Noriko Livingstone: A Hand-Sewn Garden
Is it time to pick up a new project? Let embroidery artist Noriko Livingstone inspire you.
Cultivating a craft that merges the timeless elegance of nature with contemporary artistry, Noriko's pieces are modern heirlooms, delicately sewn with floral designs that evoke the nostalgic charm of vintage linens, while showcasing an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Growing up surrounded by her mother and grandmother’s love for sewing and gardening, Noriko’s passion for nature and textiles was nurtured from an early age. Her formal education in Fashion and Art at a Japanese university deepened her appreciation for design, culminating in a graduation project inspired by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement.
This influence remains central to her aesthetic today, and nature is Noriko’s greatest muse. Whether trekking through mountains or exploring her garden, she draws inspiration from the textures, forms, and colours of the natural world. “When you see nature firsthand, you feel the details; the sunshine, the wind. Being present [in nature] is far more inspirational than viewing an image,” she shares. Her floral embroidery captures this authenticity, blending traditional techniques with a modern sensibility.
Noriko’s background as a florist also informs her work, teaching her the importance of balance, space, and harmony in design. She studied floristry after her time at University, and she reflects on this as part of her creative process: “I think about how each texture and colour complements one another, creating a natural balance,” she explains. These principles shine through in her embroidery, where the meticulous art of flower arranging meets the precision of stitching.
Her artistic life is a balance of dedication and motherhood. “I have two daughters, and my eldest started stitching naturally when she was just four years old - she’s really good at it! Often, I design and stitch while holding a baby, and I’m extremely busy at the moment, but I really enjoy doing my work,” Noriko shares.
With sponsorship from the world-renowned threat manufacturer DMC France, Noriko has the tools to bring her visions to life. Their extensive palette of over 500 colours allows her to craft designs that resonate with stitchers and nature lovers worldwide.
Noriko’s artistry has thus far earned her widespread acclaim. Her work has been featured in Inspirations Magazine, and her accessible step-by-step embroidery kits have sold out repeatedly. In testament to their popularity, her upcoming book, set to be published using ethically sourced materials, will celebrate plant-inspired embroidery. Excitingly, it has already piqued interest from museums and international publications.
For Noriko, embroidery is more than a creative pursuit, it’s a way to connect with nature and bring people together. And as Noriko’s practice continues to flourish, her work reminds us of the beauty that emerges when we slow down, embrace nature, and weave its wonders into our lives.
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For more information:
https://norikolivingstone.jimdofree.com/
Image Credits:
Noriko Livingstone