Art Close & Personal

INEZ TAN | Inez Designs

Some people capture memories in a photograph, while others capture them in an artwork. In Inez Tan's case, she captures them in embroidery.

Using photographs, Ms Tan, who is self taught, creates embroidered hoop portraits of people and pets. First she creates a sketch using thread, and the image is brought to life using different stitch techniques, such as satin, backstitch and French knots, using threads of different colours. Customers can ask for text or specific items to be included, as well as their favourite colours.

The artworks come in 15cm hoops, and prices start from $150, with each piece taking two to six weeks to complete.

For Christmas, she does family portraits, decorated with a festive holiday wreath. She can add cheery text such as "Fa La La", "Open Me" or "Jingle Bell Rock". The hoops can be placed on coffee or dinner tables as part of a decor theme, or simply hun…