Saturday, June 20, 2009

A Field of Poppies

I am taking part in a wall hanging exchange with a small on line art group . The size limit for this piece was originally 8x10 but I decided to go a bit bigger as I am freeling limited by size lately. This small quilt is approximately 11x17. I am sending this piece off to Laura by the end of the month. We were each asked to submit color guidelines and Laura asked for bright colors and nature. She is a North woods nature girl for sure!!!

I have always loved poppies with their brilliant red blossoms and paper thin petals. The blossoms are so very fragile yet the plants are tough as nails and if they are happy they will grow in profusion.



I have been reading books by quilter Ruth McDowell lately. Her fabric collages are very striking in that they use a huge variety of prints and textures in an incredibly efffective and pleasing technique. So Poppies were my subject and bright colors were my palette.





I cut many different blades of grasses from fabrics that had Wonder Under fused to the back. I stitched the grass down in layers using various stitches and then created the poppy blossoms seperately, before stitching them down to the grassy background. I used yarn for the stems that I couched down and a bit of upholstry material for the hairy little buds. The final step was to add beaded centers.
(Photos will enlarge with a right click!)





All that remains is to pick a backing fabric and bind the edges. It will be done using a green print, I think. The hardest part will be putting this in the mail!! I am reallly very happy with this piece!!!! It is a very good thing that it will be living with my dear friend Laura, who happens to be a wonderful quilter and collage artist, and I know that she will really appreciate it!!!!

20 comments:

Plum Blossom Lane said...

Love it! Gorgeous!

martha brown said...

OMG Elizabeth -- this is spectacular!!!! Wow! I love it!

Kim Mailhot said...

This is absolutely gorgeous !!!! I love poppies and how your have captured their delicate strength in this quilt is just awesome ! I can see why it would be hard to send it away but it will be loved forever by its recipient, I am sure !

Debrina said...

Hello Elizabeth! Great piece. I love poppies and you've done this beutiful flower real justice.

Patti G. said...

ELIZABETH.............WHAT A LUCKY DUCK TO GET THIS FABRIC ART FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely MOVING and I love the colors, touches and beading of the centers! JUST amazing my friend!
This really is beyond, what a wonderful GIFT for your swap partner! Wheeeeeeee!
Hugs,Patti

Vicki W said...

It's terrific!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Elizabeth, this piece is fabulous! Lucky artist!

Beena said...

Wow! This is stunningly beautiful! Just gorgeous! I got my brooche giveaway prize from you today! Thank you! It is so beautiful! I think I am going to design a handbag especially to put it on!

Patti G. said...

I had to come back for another visit......I cannot get this beautiful art quilt out of my mind and have to tell you that that is just makes my heart SMILE! Great Poppies girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!
Smooches,Patti

Julie said...

WOW This is magnificent, Elizabeth!!

Patti G. said...

Comment 3, I did not realize this was for our Laura!!!!!!!!!!!
Ohhhhhhhhhh this is perfect doll!!!!!!!
PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,Patti

Anna M. Branner said...

Really beautiful Elizabeth. I love all the contrasting greens!

Evidence of an Artistic Life said...

I love poppies!! This quilties just showcases them so beautifully!!!
Well done!!
hugs, chris

ariel freeman said...

How beautiful!!!! Have you noticed your inventory at the emporium is dwindling :-). Just can't help myself. Your little creations make the perfect Mother's Day/ Teacher gifts, or for just about anything. Hugs

Bel said...

Just beautiful Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth... I am so very lucky... what a beautiful art quilt... It is surely making me smile... you did a great job.. Ruth's art quilts are incredible... I know it will look even more beautiful in person... I will have to put it on the wall in my kitchen/den area for sure.. along with your collage with the birdie you made me last year I am getting quite a collection.. so when you are famous I can say... "I have some of HER work!!!"

Jacky said...

Elizabeth this GORGEOUS...Laura will love it to bits. I just love textile art and your poppies are very special!
Must be very hard to send them off.

Jacky xox

lindacreates said...

This is WONDEFUL!!!!

Barbara said...

HMMMMM....a number of things here...my new kitchen is done (or in the process of being done..) in POPPIES...AND laura doesn't live but the other side of town,...i think i have a MISSION....(que in mission impossible music)

IT'S GORGEOUS!!!

imquilternity said...

Ooooh....it's lovely! Must be difficult to give it away.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails