Saturday, April 9, 2011

Looking Out for Spring


Everyone is talking about Spring, but so far we have just a few shoots coming up and tree branches are still bare. Happily, we had a warmish, sunny day today and another is predicted for tomorrow. Can't wait for the trees to sprout some of those first spring green leaves, like the ones depicted in this fabric picture!

I did the picture in two layers, drawing the outlines in the top piece with heavier thread, then appliqueing a bit of lace and using colored pencils for the cats and the lower wall. For the bottom layer, I used normal weight thread to draw the tree and hand embroidered the leaves. The bird was so tiny I just fused it on!

This was an interesting technique, which I'm planning to use again, but next time I want to try coloring with smudgy pastel chalks. I think that would be a rich contrast with the crisp thread outlines.

Hope everyone who reads this is enjoying a great weekend!

8 comments:

Lyn said...

I love it Judy, very clever techniques. We have had lovely weather here in the UK but I think it will break before Easter arrives!
love
Lyn
xxx

Libby Fife said...

Two layers-what a great idea! It looks like they are holding hands only with their tails!

I hope the weather perks up for you soon. Spring is definitely here for us with lots of weeds and wildflowers and green hills. Sending some warm sunshine your way:)

Simone said...

Lovely fabric work. I recognise those two little kitties!!! x

Anne Butera said...

How sweet! Love their tails embracing. What an interesting technique. They way you've layered it makes it really look three dimensional.

Like the new look on your blog, too.

Maybe the late arrival of spring will make it that much sweeter.

She Who Doodles said...

it's darling. i was thinking of you and your kitties yesterday when i past pet smart. they had a sign in the window, "adoptions today". so i had to go in and check, they had one 3 yr old multi colored kitty that tempted me. but i knew i didn't dare go home from shopping at joanns next door with a kitty unannounced. maybe next time.

Nan and =^..^= said...

Hi Judy,
That is delightful and captures the feeling of almost spring and your adorable kitties!
Wonderful technique!

Judy Hartman said...

Thanks so much for your comments everyone. I enjoyed the interpretations of their tales "holding hands" (Libby) and "embracing" (Anne)! This picture was really fun to do!!

Cat said...

Perfect picture of Spring!