Tag Archive | tutorials

Ribbon and Ribbonwork Flowers, Leaves, and Trims

I love to work with ribbon, ribbon, and more ribbon.

These are examples from my first book, Ribbonwork Gardens by C&T Publishing. There are 122 realistic flowers, leaves and garden extras included in the book, with experience levels from easy to advanced.

There are over 14 basic techniques, some traditional and some that I have created especially for this book. There is a complete compendium with ribbon styles, selection and care, and troubleshooting tips with several gallery pages and examples sprinkled throughout the book for inspiration.

These are examples from my second ribbonwork book, Ribbonwork Flowers, by C&T Publishing. There are 132 flowers, leaves, and garden extras – each with complete instructions and colorful how-to photos.

I have created these components using new twists on vintage ribbonwork construction, as well as creating new techniques of my own. The book includes flowers, petals, leaves, flower centers, fruit, and stem designs. There are several gallery pages and examples sprinkled throughout the book for inspiration.

ribbonwork trims, ribbons, details, gingerbread trims

This is an example of my class, Gingerbread Details and Decorative Trims. Many of these edgings and trims use vintage techniques turning ordinary ribbon into detailed extraordinary couture trims. The simple techniques that are used to create these decorations range from folded, braided, wrapped and sewn.

Happy Stitching! ~Christen

Beadoodlery: class/tutorial

Beadoodlery: 2 lessons/$30.00

beadoodleryThis is an excellent beginning class to learn about beads, free-form stitched bead embroidery, with a step-by-step illustration of the design process. In Beadoodlery you will stitch beads onto to a fabric base to create a “doodled” bead pattern. I will provide 4 different heart shapes, though you can chose any design you like for the base.

Skill Level – Beginning/Intermediate: some hand sewing needed; minimal beading knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: You will learn about the different types of beads and how to use them in your design. You will choose your heart shape base then create the base from a fabric of your choice. The first stitch that you will learn is continuous beading that will be used to create lines and sections to work within. Large embellishment placement such as beads or buttons will also be discussed.

Lesson 2: In this class you will continue your design using these stitches within the areas you created in Lesson 1: continuous circular beading, single beads, groups of beads, bead combinations, single bead detail design, beaded cascade, large bead with picot tip, glass charms and beads. Directions will be given for the finishing of your piece.

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

Tandletons: class/tutorial

Tandletons: 2 lessons/$30.00

tandletonsTandletons=Tatted/needle lace/buttons. These little threaded works of art are just so much fun to make. I start with a base made from silk bias ribbon, stuffed with Polyfil. All of the stitches are created with a milliner’s needle, cotton and silk threads, silk embroidery ribbon or beads. The techniques that will be covered in class are Traditional Embroidery, embroidered Tatted stitches, Needle lace, Beaded Stitches, and Silk Ribbon Embroidery stitches.

Skill Level Intermediate: hand sewing, embroidery and beading knowledge helpful.

Lesson 1: First you will learn how to stitch the base that can be used for each embroidery technique. In this lesson we will cover these traditional embroidery stitches: buttonhole, chain, feather, lazy daisy and French knots; and the woven rose that is stitched with silk embroidery ribbon.

Lesson 2: This class will cover the embroidered Tatted stitches: basic, picot and twisted loops. Needle lace stitches: the woven star; buttonhole and twisted bar. Beaded Stitches: continuous beading, single bead with detail design, stemmed beads, and flower petals. This class will also cover the basic finishing techniques.

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

Zembroodlery: class/tutorial

Zembroodlery: 3 lessons/$30.00

zembroodlery1This is a fun and creative class that uses felt, soutache trim and seed beads to create a colorful base that can be used as a wall hanging, or a pillow. It is an excellent class to learn about free form stitched bead embroidery using the shapes of the felt as a design element. The project in is all hand-sewn, with no sewing machine needed.

Skill Level – Beginning/Intermediate: some hand sewing needed; minimal beading knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: The base of the felt is first cut into shapes, which are reverse appliquéd with additional pieces and colors of felt. Soutache trim is then stitched to the appliquéd shapes.

Lesson 2: The beading begins! Several different bead embroidery stitches will be explored using size 6, 8 and 11seed beads. Sequins, buttons and larger beads will also be used.

Lesson 3: Additional rows of soutache trim are added to fill in the design. Then beads, buttons, and more are stitched in and around the new rows. Suggestions for finishing the base will also be given.

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

Tandleton Rose Bracelet: class/tutorial

Tandleton Rose Bracelet: 2 lessons/$24.00

silk ribbon, embroidery, braceletsThese bracelets are so feminine, pretty and dainty, and perfect for your spring wardrobe! Each little beauty is made from a piece of bias ribbon that is first stitched and stuffed into a pillow shape. Each of these individual pillows is then embroidered with silk ribbon and embroidery threads, creating a rose, leaves and a vine. You have two styles of bracelet to choose from. 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, covered in vintage ribbon with a few of the embroidered pillows stitched on top; a dainty embroidered button and hand-stitched button loop are the closure.

Skill Level Intermediate: hand sewing, embroidery and beading knowledge helpful.

Lesson 1: In this lesson I will cover the making of the silk bias ribbon base for the pillow shape. The embroidery stitches that will be covered are: the woven rose, the French knot, the feather stitch, chain stitch, buttonhole, and the lazy daisy stitch.

Tandleton RosesLesson 2: In this lesson I will cover the assembly for each of the bracelets. Ring of Roses will use beads and a button for final assembly. Band of Roses will have a stitched ribbon base, lace decoration, an embroidered button, and button loop.

