Gift Exchange

When December arrives -- or when we arrive at December -- parties ensue!

Our Fiber Art Fusion group dined to celebrate another year of artful creating together. At our dinner, we exchanged little 5x7-inch original pieces of artwork. It is our second year, and I think we love it so much, we want to do one mid-year, "just because!"

Here is mine -- Ann Quandee chose it from the stack of wrapped art. I hope she enjoys it as much as I will enjoy mine from Judy Alexander. The color is a huge departure for me -- pinky-red, orange, even a purplish tone. I cut the pleated bit from some great fabric and pleated it in a semi-circular form. Again, from the same fabric, I cut a smaller motif, padded it, appliqued it and even added a few bugles. I find it almost impossible NOT to add sparkle, a la beads. I bordered it in satin stich with this great Madeira variegated thread. Variegated threads are a big favorite of mine -- they add lots of interest and depth without having to change thread (which would often be too disruptive to the piece). The silks and even dyed cotton fibers are great for embroidery.

I wish everyone a blessed season of love -- love for families and friends and all of God's gifts to us!