Or Nue or Shaded Gold work. Ready to try it on painted canvas?

Or Nue Daisy by Anna S.

This past Saturday I took a class in Or Nue taught by Brenda Kocher.  Had I liked my work I would have shown a picture of my progress but rather than chance discouraging anyone I thought it better to show what I think are some gorgeous examples of others Or Nue work.  In the most simplistic terms you lay (gold) threads on a ground fabric and create a design by couching over it.  

Some if not all of the examples below are stitched on fabric (vs. canvas) allowing you to lay the gold threads near perfectly side by side.  In class we worked from a chart on unpainted 18 count canvas and I couldn't keep the canvas threads from showing through.  We couched a single strand 16 count Kreinik braid.  Perhaps couching over two strands of a thinner gold thread I could have achieved more even coverage; all examples I found online show couching over two strands of thread.  Shading is achieved by how close together your couching is and of course can be accentuated by change in value of the thread color.

What I came to realize is so many of us are so eager to try new techniques, and if your not trying the latest others seem to question your level of passion about needlepoint.  Or Nue is fascinating in its endless opportunities but it requires patience.  Adding bling with the latest too-dad or other manufactured charm is one thing but to have the foresight to integrate bling and beauty in your work is a practiced discipline, Or Nue for example dates back to the 1400's.  Have we as stitchers really pushed needlework further?  Hmm, I think not.  Yes we've changed it from what we knew needlepoint to once be in our lifetime but if we're looking for new techniques I think history is a good place to start.

Here are two links that offer further information.  The article by Jane Zimmerman is excellent.

http://www.janezimmerman.com/Temp/Techniques/Or%20Nue.pdf

http://www.needlenthread.com/2009/01/or-nue-goldwork-in-color.html

Flower sampler designed by Elsa Cose, stitched by Jane Zimmerman?

"Detail from a a silk and metal thread sampler I executed and taught in the 1970's - designed by Elsa T. Cose. Many techniques were used including applique of gold kid over padding and use of check purl "beads" in the flower center." 

http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/photo/or-nue-daisy-finished

http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/photo/2105845:Photo:16278 stitched by JoWynn J.

http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/photo/or-nue stitched by Sandy V.

Thinking about painted canvases that might work up quite lovely I thought of these.  The Ivory Woods collection by Julie Mar are 5" x 5". I think all the others are smaller.  Sharon G's pansy has my attention!

Ivory Woods Lily of the Valley, Julie Mar designs

Columbine from the Ivory Woods collection, Julie Mar Designs

Violets from the Ivory Woods Collection by Julie Mar Designs

Deep Rose Artglass perfume bottle by Sharon G.

Jeweled Pansy by Sharon G.

Orchid coaster from a collection by Leigh Designs

3" x 3" Kimono by Lee Needle Arts

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More Classes with SharonG and Susan Hoekstra

Today was a surprise securing dates for two classes.  Saturday July 13th will be a return of SharonG for canvas embellishment.  And on August 3rd Susan Hoekstra will be here to teach Ben's Kites, taught in 2012 ANG National Seminar.  Until I have links to register for these online please contact me to register.  Don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions (emailed preferred).  Hope to see you at one or both days of learning and stitching.

Canvas Embellishment with SharonG, Saturday July 13th.

Below are pieces that came out of classes here with Sharon. Top was stitched by Mary, and is a Colors of Praise canvas.  Next, a canvas by Melissa Shirley was stitched by Carol and finished by Marlene's Custom Pillows. Below is Sharon's infamous designed Ornament stitched according to her guide.  Yes, she loves beads and is a master at borders.  She'll be bringing along a trunk show, all canvas purchases will be offered at 20% for students.  Oh, Sharon mentioned to me today that her ornament was the inspiration behind the Kreinik spool needle minder newly released by Accoutrements.  

Canvas embellisment class Saturday July 13th.  $75 for the day, buy new or BYOC.  Theres time to order that special canvas you've always wanted but knew you'd like some help with.

Bens' Kites by Susan Hoekstra, Saturday August 3rd.

Ben's Kites offers a chance to work with new stitches and new variations of old and familiar stitches.  The kites highlight the four seasons and through their placement force your eyes around the canvas.  A recent trip to Philadelphia inspired this piece and was taught in Philadelphia for ANG National Seminar 2012 . I have chosen to utilize new and old threads within this piece; all which create a vibrant, yet balanced, design.  'Ben's Kites' is stitched on 18-count and is approximately 8" x 8”, including border.  Ground Fabric is18 count white mono canvas with design drawn on canvas,

Class Fee is $140 and includes: teaching fee, instruction book, thread kit, and lunch too.  Students will need to bring two pair of 13" stretcher bars and your stitching supplies including a laying tool and frame stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 

Bens' Kites by Susan Hoekstra

New Books, New Birds

Now available the Ins and Outs.  Their landscape book is so user friendly, together they make for easy ways to be inspired and get immediate help without minimal searching and reading.

