6 November 2007

Sew Pretty

Barbara Bernard Cushions

Occasionally you spot a present that’s so brilliant — so bound to get you admired for your good taste — you can’t bear to wait until the appropriate occasion to give it.

Like Barbara Bernard’s bespoke tapestry house portraits. Bernard, an American-born, London-based artist and printmaker, makes hand-sewn tapestries of any abode. (“There isn’t a house that can’t be made to look charming”, she says.)

Submit photographs of the property, then choose whether you’d like a simple painted DIY canvas, a ready-sewn tapestry or a fully fledged cushion.

Bernard will also add words/dates on borders and can send the finished product anywhere in the world. Tapestry kits are on offer if you get stitchwork-hungry in the meantime.

This isn’t a gift; it’s a veritable heirloom.

And one that’ll send your popularity through the roof.

Available online at barbarabernard.com.