{"product_id":"waterlily-in-contemporary-embroidery","title":"Waterlily in Contemporary Embroidery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the beauty and biodiversity of freshwater habitats with this special\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ethree-day Fragile Threads course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInspired by the delicate forms of the waterlily and its surrounding leaves, this contemporary design combines a fresh palette of greens, soft pinks and metallic details to create a beautifully light and expressive interpretation of nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross three days, you will explore a variety of surface embroidery, goldwork and hand beading techniques, using changes in stitch direction, density and texture to create the structure of the leaves and delicate petals of the waterlily. Metallic threads, beads and sequins introduce areas of light and movement, while open areas of the design allow the fabric beneath to become an important part of the finished piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated as part of the Fragile Threads collection, the course draws attention to the beauty and fragility of freshwater ecosystems and the extraordinary plant life they support. Set within the surroundings of Kew, it brings together contemporary embroidery, botanical inspiration and the wider themes of biodiversity and our connection with the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RSN","offers":[{"title":"Friday 2nd April - Sunday 4th April 2027","offer_id":63826534629706,"sku":"FT27001","price":295.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/Waterlily1.jpg?v=1791295204","url":"https:\/\/rsn.org.uk\/products\/waterlily-in-contemporary-embroidery","provider":"Royal School of Needlework","version":"1.0","type":"link"}