The perfect source of inspiration for embroidery artists! 18 step-by-step projects for hoops, jewelry pendants, embroidered clothing, and accessories that slowly progress in difficulty Full-size patterns, a thread color conversion chart, and thorough insight on how to design and create original nature portraits Helpful overviews on tools, materials, embroidery stitches, and essential skills required throughout the projects Stitch guide with essential technique tutorials for French knots, backstitch, split stitch, and straight stitch Clear design guidance for each stage of creating an embroidery pattern, from finding inspiration and taking a photo to sketching, making a custom template, transferring the pattern, and more Author Sarah Godfrey is a talented fiber artist, designer, owner of The Lake of Spring, and author of Organza Hoop Art This one-of-a-kind, step-by-step project guide will show you how to capture the beauty of nature in stunning hand embroidery patterns and realistic thread portraits you've designed yourself! Featuring complete overviews on tools, materials, and various skills and techniques to know, this 104-page resource includes 18 realistic embroidery projects of birds, flowers, mushrooms, and more. But you'll not only learn how to make gorgeous works of realistic embroidery art, you'll also learn how to capture, design, and embroider your very own original patterns! From finding your subject and taking a photo to making it into a line art template, thread painting, and so much more, this inspiring, skill-building guide will take your embroidery to the next level, whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer. Projects and templates include: Feather Pendant Forget-Me-Not Pendant White Feather Oval Hoop Red Rose Mushroom Collar Chickadee Portrait Bumblebee Beret Tiger Lily Crocus Tote Bag Wild Strawberry Hat Monarch Butterfly Bandana Daffodil Ghost Flower Pansy Bright Tulip Cardinal Blossoms and Branches Fall Leaf Get started creating your own nature-inspired designs from start to finish and let your embroidery bloom, with Beginner's Guide to Embroidery and Needle Painting!