Archive for May 2009
As most cross stitch enthusiasts will already know, not only is cross stitching a very rewarding, relaxing hobby but it is also a form of art.
Although most cross stitch kits provide everything required to complete your chosen item, it still requires a degree of artistic skill to complete your piece of work, frame it and then decide where it should be hung to achieve the maximum result. If you have decided to make a present of your cross stitched piece to a friend or relative, not only will they greatly appreciate your gesture but will, no doubt, request your advice on the best method of displaying such a treasure.
What an achievement of your imagination and “arty crafty” skills to design your own pattern, choosing your own colour scheme and theme - that really is artistic talent. Imagine the pleasure on someone`s face when you give them an originally designed cross stitched emblem to be sewn to a jacket pocket or attached to a pair of jeans - a really glitzy pattern will turn ordinary jeans into special jeans. A young football fan will be delighted with a baseball cap in his favourite team`s colours with possibly his name alongside the team emblem.
There are so many different types of needle craft following on from cross stitch including embroidery, quilting, needlepoint tapestry work, knitting and crochet which are also amongst the most popular forms of needle craft.
Embroidery is also an artistic needle craft and when you think of the number of items that can be embroidered the list is endless. For example, it is possible to transform a plain pillow case by embroidering a pretty pattern onto it, edging the complete pillow case with lace and you have created a luxurious place to rest your weary head when you have finished all that stitching.
Of course, now you need a pretty patchwork quilt to compliment the pillow cases - get quilting.
Needlepoint tapestry uses wool instead of sewing floss and the completed results are very dramatic and hardwearing. Footstools are an ideal example of needlepoint tapestry.
Experienced knitters will know they are creating something unique when making a Fair Isle item of clothing. The patterns are very intricate and it needs a great deal of skill to use several colours (without dropping any stitches) but this form of knitting really does enable you to end up with a very special sweater, hat or cardigan.
Crochet is another form of needlecraft and it is possible to complete some really unusual items - one of my favourite keepsakes is a crochet christening shawl my mum made for my first baby. This shawl comprises some 500 individually crocheted shells and is absolutely gorgeous. As you can imagine, it has now become a family heirloom with my grandchildren each being christened in it.
So you see there are several forms of needle craft following on from cross stitch which could all be referred to as artistic. Cross stitched cushion covers, coasters, greetings cards, matching tablecloths and napkins are all beautiful pieces of Cross Stitch illustrating your artistic as well as sewing talents.
Excellent artist Chris Down has produced six fabulous Giclee prints of his work such as the one above that are now available to buy at Artists UK.
Click on it and you’ll see the rest of them.
Born in 1963, Chris Down was brought up and has spent much of his life in rural Wiltshire. The wooded valley, where he lives, is walking distance from Stonehenge. The route, along an ancient green lane carving through rolling fields, is a journey he has made from school age. It was the 1970’s and the time of the Stonehenge free festivals. Once a year in June, to celebrate the summer solstice, a gathering on the plain occurred which stirred the interest of his young mind. He had spent much of his childhood avidly reading books along with making and painting things. Always lost in some project or another. His grandfather had been both a writer and artist, who first earned money from art, aged 15, by creating caricatures of tennis players and then went on to write for BBC radio and television. Chris’s uncle also wrote for television. Including the cult series Dr Who in the 1970’s and was responsible, with his writing partner, for bringing the world the robot dog K9. With childhood influences like these, to spend a life being creative was a natural progression. At Stonehenge, he would find much of the inspiration and roots to his way of life. Chris achieves a traditional feel to his art. He has been asked many times whether he works in oil or acrylic and the questioner is surprised to learn the pictures are digitally created. Inspired by the works of the Pre-Raphaelites, 19th century symbolists, art nouveau, late 20th century fantasy artists, 9th/10th century illuminated manuscripts and dark age craftsman, Chris’s eclectic work is constantly moving forward as he finds new ways to work and refines those techniques he has developed over the years. Maybe it is only a matter of time before his talent gets recognised and massive fame beckons. Who knows? But if it does then these early Giclee prints could end up being collector’s items.
WOW! Just look in our Miscellaneous section for information on this incredibly huge statue. The cost of the Nataraja statue is currently Rs.7500000 and at the time of writing £1 is around 70 Indian Rupees. The Dance of Siva statue is bigger than anything currently in the Guiness Book of Records and Joseph Palackal is currently applying for it to be registered in the Guiness Book of Records as the largest statue of its type in the world. So; if you want to buy it before it gets too expensive take a look and let us know.
Click on the Chemical Wedding and see masses of amazing T-Shirts, Hoodies etc!