The White Tree of Gondor. Hand embroidery
This embroidery is done in A3 size using DMC Satin (viscose) thread on matte black fabric. To create a 3D effect, I used a base of two felt layers. The felt was carefully cut to match the curves of the branches and the trunk, and then covered with a padded satin stitch.
Honestly, working with viscose was a struggle. Viscose thread is a tricky material to work with — it is very slippery and frays easily, making it hard to lay down smooth stitches over a raised base. However, I chose this exact thread against the deep black background, because it gives a smooth, shimmering surface. I wanted the Tree to look as if it were forged from real mithril, silvered by moonlight, shining in the dark.
The seven stars above the branches of the majestic Tree are made using the woven star technique. The overlapping threads naturally build volume and geometric facets, so no felt padding was needed underneath them. The light catches the facets of the stars, and the viscose shines just like real metal.
The thick grey cardboard used for the matting is like the ancient stone of the walls of Minas Tirith, the White City, protecting the White Tree. The inner bevel is hand-painted with silver Finetec, and a thin silver cord echoes the metallic shine of the embroidery, completing the artwork.
