Jewel of the Sea by Georgina Bellamy

When we consider the precarious nature of the world around us, one of the images which often comes to mind is of the sea turtle. These ancient creatures, which have swum in the oceans since Tyrannosaurus Rex walked the earth, are now firmly on the endangered list. 

Of the seven species of sea turtle, three are vulnerable, three are critically endangered and one, the Green Sea Turtle, is currently teetering on the edge of the critical list as its habitat and lifestyle is progressively being destroyed.

Georgina Bellamy’s beautiful Green Sea Turtle from our new book ‘A Passion for Needlework | Blakiston Creamery’ is a design which pays homage to these precious ocean creatures. Georgina is famous for creating what she calls ‘Sculptural Goldwork’ – a melding of three-dimensional embroidery with exquisite metal thread techniques. This tiny Green Sea Turtle, aptly titled ‘Jewel of the Sea’ is a perfect example of the technique.

Sea turtles are well known for the mammoth journeys they frequently make, from breeding grounds to feeding grounds and back again. Some species, such as the Leatherback turtle can travel over 3,000 miles each way in order to lay their eggs in just the right location as to increase the chance of the tiny babies’ survival. 

The female will lay around 100 eggs and when they hatch, the fragile infants face a momentous struggle to reach the ocean and then find their way to the distant feeding area whilst remaining alive.

Georgina’s little turtle is the perfect image of one of these babies, newly hatched from his egg.

Although a real baby turtle has a delicate, pre-formed shell, Georgina’s turtle is strengthened by the chips of metal purl in various colours which adorn his carapace, his flippers and his beautiful little face.

‘Jewel of the Sea’ is worked in Georgina’s characteristic style. The base of the turtle is constructed with felt which provides the structure for the completed piece. The shell and the body are constructed in two separate pieces, which are only sewn together once all of the chipping and couching of the metallic thread is complete.

There is a lot of conservation work going on around the world as people realise that they have to do something in order to save these majestic creatures.

While hunting, net fishing, pollution and climate change continue to have a devastating impact, there are dedicated people who devote their lives to monitoring, tagging and helping the turtles, including moving clutches of eggs away from oil spills and overseeing the migration of the new hatchlings to their ocean home.

The time and care it takes for you to make your own, glittering, gorgeous turtle baby provides you with the moments to contemplate his real-life counterparts. 

Each time you glance over and see the wise and beautiful eyes of Jewel of the Sea gazing at you, you’ll get a glimpse of one small part of nature which makes our world such a beautiful place.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Jewel of the Sea by Georgina Bellamy from the book A Passion for Needlework | Blakiston Creamery is a stunning three-dimensional goldwork turtle.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Jewel of the Sea includes everything* you need to re-create this delightful scene: Fabric (unprinted), wool felts, sewing threads, embroidery threads, beads and needles.