Monday, April 30, 2012

Blossoms on the Bloodwood





I know I have been a bit slack here lately, but I have been stitching, and we've also been away.  I will share the shopping trip in another post at a later date.   I wanted to make a little landscape so I could use one of the stitches from the latest TAST challenge.  This little scene has been named Blossoms on the Bloodwood, a phrase 'stolen' from the lyrics in a song I like very much [oh, and, we also have Bloodwood trees growing not very far from our house].  You can see the lyrics here.  I haven't always been a big fan of this Australian country music artist, but this is a little different for him.  I won't mention his name here, simply because my blog will come up every time someone Googles his name.  I used water colour pencils for the drawing, and enhanced it further with free machine embroidery, and lastly some hand stitching. 

I hope this close-up will show the little grassed area.  There are several layers to this - machine embroidery in a dark/light green rayon, running stitch in several different thread colours and weights, the wheatear stitch [in variegated silk] which is the stitch our group was given last Tuesday, as well as some Ghiordes' knot work in the foreground [thank you very much Shirley for your advice regarding this area].

I particularly enjoyed doing the long dry grass, and making the tree come to life using green polyester organza, distressed with my little soldering gun.  I can see things that should have been changed, but on the whole it's okay.  I managed to find the frame and several mountboards in the cupboard, so this is a 'finish', thankfully.  

This photograph will show some of the hand embroidery threads I've used.  One is from the Cottage Garden Thread range,  one from Needle Necessities, and the other is a Caron Waterlilies.  My goodness, things have come along in leaps and bounds in embroidery.  Years ago we would never have dared to mix so many varied threads and colours.   It is so nice to have this sense of freedom.  I think I have another mountboard and frame, so may indulge in more of this work soon.  I just loved every minute doing this!!!

17 comments:

DIAN said...

Linda, this is lovely work. The organza in the tree and the dense stitching for the grasses is very effective.

Isn't it good when you have the frame just waiting for the right piece of work.

Thanks for commenting on my blog.

Juliettecherry said...

It's very beasutiful Linda, I can imagine how much you enjoyed creating it

WandarArt.Stitch said...

Linda, a beautiful inspiration, execution landscape, the whole of the frame is beautiful. Nature is always beautiful and interesting.
Best wishes, hugs, .......

Vicki Miller said...

Linda, Your blog is always so inspiring and so I'd like to present you with the Leibster Blog Award. It is given to "small blogs" - those with fewer than 200 followers. You might have heard of it ... but if you haven't do stop by this post
http://victoriaedm1.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/message-from-liebster-and-some-journal.html
and the links to the friend who sent it to me - check it out. Congratulations!

margaret said...

Linda I love this piece, fancy sayng on SF it was your wheatear SAMPLE some sample it is a wonderful finnished piece of embroidery. Very interesting reading all how about how you went about stitching it. On the whole it is okay you say well I say on the whole it is delightfull.
Also congratulations on getting the Leibster Award it is fully deserved.

Frances Leate said...

Absolutely beautiful Linda and I hope you have the right spot to display it. Your stitching is so effective and I really love the tree. Take care.

Stitching Lady said...

Hi Linda, now this is a big surprise for me. Your are painting, stitching by machine and embroidering and out comes a wonderful little landscape. I absolutely love the combination and will encourage me to do the same.

Sandy said...

It's a wonderful piece and framed beautifully. The tree does come alive.

Soonymary said...

this has turned out beautifully Linda....love the combination of drawing/painting and stitching!

Anonymous said...

Its so beautiful. You are very clever and the threads you have used are gorgeous too. Those Caron threads I haven't used before but I plan on getting some in colours I would use for xmas this year.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty Linda. Laurel

Radka said...

It is a beautiful picture, Linda! And I would not expect any less from you :)Your stitching is always so good. I like the frame, it compliments the picture, without taking anything away from it.

shirley said...

Linda you have stiched this beautifully, and the underlying painting has only enhanced all the elements on top. Love the tree, and your grasses are great. You have shown off the wheatear stitch to perfection. Thank you for the mention I am always happy to help a fellow stitcher. your work is always perfection.

Iceni UK said...

I love your embroidered landscape Linda, so much detail and techniques. thank you for telling us how you made it, so intersting as are the words of the song.
Hugs.

Jen said...

Hello Linda, I also have that CD, and play it often. What a beautiful landscape it looks amazing and with the pencil art work. I had a really close look at what you explained and you are very clever with your art and embroidery. The tree is beautiful work. Congratulations on the award. The header river photo is lovely ,Is it on your property?

Karyn said...

Congratulations on your blog award.
I think your landscape looks wonderful. I love the way your tree has ended up, it looks great. Your frame is just perfect too.
I love seeing what you have been up to, you are such an inspiration to me.

Daniela said...

Beautifully done! Congratulations skills!