Tag Archives: embroidery

Last embroidery art of 2020/First embroidery of 2021: Frog and Snail!

Embroidered snail by Suzanne Forbes Jan 2021I realized I had never embroidered a snail!

Time to remedy that! This just-finished snail embroidery art is my first textile arts piece of 2021. I really wanted to try using pearls and clear and opalescent beads for slime, the way legendary human body embroidery artist Sally Hewett uses them for body fluids.

Embroidered snail by Suzanne Forbes Jan 2021I think it’s a charming effect, not a patch on the power of the inspiration though.

Embroidered White's Tree Frog by Suzanne Forbes November 2020I had to keep this embroidered White’s Tree Frog under wraps for a while, as it was a commissioned birthday gift!

Cute Embroidered Whites Tree Frog in process by Suzanne Forbes Nov 2020You can see the process of making him is better documented than usual, as I was sending previews to the commissioner as I worked.

While Littlest Sweet Shop was making my big Rainbow Gay Trans Miniature Treats Party order, she sent me pictures of the process, and I enjoyed it so much I decided to do it myself!

 

Flower Mantis Embroidery Art!

flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes September 30 2020This is a new approach for me, embroidery-wise.

I decided from the go to cover the entire surface of this piece in embroidery, rather than using the background color of the fabric as part of the composition.

flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes work in progress 1For fabric I used the voluminous white muslin gown that came with my Sideshow Bride of Frankenstein doll.

I’ve been cutting it up and using it for years, it’s the only piece of white fabric in our house! (You can see the custom burlesque outfit I made for the doll to wear instead here.)

flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes work in progress 2I drew the mantis and roughly sketched in the background.

I didn’t plan the colors beyond a sense that the mantis would be in oranges and pinks. I don’t usually have much of a plan for embroidery pieces; I just start and keep going.

flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes work in progress 3I have some very pretty green and orange embroidery thread that was sent to me by Berlin artist Mareike Suensson.

I always appreciate the gift of art supplies! As usual I used at least two dozen colors of thread, and I was happy to make use of some random dusty and blackish greens left over from my heavily beaded and embroidered Green Woman corset, back in 2017.

flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes Sept 30 2020 detailIt took about forty hours to completely cover the surface with embroidery.

Some people could do it much faster, but I like to go easy on my wrist! I stained the hoop pale green and trimmed the border with purple micro-trim. I am pleased with the result!flower mantis embroidery by Suzanne Forbes September 30 2020 border

The mantis is a fundraiser for a US friend who is in big trouble. It’s a 200 euro donation to the friends’ paypal plus shipping. Email me if you’re interested!

More insect embroidery pieces:

Bead embroidered insect corset and accessories

The Barbie Dream House Gum Emperor Moth

Embroidered beetle in shadowbox

Pink and blue grasshopper

Fly with plastic wrap wings

Fauvist Mantis and Crafting with Porn Stars

Moths and bugs made in Oakland