Finished the tree

Sometimes I just can't believe how fast time goes.  

Kalib and I had an amazing time at the Advanced Bird Language weekend up at Wooten Woods.  We met some awesome people, learned more about tracking, and best of all learned more about birds.  It has blown my mind to learn all this new information about birds and what they can tell us about our world.  Those vocal critters are pouring the information out.  We just have to tune in.  

In the mean time, I haven't gotten a lot of quilting done.  Artistic progress is slow, but any progress is good progress.

With all this mentor training and bird language training much of my time is taken up studying and looking things up and... listening...

I did manage to finish the tree!

However, when I stood back from it I just did not like that apple in the middle of the tree.  

 A little obsessive you ask?
Maybe. 
 I just like to get it right.  (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Initially, I wanted it to stand out because it would sit at the heart of the tree, but each time I looked at it I felt like it drew the eye from the overall image a little TOO much. And, I just don't really like that piece of fabric.  I keep trying to use it and keep putting it back on the shelf.  One day it will make its way into one of my "tapestries."

So, I pulled it off and replaced it with a different apple in a fabric that was only slightly different from the others.

AHHHHH.... much better...

Now, I can sleep at night!

 
 

Until next time!

Sarah

Stuck at the Stems

I don't know if it was because I was so tired last night or if it is because I am at another standstill with flowers that I can't seem to move forward again. 

I'm going to hope it was simple exhaustion and that I will be moving on in a day or two with clear ideas on how best to proceed.

I made the stems out of three different shades of green wool roving.  I first used the wool roving on my last quilt, Yab Yum for the pink day lillies over the lovers heads. 

 

I like the texture it adds to the quilt.  

So, where is the hang up this time, you ask?  

It's a myriad of things.  

I like the stems like I have put them on, but Jason was suggesting not making them so straight.  (The stems will have leaves on them.)

Looking at poppies on the internet, their stems are relatively straight while they bloom. They have a bend at the top of the stem when they are in the bud form. Then, when the blooms open up to face the sun the stem straightens up.  Naturally, the weight of the bloom creates a gentle curve, but they stand more or less straight.

I have to decide to keep them as they are, or take his advice.  

This time, I will probably leave them as they are.

 

I also have to keep in mind, before putting a ton of work into it, that the stems and the leaves will be behind the foreground, so does it really matter that much?

I have gotten a bit hung up on the buds and seed heads too.  I'm just not sure if I really want to add them or leave them off as they will be a subtle detail.  I made one as you can see in the picture below.  (There is a small green bud, but you have to look closely to see it.)

I think my plan for now is to go ahead and make the leaves for these flowers and see where that gets me and see where it leads.  

Often times, I just need a subtle distraction and then it will become crystal clear.

I'm off to pack for my first solo camping trip this weekend - talk about subtle distraction!

See you tomorrow!

More Poppies

I have finished up fusing the poppies and am moving on to the stems, leaves, and buds.

Once I get the rest of the plant down then I plan to go back and add some more shading and petal veins to the flowers. I am holding off on that for now because I want to wait until I have everything down. Who knows how it will come together once I am sitting at my machine and fusing the leaves.

I like the idea of being open to letting it evolve on its own while I am working on it.  My ideas change moment by moment when my hands are touching it and feeling it.

To me, Poppies represent potential - and a LOT of it.  They produce a tremendous amount of seed in one seed head.   There is so much possibility in one small poppy seed head. 

And the plant itself is astonishing in that such a beautiful flower can grow from something as small as a poppy seed.  It reminds me of the potential of even the smallest things happening around us that can blossom into beauty and joy when given the right conditions to grow.

Poppies are also flowers one cannot help but notice in the garden or on the roadside. They make such a statement when you pass them by.

They are sweet, but passionate.

 

I'm keeping my eye on the sky today as it keeps trying to burst forth some sweet summer rain.  If we get it without the thunder and lightening I may get outside with the kids and play in the rain today.

Until tomorrow! I hope it rains!