Inspired by fountains found in Pompeii and Herculaneum, Medusae Miscellanea uses full cross stitches to give the appearance of mosaics made of tiny glass and stone pieces. Tent stitch brushstrokes paint delicate frescos on the inside, as if in a Roman villa. Water gushes from Medusa’s mouth, spilling over the basin sides and encouraging moss to grow...
Lift off the roof and you’ll find a ribbon to hold bodkins. Open up fully to reveal places for needles, threads and laying tools. Medusa guards pins in the fountain’s basin while the back pocket holds scissors safe.
The design and all the instructions come in three parts:
- Part 1: 16-page booklet containing the materials list, key, chart details, templates and diagrams
- Part 2: 16-page booklet containing full written instructions
- Part 3: layout diagram and 17 chart sheets
Stitch count: 96 stitches high x 65 stitches wide x 20 stitches deep
Stitches used: cross stitch over two, cross stitch over one, tent stitch, colonial knots, blanket stitch, back stitch, ladder stitch.
Materials required: 32ct antique white linen (model uses Zweigart Antique White 32ct linen), DMC six-stranded cotton, wool felt, soft toy wadding, quilt wadding, acid-free mount board, ribbon, buttons (with shanks), small beads, thread rings.
Side note:
The original piece was selected from over 1000 artists for the Coventry Open 2023 exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, and from over 500 artists for the Rugby Open 2023 exhibition at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
Now the judging panel from the world-famous Royal Academy of Arts has selected the adorable Medusae Miscellanea from over 12,000 applications to be exhibited at the stunning Burlington House as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 (18 June - 18 August).
As you can see, Bethany was tickled pink when she saw her piece in Coventry and is beyond delighted to have been honoured by the Royal Academy. (Note: embarrassing pictures of a middle-aged woman about to explode with happiness will be posted in coming weeks)
Here are some of the lovely visitor comments passed on by the team at the Rugby Open:
"So detailed and beautiful, really wonderful creative and imaginative scene, characterful as well"
"Fabulously intricate - an illustration of mosaic at its best"
"Absolutely incredible, really enjoyed looking at this from all angles - such skill and artistry"
