Winter Birds

A forest of birch limbs form the background of this design, and the leafless branches glisten in the new fallen snow. Ensconced among the white branches are three charming birds that frequent the north during the winter months. One is an Eastern Bluebird, the other a Black Capped Chickadee. Both birds are worked in the needlepainting technique which gives them a totally realistic effect. And subtly hiding in the background is a cardinal.

Snow is falling on the birches. It glistens in the sun, and gives a fairyland appearance to the scene.

This design is worked on blue congress cloth, and stitched in Waterlilies and Soie d’Alger French silk. The snowflakes are worked in sparkling threads such as Kreinik braids and Accentuate filament, but some of snowflakes will be opalescent sequins attached with crystal beads.

This scene evokes a bit of magic in what is often a bleak landscape. The design is inspired by the beautiful bags and catalogs used by Nordstroms for Christmas 2010.

• Time: 2 days
• Proficiency Level: Intermediate
• Kit cost: $90 (estimate)
• Ground Fabric: light blue congress cloth