Ins and Outs 45.

Landscape $45.

In the past few weeks I estimate atleast 60 new canvases have come in the door.  I know I have a thing for birds but I didn't know I ordered nine new bird canvases, enough to make a blog post.  Here they are.  The Gooney bird is a fav, as well as the Aborigine design, an Anne Jerlow design, and Shorebirds by Birds of a Feather.

The Gooney Bird from Sundance Designs includes a stitch guide too.  I have all the threads, just waiting for the beads, so I can offer the complete kit. Mostly silks and cottons from Kreinik, Rainbow Gallery and the Caron collection.  Canvas, guide and kit sold 5/14.  If your interested contact me and I'll reorder another.

SOLD Gooney Bird, Sundance Designs, includes Stitch Guide

Thread Kit $111.00

Aborigine by Anne Jerlow available through Tapestry Tent.

Aborigine $192. 15 1/2" sq on 13.

Nicoban Pidgeon by Barbara Russell $132.

Above it All by Maggie $126. 8 x 8

Shorebirds 8" x 12" $124.

Toile Bird on 13, 6" x 6" $64.

Finished pillows below are an outcome of a class offered last year.  Stitch guide is available.  One stitched in navy and cream, other in black and sage.  The blue was lightened in the picture so it wouldn't appear black.  Its actually navy and not so royal blue.

Peacock 

Owl eyeglass case from Dede, on 13 count too!

Owl EGC by Dede $79. two sided

Calling all flamingo lovers, nice size mini-sock by Gayla.

Gayla mini sock $56.

While the Peacock below by HP isn't new as in the past few weeks, it still relatively new in the shop.  Thought I'd include it, its a stunning design in person and since HP has announced his retirement I thought this one deserves being brought into the light.

elegant Peacock by HP $149.

NJ Needlefest a Labor of Love

Life at the shop has been busier than ever.  If there aren't weekly posts its a sign of so much happening.  Preparing for Needlefest and Back to Basics along with the norm adds up to no idle time!  But the canvases have been flowing in, over 40 new ones since I've last added to the online store.  Below are just the ones from Labors of Love.  More to come ~ especially in love with the new one's I've received by Tapestry Fair.

Summer Blossoms by Labors of Love $252.

Saturday the 27th was the 2nd annual NJ Needlefest attended by over 125, max capacity.  It was a wonderful day meeting and getting to learn what excites stitchers.  My best selling online items such as better buddies, books by June McKnight, and of course painted canvases.  Didn't sell a single one but still sold about 3 days worth of sales equal from my brick and mortar shop.  Diversity is key.  Whatever it is that you love love love to stitch, its not across the board.  Many charted pieces sold and tools of all sorts.  I had to laugh to myself; event went from 9:30 to 4:30 and after about 5 hours my husband said isn't anybody going to leave soon?  Not until the lights go out can you get a stitcher to think about packing up.  Susan Hoekstra did an amazing job to have this successful event that from my perspective went off flawlessly.

Nimble Needle at NJ Needlefest

2nd Annual NJ Needlefest Pluckemin NJ

On to new stuff!

Henry VIII $52.00

 Henry, yes, with 6 wives, 7 canvas set for $330.00 (10% discount). Henry and each wife are 5" x 5", and can be ordered individually for $52.  They all fit nicely in a box by Sudberry, with Henry being on top, no pun intended.

More from June and Brenda : ) and new Colorful canvases too

Colorful Backgrounds flew out the door so I'm happy to say 6 more have arrived and June was extra special to Autograph these!  A new Bunny, Dutch Bunny, along with two witch hats by Brenda Stofft. New canvases by Birds of a Feather including the Peacock, introduced for 2013.  The remaining are just colorful and  fun, the geese are especially happy and painterly.

Colorful Backgrounds

Brenda's Dutch Rabbit with glass carrots

The glass carrot bunch!

Floral Witch Hat by Brenda

Owl Mask Witch Hat by Brenda

Shorebirds by Birds of a Feather

Peacock by Birds of a Feather NEW 2013

NJ Postcard

Cute skunk

Colors of Praise monogram

Colors of Praise Geese SOLD

All of the above are in stock and ready to ship.  Need threads too?  Just ask!  Click on the caption for buying info.