December's Maker: Mamma Chey Handmade

I am so excited to share with you this month's maker - Mamma Chey Handmade. Cheyenne is an incredibly talented individual with a lot of creativity! She makes "thread paintings" where she embroiders an image in such a way that it almost appears painted.

Earlier this year, I ordered a this portrait of our family dog that had passed away as a gift for my parents. She perfectly captured his sweet face, and it now hangs inside my mom's china cabinet.

I could not recommend Cheyenne's work enough. She puts so much love, time and care into each one of her pieces. They are perfect for anyone who loves eclectic art or wants to have a piece that can be passed down for generations to come! I wanted to give Cheyenne the chance to speak about Mamma Chey Handmade herself. So without further hesitation, here is the interview I had with her:

How would you best describe Mamma Chey Handmade?

Mamma Chey Handmade is a collection of my handmade goods, with a focus on embroidery at the current moment.

How did you discover your passion for embroidery and thread paintings?

I went to school for photography, but it lacked the hands on feeling I enjoy while making art. While I was pregnant I started experimenting with other mediums and fell in love with the texture and product of embroidery.

How would you best describe a "thread painting"?

A thread painting is layers and layers of stitching that build up to portray a realistic image. For my thread paintings I usually use about 20-30 colors to ensure smooth shading and to include as much detail as possible. I start with the darkest shades and work my way to white, and then finish off with the eyes.

What is your favorite piece you've made?

I love the squirrel piece because it was a commission as a meaningful gift. It reflected an event in a persons life and the flower mandalas are something they like to do as well, but I like the shading in the piece, the natural feeling of it, the color palette.

What projects are you currently working on that you're excited about?

I am currently working with NEST Boutique + DIY Studio. I teach about one class a month where we stitch small embroidery projects that cover a range of beginner stitches. I also stitch up seasonal local themed pieces that are for sale in their store. Right now there are warm colored NC pieces.

I am also working with Honeypot Vintage in downtown Asheville. They give me a few denim pieces every couple of months, I embroider them and then they sell them in their store. Right now I have a couple pieces left in store and I am working on a new batch.

Needless to say Cheyenne is an incredibly talented artist! How beautiful are these pieces? If you're in the Asheville, NC area be sure to sign up for her class at Nest Boutique + DIY Studio on December 10th. That will surely be a treat! She will be teaching you how to make these beautiful Christmas ornaments. And everything is 20% off in her Etsy shop! Run, don't walk! We are also hosting a giveaway! You can enter to win the wreath ornament by following @mammacheyhandmade and @floweringfox on Instagram. Like the photo of these beautiful ornaments, tag a friend who would love this ornament, and leave a comment telling us what you love the most about the holidays! We will announce the winner on 12/18/17!