Kris Kringle by Becky L. Worsham

Eighteen-count black canvas was the foundation for this beautifully painted LaRae canvas. I was so taken with this piece when I saw it, that I purchased it immediately. Now the task before me was to transform the designer’s artistry into an equally beautiful piece of needlework without losing the feeling of the piece. Prior to stitching, I did repaint some areas that I felt needed changing.

The most challenging aspect of this piece was trying to develop and maintain proper perspective. The beard, which was one third of the canvas, needed not only to look real, but had to appear to be behind the holly. I finally achieved the right look using seven shades of Wisper.

Among the threads used were silk, ribbon floss, cotton floss, velour, angora, and metallics. Some stitches chosen were colonial knots, French knots, Bokhara couching, and padded satin stitch.

I would like to acknowledge the teachings of Susan Portra, Tony Minieri, and Jean Taggart that have enabled me to stitch this special piece that proudly hangs in my dining room.