Cosmos and a nest

We had another beautiful spring day here around 1C and sunny this afternoon. My friend and I are trying to make the best use of our snow. We're still trying new trails with the snowshoes. We went for 1 1/2hrs this morning. After visiting with the in laws, I was able to scoot into my sewing studio. Knowing that supper would be leftovers, I was able to stay until hubby got hungry, lol. This is the view as I'm sewing. 

In summer it is lush and green with flowers and veggies. Yesterday, I was thinking of my flowers and sketching on one of my painted journal pages--cosmos.

It led me to pull out a small piece I started last fall. I had to see how it would look with fused cosmos and a bit of stitching. I want this to be a background for bees and dragonflies, something I got into making last summer.

I know, as usual, I'm jumping around a lot but sometimes when an idea comes, I have to test it. Then I know how I'll proceed and I'll be satisfied that the 'thought' won't disappear into the mist. A couple weeks ago, I had been working on chickadees with a tree and a nest and something wasn't working for me. I put it aside but at my guild sewing day yesterday while flipping through pics on the I Pad, I saw a photo of the chickadees with the background and my first instant thought was that I liked it. I determined that I'd get it out today and progress with it. See where it goes.

I added more paint to the background and the nest and a few snippets of dark fabric. I added a stiff interfacing, hooped it, and started stitching some of the black shadows.

I will add other lighter colors to the nest simulating the bits of grass and moss.

Once that's done, I will add fusible appliqué trees and branches.

This gives you an idea of where I'm going. It will be white birches.  Have you had a good weekend with some creative time?