A Book of Tulips (2025)

Zina Kazban
Intermediate +

Embark on a journey with expert RSN tutor Zina Kazban. Taking place during 10 monthly classes (plus a specialist lecture during the summer break, over a period of 11 months, Zina will guide students to recreate an exquisite 19th century embroidered book in beautiful silk and metal threads from our UK producers. This course is ideal for those with advanced knowledge of silk and metal thread embroidery although confident intermediate stitchers are also welcome.

Next Start date March 2027

12 months

Silk & Metal Thread Embroidery

A Book of Tulips (2025)
About the Design

A Keepsake for Posterity

This embroidered book features an exquisite 19th-century design, showcasing intricate tulip motifs crafted with silk embroidery and metal thread. The vibrant colors of the tulips, combined with the shimmering metallic elements create a stunning visual contrast against the detailed background.

The embroidery is meticulously executed, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistic flair typical of the era. This decorative binding not only serves as protection for the book but also transforms it into a luxurious artifact, reflecting the Victorian appreciation for beauty and detail. The combination of silk and metal threads adds texture and depth, making it a cherished piece for collectors and lovers of fine art.

About this course

During a series of 9 4-hour classes spanning a period of 12 month period, Zina will guide you through the process of replicating this exquisite embroidered book from the comfort of your own home.

  • Enjoy learning about the context behind the original embroidery and understand the styles and techniques popular at the time

  • Feel supported with our expert guidance throughout the course, and be inspired to develop your own creativity and complete an impressive design of your own.

  • Greater Confidence: You will gain a profound sense of freedom with your needle and the confidence to take on more advanced silk and goldwork designs.

  • Enjoy a group experience forming friendships with like-minded stitchers across the globe

  • Develop a new perspective on colour and stitch combinations with the freedom to experiment more on your own designs

  • The final outcome will be the creation of your own embroidered heirloom, just yours, to pass down to posterity.

Intermediate +

Suitable for Intermediate+ and Advanced Embroiderers

This course is designed for those with at least intermediate+ embroidery experience. This means that they should have a decent level of experience with silk and metal thread embroidery and have completed a few kits in the discipline in the past. Experience of framing up with a slate frame is also required.

Shop all Kits
Intermediate +

The Details

Group 1 - Dates & Times

5 Sept 2025 - 25 Sept 2026 + Book Binding

Group 1 classes take place on Fridays at 10–12am and 1–3pm (UK time)
(NB: The clocks go back in the UK on 26 October 2025 and forward again on 29 March 2026)

5 September 2025 – Introduction

Session focus: Outlining the book frame. Small flowers and leaves on the front cover


10 October 2025 – Front Cover

Session focus: Silk shaded tulip in the centre


14 November 2025 – Front Cover

Session focus: Couching metal cords over stems and leaves. Silk shaded blue tulips in the corners


Christmas Break
6 December 2025 – Special Lecture with Jacqui Hyman


9 January 2026 – Front Cover

Session focus: Couching metal cords over stems and leaves. Continue silk shaded blue tulips in the corners


13 February 2026 – Front Cover

Session focus: Applying twist in a circle. Filling background with chipwork and spangles


20 March 2026 – The Spine

Session focus: Silk shaded blue flowers


Easter Break

1 May 2026 – The Spine

Session focus: Silk shaded pink flowers


5 June 2026 – Finishing Touches
Session focus: Grass under the large tulip and finishing touches on the spine

24 July 2926 - Finishing Touches
Session focus: Set cover size, outline book edges, and fill background with chipwork and spangles

Break to Complete Stitching

25 September 2026 – Follow Up


October 2026 – Book Binding Tuition Begins (Live Introduction & Recorded
Sessions in your own time)
November 2026 – Book Binding Live Follow Up

Group 2 - Dates & Times

6 Sept 2-25 - 26 Sept 2026 + Book Binding

Group 2 classes take place on Saturdays at 4–6pm and 7–9pm (UK time)
(NB: The clocks go back in the UK on 26 October 2025 and forward again on 29 March 2026)

6 September 2025 – Introduction
Session focus: Outlining the book frame. Small flowers and leaves on the front cover

11 October 2025 – Front Cover
Session focus: Silk shaded tulip in the centre

15 November 2025 – Front Cover

Session focus: Couching metal cords over stems and leaves. Silk shaded blue tulips in the corners

