Amethyst Garden

Amethyst Garden measures 16X12 (mounted in 21.5 X17.5 frame) and is the first of two pieces meant to portray flowers in a 3Dimensional manner such that they might reach out and beckon to the viewer. Inspired from a photograph, this piece is machine appliqued and quilted. The leaves in the lower left corner are machine embroidered on solvy and tacked down strategically so as to allow the leaves to twist and turn and appear more dimensional. Other leaves in this same grouping are composed of silk cocoon rods that are thread painted. The large single leaf to the right is hand painted and consists of several layers of batting to allow for drapability. Sewn in a pillowcase style, it is machine embroidered and attached such that it comes off the surface and drapes over the frame. The small lavender flowers are silk and are attached by french knots in the center. The larger purple flowers are made from synthetic material that is thread painted and sculpted to allow for a completely 3 dimensional flower. The stems are machine wrapped cording and the leaves are needle felted wool. Originally, this piece was intended for a group project but after having made the large purple flowers, I realized that I had not allowed enough room in the composition for the larger Tiger Lillies. Truly, I was encountering a problem with scale and thus Amethyst Garden was created as a piece unto it's own. Faced with a decision as to what to do with the edges, my husband suggested a frame for this piece. This is the first time, I have actually gone this route with a 3Dimensional piece and I am happy with the way certain elements reach out and integrate themselves with the frame. The second piece as I mentioned earlier is already composed and I managed to overcome the scale problem and make some Tiger Lillies to go with this very same type of purple flowers. Don't know what they are but perhaps someone will be so kind as to tell me. I will be posting the second piece next week and though bred from the same idea, they are very different in feel. I'll give you a hint. The other one has ferns and boy were they a bear to make!!!! Still, I love the way the dimensionality is coming along.