Finished it Friday

This is done!  It's big at 8x10".

It's framed - now it's 13 x 16 inches.  

And, it's ...        sold.  

Yup.  Quick as a wink.  Maybe even quicker than that.  (thank you!!)  To top off my excitement, it's like it sold twice I suppose, as a friend from my highschool days just commissioned me to make a similar one for her.  That's incredible!  That's all because of Facebook.  It's my best gallery shop, hands down.

I enjoyed stitching this so much.  The repetitive motion for the entire scene was very enjoyable.  I didn't have to think to hard, though it was a long time in the creation phase.  If you go back to the top photo, you should be able to click on it to view it larger.  Would you believe it was all self-directed free motion stitches?  No zigzag was used.  When I I started it, I was expecting to be able to zigzag that whole thing, but it was ridiculous looking.  So I ended up 'drawing' the pine needled branches out all manually (if that makes any sense).

I sold the crocuses in spring embroidery and a canola  on the first day also.  I have this available as well - you've seen it before.  I've been holding on to this for the Gardenscape sale.

Deep Into Autumn, 2015 (sold)

This was my first time in 5 years I was able to spend the first day of Gardenscape working the floor.  The kids regularly have that Friday off for parent teacher interviews on this last weekend of March, so I never make it.  This year, my husband took over those duties and I luckily got to meet some of my 'regular' and out-of-town shoppers who come to Gardenscape first thing.  It was awesome.  I got to see so many of my 'guildees' too from the Saskatoon Quilt Guild and the Bridge City NeedleArts Guild.  Hugs and laughter and lots catch-up conversation left me feeling pretty grounded.

Available at SK Craft Council Boutique, 813 Broadway Ave in Saskatoon (excuse the glass glare)

Oh, and I have to tell you about this.  I had such a wonderful experience connecting with the half dozen or so very elderly people in wheelchairs pushed by loved ones through the areas to enjoy the flowers and art.  *** I have not met an elderly woman who hasn't sewn.***  Knowing this, whenever a caretaker parked a wheelchair near my area, I would take an embroidery off of my display wall and hold nearer so they could view the art more easily.  Some of the woman weren't able to speak.  But I would say, "look!  It's all sewing.  It's prairies in thread!"  Each woman, regardless of ability, would break into a moment of smile and twinkle in her eyes.  I would hold it still for them until they were ready to move on and then I would hang it back up on the wall.  Over and over, the opportunity presented itself.  I was doing it for them... but oh my gosh it felt so special for me too.  I loved those connections.  I bet it's been a long time since they've been out of the city to see the prairie too.  It was bittersweet.

(woah, pass the tissues!  aaah it's good to cry over happy things though, right?)

Saturday - I have a day of Badminton with a bunch of 10 year olds.  Ha!  Talk about switching gears.  Sunday, I will be back at Gardenscape to see what's left.  If you interested in any art while you are there, simply approach any of the volunteers and they should be able to help you.  If you see a red dot, it's sold.

Have a great weekend and enjoy Spring.  I'm pretty busy for the weekend but I'll try to catch up with you all on Tuesday.

Thread Paintings for Gardenscape 2015

AAAH!!!  Isn't it truly amazing out there?  It is spring in Saskatchewan.  Before you know it, Gardenscape will be here!  March 27, 28, 29 at Prairieland park.  This year I understand that the art will be in Hall E (not A as it has been in the past).  I think Hall E is the first entrance you see when you arrive into the parking lot.  You might recall that last year's attraction was the butterflies.  This year, it's Orchids!  That will be wonderful to see.  I have six threadpaintings completed for sale and a few more in the works of varying sizes.  Here's a couple of  sneak peeks of what I've been working on.

Above the Creek Bed, 2015 (work in progress)

It's mostly done.  I need to go back in and add some tree trunks by had and then sign the art as well with my stitches.

I'm working on this large, long piece.  It's from a cell phone capture while driving home from Pike Lake on the last hot day in September.  Here's how I start - photo nearby, and some batiks to block the main colours in place.  For big pieces, I sometimes sketch out some general shapes with coloured pencils.  It gives me a chance to move things if I need to.

I love this one so much!  I have the perfect frame for it.  It's ready for the hand stitching now. I'll be adding in the fence posts, wires, and lush blooms down in the foreground.  I love the way the evening light is working in this.  : )

work in progress - home from the lake

Mmmm.  I'm enjoying all the green. I have some Canola fields and a few Autumn scenes as well.  I'm actually quite SHOCKED at how quick and effortless threadpainting feels after months of hand stitching.  * I have a new appreciation for hand work. *  Now that we are fully resettled into our home, I have been so productive.  That feels GOOD!  I'll have a full display at Gardenscape and some new pieces for the MacKenzie Art Gallery shop as well.  I'm hoping to drop new work off there this weekend when I head through Regina.  I'll keep you posted with what goes where.

Have a lovely week!  Linking to WIP Wednesday @ TN&TN