Baby Monkey Punch needle frame with Denim elements

 I have been experimenting with combining denim with my punch needle wall designs on a stretched fabric over a wooden frame. This time it's an adorable BABY MONKEY wearing a cute starry outfit.

I love creating playful punch needle wall frames that combine texture, charm, and creativity. I think that using denim scraps in the design adds a unique touch — the sturdy fabric brings depth and contrast to the soft loops of punch needle embroidery.

The mix of cozy yarn and upcycled denim gives your cheerful monkey character both personality and a sustainable twist, making it a delightful piece of handmade wall art.

Visit back soon, more to come!

xoxo, Elena

Denim Moths and tutorial

 Denim Moths and tutorial

Upcycling denim fabric into a handmade moth is a creative way to give old jeans or scraps a new life. Denim, with its sturdy weave and rich indigo tones, lends itself beautifully to crafting—its texture adds depth and character, while frayed edges mimic the delicate fuzziness of moth wings. By shaping layered denim pieces into soft, winglike forms and adding hand embroidery, beads, or stitches for patterns, you can create a unique textile moth that feels both rustic and elegant.

This kind of project not only reduces fabric waste but also transforms something ordinary into a small work of art. Each denim moth can be one-of-a-kind—stitched with colorful thread or decorated with patches for added detail. 

Whether displayed as wall art, turned into a brooch, or simply cherished as a keepsake, a denim moth carries the charm of handmade imperfection and the quiet beauty of recycling denim. It’s a small, soulful way to celebrate both nature and sustainable craft making.

Finished moth size is around 7 inches.

XoXo, Elena

This MOTH TUTORIAL IS AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE (www.EmbroideredDelights.com)
as well as in my Etsy store:

DENIM MOTH PDF TUTORIAL

Thanks! Elena

Upcycled Denim Bracelets for Calgary Stampede

UPCYCED DENIM BRACELETS - awesome accessories for Calgary Stampede and everyone who loves denim!

Handmade upcycled denim bracelets made entirely by hand. With lots of variety for adults and children.

This year I am making upcycled denim bracelets for both creative and practical reasons:

• ECO-FRIENDLY: Upcycling jeans and denim clothes gives me a piece of mind that the fabrics I use live a second life and help reduce textile waste.

• UNIQUE STYLE: Denim has a rugged yet casual look, and no two pieces of old jeans are ever the same—faded areas, stitching, and washes make every bracelet one-of-a-kind.

Fantastic accessories for anyone who loves denim, perfect
for the annual Calgary Stampede event.

VERSATILE: Denim pairs well with beads, embroidery, buttons, charms, or lace, so you can make the bracelets simple, rustic, or dressed up.

DURABLE: Denim is strong and long-lasting, so the bracelet will hold up well compared to delicate fabrics.

Handmade gift: An upcycled denim bracelet makes a thoughtful and sustainable gift, carrying both creativity and personal touch.

MORE ITEMS are in the process of being made.

I am making a few fabric toys with denim and other fabrics as well. 

Stay tuned for AVAILABILITY (COMING SOON) more photos to come!

Hugs, Elena

8 Mistakes when creating an artistic embroidery

Friends, there are a few mistakes that many beginning embroidery enthusiasts make when working on their embroidery projects.

1. Skipping a sketch and start embroidering right away.

Sketch is an important part of the plan. When you plan ahead, at least your color combination and general outlines on paper will save you lots of time and frustration not only when you decide on your materials, but also to ensure that embroidery goes smoothly without corrections nd ripping out stitches.

2. Choosing a large embroidery hoop or canvas.

Choosing a large embroidery hoop without practice can lead to a few frustrating mistakes, especially when you're just starting out. Here's why it might not be the best idea: 

1. Too Much Space, Not Enough Control

A large hoop gives you a big surface to work on—but that also means more fabric to manage and more stitches to fill. Without experience, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lose track of proportion and detail.

2. Tension Troubles

Keeping even tension across a large area is tricky. Beginners might accidentally stretch some parts too tight or leave others too loose, leading to puckering, warping, or uneven stitches.

3. More Time, Less Motivation

Large hoops often mean bigger, more time-consuming projects. Without practice or confidence, it’s easy to lose motivation halfway through, leaving your work unfinished.

4. Harder to Hold and Maneuver

Large hoops can be awkward to handle, especially without a stand. Stitching becomes physically tiring, and you might strain your wrist or back trying to manage it.

