13 April 2011

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.
Sharing with:

freckled laundrymonogramAlong For the Ride

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

15 happy thoughts:

Nicole said...

Hey Chris, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope things slow down for you soon. You did a lovely job, as always :)
This should make you smile...I just read your little copyright thing on the right hand side of your page..I know I've read it a few times before but JUST NOW did the "pickup" click..oh my..where's the coffee! as if that would help! Take carexxx

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

I'm sorry to hear that you had a loss in your family. :( I pray that you have some peace and some comfort in your hearts.

I thought this wall hanging was beautiful and I love the quotation!

Melissa said...

I am sorry you had to deal with such a sudden and unhappy surprise....

The wall hanging is gorgeous - I love the circle leaves...

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

I was not aware of that competition, your circles are excellent - I also want to say I am sorry for your loss, Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this dark time. Take the time to catch your breath and I hope the memories of your loved one give you strength.

Unknown said...

Chris, sorry to read of your loss and an unexpected funeral to attend. Sending along a prayer. Love that quote and the wall hanging is absolutely beautiful. Did you stitch/embroider the letters or is it painted?

ksolo59 said...

Sorry to hear of your recent loss -prayers, hugs & thoughts are with you. L-O-V-E the wall hanging & the words - the speech was good, thanks as always for continuing your share your wonderful talents with us!

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

Sorry to hear about your loss! I loved your wall hanging so much! What a great quote too. :)

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Your wall hanging is beautiful, Chris, and I love all of the different textures. Very inspirational.

Tania said...

Hello, I'm sorry for your loss. I love your wall hanging. Thank you so much for share your amazing talents. Take care.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hi Chris,

Oh lovely, I'm so sorry that you had to go to an unexpected funeral. Are you okay?

Your hanging is AWESOME! I'm not one bit surprised to see that your 'too-tired-to-do-much' effort still involved a photo collage!!! You're AMAAAAAAAZING!

Sarahx

Unknown said...

You've had a difficult week, from the sound of it. It's hard to fit blogging in there too, isn't it? Yet you have done it!

Your wall hanging is very lovely. My favourite features have to be the frilly sky and grass, the quilting and the bee. I like mixing stenciling with stitching like you've done here. The different textures add to the richness of the pieces.

Unknown said...

Some weeks are like that, aren't they. I love the wall hanging. What a great quote! If we all had such a lovely saying to start us thinking each day, what a world it would be!

sewhappiness said...

Your wall hanging is just awesome!!! So inspirational!!! I'm speechless when I see so much creativity:-)

My sincerest condolences for your loss.

Tiffany said...

Very sorry to hear of your loss, last week was rough for me too emotionally. And I love the quote you choose.

Unknown said...

Love it. Thanks for sharing

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