Another Goldwork Class...

 
I took another goldwork class from Clara Warschauer (@clarastitching) over the weekend. This class is the Immaculate Heart Goldwork workshop. The pieces above were all stitched by my teacher. l-r: Immaculate Heart (in progress), a Sacred Heart (red), Immaculate Heart brooch (completed), and another heart (likely another Immaculate Heart) in pink. These are the models she shared with our Zoom class as she taught her students how to create our own.

One of the fascinating parts of the class for this Methodist gal, was Clara explaining the three heart symbols in the Roman Catholic church. The one I'm working on is the Immaculate Heart, symbolizing Mary (Jesus' mother), and she explained what the various elements of that heart mean.

The second is the Sacred Heart (red above), symbolizing Jesus. The cross, standing for the crucifixion, and the crown of thorns (stitched as a chain stitch above). The third cross - The Most Chaste Heart - represents Joseph. His bears symbols of tools and lilies. I'm planning to stitch all three because they're all so beautiful, as is their symbolism. I'll also be making a second pink Immaculate Heart, as my sister told me how much she loved it when she saw it yesterday.

The class was held at 7 pm Greenwich Mean Time (in London), so that was 2 pm Central Standard Time for me. The sun was shining, so it was a perfect day to set up my supplies near a bright window, and learn this technique.

It's actually very much like the Lucky Clover Brooch class I first took from her, so as I watched and participated in our Zoom class, I began stitching. By the time class was adjourned, I'd managed to complete this much of the piece. While she included kit materials for framing this piece mounted on navy fabric and placed in an oval frame, my plan is to turn this one into a brooch as she did hers.

I would have completed it yesterday had my hands not acted up, but my little sister also came for a really nice visit. I have an appointment today with the specialist about my hand (specifically my right index finger knuckle), and I'm really hoping to have some answers (and relief) soon. Even so, I'm planning to complete this piece in the next day or so...and I'll definitely be making more.

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway drawing HERE. Remember, you can enter every day between now and the 22nd. I'll announce winners on the 23rd. Good luck!

 

All That Glitters...

My Completed Lucky Clover Pin

 

See that cheesy grin? That's the satisfied smile of someone who just completed approximately thirty hours of needle dancing to create a sparkling Lucky Clover Brooch class piece. 

I sent photos off to my instructor, Clara, who immediately posted them in her Instagram account (@clarastitching). She was full of praise for my first effort, and I reciprocated with a full critique of her awesome teaching skills. I also told her I'd gladly take another class from her. (She gave us a hint in our last class session, and we all told her she has to teach the piece she showed us!)

Lucky Clover Brooch - Front and Back

Here are closeup photos of my brooch. Rather than using felt for the back, I chose to use cork fabric instead. (BTW - What a perfect use for all the little scrap pieces I have!) Of course, I had to add a tiny acorn to the back of mine as a little label.

So, there you have it. It's not perfect, but it's a first effort at a new technique. I wasn't expecting it to be perfect - even though I did my best. I am proud of what I created, and know what to do differently next time. I'll treasure this one as my first gold work piece, and I'll definitely be starting another piece soon. I have all kinds of ideas swimming around in my head...and supplies already in transit to my studio.

I'm heading to Portage, Wisconsin today. Remember, I lived there for eight years before I married Handsome. I have a dear friend, Linda (who I've written about before) there, as well as her daughter, Marie, Granddaughter Adrienne, and now a fourth generation. We're like family, our lives are so intertwined.

Today is a group craft day. I have no idea what we'll be working on. It's my first time attending, but I know that someone usually chooses the theme/project, and gathers all the supplies. I can't wait to see what we'll be making! I'll tell you all about it next week.

Have a great Saturday!

Almost There...

Lucky Clover Brooch Project - Almost Ready To Cut Out

 

I know I said I wouldn't share more photographs until I was finished with my brooch, but I'm so close. I just had to share. Wow, do the check purls ever add a sparkle!

Only A Few More Purls To Add

 

All I have left is that one little area on the right side of this bottom petal. I'm going to complete that and then cut the clover out of the hoop to turn it into a brooch. I'll share the finished piece tomorrow. I'm so close to done, please cross your fingers that I don't mess it up at this stage. Coffee, then cut. Wish me luck with my Lucky Clover!

Class Night...

Lucky Clover Brooch, Ready For Class Session Two

 

My final class session was last night, and I was all caught up on my project. (The red arrows are pointing to the last step from the last class session.) I didn't stitch last night, choosing to take really good notes as I watched our teacher's instruction instead.

Clara demonstrated the final steps of stitching out the clover, and then showed us how to finish it into a brooch (or hair clip, for those who chose that option). Her instruction was detailed and informative...and completely enjoyable.

I have a hair appointment mid-afternoon today, but I'll be otherwise engaged in needle dancing when I'm home. I really want to complete this piece now.

I don't know if you're on Instagram, but if you are, consider following @clarastitching. If you love needlework, you'll enjoy watching Clara stitch. You'll also learn about upcoming classes there. I'm going to keep my eyes open for her next one, for sure!

I'll post final photos once if have all the rest of the stitching and finishing completed. I should be done by the weekend.

Weekend Update...

Lucky Clover Brooch Goldwork Project In Progress

 

I'm on a roll now. I only have one more step to do to be finished with this week's lesson. I'll do that over the weekend - or at least by next Wednesday's session. 

My teacher put replacement check purl fiber in the mail to me yesterday, so I'll have it in plenty of time for our next (last) class. I can highly recommend Clara's classes. She's a great instructor, and she's very responsive to questions and/or concerns. The class is well worth the money. I'm learning a lot.

I hope you have a great weekend. We're currently in deep freeze mode, and the wind is beating against the farmhouse as I write this. I'll be attending a birthday party for a little great-niece who's turning one on Sunday. I'll tell you one thing. This girl is going to be bundled up for the drive to her home! 

Making Progress...

Lucky Clover Brooch Class Piece In Progress

I would have gotten further along had I not done the outline (the first time) in the wrong metal. sheesh I removed it, and then restitched in the correct purl, so I'll contact Clara today and purchase more of the fiber I ruined. I'll need it for next week's class. facepalm

Even so, I got back on track and now I'll progress to the next steps today. In spite of my error, I'm really enjoying this. More tomorrow.