Up for sale is a completed, hand crafted Crewel Enhanced picture. It is called ColorArt and features a scene printed on fabric which is then embellished with some type of embroidery.

Other information about this embroidery that I found:

"The town anxiously awaits as the circus parade passes through in this design "Circus Comes to Town"  Adapted from a design by Mrs "B" ( sometimes thought to be Lorraine Fox).   The artwork is completely pre-printed on the fabric, with select areas marked for stitching. Called a ’gallery crewel’ design, the effect is a collaborative effort with your needleheart and Mrs.B’s painting which will result in a piece you’ll be proud to display for a lifetime. This Gem of a find for the Village Folk Art and Circus collector will make a quick finish; just perfect for gift giving any time of year!"

The title of this crewel picture is Circus Comes to Town. This photo model was for kit #05039. It is from the JCA Simplicity Collection and adapted from a design by Mrs. B. The size is 29 1/2 x 11 1/2. The fabric is stretched and mounted onto plywood backing. It has a grey double mat and white frame.  The frame, however, has a lot of marks from being in storage and will need to be touched up. The back is done professionally with craft paper.  

Many of the areas of the picture are enhanced with crewel stitches.Starting from the left the areas done are: rider on elephant. part of elephants blanket. First two people walking. Mane on two horses and tail as well as other embellishments on the horses. Next two clowns. Part of the carriage as well as hats on the occupants. Also parts of the last two horses ; next two people walking. Parts on driver on animal cage as well as parts of the cage and wheels.

The artist is Mrs. B. for the Colorado artist Sharon Bond Brown.

All kits by the Johnson Creative Arts Company are made in the United States.

What makes this so unique is that it was the initial hand crafted photo model that was used to take the photographs that went on to the kits.

Included in this listing is a picture of the kit for this item which is shown for reference only as this does not come with the kit. Here is the information that was shown with the kit:

Simplicity Stitchery crewel embroidery kit #05039, Frolicking Sea Otters. Adapted from a designed by Mrs. B. Finished project measures approximately 24" by 6". Easy and quick - only some of the details are stitched to give a three dimensional effect.

Kit includes design printed on 100% polyester fabric, Paternayan wool crewel yarn, cotton floss, needle, and complete directions and stitch instructions.

This picture was a hand crafted model to a needlepoint kit which would have been on display in a store to show the prospective buyers how the item will look when finished. It was covered in plastic when displayed to protect the picture. The plastic was  removed to take the picture. I was able to acquire quite a few of them; some were just matted and others framed.

I learned recently that the name on many of these finished pieces identified the company as JCA Inc. (Johnson Creative Arts)  with an address in Massachusettes. They evidently ceased operations and will not be making/distributing anymore needlecraft kits. These finished piece from kits are already hard to find and will only be offered occasionally perhaps on the internet. Per the JCA website:

"Due to the death of our owner, Alan S. Getz, JCA, Inc. has ceased operations indefinitely.

We would like to thank our loyal customers who have supported JCA for over 50 years.

JCA manufactures premium needlecraft products and distributes fine knitting yarns. We are an amalgamation of three companies-Paternayan Brothers (started in 1939), Elsa Williams (started in 1960) and Reynolds Yarns (also started in 1960)."

Payment with paypal within 3 days of sale.

Will ship within business day to US addresses only