Artist Duo Use Embroidery To Show The Places They’ve Visited

One of the best parts about traveling is seeing splendid scenery and stunning architectural structures in person. Most of us would probably take photos of them to relive the experience time and time again. However, French-Swedish textile artists Charles Henry and Elin Petronella have a different idea in mind. Instead of simply snapping shots of impressive sights during their trips, this creative couple transforms them into intricate embroidery designs.

Collectively known as Le Kadre, the couple creates embroidered cityscapes, landscapes, as well as famous landmarks in different European countries. From London’s iconic red telephone box to Barcelona’s majestic Casa Batllo, each design is sure to tickle the travel bug in you. More importantly, the couple also aims to promote stitching as a way of relaxation through their handmade creations.

 

 

 

 

“In our increasingly stressed world of constant connectivity, it’s essential to sometimes de-connect. When you embroider by hand, the process allows you to do just that: de-connect and relax. With the repetitive movements of pushing the needle up and down, your body literally relaxes stitch by stitch.”

 

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As I finished up the left building today I was thinking about out absurd encounter with the police yesterday… when we were about to cross the Pyrénées over to France we got stopped by the Spanish border control. No problem, we gave them the papers they needed for the car etc, and suddenly they start to talk very fast between each other. According to them we were driving a stolen car from Greece (with a Swedish plate) in Spain… ? well you can imagine it was quite stressful at the moment, but today it already feels like history and a crazy story that @_charleshenry_ and I will be able to tell for a long time ? (and yes everything went well and they finally let us go after about 45 minutes of chit chatting, luckily at least one of them spoke French!) Ps don’t miss Charles’ take over of the @dmc_embroidery stories today!! ? Ps.2 tap the image to access the pre-release version of this pattern? . . . #embroidery #embroideryart #handembroidery #handmadeembroidery #broderie #bordado #hoopembroidery #dmcthreads #dmc #embroideryhoop #casabatllo #detailart #embroidertartist #needlework #textures #fiberart #fiberartist #streetartglobe #fubiz #textileart #embroidered #contemporaryembroidery #architectureart #architecturedesign #lekadre #petronellaart #artistlife #urbansketch #threadpainting

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Artistic couple Charles Henry and Elin Petronella takes hand-embroidery to the next level with their European architecture-inspired patterns

So, as with most artwork, each embroidered masterpiece starts off with a sketch of the subject on paper. This is then transferred onto a piece of fabric using carbon paper. Afterward, each detail is rendered stitch by stitch, slowly bringing the design to life. The artistic duo mostly creates pieces in full color. However, they also have other designs that they rendered in plain white thread against a black fabric and vice versa.

 

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This is the first design I’ve made where the original inspiration is in movement… from experience the yellow tram (number 53E) only goes up the hill every 30 minutes (though if it doesnt matter which color of tram you will be able to catch a ride with just a 15 minute interval in case you’re considering to visit this particular street of Lisbon?) I also know now from experience that we probably should have looked up the time table before heading there over-excited to snap the picture haha? though I think it was worth the wait in the end ???? what do you think? ? If you’d also like to embroidery this design its one of two patterns that is sent out to all subscribers through the end of October in our monthly pattern program ? My husband @_charleshenry_ has designed the second one and you can see it over at his account ? just follow the link in my bio @petronella.art or My stories for registration and get started stitching!

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The last few days most of my embroidery hours have been put into my wedding dress. About 6 months ago I told myself that I wouldn’t put myself in a “last minute” situation, but I suppose my experience confirms that that is always easier said than done… ????? at least the intention was there! Today however, I took a few hours break and got some stitches in on this month’s design for all subscribers to our monthly patten program ? It’s a design that is close to my heart for many reasons as it is inspired from my birth town Gothenburg and we are heading up to the west coast for marriage in just a few weeks ? this particular street is located just next to the botanical garden and is just as lovely as you may have figured ? to join the program and receive this pattern in your inbox the 15th of August, just follow the link in my bio @petronella.art and press “monthly pattern” (or follow the link in my stories if that’s easier for you ???) While I’m at it, I also want to give you a little heads up that along with this big celebration at the end of the month we will send out a newsletter with some benefits for you to be able to celebrate with us ?? just head over to our website (also the link in my bio @petronella.art ) and register today to make sure you get the news in your inbox the 25th August ? . . . #embroideryartist #handembroidery #gothenburg #Göteborg #artistlife #sweden #streetart #architecturelover #needlework #artistcouple #embroiderypattern

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Before we left Gothenburg this morning I had time to take a little Walk back to this Lovely area for the final picture of my August design ? it will always be a sweet souvenir as I will remember this design from the last month as a fiancé ? . The area is located next to the Botanical Garden and I highly recommend those visiting the city to have a tour there! . This pattern is still available if you’d like to have it as well, for those who don’t live in Sweden but wish to go it might be a fun project to aim to visit one day ?? just follow the link in my bio —> monthly pattern ? . I wish you a Lovely end of the week wherever you are! . . #gothenburg #sweden #göteborg #handembroidery #broderie #bordado #streetart #dmcthreads #embroidery #needlework #artiste #artistcouple #änggården #handmade #hoopart #artistoninsta #goodmorningart #worldofartists #worldofart #artislove

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This week Charles and I are back in the city where we met, lived and started our artistic endeavours together… Paris! ?? To come back to a place helps to give perspective on all the things you've accomplished in the time you were gone. It's too easy to get stuck in your thoughts and not take a step back for a greater overview. This is the same for my embroideries of architecture. To sometimes take a step back and look up at the magnificent buildings you have around you gives you a unique perspective of the city and its history. For example, this building on Rue Rembrandt in the 8th arrondissement is just next to Parc Monceau, which was first built in 1778 by Philippe d'Orleans, the cousin of King Louis XVI. For every stitch I think and imagine all the things that the walls of this building must have seen and heard. In fact, embroidering a building adds yet another perspective that allows you to go deeper into the history and understanding of the structures that is invaluable ? . . . #whpperspective #embroidery #handembroidery #paris #parisart #worldofartists #goodmorningart #worldofart #broderie #bordado #streetart #architectureart #architecturelover

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? Sometimes shit happens… but that Okay. I did embroider Hopital Sant Pau for some times now. So I was excited that today was the day of seeing it for real. But once I arrived in the location. The building that I embroider was not accessible to the public now… I was disappointed. But decided to show you the front building and to think : it is okay. Things don't go always your way, and everything happens for a reason. Maybe the building wants to stay mystery to us and that the beauty of it. Never forget : It is okay Okay to fail Okay to not have what you planned to have Okay to not be the best Okay to do whatever you want. Because after all, you have nothing to prove to anyone.? . . . #lekadre #embroidery #broderie #bordado #handembroidery #handmade #needlework #needlepainting #wip #workinprogress #diy #needlepainter #handcrafts #handmadembroidery #contemporaryartist #artistofinstagram #threadart #threadpainting #manbroiderer #stitch #handcrafthomemade #barcelonaart #barcelonagram #urbansketch

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The couple frequently shares sneak peeks of their works in progress through their respective Instagram pages, @_charleshenry_ and @petronella.art. They also have a website where you can purchase and download their unique pattern designs. On top of that, they also offer a variety of online courses.

Sources: Le Kadre | Charles Henry | Elin Petronella