Join Jenny Adin-Christie, a skilled artisan in gold and metalwork embroidery, as she shares her insider knowledge on the world of gold thread in the Goldwork Master Class – Mistletoe Ornament. Craftsy and Toye Academy of Craft proudly present this special class designed for embroiderers of all levels to learn how to create an exquisite, handmade mistletoe ornament. In this class, you will learn advanced techniques used by master artisans like Jenny to take your skills to the next level and achieve a professional finish. Buy the class + make at home kit combination here.
Jenny walks you through a range of versatile gold and silver thread embroidery techniques that can be applied in many creative ways. With her expert guidance, you can explore the possibilities of couching, chipping, padding and other essential skills. Whatever your level of stitching experience may be, you can master this centuries-old art form.
This holiday, create something amazing for yourself or someone else. Our exclusive kit has everything you need to make your own embroidered mistletoe ornament, a handmade gem that is sure to make a great addition to your holiday decor or an amazing gift for anyone lucky enough to be on your list. Begin your journey into goldwork embroidery today!
We look at the contents of the kit which can be purchased with the course and discuss how to prepare the base fabric in an embroidery hoop in readiness for work.
Stab Stitching the Design
11:04
Here we learn how to work tiny stab stitches throughout the design to bind the silk fabric together with the supporting cotton.
Working the Berry Using Applied Ruched ‘Tissue Silk’
8:15
We discuss how ‘tissue silk’ can be used to enhance a design worked in metal threads and how to apply it to successfully to the first mistletoe berry.
Working the Felt Padding
5:36
Learning how to pad the mistletoe berry using layers of grey felt.
Working the Silk Shaded Leaves and Stems
9:46
The leaves and stems are to be worked in silk shading or ‘needle painting’. Here these are prepared by working a split stitch border around the perimeter edges.
Silk Shading
30:10
The leaves are shaded using shades of stranded cottons.
Working the Stems
12:22
The stems are shaded using shades of stranded cottons.
Highlighting the Leaves and Stems Using Sketched Stitches in Gold
13:09
A fine gold thread is used to add gold detailing to the leaves and stems to enhance the design.
Completing the Berries
18:29
The remaining berries are outlined using couched silver pearl purl.
Filling the Uppermost Berry with ‘Chipping’ and Beads
16:37
Silver bright check purl is cut into tiny pieces which are used to fill the remaining berry, working over the top of the padding, with the addition of beads.
Padding the Large Leaves Using ‘Soft String’
27:02
Soft white cotton thread is bundled and waxed before using this to pad the larger leaves, tapering the padding to fit to the contoured shapes.
Couching the Outlines to the Mistletoe Leaves
14:22
The delicate leaf outlines are created by couching metal threads. The tails of these threads are plunged through the base fabric to be finished on the reverse.
Tying Back
4:14
The tails of metal thread are secured on the reverse of the work by oversewing.
Couching the Outline to the Triangle
13:03
Silver passing is combined with copper passing to couch the outline to the triangle design. We discuss how to turn sharp corners in couching effectively.
Working the Remaining Background Design Lines Using Overstretched Pearl Purl
10:19
How to use pearl purl in a second way by stretching to double its length to reveal its spiral structure. The purl is then couched using green threads to highlight the spiral.
Working the ‘Cutwork’ Over the Pre-Worked Soft String Padding
35:02
Tubular smooth metal purls are cut to size to fit over the prepared soft string padding and are applied by stitching through the centre of each piece like a bead.
Spangles & Beads
3:37
Spangles and beads are used to give a final flourish to the design.
Apply Card
16:47
We learn how to stretch the embroidery onto the pre-cut triangle of mounting card, and then how to prepare a ribbon hanging loop and fabric covered lining panel.
Attaching Hanging Loop and Front & Back Elements
5:15
The design is completed by attaching the prepared hanging loop before stitching the embroidered panel together with the lining panel.
Your Instructor
Jenny Adin-Christie
Jenny’s career stemmed from a rich family heritage of craftsmanship, being taught to stitch and make from an early age by her mother, a teacher specializing in textiles, and her father, a master gunsmith and fishing rod builder.
Fine hand embroidery became her true passion and Jenny was encouraged to apply for a sought-after place on the rigorous three-year Apprenticeship course then offered at the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court. Here she learned to work a hugely diverse range of traditional and more contemporary techniques to a professional standard, training simultaneously in art and design.
Graduating in 1996 with distinction and awards in goldwork and silk shading, she was honored with full-time employment at the RSN. This role allowed her the enviable opportunity to practice her skills on the enormously varied commissions of the commercial studio, such as playing a key role in the production of the applied lace panels for the wedding dress of HRH the Princess of Wales, and designing and working new altar frontals for Canterbury Cathedral. She also tutored on the extremely broad range of courses offered by the RSN, including the Degree program. Jenny thus became internationally recognized as a specialist in the fields of whitework, metal thread, raised embroidery/stumpwork and for her unique style of embroidery design which combines these techniques together.
Ten years of invaluable experience as a senior tutor and studio embroiderer, eventually becoming Assistant Head of the Studio at the RSN, allowed Jenny to branch out as a freelance embroiderer when her daughter was born in 2008. Jenny now works full time as a freelance professional hand embroiderer, running her own business from her home studio in Surrey, UK, working as a designer maker, embroidery artist and tutor, frequently taking her teaching out to students around the world.
Bonus Material
Embroidered Mistletoe Ornament - Bonus Materials
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
