Hedgehog with an apple. Stumpwork embroidery by Christine Paris, Belgian artist of applied art

First of all, Stumpwork embroidery by Christine Paris, artist of applied art from Belgium is incredible. These stitched figures of squirrels, hedgehogs, and birds rising from the surface to form a 3-dimensional effect, look so realistic. In appearance, this type of embroidery is somewhat reminiscent of a bas-relief or sculpture. Maybe that’s why it bears a strange name, composed of two English words “stump” and “work.” The techniques of stumpwork differs, depending on material used in it – wire, rubber, textile, and anything that can create a 3D effect. Stitches are worked around pieces of wire, then applied to the main body of work by piercing the background fabric and securing tightly. Meanwhile, a master can create other shapes using padding under the stitches, usually in the form of felt layers sewn one upon the other in increasingly smaller sizes. And finally, the master then covers felt with a layer of embroidery stitches.
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A bear, a tiger and a pig rings. Work by Japanese self-taught artist and designer Jiro Miura – Count Blue Animal Cling Rings

Count Blue Animal Cling Rings
Made by Japanese self-taught artist Jiro Miura cling rings are, in fact, miniature sculptures of animals. Japanese designer and artist of applied art Jiro Miura has created a stunning gallery of pieces of jewelry. These cling rings are made in the form of various animals. The artist couldn’t even imagine these animal rings and earrings would become so popular that he would have to create his own brand name – ‘Count Blue’, under which he works now. The price for such artful pieces of jewelry is quite affordable ranging from $15 to $200 for one ring.
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A couple of doves. Rene Lalique Art Deco glass design

Rene Lalique Art Deco glass design
Born in the French village of Ay on 6 April 1860 (died 5 May 1945), Lalique started a glassware firm, named after him, which still remains successful. Lalique experimented with glass. If he performed his first works by the “vanishing wax” (taken from jewelry techniques), then he developed and implemented at the plant in Vinh-sur-Moder method of injection molding. So were many of his sculptures and vases. French jeweler engaged in production of a variety of glass items, including perfume bottles, lighting, chandeliers, clocks, jewelry using colored glass and figures. In addition, he made automobile hood ornaments, and symbols for automotive radiator grilles. In particular, Henry Citroen commissioned the first one.
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Papel Picado work by Mexican self-taught artist Margarita Fick. Incredible art of papercutting

Incredible art of papercutting
Undoubtedly, the first who cut paper were the Chinese, just because they invented paper. The art of paper cutting later spread to other parts and regions of the world influenced by their own cultural styles.
Meanwhile, all the beautiful paper cut works of art featured in this post belong to different contemporary authors. In particular, talented and skillful artists Aoyama Hina (Japan), Bovey Lee (China), Elisabeth Bottesi – Fisch (Switzerland), Hunter Stabler (USA), Karen Bit Vejle (Norway), Tomoko Shioyasu (Japan), Ueli Hofer (Switzerland) and many others. I hope they can conquer your hearts the same as they conquered mine.
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Milan, Italy. Dolce & Gabbana Applied Art. Fall-Winter 2014/2015 Artful collection

Dolce & Gabbana Applied Art
Fall-Winter 2014/2015 luxurious collection demonstrates inspiration with applied art and its triumph – Fingerless gloves, embroidered with beads and stones, handbags and shoes in stones and rhinestones, coats and jackets with embroidery, whimsical floral appliques and prints – a truly amazing collection in detail for inspiration and creativity. As always, Dolce & Gabbana was creative, luxurious and fairy-tale like, from “Once upon a time in Sicily…” beginning. The ‘key’ motif was literally the key itself, gold key prints covered beautiful textile.
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‘All Together’. Japanese quilt artst Hiroko Miyama

Japanese quilt artist Hiroko Miyama
Traditionally, Quilting – the art of creating extraordinarily beautiful ornaments and paintings by sewing and quilting different materials. Works produced in this way are called quilts.
The quilt ‘All Together’ is the winner of International Quilt Festival in Houston. Noteworthy, it was the first collaboration of Tokio based artist Hiroko and her husband Masanobu Miyama.
Japanese artist of applied art Hiroko Miyama creates quilts mostly with the image of her children and dogs, whom she calls her treasures. According to her, there are a lot of objects she wants to quilt, especially beautiful sceneries of Nagano, flowers and fairy tales. The artist on her website step by step explains the process and the technique of her quilt.
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