Working in a Series

You might recognise these beans as those sometimes grown as stock feed. There is a tree in Matakiora Park which is loaded with these in the Autumn. They are quite a bright red and I couldn’t resist bringing some home to see what I could do with them. I just gathered them off the ground

This series started with a sketch in a sketchbook but I was unable to determine which sketch book that was in I have many). At the time I was working on the use of sheers and how using different coloured sheers produces changes in colour and depth. The example on the right replicates this

So then, would the actual pods take some sort of treatment that would create an interesting piece of replicated art. The sample on the left has the been encased in grey organza with red stitching. The whole is mounted on black felt and as the red of the beans didn’t show through as well I have used giant chevron stitch across the beans to reintroduce the colour and further secure the pods. Work like this lasts really well -indefinitely.

Art doesn’t require lots of expensive materials if you look around at what might be in your neighbourhood.

Using stronger Leaves

Magnolia leaf with crotched edge and inner insert

Stronger (thicker) leaves can be stitched directly onto or if you are concerned about tearing you could place net on the underside to support your stitched. I have used both methods. The example above does not have support. If using net support carefully trim it off after the stitching is complete so that you do not see it on the front side.

I first blanket stitched around the magnolia leaf and then used double crotchet to extend the crotchet edge. The inner centre is done in a similar manner. First cutting out the insert with a craft knife and then blanket stitching around the cut out section to reinforce the edge. Then I simply interweaved the threads horizontally across the blanket stitches. These magnolia leaves do tend to fade as they dry out but I quite like that effect.

In this example I have used a thicker crotchet thread but I have also done ones with fine crotchet thread as well. Both look fine and give a different appearance.

The end results will be more brittle as the leaves dry so either frame your work or mount on felt. Felt with a window portal effect of a contrasting fabric looks well also.

This is a mindful activity that is fun to do in front of the TV at night,