroidery suitable for framing. You will be able to choose natural or dyed hair as well as choice of ground fabric. Cost of workshop: $50 which includes materials.

I wish I had a Caribou.

Natural Dye on Silk, Caribou Hair, Photos and Antique Recipe. Ned Pratt Photo

It's been awhile since I posted and thought I should show you some work that I created in the fall for the Spirit of the Caribou exhibition.  It was the first time I created a really large animal with needle painting. It was challenging as the single strands still felt visually large. I am pleased with the format of the piece, which is reminiscent of the pages of scrap book my grandmother created. Below is a closeup of the caribou as well as my artist statement for the exhibition.

Artist Photo

"My piece for Spirit of the Caribou speaks of my deep connection to the barrens of Newfoundland, which parallels the experience of many who grew up on the Avalon Peninsula. Caribou are ethereal creatures; a glimpse is always magical. Since childhood, I have harboured the dream of owning one; fascinated by stories and pictures of Laplanders and the Grenfell project. Working with the caribou hair, both intimately connects me to and honours the creature’s spirit. "

My Chickadee

Loved working on the piece as it was a commission for a friend. She found the chickadee skull in her garden and wanted a piece to honour the small bird. I really like the caribou hair and the natural dyes; they compliment each other quite well. What to work on next? Foxes maybe???

NORTH at the Craft Council Gallery

Chuckley Pears

Over the years, I have been blessed to teach numerous workshops in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. I love everything about the area: the people, the landscape and the weather. The northern province is down to earth, raw and beautiful. When there, I feel as if I can truly breath. As I mentioned in an early post, I learned to tuft when I was teaching in the Labrador Straits. It is a very happy memory of howling winds, cups of tea with large bowls of bakeapples and cream. The exhibition NORTH, will include work inspired by Northern experiences. Limited by time, I designed a smaller hand embroidered piece based on one of my favourite local shrubs. This pieces is a reflection of a fusion of my own goldwork style with the traditional art of caribou hair tufting. Chuckley Pears is worked on a background of recycled and felted wool suiting, with metallic threads, vintage shell buttons and caribou hair. I am pleased with the results and as my skill in tufting increases I feel I need to explore 'tufting' in a totally contemporary context. Very exciting prospects indeed!
Chuckley Pears will be on display in the NORTH exhibition at the Craft Council Gallery from Saturday November 30th to December 18th, 2013. The opening on Saturday the 30th will coincide with the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador's Open House.

Lots on the go that day, if your out and about be sure to visit the Craft Council as well as stop by and visit me at the Quidi Vidi Village plantation for No Idle Hands; a showcase of craftspeople creating contemporary work which has its roots in traditional Newfoundland and Labrador craft....more on that event later :)