Spring has Sprung

Birds nest with fleece

Spring has Sprung in Australia! yay!

I found this little birds nest on the lawn this morning and was so excited because I HELPED BUILD IT! Mind you if the bird in question had asked for a little more input from me, it would have been a little tidier. But still....

I clean and dye Leicester wool locks for other textile artists and had put some of the scraps outside for the birds earlier in the season.

It was quite gratifying to see them come to use. A nice snug and warm spot for a baby bird.

Anemone Wool Felted Painting

My Mum passed away last year and one of the gifts I inherited from her was a love of flowers. She would grow them, embroider them, paint them on porcelain. I think that after my Dad, flowers were her great passion.

Roses were first on the list, closely followed by Renuculi and Anemones. In all colours! The garden was always full to the brim and Dad made sure that new ones were planted each year to add to the bounty.

Red Anemone

As I was browsing through a few of my photos I came across one image taken from Dads garden and thought this would make a nice wool felt and embroidered painting.
So gathering up my supplies it was time to play.

Wool Felt Floral Painting

Using different micron Merino wool roving which I had dyed myself. Some wool nepps and slivers of art yarn for texture.

Wool Felted Flower

Needle felting followed the wet felting to add a few details and then it was off to the machine for machine embroidery followed by lots of hand embroidery embellishments.

Machine and hand embroidery detail.

I think I may pop this one in a little box frame. :-)

Wet felted and embroidered Anemone by Julie Smith of  Sesenarts and Crafts

Prayer Flag No 1

Prayer Flag for Peace

My first prayer flag is based on the Buddhist symbol of  The Parasol.

Symbolizing wisdom, compassion and protection

the Parasol

The prayer incorporated into the flag is

Peace Around the World

From the place of Oneness in us all:

Our hearts unite for peace in the world.

May peace manifest its mystery through Grace.

May the people and their leaders find solutions

to benefit everyone equally.

May the spirit of generosity and forgiveness move in and through the hearts of all people.

May all involved direct their actions from love for Humanity.

We give thanks, knowing that this is now so.

Amen, Shalom, Salaam, Peace.

 - CoreLight.org's Prayer Circle for Peace Around the World

 

Lots of layers went on here with stamped tissues, laces, machine embroidery, dry brushing with paint. Hand stitch, hand dyed silk and muslin.

I wrote the prayer onto teabags before layering and stamping.

Decorative paper napkins were pulled apart and only one layer was used. This became quite translucent once glued in place.