Nuts & Berries by Jane Nicholas

Much of needlework is a study in illusion. With nothing more than needle, thread, fabric, ribbon, and beads, stitchers often endeavour to re-create the wonder of the natural world.

Leaves curl, petals unfurl, berries gleam, and tiny creatures scuttle, all conjured using our magical needles. It is this remarkable ability to replicate nature in stitch that anchors many of our creative pursuits.

Few designers embody this pursuit more completely than Jane Nicholas.

Having spent a lifetime perfecting her techniques through meticulous studies and renditions of plants and insects, Jane’s mastery of lifelike stumpwork has become renowned the world over.

Her pieces are at once intricate botanical portraits and delicate entomological studies, each one a miniature world brought to life through her needle and thread.

In Inspirations magazine issue #128, Jane’s project Nuts & Berries once again proves that her creativity knows no bounds. Instead of working solely upon ground fabric, Jane turns to an object from nature itself - the humble walnut shell.

Within this small, curved vessel Jane builds a stitched tableau, transforming the shell into both stage and container for her art.Within this small, curved vessel Jane builds a stitched tableau, transforming the shell into both stage and container for her art.

Sprays of berries are formed, clusters of redcurrants glow like tiny jewels, and blueberries glisten with cool depth. Boysenberries also appear, shaded and beaded with such realism that they might be freshly plucked from the vine.

Into these scenes Jane adds one of her signature motifs - a curious ladybird, its glossy back a charming counterpoint to the berries it explores.

One can almost sense the enjoyment Jane felt in creating Nuts & Berries, offering not just two distinct designs but presenting each in two colourways, for a total of four variations.

The scale of each project also comes into play here, as while these are highly intricate designs, they are not overly time-consuming to create, allowing Jane and us the luxury of producing multiple offerings.

And just as you’re admiring these mesmerising miniature beauties, but perhaps wondering about their purpose, Jane has one final surprise.

In keeping with the festive season, these jewel-like creations come complete with ribbon loops so you can hang them on your Christmas tree, each one looking magnificent with its gleaming berries and curious ladybird catching the light.

Then, once the decorations are packed away, they can be put to daily work as the most ornate of miniature pincushions you’ve ever seen, ready to house your needles all year round.

With Nuts & Berries, Jane Nicholas once again reminds us that in the smallest of spaces, needle and thread can create entire worlds - wondrous in their detail, delightful in their ingenuity, and deeply rewarding to stitch.