During Elizabethan times, visual communications through needlework motifs provided messages of values and moral lessons. Representations of the Four Elements – Fire, Water, Air and Earth were popular motifs as they believed the World to be composed of 4 basic elements. These were considered to exist within each human being and were the critical energy forces that sustained life. Maintaining a balance between these elements would ensure physical well-being.

The third in the ‘Elements’ series is FIRE.

In myth and elemental lore, the salamander is no ordinary creature—it is said to dwell in fire and emerge unscathed. It became a symbol of transformation, purification, and resilience.

This richly detailed needlework kit brings that legend to life with a dimensional salamander embroidered in raised work, curling through flames and smoke. The lid tops a functional replica of a traditional tinder box—the kind once carried to create fire with flint and steel.

The Box is 4 3/4” x 3 1/8” and 2” tall with flame printed sides and historical notes on salamander symbolism that are engraved in the base.

The lid features stunning raised-work embroidery of a salamander, long believed to dwell in fire and survive its fiercest heat. The base fabric is printed with a salamander within flames and curling smoke. Learn a trapunto-like technique to pad the salamander to raise him to life. Add couched threads to spark the flames shooting from his mouth.

The padded underside of the lid is worked on hand-dyed linen. Flames and the word ‘Fire’ are worked in Tent stitch signifying the percussion fire-making tools; flint, steel and char cloth that all fit nicely in the box.

Flint– a hard stone that produces sparks when struck by steel	Steel Striker – a hand crafted high-carbon steel, shaped for comfortable striking	Custom salamander etched tin to hold the Char Cloth– fabric that has been charred in a low-oxygen environment to become highly flammable when hit by a spark

In addition to these essential items, there is a printed sheet explaining how to make fire. Here is an abridged version: Strike the steel against the flint, aiming sparks onto a piece of char cloth nestled some dry grass. When a spark is caught, the char cloth will begin to glow like an ember. The glowing ember is then transferred to dry grass, which if blown on gently, will ignite into a flame.

Make this box a showcase of both stitching techniques and storytelling. This project combines symbolic needlework, historical detail, and craftsmanship.

For more information and details on the Fire Casket Keepsakes Kit, please click HERE

The second in the ‘Elements’ series is WATER.

Water is a symbol for power, wisdom, grace, purity, and regeneration.

I am pleased to offer the Water Casket Keepsakes Kit, which will provide you with step by step instructions and the materials to create the two finely detailed needleworkers accoutrements:



The first Keepsake in the Water Casket Keepsakes Kit is a Sea Monster needle keep. The Sea Monster incorporates several different vintage metal trims.  The size is 4” x 2 1/2” and 3/4” thick.

Roll your mouse over the image to view opened needle vial.



The second Keepsake in the Water Casket Keepsakes Kit is a Crab shaped bag to hold a thread winder. Each side of the crab incorporates different needlework techniques inspired by 17th century antiques examples. The size is only 3” x 2 1/2” x 1/2" thick.

Roll your mouse over the image to view the bag open.



For more information and details on the Earth Casket Keepsakes Online Tutorial, please click HERE.

The kit first in the series is EARTH!

Earth is a symbol for strength, stability, orderliness,  creativity, dependability and wisdom.

I am pleased to offer the Earth Casket Keepsakes Kit, which will provide you with step by step instructions and the materials to create the two finely detailed needleworkers accoutrements:

The first Keepsake in the Earth Casket Keepsakes Kit  is a Snail Tape Measurer. Each side of the snail incorporates different needlework techniques inspired by 17th century antiques examples. The size is only 2” x 3/4” x 1 1/4" tall.  

Roll your mouse over the image to view the other side.

The second is a pinkeep. What could be more earthy than Obsidian Volcanic Glass Headed Pins which are stored along the outside edge.  A Grasshopper is depicted on one side and a a Caterpillar on the other.   The size is 1 3/4” x 3” x 1/2" thick.   

Roll your mouse over the image to view the other side.

  For more information and details on the Earth Casket Keepsakes Online Tutorial please click HERE.