A Bookmark à la Matisse to Embroider

Colors sing and botanicals dance in The Dessert: Harmony in Red (The Red Room), painted in 1908–1909 by Henri Matisse (1869–1954). Considered by many to be the epitome of Fauvist art, this oil-on-canvas is regarded as one of Matisse’s masterpieces. Today, it hangs in The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, though a trip to the museum is not required to experience its visual power.

Inspired by the energy and electric effect of Matisse’s bold palette and lively composition, this embroidered bookmark echoes both the vibrancy of the painting and the genius of the artist. Simple stitches—stem, chain, and French knot—in crewel wool on linen form the pas de deux of stylized leaves. For those who find the Matisse-inspired palette shown here a touch restrained, brighter, free-wheeling colors—swimming-pool blue, salmon pink, lime, or neon yellow—can create an even livelier effect.

Editor’s note: Mary Polityka Bush initially created this design for the Winter 2018 issue of PieceWork. In honor of this issue’s fine art theme, we are delighted to present it here.

Materials

• Brown Sheep Company Waverly Wool, 100% wool yarn, 8 yard (7.3 m)/hank, 1 hank each of #1050 Black, #3004 Yellow, and #7052 Blue
• Zweigart Belfast, 100% linen fabric, 32-count, 1 piece 12 × 12 inches (30.5 × 30.5 cm) of
• #3609/902 Red.
• Note: This color has been discontinued. Substitute 4030 Terra Cotta or the color of your choice.
• John James Needles, size 22 chenille, size 22 tapestry, and size 10 sharps
• Sewing thread, Red
• Embroidery hoop, 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter or stretcher bars, 10 × 10 inches (25.4 × 25.4 cm)
• Marking pen, washout

Finished Size: Design, 2 3⁄8 × 6 5⁄8 inches (6.0 × 16.8 cm); bookmark, about 2½ × 7 inches (6 × 18 cm)