Wren Amongst the Ivy

Hand embroidered on antique linen metis, and framed in a mid-Victorian oak frame adorned with original gesso ivy leaves and with old glass, this little wren has her nest in the large ivy bush at the bottom of our garden.

I love to watch her flitting about in the ivy and looking for insects in the leaves under the apple tree.  She has the loudest call, far bigger than you'd expect from such a tiny bird.  

Walter de la Mare must also have loved wrens, as he wrote a beautiful poem all about his 'Jenny Wren', and "eager, ardent feathered mouse" perfectly captured our wren too.

I create my embroideries by layering tiny stitches in a loose long and short stitch, my aim is to create the depth and texture of the fur or feathers of the animal or bird I'm studying. I also use satin stitch, French knots, stem stitch, split stitch and rollover stitch for foliage and text. With over forty fours hours of stitching before hand stretching over acid free card to extend longevity, and framing in its vintage frame, this piece is intended to be enjoyed not only today but by future generations too.

Do ensure you display embroideries out of direct sunlight, as if placed there they may fade.

The frame measures inches 10 inches (25cm) x 13 inches (32.5cm) and the picture aperture is. 5 inches (13cm) x 8 inches (20.5cm).The picture also comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Please note, there is a tiny piece of ivy leaf missing from one of the small leaves at the top of the frame, which I only noticed when introducing wren to her new home.