Welcome to my little corner of the internet! This is where my love for nature and embroidery come together.
I’m Dawn, an artist with a never-ending fascination for nature - particularly plants and insects. I’m lucky enough to live in a beautiful spot on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. Here, I am surrounded by greenery, and the River Wye - the perfect place for spotting my subjects!
My art is a blend of machine and hand embroidery, stumpwork, and appliqué - where texture, colour, and layers all come together. Each stitch is homage to the mini wonders of the world that we so often miss.
"Dawn is a wonderful, vibrant soul whose kindness shines through everything she does. With a nurturing heart, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering moral compass, she brings patience, understanding, and love into her art and every interaction. Her creativity is as beautiful as the care and compassion she shares with the world."
- Trish
/ˈbɒtəni/
Botany is all about plants - the scientific study of their structure, genetics, role in the ecosystem, and how we interact with them. The art of botany extends beyond its scientific principles and into the world of inspiration, as it often serves as the foundation for many works of nature-inspired art, including my embroidery.
Nature is my endless source of inspiration. It’s the small, quiet things that captivate me the most: the pattern on a leaf, the sound of bees buzzing, the vibrant colors of flowers in bloom. Living here, surrounded by the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains, and the lush greenery of the Wye Valley, I am constantly in awe of the world around me. It’s this beauty that I want to capture and share through my embroidery.
We all have a role to play in protecting the outdoors, no matter how small our actions seem. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting sustainable practices, or simply taking care of the natural spaces we love, we can make a difference. I hope my art helps people slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and feel inspired to take action. After all, when we truly see the world around us, we want to protect it.
/ˈɪnsɛkt/
Insects may be tiny, but they play a massive role in our ecosystem. From bees to butterflies, ants to dragonflies, these little things help pollinate plants, break down organic matter, and maintain the balance of nature. Bees are especially important, as they’re responsible for pollinating many of the crops we rely on for food. They are the unsung heroes of our natural world.
The quiet workers that keep everything ticking in our environment, insects are crucial. Bees pollinate plants, helping them reproduce and ensuring that we get the fruits and vegetables we depend on. Without insects, our food system would collapse. By highlighting the beauty of these critters in my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate them and understand just how essential they are to our planet’s health.
Protecting insects, especially bees, is crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. You can help by planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local beekeepers. Simple actions like providing water for pollinators or creating wildflower meadows can make a world of difference. If we all take small steps to protect these vital creatures, we’ll help ensure a healthier environment for generations to come.
Dragonflies are simply magical to watch. With their delicate wings shimmering in the sun, they seem like little fairies darting through the air. Not only are they stunning, but they’re also natural pest controllers, helping to keep the balance of nature by catching and eating mosquitoes and other flying insects. A true marvel of the skies!
Slugs may not get the love they deserve, but they’re truly fascinating creatures! Their soft bodies help to break down organic matter, playing a vital role in keeping our gardens healthy. I find their gentle pace and glistening trails quietly beautiful, reminding me that even the smallest creatures have their own unique charm.
Honey bees are the heartbeat of our gardens and fields. They work tirelessly, collecting nectar and spreading pollen, making sure that plants thrive. I can’t help but admire their hard work and dedication - they’re the little superheroes of nature, buzzing through life with purpose and drive.
Grasshoppers always make me smile with their playful leaps and bouncy movements. These lively creatures are not just fun to watch, though - they’re important for pollination and contribute to the balance of our ecosystems. They remind me that every little hop in life can bring something new, even if it’s just a touch of joy in the moment.
Butterflies are nature’s living artwork. Their delicate wings are painted in the most vibrant colours, and they dance through the air with grace. But it’s not just their beauty that’s mesmerizing; they’re also crucial pollinators, helping plants flourish. Watching them flit by reminds me to embrace change and the beauty of transformation in life.
Caterpillars are nature’s little miracles! Watching them munch on leaves and grow steadily is such a reminder of how small actions can lead to amazing transformations. Their journey into butterflies is one of nature’s most beautiful stories of change, growth, and rebirth, making them a symbol of hope in my eyes.
Threads are the heart of every piece I create. Whether it's the soft shimmer of silk, the gentle texture of cotton, or the strength of wool, each thread is chosen with care. Through these strands, I bring nature’s beauty to life - each stitch a small act of reverence for these delicate wonders.
Each of my embroidered pieces tells a story. I don’t just stitch images; I stitch memories, feelings, and connections to nature that are meant to last for years to come.
I love combining machine and hand embroidery in my work. The machine gives me precision and speed, while the hand stitching adds personality and warmth. Together, they allow me to create pieces that feel both finely crafted and full of character. Whether it’s the delicate wings of a dragonfly or the vibrant colours of a flower, every stitch has a purpose.
Before I found my passion for embroidery, I spent many years in education and teaching. Now, my journey has come full circle, blending my love for nature with the stories I tell through needle and thread.
Stumpwork is a technique that brings embroidery to life in 3D. It allows me to add depth and texture, creating a more tactile experience for the viewer. The way the threads rise off the fabric makes insects and plants feel like they could move at any moment, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the small, delicate creatures of nature.
Embroidery is more than just a craft -each stitch is a chance to slow down, observe, and translate what I see into something lasting. Whether it’s a fluttering butterfly or a curling fern, I embroider because it connects me to the natural world in a meaningful way.
The landscapes, plants, and insects around me are my constant inspiration. I draw from what I see every day—the way light falls on a leaf or the delicate flutter of a butterfly’s wings. Through my work, I hope to capture the essence of nature and share it with you, one stitch at a time. Each piece is a celebration of life’s little wonders.
Spending time by the river with the dogs is one of my favourite moments of peace… The gentle flow of the water, the sounds of nature, and the joy of watching them explore. It’s in these quiet moments that I find inspiration for my art and a deep connection to the world around me.
My art is all about textures - whether it’s the rough, organic texture of linen or the soft, smooth silk threads that mimic the wings of a butterfly. I use a combination of textures to capture the way nature feels, from the coolness of a leaf’s surface to the softness of a bee’s fuzzy body. Every material is chosen to enhance the sensory experience.
I find beauty in the smallest things: a single leaf, a delicate wing, the curve of an insect’s body. My embroidery is a way of celebrating those often-overlooked details. By focusing on the tiny wonders of nature, I aim to remind us all of the other lives that exist in the world around us.
Appliqué is one of my favourite techniques - it involves layering fabrics to create depth and texture, bringing designs to life in a tangible way. This technique, combined with embroidery, allows me to create pieces that feel alive and full of texture.
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