What do you do with embroidery when finished? An Insight into the Creative Process

Embroidery, a craftsmanship that dates back to ancient times, has always been a form of artistic expression. As an artist completes a piece of embroidery, the next question often arises - what do you do with it when finished? The answer to this question is as varied as the artist’s creativity itself. Here are a few perspectives on what one might do with finished embroidery pieces.

1. Display and Adorn Spaces: The most common practice is to display the embroidery piece in a prominent place in the home or workspace. It could be hung on a wall, placed on a shelf, or used to decorate a dresser or table. Embroidery brings beauty and uniqueness to any space, reflecting the artist’s skill and dedication.

2. Give as Gifts: Finished embroidery pieces make excellent gifts for loved ones or friends. They are personal, thoughtful, and unique, often carrying a story or a special message from the artist to the recipient.

3. Sell and Share Talent: Some artists sell their embroidery pieces at craft markets, online platforms, or even in galleries. This allows them to share their talent with a wider audience and make a living from their craft.

4. Preserve Memories and Tradition: Embroidery can be used to preserve family histories and traditions. For instance, a family crest or a traditional pattern passed down through generations can be embroidered and displayed as a reminder of the past.

5. Use for Craft Fairs and Exhibitions: Finished embroidery pieces can be showcased at craft fairs, exhibitions, or art festivals. This provides an opportunity for the artist to interact with people who appreciate their work and possibly inspire others to try embroidery themselves.

6. Combine with Other Art Forms: Embroidery can be combined with other art forms such as painting or jewelry making to create unique pieces that are then sold as part of a collection. This allows artists to expand their creative horizons and explore new ways of expressing themselves.

7. Pass on to the Next Generation: Another option is to pass the finished embroidery piece to the next generation, teaching children or grandchildren the craft while passing on the family’s legacy and tradition.

8. Repurpose and Recycle: If the embroidery piece is no longer needed or wanted, it can be repurposed or recycled into something new, such as transforming an old cushion cover into a purse or using scraps for a new project. This shows respect for the craftsmanship and material used while keeping it alive in new forms.

In conclusion, there are many ways to deal with finished embroidery pieces, each reflecting the artist’s vision and creativity. Displaying them, giving them as gifts, selling them, preserving memories, exhibiting them, combining them with other art forms, passing them on to the next generation, or repurposing them are all valid options that show appreciation for this beautiful craftsmanship. What one chooses to do with their embroidery ultimately depends on their intention behind creating it and where they want it to go next in its journey.

Questions:

1. How would you display your finished embroidery piece?
2. What is the most meaningful way you have ever given an embroidery gift?
3. Have you ever sold your embroidery? If so, what was the experience like?
4. Do you have any traditional patterns in your family that you would like to embroider?
5. What are some ways you can repurpose old embroidery pieces?