Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Birches and bluejays

I added the finishing touches to my zippered pouch that i showed yesterday and had just enough time to do a little free motion stitching on my birch trees piece.It's going to measure about 10" by 10" when finished.
I've stitched down the trees so they won't move as I work on the background but I will be going over it later with free motion shading in a zig zag.

I only had time to start the background trees and I couldn't resist auditioning some red leaves that I'll add to the foreground at the end. I think they'll have to be cut a little smaller. you get the idea. They are quite striking.

Here is one of the reference photos I'm using.

This past weekend, we put out our heated birdbath and a feeder  of sunflower seeds on the deck. It doesn't take the birds long to find it. The bluejays can be bullies but I sure love their coloring. They really stand out against the wintry grey background. Perhaps they'll be fodder for a future piece.
The feeder sits only a few feet from my kitchen window and i so enjoy watching the birds there all winter.
I'm linking to The Needle and Thread Network.

9 comments:

Kate said...

I put peanuts on the window sill for the Blue Jays. It really entertains the cats! After a couple of days the Jays come right up to the window, asking for peanuts if there are none left.

Watercolour and Textile Artist, Eileen Gidman said...

Holly, thanks for including your inspiration photo for the birch tree picture.

elle said...

I think this one is my favourite of all. :)

Happy Turtle said...

Birch trees are looking great!
Carol

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

Love the trees. And the birds are so fun to watch. Is that your snow from this year?

MarveLes Art Studios said...

love LOVE that red pop on the birch trees. perfect!! and the birds... so beautiful; glad we have them to enjoy up close like that holly! thanks and thankFULL!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Ooh, that red pop is perfect! Beautiful!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Oh wow Holly....that red added just the right pop to your birches!!

Michelle in Saskatoon said...

The birch tree piece is gorgeous! I like the jays too, they are so pretty against the snow. They can sure get fat tho