Finally Finished embroidery

At last I have managed to finish off the last exercise for the Sumpuous Stitches Classes. For the background I used Dublin Linen.  There are a variety of threads, variegated in stranded and perle, and plain colours as well as silk ribbon.

For the stitching, the outline is in stem stitch, the background a blackwork style, and for the textured areas, there are bullions, french knots, buttonhole bars and circles.  The work was then embellished with beads, and shells. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the processes of these classes with Sharon, and would advise anyone who was thinking of taking them to do so.  

I did get a bit stumped towards the end, but was fortunate enough to have a good friend in Linda from Billabongs to Bling to confirm my thoughts on which direction to go in.  Her confirmation of my ideas helped me to proceed and finish off the work.

Last designs

These are 4 designs I have sketched for the last lessons of the Sumptuous Stitches Course.  I am trying to decide which one to do to show up high and low textures.

i am leaning towards the water nymph, but will look at it for a couple of days before I decide for sure.

The trees I think would be a simpler design, but the nymph and mermaid have more scope.  Anyway will post when I decide and start.  I really need to study the lessons again which might help me to decide.   

I have two lots of colours out....greens for the trees, and the blue and turquoises of the ocean.....will see which grabs me the most.