Creation Process:

I have a great love for fabric and am always surprised at what I can create with it. I start out with a piece of flannel the size I want the finished piece to be. I work like it was a painting on canvas, background first and then work out from there. I use 100% cotton, no shrinkage since the stitching is heavily done and will not change size during the stitching. I have a very forgiving art. I can put pieces up, step back and add or subtract other pieces without removing anything. I love trees and living in the Sierras I see everything one can imagine.

The leaves on the trees are something I designed with regard to the technique but I do not want to tell the specific secret, needless to say the tiny pieces will never fall off. The pieces are held on with a fabric spray glue, which disappears in a short time, leaving no residue leaving the piece very soft and natural. When I am satisfied with the piece I start the stitching. I match the binding to the fabric at the edge of the piece. I then stitch with the machine, turn the binding to the back and slip stitch by hand.

The piece can be air-fluffed a couple times a year to keep it fresh. In between I use a lambs wool duster, only for that, and dust like I would if it was a piece of furniture. It will last for years and years if taken care of in this manner.

On sold pieces I enclose a sheet telling various ways the artwork can be hung.