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

Talisman Dangles (earrings): class/tutorial

Talisman Dangles (earrings): 1 lesson/$15.00

talisman dangle earringsThese charming earrings can be created in a few hours, with just a few beads, charms and other components. They don’t require a huge investment, nor do they require a great deal of skill. All they require is the desire to make something beautiful and they are a perfect project for that last minute gift!

Skill Level Beginning: some beading skills needed.

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

Scrumptious Scraps: class/tutorial

Scrumptious Scraps: 5 lessons/$60.00

dyed lace scrapsScrumptious bits and pieces of vintage laces are melded and stitched together on a base of silk fabric to form a unique and beautiful base for your creative stitched designs. Once the lace scraps are turned into a base, I will show you how to dye the base and a variety of RTD silk ribbons that can be later used in the embroidery and ribbon worked floral vignettes.

Skill Level Advanced: sewing machine, hand sewing, embroidery and ribbonwork knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: This lesson will cover the design of the collage with bits of lace and silk ribbon that will be stitched onto to a piece of silk for the base. This includes machine and hand stitched details. Only cotton, rayon or silk lace will work for the meld, you will need to know what you have before you start the project.

Lesson 2: In this class we will focus on dyeing the melded lace base as well as different techniques that can be used to prepare the ribbons for dyeing. The melded lace base and the RTD silk ribbons for the ribbon work flowers and the silk ribbon embroidery are dyed with the Colorhue dyes, (no other dye will be used or discussed).

Lesson 3: This class will focus on the ribbon worked (ribbon cut to a specific length and stitched with a needle and thread), flowers that will become the centerpieces for the floral vignettes. We will cover setting up the vignettes with added bits of dyed appliqués, ribbon scrunched sections, ribbon worked flowers such as the rosette, double edged rosette, berries, fuchsias, hearts, concertina rose, and the prairie lily.

Lesson 4: This class will focus on the silk ribbon embroidery (ribbon threaded through a needle and stitched through the fabric to form a flower or pattern) and traditional embroidered stitches (ribbon or thread stitched into patterns) that will be worked within and around the vignettes. The stitches that will be covered are the outline stitch, feather stitch, woven rose, Japanese ribbon stitch, lazy daisy stitch, bullion-tipped lazy daisy, couched thread tendrils, and the French knot.

Lesson 5: This class will focus on the extra embellishments that you can add onto your piece such as simple beaded centers, buttons, charms and trinkets. We will also discuss the finishing touches and details that can be added to your project.

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

Scrumptious Hearts: class/tutorial

Scrumptious Hearts: 3 lessons/$38.00

scrumptious heartsBits and pieces of cherished lace are melded 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. The melded silk and lace base and the RTD silk ribbons for the ribbon work flowers and the silk ribbon embroidery are dyed with the Colorhue dyes. This is an excellent way to use up small amounts of this and that to form an heirloom brooch to be treasured.

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

Lesson 1: This lesson will cover the machine stitched and collaged bits of lace and silk fabric for the base of the heart, (only cotton, rayon or silk lace will work for the base, you will need to know what you have before you start the project). The finished base and the silk ribbons will be dyed in the second part of this lesson with Colorhue dyes (no other dye will be used or discussed).

Lesson 2: This class will focus on the ribbon worked (ribbon cut to a specific length and stitched with a needle and thread) flowers and leaves, that will become the floral vignettes for the heart. The flowers include: the Chou Rose, Double Edge Rosette, and the Silk Bias Berry; the leaves include: the Simple Leaf and the Prairie Point Leaf. The flowers and leaves are stitched onto the heart shaped base in small vignettes.

Lesson 3: This class will focus on the silk ribbon embroidery stitches (ribbon threaded through a needle and stitched through the fabric to form a flower or pattern) that include the Lazy Daisy and French knot; these are stitched around the floral vignettes. Once the base is adorned with the ribbon worked flowers and leaves and embroidery, then the brooch is assembled with the backing and outer trim.

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

Phat Matt and Friends: class/tutorial

Phat Matt the Friends: 2 lessons/$30.00

felt catsIf you are a cat lover, this cuddly felt cat is your guy! Matt is made from three or four colors of felt, adorned with a few embroidery stitches and buttons. This is a great simple project that can be completed in a few days, or over a weekend. The colors that you choose can be life-like or more contemporary, matching a theme or your décor. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with this friendly guy.

Skill Level Intermediate: hand sewing and embroidery knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: In this class you will choose your colors for the different body components, and then cut out the pattern pieces. Directions for the embroidery stitches will be covered. Then you will embroider the face of your cat, adding in the all-important whiskers.

Lesson 2: In this class you will embroider the small body components such as the ears, paws and tail. Then you will attach the face to the body, and finish off the body with buttons and more embroidery. Directions for final assembly will follow, and then you can cuddle your cat to your hearts desire.

felt catClass 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

Ocean Rivers: class/tutorial

Ocean Rivers: 4 lessons/ $45.00

ocean rivers braceletThis class will teach you a little bit about the freedom of expression the “free form peyote stitch” can bring to your technical repertoire. The launching point of your bracelet and your creative explosion will start with a simple grosgrain ribbon, a small collection of buttons, a variety of seed beads in several sizes and colors combined with a few small treasures. Bring your imagination and creative spirit….

Skill Level Intermediate: beading knowledge needed

Lesson One: You will cut and prep the ribbon base; we will talk about setting up your beads; learn about focal placement and the stitching the buttons in place; then create your first tidal currents.

Lesson Two: We will explore the basic peyote stitch; changing from between bead sizes within the current; making connections and creating more tidal currents; and adding in new thread.

Lesson Three: We will cover creating waves along the outer reaches of the bracelet; stitching in the tidal pool treasures such as larger beads, sequins and chips with single bead stoppers, cascades and picots.

Lesson Four: Finishing touches: stitching the button and closure loop; stitching the beaded shell edging; and barnacle extras.

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