A Book of Tulips (2027)

Zina Kazban
Advanced

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.

Optional finishing tuition may be added to your purchase, with the option to choose between a removable chemise cover or a fixed cover like the original. You may also choose to add additional book binding tuition, led by our expert binder Dominic Riley. materials packs will accompany both the finishing and book binding tutorials, which will be taken at the end of the embroidery process.

Booking Opens 28 May

11 months + Optional finishing and book binding

Silk & Metal Thread Embroidery

A Book of Tulips (2027)
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.

Advanced

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
Advanced

Class Schedule

Times & Dates

20 Feb 2027 - 5 Feb 2028

Classes take place on Saturdays at 3–5pm and 6–8pm (UK time)
(NB: The clocks go forward in the UK on 28 March 2027 and back on 31 October 2027)

20 Feb 2027 - Class 1: Introduction & Framing Up
Applying silk fabric. (Students are asked to complete the first framing-up step in advance using the pre-recorded video.)

6 March 2027 - Class 2: Pink Flowers on the Spine
Small flowers and leaves on the front cover

3 April 2027 - Class 3: Front Cover
Silk shaded blue tulips in the corners. Applying twist around the circle

8 May 2027 - Class 4: Front Cover
Continue silk shaded blue tulips in the corners. Couching metal cords over the stems.

5 June 2027 - Class 5: Front Cover
Silk shaded tulip in the centre, simple version. Gold leaves next to the blue tulips.

10 July 2027 - Class 6: Front Cover
Silk shaded tulip in the centre, advanced version. Small and large gold leaves between blue tulips.

7 August 2027 - Special Lecture with Jacqui Hyman

4 September 2027 – Class 7: Couching large tulip stem on the front cover
Silk shaded cornflowers on the spine.

9 October 2027 – Class 8: Outlining the spine and finishing touches
Grass under the large tulip.

6 November 2027 - Class 9: Outlining the book frame
Filling background with chipwork and spangles.

Break to Complete Stitching

5 February 2028 - Class 10: Follow-up Session
Catch up with Zina for one final time to resolve any final doubts and spend a final session with your fellow students to complete any remaining areas

March onwards - Optional Finishing & Book Binding Tuition begins
Add on these optional extras to complete your masterpiece and learn adjacent crafts associated with embroidered book bindings

Framing Requirements

You will need a 24 inch slate frame, or equivalent for this course.

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

Starts: Feb 20, 2027

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.