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Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Oct30
Tide Pools Natures Treasures

Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Being a native of Southern CA., a shell lover from early child hood, and an avid collector I am drawn to the ocean, the sand, the waves, the tide-pools and all of the treasures that you can find.

beach sand

I started my project with birch bark collected many years ago from our cabin outside of Toronto, Ontario Canada. This I used for the sand, and the inside of the bowls.

I then crumpled up pieces of cotton paper to create the waves, and rocks. I stitched these together with cotton and rayon threads on my sewing machine. I placed this on an old wooden tray, that had seen better days.

The next step was to create the actual tide pool rock formations that capture the sea life and shells.

I started with Timtex and more cotton paper. I cut round shapes in three different sizes. I layered cotton paper over these, and cut out round pieces of birch bark for the center of the bowls.

I stitched the layers together on the sewing machine. I then cut darts into the circles, and over lapped these to form the bowl shape. The last step was to cut the edges of each bowl and then machine stitch over these edges.

shells, sea life and kelp

shells, sea life and kelp

I had an abundance of real shells that I had collected over the many years of beach combing. I had a great time selecting which of these would be included into my beach scene.

I also had some old celluloid buttons that were somewhat grungy, but the colors matched and the patterning looked like sea urchins to me, these are interspersed amongst the bowls.

I thought that it would be cool to include shells and sea life that I had made from ribbons, crochet and embroidery. I started to play and this is what I came up with:

  • A crochet length of kelp with cord and pearl cotton, and grape shells at each leaf (these have a florist wire glued in the center to attach to the kelp)
  • Crochet and embroidered snail shells
  • Embroidered sea urchins, sea anemones and limpet shells
  • Embroidered and gathered ribbon coral
  • Ric-rac coral and star fish
  • Plumes of something made from rayon cord (I am not sure what these are but I liked them)
close-up view of three sizes of bowls

close-up view of three sizes of bowls

Happy beach combing and treasure hunting, enjoy- Christen!

National Sewing Month

Sep8

Day 8

Question: Do you like to make and sew your own jewelry and adornments? I have a few suggestions including cuffs, bracelets and brooches, all use bits of this and that including fabric, lace, ribbons, and buttons.

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff by Christen Brown

These are examples of what I call the wistful days gone by, reminiscent of tranquil days lounging on an overstuffed satin pouf, or demurely sashaying along a tree-lined avenue, parasol in hand. There are two styles to choose from that will be embellished with needle-tatted and crochet components, ribbonwork flowers, a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches, beads and buttons. The lace base and other components are dyed with Colorhue dyes.

silk ribbon, embroidery, bracelets

Tandleton Rose Bracelets by Christen Brown

You have two styles to choose from, both using a Tandleton base (pillow). The “Ring of Roses” is made up entirely of embroidered ribbon pillows, strung with beads and has a glass button for the closure. The “Band of Roses” is made from a ribbon base, layered with vintage lace and a few of the embroidered pillows; a dainty embroidered button and hand-stitched button loop are used for the closure.

ribbon work flowers and leaves

Scrumptious Hearts by Christen Brown

The base is created with bits of cherished lace and with silk fabric to form a beautiful heart shaped base for your floral design. Chose from a few different heart shapes and ribbon worked floral vignettes or create your own. This is an excellent way to use up small amounts of this and that to form an heirloom brooch to be treasured. The lace base and other components are dyed with Colorhue dyes.

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

Day 20 of FLOWERS GALORE!

May20

Day 20 of FLOWERS GALORE!

Lace in Bloom

This is a sampling of the flowers that I created for a class that I call Lace in Bloom. Several of the flowers are made with individual petals that are made from a “magic web” technique that I created using Solvy. The other flowers are made from a length of lace. All of the laces were dyed with ColorHue dyes. Fun, fun, fun!

Happy Stitching, enjoy~ Christen!

Day 16 of FLOWERS GALORE!