5. Wasted Materials

If the project doesn’t go well, more fabric and thread are lost. Yarn and fabric are precious—so starting small is kinder to both your materials and your patience.

3. Not preparing your materials ahead of time and thinking you can "wing" it.

One common mistake in embroidery—especially with landscape projects—is not preparing your materials ahead of time and thinking you can just "wing it." While spontaneity has its place in creative work, diving in without a plan often leads to frustration, wasted materials, and unfinished pieces.

4. Use only one type of thread.

One common mistake in hand embroidery—especially in creative projects like landscapes—is using only one type of thread. While it might seem simpler, relying on a single thread type can make your work look flat, predictable, and lack the richness that makes embroidery truly engaging.

Why it matters:

1. Lack of Texture

Different threads create different textures. Using only one type—like standard cotton floss—misses out on the visual and tactile variety that makes embroidery come alive. In a landscape, you want soft skies, rough tree bark, fluffy clouds, or thick grasses—textures that tell a story.

2. No Depth or Dimension

Mixing threads like wool, silk, metallics, or even yarn adds natural highlights, shadows, and movement. Without that contrast, your piece can feel too uniform and uninteresting, especially when viewed from a distance.

3. Missed Creative Opportunities

Exploring different threads encourages creative thinking. You might couch chunky yarn for tree trunks, use soft mohair for misty hills, or shiny threads to catch the light. Sticking to one thread type limits your range of expression.

4. Repetitive Stitching

When using the same thread type throughout, you're more likely to use the same stitches over and over. Mixing materials often leads to discovering new techniques and playful combinations that keep the process exciting.

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MY GOLDEN RULE: Thread variety = visual interest.

Combining textures, weights, and sheens brings your embroidery to life. Don’t be afraid to experiment—let your thread choices reflect the variety and vibrancy of the scene you’re stitching. It’s in that mix where the magic happens.

5. Not preparing your materials before beginning stitching.

Very often when you begin embroidering you may require certain materials and supplies that will make your embroidery unique and attractive, but instead you keep using the same thread and background. When you are constraining yourself to "what you have" you are lacking a "wow" factor which will make your embroidery sing. Spend time and carefully consider what you already have in your stash and what you need to add to add to it. It doesn't mean constantly buying new threads and beads, but consistently be on a "lookout" for those specific materials that will make your emboirdery stand out.

6. Using suitable materials.

Using suitable materials for your embroidery makes all the difference in how your piece looks, feels, and lasts. The right fabric, thread, needle, and hoop work together to support your stitches and bring your vision to life. Choosing quality materials that match your project—like sturdy fabric for yarn work or finer cloth for delicate stitching—helps prevent frustration, makes stitching smoother, and gives your embroidery a polished, long-lasting finish. Starting with the right tools sets you up for creative success.

7. Make yourself comfortable.

Embroidery is just like slow stitching - a comfortable and time-consuming process. Make yourself comfortable when embroidering—it's meant to be a calming, enjoyable experience. Like slow stitching, embroidery invites you to slow down, breathe, and sink into the rhythm of each stitch. It’s not about rushing to the finish, but about being present with your hands and your imagination. Set up a cozy space with good lighting, supportive seating, and everything within reach. Whether you're stitching to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy the quiet, let the process soothe you. This is your time—soft, creative, and beautifully slow.

8. Watch your thread tension and the fabric stretch in the hoop.

Paying attention to thread tension and keeping your fabric stretched tightly in the hoop are small steps that make a big difference in embroidery. Proper tension helps your stitches lay neatly and evenly, while a well-stretched fabric keeps your work smooth and prevents puckering or distortion. Skipping this can lead to messy results and wasted time redoing stitches or struggling with wrinkles. Taking a moment to check your setup before you begin ensures a more enjoyable stitching experience—and a beautiful, polished piece in the end.

xo xo, Elena

Is it ok to use yarn for landscape embroidery on burlap?

Is it ok to use yarn for landscape embroidery on burlap?

Absolutely! 

Using yarn for landscape embroidery brings a special kind of ease and charm that’s hard to resist. The softness and thickness of yarn make it wonderfully satisfying to work with—offering quick coverage, rich texture, and bold strokes that mimic the feel of painting with fiber. Unlike delicate floss, yarn is more forgiving, easier to handle, and perfect for expressive, loose stitching.

