Dried Flower Embroidery: Stitching with Foliage and Creating Floral Shapes with Olga Prinku

Learn how to embroider with organic material in this three-day workshop. Make your own “floral pattern” using a selection of dried and preserved flowers and foliage, and gain confidence in working with organic material in an embroidery context. Olga will explain how she started embroidering with dried flowers and speak a little about her art practice and creativity with organic materials as a way of reconnecting with nature. You’ll learn how to stretch and secure the tulle fabric in the embroidery hoop, prepare the stems of the organic materials, and methods of attaching flowers to the fabric. Olga will explain what kinds of plant materials are suitable for embroidering with, that can be foraged for or grown in a garden. You’ll learn how to create fan-like flower shapes and branching structures to form flowing organic patterns within a large embroidery hoop. You’ll practice how to use the blanket stitch, fishbone and chainstitch to attach and embellish foliage and stems. Olga will provide guidance on distributing the various organic materials within the circular shape to achieve a balanced design. All tools and materials will be provided including plant material for stitching with – such as ferns, statice flowers and flax seedpods – and tulle fabric and thread. In total the design uses three types of foliage, three types of seedheads and three types of flowers. You will get advice on options for framing and display.

stitching experience a bonus