Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

All images © Megan Zaniewski, shared with permission

Fiber artist Megan Zaniewski sends delicate air bubbles rippling through her water-based embroideries that capture the momentum of ducks, turtles, and other wildlife as they dive into a pond or lake. Through a combination of knots and straight stitches, Zaniewski deftly renders the animals as they burst through the surface, using threadpainting techniques with staggered strands of cotton to depict layered feathers and fur. She’s embroidered more than 70 different species in the last two years, when she started working with the fiber-based medium:

My exposure to hand embroidery began early, thanks to my mom and grandmother, who were both skilled at needlework. A couple of years ago I rediscovered some embroidery supplies tucked away and decided to make a few small embroidered landscapes of places we had visited. It quickly became my preferred art form…I enjoy the challenge of creating animated and detailed animal portraits with just the simple tools of a needle and thread, bringing them to life stitch by stitch.

Follow Zaniewski on Instagram to keep up with her split-view pieces, including the two large embroideries and 3-dimensional stumpwork piece she’s working on now.

 

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries

©

Related Posts

Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View EmbroideriesDucks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries
What is the role of design in...
If money, policy and governance sit upstream, design sits downstream...
Read more
Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View EmbroideriesDucks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries
Trends: These Material Moves Are Both Striking...
Rock of Ages Might stone be the next frontier of sustainable...
Read more
Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View EmbroideriesDucks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries
Form’s Smart Swim 2 goggles display workout...
I can barely swim a lap in a community swimming...
Read more
A storm in a suburban settingA storm in a suburban setting
How Poor Drainage Slowly Damages Your Home’s...
Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by teamobn Most homeowners don’t...
Read more
Ducks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View EmbroideriesDucks, Otters, and Other Wildlife Plunge into Water in Intricate Split-View Embroideries
NOVAH Showroom – Beijing
ADM was tasked with creating a space to showcase furniture...
Read more
Student HousingStudent Housing
8 Principles for Effective Space Use in...
Let’s explore key principles for optimizing shared living spaces. Living in...
Read more