Botanical Embroidery with Ciara Callaghan

Over six weeks students will begin by learning basic embroidery techniques and then develop more technical skills in silk shading/ thread painting. These techniques will be used to create a realistic embroidery of a plant or flower of the student's choice. This is a slow and mindful course that will allow students the time and support to develop a new skill while enjoying the flow state of needlework and a deeper connection to nature. 

1. Learning and experimenting with basic embroidery techniques and image transferring skills 

2. Learning more complicated silk shading techniques such as color blending and practising them in combination with the basic embroidery techniques from the previous week 

3. Choosing the botanical image we would like to work with, selecting colours and transferring the image onto fabric. Planning our embroideries. 

4. Working to build a realistic leaf using silk shading and paying attention to structure, light and angle to create a realistic 3D effect 

5. Working to build a realistic petal using silk shading and paying attention to structure, light and angle to create a realistic 3D effect.

6. Looking at which techniques can be used to add detail to stem, pistil and stamen