Monday, March 17, 2008

Take It Further, March...Critters

The little guys we notice in nature...some of my favorites are now represented on my Take It Further challenge piece for March, which most readers know is being hosted by our most gracious leader, Sharon Boggon.

Is that froggies bead the cutest thing EVER? My friend Kate Richbourg, owner of the wonderful store Beadissimo in the Mission District of San Francisco, sent it to me over a year ago and I have been waiting for the perfect place to use it. This is it! They remind me of the Pacific Chorus Frogs that live in the pond below us and are currently providing beautiful music in the middle of the night. They are loud!
Also there are some ants (dressed in white for this piece), representing the anthill in my perennial garden whose members have been keeping me company for 15 years now....and there is a snail too.

More ants and a bee....we love the bees, get scads of bumblebees in the lavender every year.

Here is an overall view. I did add a couple more lace and button flowers...and thanks to Pam Kellogg for those little doilies, too!
All that is left to be done is the "saying", or message, that will go in the center...like the old-fashioned greeting postcards of old.
I could do a whole series based on those lovely postcards....
Anyway, this piece requires a binding to frame it all in, so that will be last. Should be done in a couple days....

20 comments :

Kathy Raker said...

I just love that frog button. It is perfect for your block. I guess the store doesn't do mail order. :((

Threadspider said...

I think this is my new favourite piece of yours. It's got all the little things I love on it.

grbev said...

Wow, your work is just enchanting! I want to be just like you when I grow up!!!

I visit often to see what magic you create. Thank you so much for sharing!

Bev in Utah

Judy S. said...

Thanks, Allie, for sharing the details of your beautiful block! The frog adds a perfect touch to a very creative piece of work.

sossy said...

Your work is amazing and you are so fast. I check your blog every 2-3 days and there is always some new amazing piece that would have taken me years to even attmept and not do as well. You are very inspiring to a newer crazy quilter!

Vicki W said...

It's beautiful!!

Rian said...

Beyootimous! We have those frogs too. They are aptly named. Whatta cacophony!

Marty52 said...

Yummers! So very spring and just full of the "little" things. You continue to amaze me.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

The critters make me smile! Those cacophonous frogs are somehow rather comforting at night - albeit noisy! It's spring in Texas already, and the critters are crawling.

Micki said...

I am loving this piece. Love the little frogs, the flowers, everything is just right.

Barbara C said...

So lovely!

Karrin Hurd said...

Allie, your piece is lovely, I especially love the little frogs.

Rengin Yazitas said...

What a wonderful piece....Allie, I really envy your creativity and fast work... Thanks so much for sharing these beauties with us...

Maureen said...

It is looking absolutely beautiful, love the frog button - maureen x

Liz in Kansas said...

The critters are great! I agree - that frog button is perfect. So cute. Thanks for sharing.

Bethel of Bethania said...

Ohh Allie this is so exquisite ... your eye for detail blows me away ... as you guys say over there "I'm gobsmacked" thanks for sharing your creative/artistic journey ... OOroo ... Bethel

Gerry said...

Beautiful block. The leaves are just amazing. You make everything look so easy. LOL. And the frog button is darling.

Angela said...

Your block is gorgeous! That frog bead is just sooo cute

sharonb said...

I think this is one of the most delightful of your pieces - I love the frogs button/bead but I think I like the way the stitching/applique etc flows

Susan said...

I love the flowers in the border part. Those little doilies with the buttons are so perfect!