I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

When I need inspiration for a design,

I have only to step a few steps outside my door
and on down the country road that surrounds the grounds........
waiting for me is a world of color...........and inspiration
I would love a blossoming tree growing in the middle of a barbed wire fence.........
but I do not have one growing here............yet.


Instead, this mesquite tree which  has been here for years.....in front of my vintage 
linen and dishware shop......has just the perfect look..........
with it's turned trunk and swirling limbs..........
it does not blossom

down the road, the ranchers barbed wire fence has cactus and wild berry bushes
growing in between the strands of wire. It is amazing to see how these wild plants 
adapt to their restraint of the barbed wire. 
With inspiration in my mind and heart......I headed home to find my needle. 
I sketched the tree and the barbed wire fence..........then


I embroidered dozens of little lazy daisy stitches in a pretty
plum/purple color.  I had thought about using a long and short stitch for the trunk,
but sometimes, this stitch takes away from detail and it also looks heavy.
I wanted the trunk and limbs of the tree to have detail and texture. 
I decided to stitch the trunk this way instead........it fills it in, yet gives it enough 
space for detail.

I wanted the tree to look as if it has grown in between the wire. I had wanted the wire
to be darker, but I needed it to show up on the trunk and fence and chose a light silver instead.
I also wanted flowers along the ground.........and petals from the tree scattered on the ground

and now it's finished.  Not sure what I will do with this piece.........
but for now.........I have a blooming tree in the middle
of a barbed wire fence!

8 comments:

lil red hen said...

Kathleen, how do you do it? You are so talented to be able to draw your own designs, pick just the right colors, and fill in with just the right stitches! I've seen many fences with wires fastened to tree trunks and a lot of fences overtaken with honeysuckle vines and briars. You've covered it all! Great job!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi K
I really looked at the tree before I read your commentary. I like that I noticed all that you pointed out before I read it. I ESPECIALLY like the stitching on the tree trunk, proof positive that less is more. The tree growing between rows of barbed wire is a perfect detail and so very creative. I really love this piece. Also, YOUR inspiration for creating the piece is inspirational to me. Stitch what you see, so to speak.
xx, Carol

janice15 said...

My dear you are so amazing with embroidery.. this is just beautiful.. I love every stitch of it.. goid to visit. Hope you are well. With love Janice

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Wow, I love it. You did a lovely job,I especially like the way the barbed wire is up on the tree. You have inspired me. Keep up your sweet creative works.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

Hill Top Post said...

I love this piece! What a great job you did with the barbed wire! Your prairie seems to provide you with an endless number of inspirations for your beautiful stitches!

Debra said...

This is lovely!

Unknown said...

Amazing! You captured the full roughness of the tree and the softness of the petals. Beautiful. I know you will find just the right place for your beautiful creation.

Sheryl said...

This is pretty work, I love how you have done the trunk.