I took a little break from writing over the holidays. It was a quiet one, but still nice.
I ended the year by finishing off this embroidery; “Patrick”.
It was so challenging but also very satisfying.
I began the new year with a commissioned project which I really enjoyed.
I was asked to create something cocker spaniel themed that incorporated the beads you see above. It was such a creative and meaningful project . A great way to start the new year.
Tinkering and fixing some broken things around the house has been an *extra* satisfying way to start the new year.
School has begun again and there is some structure back to the days which feels good after the long break.
My final piece which I just finished today and was a real doozy was something I have been wanting to do for a while.
The Mona Lisa!
I’ve always wanted to see the real thing but I have heard it’s teeny-tiny, behind a lot of glass, and crowded with tourists. I decided to make my own version, complete with a gold frame (which drove me to insanity). It’s still a little wonky but I like it anyway:) It took a loooooooonnnnnnggggg time and my fingers are still throbbing.
I took a little liberty with the colors. They always appear so yellowed (I suspect from aging paint?) so I gave her a more peachy skin tone and brightened her up a bit.
I created the background by using seed stitch in multiple colors of thread to try to create the painterly sky.
The details of the frame took me at least 30 hours (maybe more.)
The images I found online were dark and murky in areas so I did my best trying to interpret them in thread. Her clothing and vail were a challenge.
Definitely had to do some guesswork with the eyes.
Well that’s what I’ve been up to.
Hope you all had a nice holiday and are ready to begin a fresh new year!
Warmly,
Pam