Christmas Break
6 December 2025 – Special Lecture with Jacqui Hyman

10 January 2026 – Front Cover
Session focus: Couching metal cords over stems and leaves. Continue silk shaded blue tulips in the corners

14 February 2026 – Front Cover
Session focus: Applying twist in a circle. Filling background with chipwork and spangles

21 March 2026 – The Spine
Session focus: Silk shaded blue flowers

Easter Break

2 May 2026 – The Spine
Session focus: Silk shaded pink flowers


6 June 2026 – Finishing Touches
Session focus: Grass under the large tulip and finishing touches on the spine

25 July 2926 - Finishing Touches
Session focus: Set cover size, outline book edges, and fill background with chipwork and spangles

Break to Complete Stitching


26 September 2026 – Follow Up


October 2026 – Book Binding Tuition Begins (Live Introduction & Recorded
Sessions in your own time)
November 2026 – Book Binding Live Follow Up

What's Included

34 Hours of Embroidery Tuition with Zina

Zina Kazban is a hand-embroidery designer and a tutor. She is a graduate of the Future Tutors programme at the Royal School of Needlework. She also had a professional fashion embroidery training at Ecole Lesage (Métiers d’Art CHANEL). Over the years Zina has taught for the Crewel Work Company, RSN, London Embroidery School and privately in the UK as well as in the USA. Her designs were published in embroidery magazines including Classic Inspirations.

Zina's artistic sense and rare attention to detail in the her execution of her designs, make her the perfect fit for this rare embroidered book design.

Over 10 sessions spanning 12 months, Zina will guide you towards creating your own embroidered treasure. You will become a master of silk shading as you manipulate your threads to create the beautifully soft shaded tulips.

Between classes you will have access to support from Zina via our private community platform, and have time to complete large sections of work before moving on to the next lesson.

The Kit

Working with the finest British suppliers, we will provide you with all of the necessary materials you need in order to execute this piece with historic integrity. In your kit, you will receive:

  • A set of silks & metal threads from our long-term UK-based producers. If you run out you will be able to request more during the course at no additional cost (we will only charge you shipping)
  • Printed silk fabric (a practice piece and a final piece)
  • Needles for silk and metal thread embroidery
  • A mellor, scissors for silk thread, and scissors for metal threads
  • Workshop notes and stitch charts
  • You will also receive a book binding materials pack later in the course

A Shared Experience

A wonderful outcome of our long courses is the connection that evolves between students. During this course, you will have access to our new private community space, which is accessible directly from your dashboard.

On this platform, you will be able to:

  • Ask questions and troubleshoot with your tutor
  • Chat with fellow students and share progress
  • Access the live sessions and subsequent recordings
  • Check for updates from the tutor and the CWC team
“The quality of the materials and the live classes is astounding. Worth every penny. It feels like you are creating an heirloom.”

Create an Heirloom

Meet Your Tutor

Zina Kazban

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Zina is a graduate of the Future Tutors programme at the Royal School of Needlework. She has also trained at Ecole Lesage (Métiers d’Art CHANEL).
Learn More About Zina Kazban

You might be wondering

What size is the design?

The dimensions of the book (laid flat) are:
15.05 x 21.5 cm (5 ⁷/₈ x 8 ½ in.)

What stitches are featured in the design?

Surface stitches, Silk Shading, Satin Stitch, Couching Metal Cords, Chipwork, Spangles

What else will I need?

You will need a 24 inch slate frame.

How long will it take me?

This course takes place over 12 months, with time to stitch between each session. You are not expected to have finished your design by the time the course ends but we will provide you with the necessary support in order to do so.

How do I join the live classes?

All classes will take place on Zoom, which can be accessed directly from your dashboard. A link to the session will also be sent to you before the class.

Optional Extras

At the end of this course you also have the chance to add tutorials to learn both book finishing and book binding, plus the opportunity to purchase a hand made book and box for your embroidery.

Delivery & Returns

Packages will be sent by tracked and signed delivery for a small fee of £12.95 (approx. USD$19). Please note that packages will be shipped a month before the start of this course.

You may cancel your place up to 6 months before the start of the course. Unfortunately after that time, we cannot refund your payment.