Detail of the Experimental Sample based on Silver Maple bark

Paper is an exciting medium for embroidery and seemed appropriate to use for my work on the Cambridge Botanic Gardens, including this piece on the bark of the Silver Maple. Using paper string I freeform knitted the background which was then painted. To reflect the textured bark the lumps, bumps and depressions in the knitting were enhanced by manipulation and adding beads. These were made from different types of paper string as well as rolled paper beads. The beads were painted to reflect the subtle shades of colour within the bark and simply glued with strong PVA.