Spring, Naturally

After the winter we've had in NE, I knew my piece for the natural theme would relate to spring.  

Can't wait for my daffodils to bloom!

Photo transfer on silk.

Braid made with the Diva Kumihimo Loom.

Hand painted fabric.

8 inches square

Natural

The word this time is Natural which to me always means something that is growing. The flower is dimensional petals in a suede. The center is a button. The background is a cotton sunprint. The binding is a stripe I found in my stash with a metallic gold through it.

jelly belly

 Rose-breasted Grosbeak is my Nature entry. 

 I love this bird.  

The Grosbeak visits during the thick of summer.

He comes to the seed feeder with his family, shares the seeds and helps them eat.

But if I put out a jelly cup, he shares a little and eats most himself.

Once finished with his treat he gets right to his music.

He'll sing for you well into the evening.

I look forward to spending time outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

You may find more nature photos on my blog site here.

Amber Waves of Grain

I've been thinking about this theme for 2 months and wheat always popped into my head when I thought about the word natural.  I guess the color?  The way it grows?

The piece was very time consuming even though it appears to be very simple.  It was also a little boring so I added some insects. 

I used beads to represent some of the grains. The pearlized beads were too white so I colored them with a Sharpie.

I stiched lots and lots of wheat shafts using a special stich on my machine.