Bold, tattoo inspired embroideries by upcoming artist and designer, [ShinyFabulousDarling](https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShinyFabulousDarling), show that needlework is no longer the old-fashioned pastime it was once considered to be. Updating the antiquated art form with a modern twist and no shortage of colour, her work is bright, quirky and intricately detailed. For the tattoo aficionado and the un-inked art lover alike, her work appeals on many levels.

Created and stitched entirely by hand, using little more than a needle and thread and almost a dozen different stitching techniques, this one of a kind, unique piece of textile artwork is tattoo art to adorn the walls, not peoples skin. The artist herself describes the process as "labour intensive and extremely time consuming" with each piece taking anywhere from a few days to several months to complete. Each and every stitch is individually placed by hand, to create texture and tactile, 3D elements that pop right off the canvas.

Drawing inspiration from both traditional embroidery and modern tattooing, the two collide in this contemporary piece of fibre art featuring a blue haired woman with multiple tattoos and piercings, this is definitely not nan's needlework! This particular piece has been featured on several popular art websites including Doodlers Anonymous and Mr X Stitch where it was described as "breathtaking" by fellow fibre artist, Leigh Bowser.

Embroidery and other forms of needlework have gained popularity in recent years with the public's renewed interest in hand crafted goods and sites such as Etsy and Folksy (both exciting online marketplaces, specialising in handmade goods) have soared in popularity. Etsy currently has over 54 million registered users, a massive increase over the past 5 years, compared to their 2010 figure of just 7 million users and, with the recent launch of Amazon's handmade marketplace, the trend doesn't show any signs of slowing any time soon.