In this unique book, master embroiderers Hazel Blomkamp and Di van Niekerk have come together with fine artist Monique Day-Wilde to create a collection of luminous designs inspired by the beauty and mysticism of mandalas.
Using Monique’s original mandala designs as their templates, Hazel and Di have adorned the rounded outlines with creative surface embroidery using a wide range of stitches and techniques resulting in stunning combinations. From simple, monochromatic line patterns to colourful and flamboyant bead-and-thread fusions, the embroidered mandalas will inspire and delight everyone from beginners to the most experienced.
Throughout the book the authors share plenty of ideas and tips, and offer instruction with a fresh approach to surface embroidery. There is a complete stitch gallery with illustrations and instructions for all the stitches and techniques used including old favourites, such as simple back- and chain stitches, as well as the more intricate – needle lace, trellis couching and weaving. Beadwork is also explored to add sparkle and finishing touches, and special effects are created by incorporating the occasional bit of trapunto, ribbon embroidery and appliqué.
Both line and colour templates of the designs are included, with a detailed stitch diagram and list of threads and materials for every project. A selection of templates also show different embroidery treatments to illustrate how versatile the designs are.
Fall into a captivating treasure trove of whorled stitches and silk, and discover the beautiful world designed by these renowned artists of needle and brush.
Author Biography:
Between the three of them, this amazing group of authors have published 38 books, many of which have been international best-sellers.
Hazel Blomkamp has dabbled with all the needlecrafts since childhood and still embroiders virtually every day. She has been designing for more than 20 years. Preferring to design projects that appear to be traditional, she pushes the boundaries by introducing other forms of needlecraft into traditional techniques in everything that she does. Along with designing, she runs a busy website
from home. She teaches at her home studio, in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Afric and travels throughout South Africa and the rest of the world teaching embroidery and fine beadwork. She is a regular contributor to South African, British and Australian embroidery magazines and an occasional columnist for South African Stitches magazine. She has also written the popular Crewel Twists, Crewel Intentions and Crewel Creatures, as well as Hand-stitched Crazy Patchwork, among others. This is her seventh book.
Di van Niekerk is a professional fibre arts teacher and designer and has her own range of hand-painted silk and organza ribbon and printed panels for embroidery that are exported worldwide. Her best-selling books, including The Art of Felting and Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Little Flowers in Silk and Organza Ribbon, Roses in Silk and Organza Ribbon, Monograms & Words in ribbon embroidery and Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork, have been translated into many languages. Her mission is to teach silk ribbon embroidery, integrating it with other crafts such as card making, jewellery making, knitting, crazy quilting, fibre art and dress design to show just how easy, enjoyable and rewarding this hobby is. This is her fourteenth book.
Monique Day-Wilde is a well-known artist from Pringle Bay on the Western Cape coast known for its abundance of indigenous flora. She is truly inspired by the colours, patterns and abstract qualities from her surroundings, and translates these into quirky and eye-catching designs. She has authored and co-authored many books, including Water Marks, with a completely novel approach to water-colour painting, Simply fabulous Fabric, Outside Art, Artful Ways with Mixed Media, Decorative Art and Colouring Know-how. Her design books include Designs Galore and the Daydreams colouring series. Monique enjoys teaching and working with people, following their journey of self-discovery through creative expression. In addition to teaching and working on commissions, she offers art retreats in Pringle Bay, South Africa. This book is her seventeenth
