The motivation for the children working on these pieces is a story that art teacher Ann Brooks has evolved over her teaching career. It tells of a mythical bird who is left unwanted after the"great creator" assigns roles to each creature.

However the bird is given a special job, growing in stature and self-esteem it flies around the world, instigating change in the seasons, reflected in its beautiful and constantly changing plumage.

The students developed drawings and ideas from the story and chose colours and materials that show the hues and seasons of their individual bird.

They were encouraged to make up and name their own stitches after learning basic running and cross stitch. The embroidery is often embellished with beads and found objects.

Examples shown are from Birkdale Intemediate and Auckland City Art School.