Fong Qi Wei: Exploded Flowers

Take it apart and then put it back together--well almost. Fong Qi Wei found a fresh and different way to look at flowers. Buy a gorgeous print for your home here.

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Abigail Reynolds Geometric Cut Art

Can't get enough of Abigail Renolds artwork. The mix of black and white and color is very effective not to mention the layered meaning. I really want to see them in person because they look so tactile.

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Embroidery Tutorial: Lazy Daisy

The lazy daisy embroidery stitch is especially helpful for flower petals and makes up the little blooms in my 2012 tea towel kit. Let me walk you through the basics of this fun, little stitch.

Come up and then immediately down a few millimeters away. Pointing your needle in the direction you want to make the petal, bring your needle back out about 1/4 inch away from the first hole, but don't pull the needle through.
With your needle in this position, wrap the tail (the thread coming out of the very first hole) around the needle. You can start to see the petal forming.
Pull your needle through, keeping the thread tight. Important note: pull your thread away from the tip of the petal like in the picture below.
Next, is a tiny stitch used to secure the petal in place. Bring your needle down just on the other side of the petal.
This is a finished lazy daisy stitch. Sometimes the petals will need some styling. Poke and pull at them with your needle to get the desired fullness and shape. Repeat several more times to create a full flower.
I hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial and find some useful applications for the lazy daisy. Happy stitching!

-Laura

Sneak Peak of CuroiusDoodles Embroidery on Wood Brooches

I want to share some of my latest embroidery designs on wood. I absolutely love stitching into wood. Something very satisfying and tactile about it. The holes are laser cut into the wood which makes it really easy for stitching. I'm thinking of selling these as finished brooches or as a embroidery kit.

CuriousDoodles Tea Towel Kit on Design Sponge

This has been an exciting weekend for me. My tea towel was featured on Design Sponge on Friday and I was completely sold out of kits by the end of the day. Wow, thank you to all the Design Sponge readers who are supporting my shop. You are truly awesome. In the mean time I'm working very hard to get a new batch into the shop. If you are interested in pre-ordering a kit, convo me through my etsy shop. Be sure to include your name and email. I'll inform you when more are in stock. Thanks for your patience and happy stitching!

Embroidery on Wood Cross Stitch

I love combining wood + embroidery + geometric patterns. Here is a sneak peak at my current project.

Ella Robinson: Driftwood and Thread

Ella Robinson, a UK based artist, uses driftwood and thread in a very unique way. I love the color stories she uses and how they pop on the wood. Gorgeous work.

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Sneak Peak: Oversized Embroidery Sign

This signage has been in the works for over a year and its finally coming together. I love the idea of blowing up my little CuriousDoodles avatar into oversized chunky embroidery. Can't wait to share the finished sign.

David Butler: Parson Gray Textile Collection

Some really nice earthy and modern textiles by David Butler, Amy Butler's husband. I could really go for some of these prints in my house. Check out my favorite picks from the collection below. And go like Parson Gray's Facebook page right now.

Origami Ribbon from Oribbon

For those of you who are obsessed with all things paper add this cool dimensional ribbon to your wish list. Check out more papergoods from Oribbon.

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Embroidery Tutorial: Back Stitch

I made this tutorial for the visual people out there that learn best with images. I hope you enjoy! There are many ways to do embroidery techniques. I'll show you what works for me, but I've found the best way to perfect a technique is to practice until you come up with your own tricks.

First things first, divide the six strands into two three-stand groups. It is possible to sew with all 6 if you want a bulky look. Two strands will be ideal for very fine to small detail work.


After threading your needle, tie a knot at the end of your thread. This doesn't have to be anything fancy. I use the same kind of knot that I use on shoelaces. The knot needs to be bigger than the weave of your fabric so sometimes it is necessary to tie two knots right on top of each other. Use your fingernail and slowly guide the second knot down to meet the first knot.


Bring the needle through to the front of the fabric to make your first stitch. Move over about a quarter of an inch over and send the needle back down.


And there you have your first stitch. Awesome!

Bring your needle over to come up for the next stitch. This time we are going to use a slightly different technique on the way down.

Instead of going straight down. You will go down and immediately up to make the next stitch all in one movement. It will make it easier if your fabric is taut. This technique will save you some time once you can get the hang of it.


Repeat until you are finished.

The back stitch is an extremely versatile stitch, but is mostly use for outlines.

Now, time to tie off. Use both hands. One hand holding the loop taut, the other holding the tail. With the tension you can guide the knot down until it is touching the fabric.


Next, put your fingernail over the knot, and slide the last of the thread though. Cut off the thread at about one quarter of an inch away from the knot. If you leave your tails long they will get caught up and tangle down the road.

In no time at all you will be backstitching like a champ!

Check out CuriousDoodles embroidery kits here.

First Thursday Painting Demo by Tadashi Ura

I had the pleasure randomly stumbling upon a calligraphic painting demo by Japanese artist, Tadashi Ura, at First Thursday. If you live in Portland check out his expressive work here.

Corn Maze at Krugar Farm

Going to Krugar farm is one of my favorite Fall festivities. The day we choose to go it was actually raining so we were considering skipping it, but I'm so glad we didn't. We saw the most gorgeous double rainbow after the rain let up. If you look closely you can see the 2nd rainbow above the main rainbow in this picture. Also, the colors on the farm looked more saturated than normal so the pumpkins really poped in my shots.

Michelle and John are good friends my college years that were going on a massive west cost road trip. I'm so glad they were able to stop in Portland! I have to say my choice in foot ware was very poor for the farm. Within minutes of walking around the very muddy corn maze, my shoes were carrying at least 5 pounds of mud caked to the bottom and sides. It was pretty comical waddling around like I was in my 70s. Michelle and John got brave and just went barefoot which might have been the best solution to all that mud. Overall a really fun day that ended in a carmel apple!