Monday, March 26, 2012

Sticks and Stones

My January reflections block is all about the color palette of winter.

So when it came to making a "flower spray"...well...let's just say...there aren't any flowers around here in winter...


But I live in the Patapsco River Valley in the Piedmont region...and the closest thing we have to a "flower spray" in winter are metamorphic rocks, tree twigs and dried leaves.


And so I set about making a bough of dried leaves by using some of that pre-made leaf trim...But I didn't like the satiny shine or the homogenous color so I colored it with acid-free markers...


And then to make the leaves look more realistic...I wrapped them around mangled and bent wire to simulate twigs...


I didn't like the dark color of the brown so I lightened the sprigs by adding some of this champagne mist Tsukineko ink, a new color they just introduced that I had picked up at the AQS quilting show.


Next up was making the pile of twigs...


It actually took a bit of time to make this small pile of twigs...I just basted some white, paper coated pastry wire that I had colored with my markers to soutache and used thread to "color" the branches.

So now I have branches and twigs. And thanks to nature, I have a few small stones from the river bank...


Mostly gneiss and schist for all you geologists out there ;)

These will probably be added to the block close to last. Just a few more details before I can call this project complete.

Happy Monday everyone!

18 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Its always amazing, Susan, how you know just what to use to get the look you are trying to achieve. The leaves are perfectly frosty, just as they would be on a winter morn. I love it when you share your techniques!!
xx, Carol

gracie said...

I have this same trim and now I know how to change the color! thank you for the lesson...can't wait to see the rest of the block.

Lorraine said...

You've achieved a very realistic look with your leaves - a slight dusting of frost!

Cari said...

Once again I AM IN AWE of your work. I'm always so excited to see your updates... This one, and the techniques, are over the top. I love it!!!

Mary Ann Tate said...

Very interesting...I'm wondering what you will do with the small stones? I'll just have to wait:)

Rachel said...

You always find some ingenious way of creating the effect you want - I learn a new trick every time I visit!

Sarah Sequins said...

I love seeing how you put together the little components for your pieces! Seriously awesome. :)

denise said...

I'm amazed at these little pieces of art you create. The time they take, the patience especially to work so small, the detail, the style...and the fact that you just do them because you just 'have to' to fill your soul.

Wendy said...

Wow Susan, you always amaze me with your great ideas. The use of the leaves is just awesome. And then you made your own twigs and branches! I cannot wait to see these added to the already stunning block.

MeganH said...

*pure creativity*

Judy S. said...

You are sure having fun with this! I am most curious as to how you are going to attach those rocks (pebbles?) This is such a great piece! I LOVE it.

Cathy Lloyd said...

Amazing! Wow! Always love stopping by.... Have a great week!

Catherine said...

Oohhhh...can't wait to see it!!

allie aller said...

Good Lord, Susan, your attention to detail and exploration of the "material culture" available to us these days just makes my heart beat so fast!
Fabulous and gorgeous winter rocks and twigs, complete with geologic information!...and with your fine photography, we can really see what you are doing!
Thanks, as always....

WandarArt.Stitch said...

Susan, thank you for your next inspiration, technique, surely it will be a beautiful art. your works of art,!

Createology said...

The time and research you put into your work is enviable. Your twigs and leaves are gorgeous. They will be perfect in your nature piece. Blissful stitching...

Ingrid Mida said...

Dear Susan,
You have such patience and incredible eye for detail. I cannot wait to see where this goes.
Ingrid

Vicki Boster said...

How do you even think this stuff up? I'd have NO idea how to make a twig? Genius- you're an artistic genius. I'd love to play inside your craft room for 1 whole day. ( I might learn something!)
Vicki

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