May16

Day 16 of FLOWERS GALORE!

Fabulous Felt Florals

This group of colorful blooms is from my class Fabulous Felt Florals. These fast and easy flowers are just fun, fun, fun! Create a brooch, hair ornament, or decorate an object with these colorful, creative floral beauties. Several different flowers, leaves and embellishments will be made using a variety of shapes with the addition of machine and hand embroidery. The techniques involved are both machine and hand stitching. Fun for any time of year!

Happy Stitching, enjoy~ Christen!

Embroidery Stitching Handy Pocket Guide: New!

Aug15

Let me introduce you to my latest book:

Embroidery Stitching the Handy Pocket Guide!

There are over 30 stitches included, with suggestions on materials, threads and ribbons, embellishments and more. Other important sections are Defining a Stitch, Working the Stitches, and What, Where, When with stitch placement ideas.

This diminutive book is 4″ x 6″, and will fit easily into your sewing basket or pouch. It is the perfect size to bring to class, or when stitching with friends.

I just finished this project, which is a version of my class Hankies and Lace Wall Hanging. I used every one of the stitches included in the Handy Pocket Guide, which include traditional embroidery stitches as well as silk ribbon and beaded embroidery stitches.

The bulk of the stitches were worked in these colors of cotton floss.

For some of the stitches I used my Embroidery Stencils, I suggest that you use an air erasable pen to mark the lines and images.

The hankies that I used came from my mother’s collection of her tour in Europe where she met my dad. Several other hankies and table linens found there way into the project, along with some vintage rick rack trim. I used quite a few buttons, both old and new, and of course I had to include my lady bugs and bees! I also embellished the piece with beads, two celluloid acorn charms, and glass and acrylic flower charms.

You can find the book at C&T Publishing, and on Amazon.

Happy Stitching to you all! enjoy~ Christen

Treated and Textured Reticule: class/tutorial

Dec8

Treated and Textured Reticule: 3 lessons/$40.00

textured and treated reticuleThis class is full of cool techniques; it will be hard to decide which one is your favorite! First you will stitch your fabric, shrinking it and manipulating it into a textural base. Next you will create a mesh of specialty threads and covered tendrils or branches. Embellishments and embroidery will include hand applied rayon cord, needlelace, shisha mirrors, and beading. Directions will be given to make a four-sided purse; however you could use your own pattern to make a pillow or wall hanging the choice is yours.

Skill Level Intermediate: sewing machine, embroidery and beading knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: This class is all about the textures! You will learn how to create crinkled and crunched portions into your fabric sections. Next you will create textures in other areas with single and twin needle stitching.

Lesson 2: This class is all about specialty threads and yarns. First you will make a mesh that can be cut and used as appliquéd sections. Then you will turn ordinary yarn into a tendril or vine. These will be assembled onto the textured fabric sections from Lesson 1 with additional bits of rayon cording and bobbin stitching.

Lesson 3: This class is all about the embellishments. Needle lace embroidery, raised and textured stitches, shisha mirrors and bead embellishments will be combined with the previous techniques to create a unique reticule.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule. The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

 

Lace in Bloom: class/tutorial

Dec6

Lace in Bloom: 2 lessons/$25.00

lace in bloomAre you the frilly type of girl, who loves lace, blossoms and corsages? In this class I will show you a few different techniques that will take bits of lace and magically transform them into five different blooms. The techniques include individual pieces cut or folded into a petal, then sewn into a flower. Another technique is similar to my Scrumptious Scrap classes, creating a length of scrumptious bits that is turned into a flower. Then some easy peasy rosettes are created with lengths of Viennese lace and ribbon. Each of the blooms is finished off with buttons or a bit of bling. These will make wonderful gifts! Colorhue dyes will be used in this class; no other dyes will be discussed.

