Meticulously Stitched Leaves Transform into Tender Sculptures by Susanna Bauer

In the autumn, abundant leaves fall from deciduous trees, leaving traces of a season’s job well done. Simultaneously everywhere and yet tiny symbols of the fragility of our forest ecosystems, these delicate specimens spend all summer photosynthesizing and making sure their trees get the nutrients they need. Once their job is done, Susanna Bauer’s beautiful and intimate pieces begin.

Known for her lacy leaves meticulously stitched with cotton thread, Bauer transforms magnolia, gingko, oak, and other varieties of leaves into elegant, tiny textile pieces. Whether filling a precisely cut circular void, joining pointy edges, or merging multiple leaves together, the materials converge in a study of strength and vulnerability.

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of two gingko leaves, each with a small circular void cut out of the middle and filled with lace — “Close” (2025), gingko leaves and cotton thread

If you’re in southwest England, see new works currently on view in Rock Paper Scissors at CLOSE Gallery, a group exhibition featuring work by a total of a dozen artists, some of whom Colossal readers may also recognize, like Kate MccGwire and Hew Locke. The exhibition continues through January 17 in Hatch Beauchamp, Somerset. Find more on Bauer’s website and Instagram.

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of a magnolia leave that has been cut and stitched together with two accordion-like folds — “Unfolding” (2025), magnolia leave, cotton thread, and wood. Photo by Ian Kingsnorth

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of two magnolia leaves that have been joined at the point, with elaborate lacework stitched around the edges — “Daydreaming” (2025), magnolia leaves and cotton thread. Photo by Ian Kingsnorth

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of a magnolia leaf with a circular void in the middle that has been stitched with lace — “Moon.86” (2025), magnolia leaf and cotton thread. Photo by Ian Kingsnorth

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of a small branch with two leaves that have been stitched with lace around their edges — “An Autumn Story” (2025), magnolia leaves, cotton thread, and wood

An artwork composition by Susanna Bauer of a magnolia leaf that has been stitched with very fine cotton thread around the edges — “Adjustment IV” (2025), magnolia leaf and cotton thread. Photo by Ian Kingsnorth

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of a magnolia leaf that has been stitched with very fine cotton thread around the edges — Detail of “Adjustment IV”

An oblique view of a framed composition by Susanna Bauer of two plane tree leaves stitched layered on top of one another and stitched together — “Where We Grow II” (2025), plane tree leaves and cotton thread, 44.5 x 44.5 centimeters. Photo by Ian Kingsnorth

A detail of a composition by Susanna Bauer of an oak leaf that has been stitched around the edges in a darker color thread — “Looking Glass” (2025), oak leaf and cotton thread

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