[.ca] The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle ... (ISBN 1863513183)

A treasured possession:
This book caught my eye in a shop window, with its beautiful array of beetles on the cover. The designs in the book are stunning, the instructions excellent, and the history and background section intriguing. There is a section with detailed instructions for all the stumpwork beetles on the cover (with stunning photos of the real life creatures), a short section of amazing projects incorporating the stumpwork crawlies, a section on flatwork beetles and a section with miscellaneous other beetle-related projects. The photography is excellent and even the pages are of the most gorgeous silky-strong paper... (I'm rambling!) Despite being a keen cross-stitcher and beadworker, I had never tried stumpwork before buying this book. I was able to create my first beetle in an evening, with very pleasing results. I can imagine myself returning to this book again and again for inspiration and to create more amazingly life-like beetles. A must have for any keen embroiderer.

WOW!:
If you love the art of hand embroidery, you MUST own this breathtaking volume. The book itself is a work of art and worthy of a honored position on the coffee table. As a craft book it is flawless. The charming hand drawn instructions are easy to follow and include detailed materials lists. I own and love all of Ms. Nicholas's books, but this one is definitely the crowning glory, I can't wait to see what's next. I know I'm gushing, but really, buy it, you'll see!