For many people, the word illusion conjures images of card tricks, rabbits in top hats and disappearing ladies. However, for the embroiderer, illusion means something quite different. It is what we strive for as we work our needle and thread. Whether it is creating depth in a landscape or fashioning berries that look good enough to eat, embroidery is all about illusion.
We are all aware of various techniques and stitches to bring our embroidery to life. But have you ever considered using organza? I hadn’t until I came across the work of Gary Clarke. Gary is an embroidery artist living in Tasmania, Australia. He has written Embroidery Illusions which describes his techniques in working with organza. Gary also travels the world to teach but this year announced his retirement which is to begin in 2020.
“Embroidery worked on fine transparent organza… creates an illusion of stitching suspended in air.”
One of Gary’s more popular designs (not included in the book) is his piece titled Sea Turtle. By using organza, the turtle looks like it is swimming off of the fabric and through the water. The fish in the background remain there so that your eye is drawn to the sea turtle.
This beautiful piece will be one of Gary’s last teaching engagements in the United States. Long Beach EGA will be hosting this class on October 26 & 27, 2019. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to use organza in your embroidery projects from the man who perfected its use. Registration for Gary’s class ends on July 26, 2019.
THE SEA TURTLE
Designed & Taught by Gary Clarke
October 26 - 27, 2019
Registration Closes July 26, 2019
This project has a very tropical look: the turtle is in full focus around the face and blends off as the water distorts the image. The student will get a feel for stitching on organza and tips for this style of work. The aim of this class is to become aware of the potential in organza. It is a lesson in “less is more”, in sketching a subject, then training the viewer to where their eye needs to go.
Technique: Organza Embroidery Skill Level: Intermediate Design Size: 12 x 12
Kit Cost: $75
Kit Contents: Organza, Printed Cotton, Thread, Needle, Work Frame, Instructions & DVD.
(Note: The fish in the background are stitched in 1 strand of 6-stranded cotton. Some thread will be provided however, students may wish to bring their own colors. Remember the organza will mute the colors, so choose vibrant colors.)
Location: Long Beach City College, PCH Campus,
Lifelong Learning Center, Bldg. QQ, Room 122
1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90806
To reserve a space, fill out the following form and return it with the $75 kit fee to:
Bonnie Freund, 1930 St. John Rd. #29H. Seal Beach, CA 90740
Questions ? email Bonnie at LongBeachEGA@gmail.com
Note: Teaching fees are additional and will be collected when those fees have been determined, closer to class dates.
Class size is limited to 28 students
Name: _________________________________________ Phone ________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________
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___________ $75.00 Kit Fee _________ LBEGA $57 Primary Dues
_________ $15 Plural Dues
_________ $3 Pac. S.W.Region Dues
Make checks payable to: LBEGA. Return form with payment of $___________ to:
Bonnie Freund, 1930 St. John Rd. #29-H, Seal Beach, CA 90740