Ribbon embroidery workshop planned fro July 7

On July 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a workshop with Mercia Stocking, entitled “Ribbon Embroidery Corsage”, will take place at the Bement Billings Farmstead in Newark Valley. Learn steps in this wearable, historic needle art form, and create a corsage. 

All materials will be provided, and the cost is $25 for Newark Valley Historical Society members, and $30 for non-members. 

To register call Leslie by June 20 at (607) 642-5412. There are scholarships available. 

Silk ribbon embroidery today is used to create innumerable projects for home décor and fashion. If you take one quick look on-line you’ll see the wonderful world available to crafters and artists using silk ribbon embroidery techniques. 

Projects may personalize a handbag, a headpiece, bridal accents, jewelry and much more employing this wearable art form. Other projects may create décor for the home such as a floral garden scene among many other things suitable for framing. All these are stunningly beautiful. 

In this silk ribbon embroidery workshop, taught by Mercia Stocking, participants create an equally beautiful floral corsage using ribbon. This project allows a progression in learning the steps. And same or similar techniques and elements used in the process of making this rose corsage can be used in the creation of other projects. Plus the wider ribbons allow for ease of handling while learning the steps necessary to work with this and even more narrow ribbons. 

Mercia hails from South Africa, with 30 years experience in craftwork while helping to support an orphanage. Besides Mercia’s humanitarian interests, her talents and interests are many and range from silk ribbon embroidery to unique greeting cards. 

Silk ribbon embroidery has been fashionable since the 18th century French Rococo era, spreading to Germany then Austria and beyond. As silk was very costly, it was primarily used by royalty. Both male and female courtiers had elaborate coats, hose, and ball gowns that were tailor made to satisfy their needs. There was great secrecy and fierce competition to be the best dressed at court. 

With the further opening of the trade routes, materials for decorative items became more easily available. As silk ribbon embroidery became more popular, the basic supplies became easier to obtain. Its use in fashion and decorative projects spread. 

In countries where fresh flowers were expensive in the winter months, silk ribbon and other suitable ribbons were used to create beautiful corsages, boutonnieres, table décor, etc. Now silk ribbon is primarily used in embroidery projects. It is very elegant and you may complete a project in days. 

Like all needle arts, silk ribbon embroidery is a very personally satisfying and absorbing art form. 

Call Leslie by June 20 to register at 642-5412. All materials are provided. Visit nvhistory.org to learn more.