Catching my breath

Life has been crazy around here.  With an unexpected funeral to attend last weekend, life has been even more hectic.  I wanted to show you my entry for OMTWI week one.  I didn't make it through, but that's fine.  Like I said, there's a lot going on right now.

A few weeks ago, I made this wall hanging for the wall above our stairs.  My husband painted that wall (he is tall, and even with the ladder it was tricky!), and we wanted something to hang up there, preferrably something inspirational as we troop downstairs to face the day.  The wall hanging is made with a yard of cotton/linen blend fabric.  I just cut it down the fold line.  I consider this piece "mixed media"...with freezer paper stencils, applique, and quilting.  I had intended to write up a little tutorial, but frankly I am a bit weary, so the following photos will have to do.

Here's the beginning, after the fabric paint dried.

The text is from a excerpt of a speech given to the student body at BYU my senior year.  You can find a link to the whole text HERE.

The circles were made using the technique shown at the Purl Bee:

via the Purl Bee

I've got it stuck on my Pinterest Board HERE.  By the way, I adore Pinterest.  It's been a wonderful tool to keep track of visual favorites.  You can even follow me if you want.  After creating the pleated layers for sky and grass, I basted them to the top and bottom.   On the back, I made a pocket to hold a dowel near the top, and two small pockets for washer/weights to help the thing hang just right.  I added a layer of batting, using basting spray to hold everything together, and sewed the whole thing together like a pillowcase.  After it was turned right side out and the turning hole closed, I sewed the hole closed and did some quilting.  I quilted around the leaves, up and down the trunk, adding some branch detail, and some whispy lines from the bottom to help hold it all together.  

made the little bee because it just needed a little something extra, out of a scrap of wool felt, some lace, ribbon and a button, all held together with fabric glue.   

I love the wall hanging.  I was able to dig through all my scraps of green fabric.  I'm really happy with the tone progression in the leaves from dark to light.  I also have a thing for circles lately.  

On a personal note, I just want to thank you who are reading this post.  I am grateful for your comments, your support, and all the kindness I am extended.  Thank you so much.

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Today's Creative BlogTatertots and Jello and Singing Three Little Birds.