Bluework: Combine Embroidery and Cyanotype

Start by getting to know more about your teacher Sol Kesseler and her studio Bugambilo, where she embroiders her stunning texture-filled artworks. She also shares some of her pieces as well as her main influences.

Take a brief look at the materials you need for the course before hearing Bugambilo talk about the conceptualization of the term "bluework" and cyanotype technique.

To achieve your incredible images and prints, you first need to prepare the surface of the fabric to make it sensitive to UV light. Do a control test to determine how long you should expose your cyanotypes for and then move on to producing your negatives and photograms.

Once your negative is ready and your fabric primed, it's time to develop your cyanotype! Next, see how to choose thread colors that work in harmony with the blues.

Now prepare to mix techniques and get threading with your bluework. Decide on aesthetic elements such as colors and types of thread for your project and get ready to start embroidering. Bugambilo teaches you eight stitches from filet lacing to apply to your piece.

In addition to the final project, practice with a series of exercises to help improve your embroidery technique. Finally, Sol gives you a few last tips on how to tie off and care for your artwork.