Mixed Media Needlepoint

Updated October 5, 2021.
Awhile ago, Fionna Kazanow sent me some pictures of the delightful use she is making of completed needlepoint from her stash in her mixed media work.

If you are like me, most of your stitched stuff sits in boxes (mine are in the garage), so I was so delighted to see what Fionna does and to ask her about it.

Here’s what she told me about her work:

“The idea of using my needlepoint in my mixed media paintings was a natural progression. I have been experimenting with craft sand, gravel from my yard, and deconstructing silk flowers to reconstruct them into my idea of a rose bush. I also have used beads, calcified oyster shells, and plastic in several paintings so when I finally had the idea of using needlepoint it was a good fit.

“Which came first the painting or the point? It started with a golden sunburst with a vivid royal background done in basic needlepoint stitch with an almost random pattern which I had been working on. It occurred to me that it would make a great painting even a tapestry on a wall and when I discovered that I could actual draw and paint a couch, the idea of using samplers that I already have in painted rooms was born. I decided I would do a group of them and it was a really great way to get my needlepoint up on the wall without having to block them. I love the idea of creating a frame for the samplers which is what I’m trying to do.

“So far most of the needlepoint samplers I have used have been of my own design drawn on to the canvas or different stitching techniques I have been practicing.”

One of my favorite pieces is this skirt, where the hem is embellished with needlepoint, I’m wishing I had done some belts in the past so I could do this.

When thinking about your stitched needlepoint stash, it’s good to think outside the box — look at what you can create!