Frequently asked questions

How do you do that?

I collect fallen leaves throughout the year and place them in heavy encyclopedia-type books to flatten them and dry them out for a few months. This step prevents the leaves from curling and shriveling prematurely, essentially preserving them.

I then sketch out a design on a piece of paper and tape it to the leaf with painters tape so I can pre-poke the holes with a thin beading needle. I lay the leaf down on a soft surface like a foam pad to poke the holes to prevent the leaf from breaking during this process.

I share my process on my Instagram page (@Naturartly).

Don’t they break?

They do break sometimes, which is why I have to be careful and gentle when working with them. However, my worst casualty happened when I accidentally sat on a leaf that I had left on the couch.

What inspired you to do this?

Years ago, I found @MagnoliaHeather on Instagram and followed her work for years before trying this out on my own. Her work has been a great inspiration to me.

Is that a real leaf?

Yes! These are Magnolia leaves. They are very sturdy and can be found in our neighbourhood here in the West End.

How do you decide what to stitch?

I am inspired by the world around me and the work of other artists. Sometimes, as I am working on a piece, I am already thinking about my next one, and how I can try a new idea. I also love to receive feedback and suggestions, because each person sees the world in their own way, and I am always open to ideas

What materials and tools do you use?

I don’t use any special materials outside of the traditional embroidery thread, needle, and scissors. I prefer to use a beading needle, as it is thinner and helps facilitate the process when incorporating beads into my designs. I use acrylic paint for my painted pieces.

How did you get here artistically?

I’ve always considered myself a multi-media artist, and this series is a culmination of my love for needlework and working with natural materials. I began cross-stitching over 10 years ago and have been refining my needlework skills ever since. I work from patterns and create my own designs. Additionally, I’ve been working with dried leaves to cut out designs but felt that they were too delicate. I’ve known for a long time that I want to incorporate natural elements into my art, and using the Magnolia leaves has combined both of these interests.