Saturday, January 19, 2008

Cottage Portrait...Rocks!

The embellishment around the cottage portrait itself could not compete with the delicate stitching on the printed photograph. I wanted it to hopefully complement it, and set it off, not divert the eye.
So I got to thinking...something symbolic and of the place....

This is the beach right below where the cottage sits, up on that bank. For some reason, the rocks that wash up on the sand here can be very flat and perfectly round or oval. I often collect them when on walks, and have a goodly stash of them here at home. Momentos.
And they would make a really nice little border around the cottage portrait, too!

No drilling for me. I used four-hole buttons, pre-threaded with super strong Silamead thread, and glued them onto the backs of the rocks with E6000 glue, letting them cure overnight.

Then, one by one I threaded each of the four hanging threads into a needle and brought them through to the back of my fabric.

On the back, I tied off my treads using a triple square knot, and then clipped off the excess.

Combining the rocks with some ribbon would make a pleasing contrast, was the idea...this is River Silk's "Sand Box" collection, which I bought last fall while in Houston. (I am always buying embellishment supplies that remind me of Lake Michigan.)

And here you have it.
It may not be the absolute best most appropriate border for the piece (it is a little heavy), but my cousin will be reminded of all our walks together, and she will know EXACTLY what I am getting at here.
I just need to do a little fly-stitching along the seams there, stretch it over foam core, back it, and mail this off to her!

23 comments :

Debra Dixon said...

The rocks certainly changed the look of the piece--almost like those shell mirrors with the cottage reflecting back at you. Interesting idea!

Rian said...

I thought the oval framing was pretty cool but when I saw the rocks? Audible gasp.

Incredible. I didn't think you could outdo yourself, but you did.

Anonymous said...

This is lovely. Great idea to back the rocks with buttons and thread - I never would have thought of that -much easier than drilling!

Kay said...

That's really ingenious! And the effect looks like a necklace of rocks. Very pretty.

Anonymous said...

What a creative mind you have! You are quite the "artist". Beautiful!! Debbie

Wendy said...

Wow! This is really coming along beautifully. I love the day by day progress. Keeps me coming back for more.
Wendy

Vicki W said...

I made my husband get out of his recliner to see this. Amazin, brilliant and absolutely perfect!

Ruth said...

I think the rocks are a wonderful addition. I'm sure they will be greatly appreciated as they are mementos of your visits there.

Granny Fran said...

Fantastico! What a brilliant idea! I love rocks like that anyway, and they make the perfect frame for the magical cottage.

indiaartist said...

Wow you are soooo creative! You are using everything that has memories, a lot of feelings and thought in it. I am sure it will come out great. It reflects so much on what you are thinking and your whole personality.

atet said...

I think those rocks are just perfect. It really does remind me of my own beach walks near South Haven. I don't think it's "heavy" at all -- (unless you're talking about actual weight) it's a great memory and makes the piece just a little rustic. Perfect.

Anonymous said...

Good grief, woman! You're a veritable genius! Sewing rocks no less

Thelma said...

All I can say is WOW! It's awesome!

MaryjoO said...

the rocks and the sewing them on are fabulous ... how did you ever come up with that idea? Maryjo

Marty52 said...

Absolutely perfect.

laura west kong said...

I saw Crazy for Flowers at Road yesterday. WOW! Simply amazing. I could sit and stare at it all day long!

Your cottage portrait is wonderful too. Such a different palette, but just as beautiful...very peaceful.

I bought some of the River Silk ribbons yesterday and can't wait to try them out.

Pamela Kellogg said...

Whoa! That is brilliant! I can image the piece is quite heavy now. Am looking forward to the next step.

Threadspider said...

Made with such love and affection, your cousin is going to be thrilled.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

An amazing work of art - and straight from the heart.

Kate said...

The rocks look just right. It's a really wonderful piece.

Karrin Hurd said...

It looks wonderful, and that was a great idea with the rocks. I will have to keep that technique in the back of my mind. Thanks!

Kim said...

That is absolutely beautiful - and ingenious! I wouldn't have known what to do with the rocks.

Your family is very lucky to receive gifts like this!

shirley said...

What a clever idea for the rocks, Allie, that could work with shells using tiny buttons.

Just love the way you have done the leaves, that is beautiful.

Your work is great.