Skill Level Beginning/Intermediate: some machine and hand-sewing knowledge helpful

dyed lace flowers Lesson 1: This class will transform your bits of lace into a fabric mesh or strip of fabric to be cut into petals. Then you will dye these pieces and the other lengths of lace that will be used for flowers.

dyed lace flowersLesson 2: In this class you will transform your dyed laces into beautiful one-of-a-kind blossoms, using a few different petal shapes and techniques. The flowers include Claire de Lune, Pretty Petals, Scrumptious Petals, Lace Rosettes and Frilly Double Rosettes.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

All That Glitters: class/tutorial

Dec5

All That Glitters: 2 lessons/$25.00

metallic threads

Do you love shiny, opulent threads, but are unsure how to use them, well then this may be just what you are looking for! The class includes a brief history of metallic threads from her article “The Glittering World of Metal Thread Embroidery” for Piecework Magazine. In the first lesson you will explore how to use these opulent threads in your sewing machine. In the second lesson you will learn how to use them by hand. Please note that this is a technique class only, the sample pieces from each of the lessons can be put into a journal, or assembled however you wish.

Skill Level Beginning: sewing machine knowledge needed

Lesson 1: Metallic Threads 101 will cover all of the ins and outs of working with metallic threads in your sewing machine. Each of the stitching techniques will show a sampler of the stitches, including a few samples of my finished work. The stitches covered are single needle- straight, zigzag, and free form; couched threads and bobbin work threads; twin needle-straight, zigzag and free form; twin needle Trapunto- straight and zigzag.

 Lesson 2: Metallic Threads 102 will cover a variety of hand embroidery threads that will include metallic floss; metallic threads and braids; Japan Threads and Facets; metallic cords and trims. A few basic embroidery stitches will be covered, but the samples can be worked with virtually any embroidery stitch. Tips will include threading the needle, and keeping the threads from fraying.

MetallicThreadsClass Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching!

~Christen

 

International Quilt Festival Houston 2013

Aug14

FQF13WebButtonTeachersI am lucky enough to be teaching again this year at the International Quilt Festival Houston 2013. This is an exciting and creative even, that people from all over the world attend! Here are the classes that I will be teaching:

creativeconcoctionssmall

Mixed Media Miscellany October 31, 2013: Creatively Collaged Concoctions

I will demonstrate how to create your own fabric base and appliqués using Solvy, bits of this and that, your sewing machine and your imagination. There are three demos, the Solvy Sandwich, Fabric and Solvy Sandwich, and Lace and Ultra Solvy Sandwich.

ribbonClass The Silk Experience Friday November 1, 2013: Ribbons to Dye For

This is a great class for the beginner, or intermediate student who wants to add dyeing and over-dyeing techniques to her repertoire. Nine simple tying, folding, pinning and stitching techniques are combined with several simple dyeing techniques to create interesting and unique patterns. Once you work with these self-setting dyes, nothing white will ever be safe again!

embroideredwithloveClass Embroidered with Love Saturday November 2, 2013

These lovely little ornaments are perfect for any holiday or gift from the heart! There are five designs made from felt using a few basic embroidery stitches from my book Embroidered and Embellished.

beadedtandletonssmallClass Sunday November 3, 2013: Beaded Tandletons

These little beaded beauties are just fun to make. They start with a form made from silk ribbon that is tightly stuffed. Then beads, and more beads are stitched in rows around the form. They can be made into a pin or a button.

I will also be demonstrating a few of my Decorative Trims at the Friday Morning Sampler.

Can’t wait! Hope to see you all there!

Happy Stitching~ Christen

The Castle Door

Sep28

The Castle Door

The Castle Door

I thought of an image of an old castle door that had been weathered, with a big door knocker, a brass knob and big hinges. I searched Ebay and found this large old key that is used for the hanger here; I also found a few old skeleton keys to add in here and there with my newer keys and heart shaped locks. The base is machine pieced and machine quilted. The  charms, keys and buttons are attached with embroidery floss.

Happy Stitching! ~Christen