tiny tapestries

 

I can't think of many (affordable) things that come in small packages and make your heart flutter with delight as much as an envelope of Laura Foster Nicholson's jacquard ribbons. I opened what looked like a very ordinary envelope and out fell all sorts of extraordinary woven patterns and miniature  motifs - tractors and auriculas, cakes and dahlias - in beautiful, assured colours.

I have written about Laura's ribbons before but every time I see them in the flesh - I have a little bag full of allium and vegetable and bee designs that I use to tie up presents and skeins of yarn - I am struck anew by the cleverness of her designs, the astonishing level of detail, the humour and, of course, the subjects.

 

Laura brings a weaver's understanding and imagination to the business of designing ribbons, which explains is why her ribbons are like tiny tapestries. There can't be many other works of art that are available by the metre for a few dollars -Laura's ribbons are not bought just by ribbon lovers, they are also collected in many major museum and gallery collections. 

Laura has a blog and if you want to see where the ideas for her labyrinth ribbons might come from, do have a look at the incredible leaf labyrinths created by her husband, Ben. I will be returning to these photos for autumnal inspiration when we are faced with what seems like mountains of fallen leaves in the garden - we don't usually feel very positive about them, but the idea of calmly raking them into patterns instead of railing against them does appeal.

Comments

[Frieda Oxenham]

Oh dear, I was duely tempted, Jane. Thanks so much for the tip and I can't wait for my very own tapestries to arrive!

[Karen]

They look great. I especially like the pear one. I seem to have a soft spot for pears, pears on pottery etc. Talking of tapestries have you read Tracy Chevalier's The Lady and the Unicorn about a 12thC(?) tapestry maker in Belgium and the famous tapestry whose name I can't remember. It is a facinating book with great detail about tapestry. I expect you might have read it as you're such a reader. If not try it. Karen x.

[Patty]

The trims are beautiful. The link to the leaf labyrinth is amazing! What a great way to make the simple, and seemingly unending, task of fall leaf raking more interesting... I hope I remember this idea in the fall.

[Laura Nicholson]

I am happy you like them, Jane! I wish I had your gift with a camera -- lovely arrangements and photos. Thanks so much.
Laura

[Nancy]

oh, no! I'm a goner! I adore jacquard ribbon, and I love how wide so many of these are (1.5 to 2 inches is my fav) and all those jewel tone colors...

[Lynn]

Thank you for the link. I've added her to my Bloglines.

[helen]

oh i love the cupcake one! so cute

[Jacky]

Just ordered my ribbon, thank you Jane!!!

[mummyto2]

Think I've been tempted !

[Jane]

I'm sure I must need some of these, thanks for the link.

[j.]

I can't believe I had to visit a blog in the UK to find out about such a great tapestry artist in my own backyard! (I live in Evansville, Indiana) Thanks so much for the link; I'll be sure to get to the museum in New Harmony to check out her work in person!

[Susan Jonsson]

You can add me to the list of those who could not resist purchasing ribbon. I didn't know I really needed ribbon until I saw your post. Thank you.

Susan

[Georgia]

These are so stunning! I bought some a few years ago and I never want to use them as they feel too precious. I just like looking at them.

[[email protected]]

Wish I hadn't seen that, ordered $50.00 of ribbon!

[marnie]

have you seen her knitting ribbons? fun and clever - i have used it on knitting needle rollup cases that i make with extra fabric from my all my picture frames and memento boards