The attraction lies in its tactile beauty. With yarn, you can build up layers to create rolling hills, swirling skies, or fluffy clouds with dimension and depth. Its cozy, woolly quality adds warmth to the piece, inviting you to touch and explore. From chunky wools to fine threads, the variety of textures lets you play freely, blending colors and materials like a landscape artist with a brush.

I consider yarn landscape embroidery to be perfect for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike—whether you want a quick, relaxing project or a bold, textured artwork. It’s a beautiful balance of ease, freedom, and rustic charm that makes every stitch feel like a tiny work of art.

Hugs, Elena

What makes embroidery creative?

 What Makes Hand Embroidery Creative?

Hand embroidery, a timeless and intricate craft, takes on a new dimension when approached creatively. Creative hand embroidery goes beyond traditional patterns and techniques, allowing for personal expression and innovation. Several key elements contribute to the creativity in hand embroidery:

1. Design Freedom

Creative hand embroidery is characterized by the freedom to design without constraints. (I love it). Unlike traditional embroidery, which often relies on symmetrical and predetermined patterns, creative embroidery embraces asymmetry, abstract designs, and spontaneous ideas. This freedom allows embroiderers to craft unique and personal pieces that reflect their own artistic vision.

2. Stitch Variety and Experimentation

One of the hallmarks of creative hand embroidery is the use of a wide variety of stitches. While traditional embroidery might stick to a limited set of stitches for consistency, creative embroidery experiments with different types, such as French knots, bullion knots, couching, and more. The combination and layering of these stitches can create texture, depth, and intricate details that bring the design to life. 

3. Use of Color and Materials

Creative hand embroidery often involves bold and imaginative use of color. Embroiderers may blend different thread colors to create gradients, use contrasting colors to make elements stand out, or even incorporate unconventional materials like metallic threads, beads, sequins, and fabric paints. These elements add a dynamic and vibrant quality to the embroidery, making each piece visually striking and unique.

4. Incorporation of Mixed Media

Creative embroidery frequently incorporates mixed media elements, merging traditional stitching with other art forms. This could include adding beads, buttons, sequins, or even small found objects into the embroidery. Fabric paint, appliqué, and other textile techniques can also be combined, resulting in a rich, multifaceted artwork.

See my post on adding beads to your embroidery (my favorite part!)

5. Personal Expression

At its core, creative hand embroidery is a medium for personal expression. It allows embroiderers to tell stories, convey emotions, and share experiences through their work. Each piece becomes a reflection of the artist's inner world, making the craft deeply personal and meaningful.

6. Improvisation and Intuition

Unlike regular embroidery, which follows strict patterns, creative hand embroidery often involves a high degree of improvisation. Embroiderers might start with a basic idea or theme but allow the design to evolve organically as they work. This intuitive approach leads to unexpected and original outcomes, giving each piece a spontaneous and fresh quality.

7. Unique Textures and Dimensions

Creative embroidery often focuses on creating unique textures and three-dimensional effects. Through techniques like stumpwork, raised embroidery, and the layering of stitches, embroiderers can achieve a tactile and sculptural quality in their work. This adds a new level of interest and engagement for the viewer.

8. Cultural and Contemporary Influences

Creative hand embroidery can draw inspiration from a wide range of cultural and contemporary influences. Artists might incorporate motifs from different cultures, reinterpret traditional designs in a modern context, or respond to current events and trends. This blend of influences enriches the embroidery and makes it relevant to a broader audience.

Creative hand embroidery transforms a traditional craft into a versatile and dynamic form of artistic expression. By embracing design freedom, experimenting with stitches and materials, and incorporating personal and contemporary influences, creative embroidery allows artists to push the boundaries of what is possible with needle and thread. This innovative approach not only preserves the heritage of embroidery but also ensures its continual evolution and relevance in the modern art world.

Thanks!Elena

Embroidery classes and supplies: 

https://www.elenaoriginals.com/embroidery

Golden Flower embroidery on felt

Embroidery on felt with crystal embellishments combines the tactile richness of textile art with the sparkling allure of gemstones. The soft, dense texture of felt provides a sturdy yet forgiving canvas for intricate stitches, allowing for detailed and expressive designs. 

Adding crystal embellishments introduces a dynamic interplay of light and texture, creating a stunning visual effect that catches the eye. This technique is often used to create ornate decorative pieces, from fashion accessories to home decor, each piece exuding a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. 

The contrast between the matte finish of the felt and the glittering crystals elevates the overall aesthetic, making each creation a true work of art.

Hugs, Elena

www.ElenaOriginals.com/embroidery