A change of style ?

Wanting to make a change in my work, 

if not style, then in the method of working with fabric and thread.

 Looking at my sketch books I had always made quick realistic

sketches of flowers, before embroidering them.

These cone flowers were in a pot as I drew them.

 Looking at all sides of some zinnias on this page.

But I wanted to change........

 I started putting down ideas for non-realistic flowers in a sketch book.

 Starting with bright colors and fabrics I began creating these stylized flowers.

 Since I have always loved the Dutch and Flemish still-lifes 

I planned to create my own non-realistic version of a classic.

Several insects had to be included.

 And branches with leaves. Leaves are sewn through 

the center vein so may stand out from the dark background.

 I broke with my non-realistic idea when it came to the vase 

and embroidered an image of a vase that I own.

I did not add shadows, though, so it is flat.

 The vase needed to sit on something besides a table 

so, I stacked some books and worked out fictitious titles for them.

 My still-life needed a plate and a bowl to add 

some balance to the whole composition.

The result is titled Satirical Stillness.

It is approximately 44 by 54 inches.

The falling leaves can be changed in positions.

I doubt my friends will think I succeeded in creating 

a non-realistic image, but I was trying. 

Probably this idea will not become a series.

Time for Notecards

After a trip to California and to Utah and recovering from

 much time spent on computer illnesses and 

hacked credit cards and non-working phones

I have spent just a few hours each day on notecards.

That is my way of working in a bit of time in the studio

 This embroidered butterfly is on a couple of pictures cut from magazines.

An embroidered leaf on layers of silk ribbons 

stitched to a bit of magazine ad. 

 The top card has an embroidered leaf on a black fabric 

with silver and red threads stitched. 

The second card with the leaf on the black fabric uses the

same advertisement as a background that is used on the beginning card.

 Two cards using the same black fabric with silver and red or copper 

threads stitched. The card just above uses 

window screening for part of a background

This final card has a bird embroidered and appliquéd to

the black fabric with silver stitching and all on window screening.

I enjoy using pages from magazines as well as fabrics

where  I am simply trying out ideas. 

The black stitched fabric in the last 5 cards 

 had paint on it and some stamping with a final step 

of stitching to give a texture to the smooth surface.

Consider these cards as my small attempt to recycle.