International Bird Rescue -- Every Bird Matters

Perhaps you have seen the images from ocean-side communities where people work to clean up a bird that has been damaged by an oil spill? This kind of human intervention due to humankind's mess-making around the world is often covered in the news these days.

My love of birds has been celebrated in my fiber art studio for many years now, so when the folks at International Bird Rescue, an organization dedicated to rescuing birds that have been injured due to a natural disaster or human cruelty, asked me to sponsor a membership drive for their non-profit organization, I was happy to participate! I hope you will enjoy learning more about their fine work.

If you decide to become a member of Bird Rescue this week, with a $25 donation, you will be eligible to win one of the many lovely sponsor-donated items perfect for every bird lover! Learn more here.

Tattoo Sparrow Pillow at Nestle And Soar

The Tattoo Sparrow Pillow from my eco-chic collection, shown at left, has been donated to Bird Rescue (IBR) as a give-away item! Other companies who also love birds, as well as the fans of birds around the world, are joining in to help raise awareness about the work of the Bird Rescue team.

In addition to becoming a IBR member, there are many ways to participate with bird-loving organizations, and often, you can participate from the comfort of your own home. If you enjoy spending time on Facebook, there are many hard-working groups represented there you could follow and help to support. I like to keep up with the I Love Birds page!

Another bird-loving spot I like to visit from home is the blog of the popular 10,000 Birds. Here you will find great information on birding, nature, and conservation as well as fabulous bird photography from around the world. Do you love learning about birds and where they live?

It is tremendous fun to fill my home with art and images that celebrate my love of nature! This is the passion behind my artistic practice and my small business efforts. If you also love to celebrate your love of nature this way, I hope you will join me in helping organizations like International Bird Rescue who work to preserve the health and legacy of birds in their natural environments for everyone's benefit.

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

One-of-a-Kind Fiber Art for Home Decor

The art and craft of dry felting, also known as needle felting, is a time-consuming technique that is perfect for detail-oriented artists like me. There is nothing about needle felting that happens quickly! Unlike knitting or cross-stitch embroidery, this fine craft technique does not require me to count stitches or follow patterns, but it does require multiple passes over the design field...and by multiple, I mean thousands of needle passes into the design motif!

I find dry needle felting as an art form to be quite meditative, perhaps because of the rhythmic movement it requires. For anyone who also makes art using this needlework technique, you will agree with me when I say the faster you try to create, the less likely the result will be of superior quality. Trust me when I say that I am not complaining about needle felting! It is important to me that fans of hand-felted fiber art understand this art form so that when they select a textile or tapestry for their special home, they know the process behind the beautiful results. That is why I have designated my artwork in four simple categories:

Limited Edition items are fan favorite designs that I create multiple times at Nestle And Soar in Colorado, yet I will not make more than 250 of any design! The time it takes to make one of these items varies, and sometimes I will have one ready to ship to you right away. It's nice to know that your home will be decorated with unique items not found on every corner.

Made to Order items, designated with a pencil and ruler icon, are eco-chic home decor creations that are particularly time-consuming to make, so I wait until you request that item, and then I make one specifically for you! Some people want me to make the design exactly as pictured, and other people ask me to change something in the design so that it is perfect for them. When I do that, and I love to do that, the item becomes a custom piece.

I love Customized projects in my studio! In this situation, I work directly with you before I begin the creative process, adding personalized details like "carving" your sweetheart's initials in the trunk of a tree, or making you a pillow with your mother's all-time favorite bird. This kind of personalization is a privilege for me to make.

Another example of a customized item involves a photo you have taken of a favorite landscape, which I then help you remember with a fiber art tapestry for wall display. Custom orders are the most-often requested item in my studio and I rarely make a second piece like the custom item I've made for you! The needle and thread icon represents an art piece that can be customized, but truly, I am happy to customize every design I make, and here is an easy link to that service at Nestle And Soar.

Ready to Ship

The final category in my online studio is the Ready to Ship designation, and that is perfect for fans of my fiber art who would like to have their fun fiber art delivered sooner than later. With this category, highlighted with the ribbon-decorated package, the time-consuming process of creating the item happened and it is ready to be shipped to you right away. This is great for you when shopping for a gift, especially if you are short on time. And whose not short on time? Well, I guess I better not be short on time too often, as I have a passion for creating art that demands lots of time! Thank you for being part of that process with me. When I envision my fiber art becoming a family heirloom for others, it makes my heart sing.

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Eco-Chic is on Trend, and that makes us Cool!

Fiber art is a labor of love.

Saying "Eco-Chic" or any other term for describing the environmentally-friendly fiber art objects I make, no longer causes folks to say, "Huh?" Deborah Rent in the Chronicle Herald says that Eco-Chic is definitely trendy, and may even enter the territory of being hip. "When you tell people you're decorating your home by choosing environmentally sustainable products, you feel good about yourself...you instantly up your cool quota."

So what is cool about choosing organic fabric to design my home decor pillows? Farmers who grow cotton, hemp, bamboo or linen fibers organically to manufacture fabric are easier on the soil, the people who handle that fabric, and the consumer. Many organic farmers are masters at crop rotation, which keeps the 80% of our planet's biodiversity in the soil healthy. No synthetic chemicals are used, and they skip the poisons like formaldehyde and heavy metals. Yuck! And decorating organic fabrics by hand, like I do in my designs, feels right. I invest a lot of time and care in my home decor items. They are a labor of love and they deserve a high-quality foundational fabric!

I am always on the lookout for certified organic products for my art. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that certifying organics is mutually beneficial for everyone involved in an organic cotton supply chain as it insures integrity in their processing and labeling. I am excited to grow my design business into a organization that can add to the cause of greening your home! Besides, I've always loved thinking of myself as hip and cool.

What kind of eco-chic items are you loving right now? I'd like to hear about it!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

New Work in the Studio

Here's what's happening at Nestle And Soar this week...

A huge shipment of celadon green wool roving arrived and my hands could not stop until I played with this elegant color! I read a reference to the word celadon, commonly used to describe a delicate green, earlier, used to describe a tender lover, after Celadon, the hero in a romance by d'Urfe. I believe that there is a romantic quality to this green, and hopefully, to these three pieces on my worktable. Oh, my sweet Celadon.

English Garden, hand needle felt, embroidery, beading on linen

Love Birds, hand needle felt on linen

Piece 4 in series of 6, patchwork with needle felting

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Building Value in American Handmade Fine Craft

I wrote this article for ArtsyShark, a wonderful resource that inspires artists to build better businesses. I encourage you to visit ArtsyShark and see if any of their resources will be of service to you.

The concept of fine craft, as well as fine art, I think we can all agree, include words like excellence, standards, and quality. When I hear of a master-crafted item, I think about something out of the ordinary or beyond the usual.  I think of an object that inspires awe.

My background in American-made craft began in the mid-1970s when I was part of the team that published Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine in Colorado. Much of my workday saw me helping people focus their love of sewing and playing with color into either a serious hobby or a legitimate profession in the quilting arts. The flourishing quilt industry of the 70’s was yet another cycle of the growing love affair Americans have had with handmade soft goods for the home that, if not master-crafted, were at least laboriously made with great love and attention to detail.

My mom, Bonnie Leman, who was the founding editor of Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine, helped her readers improve their quilt making skills, and encouraged them to seek out that awe-inspiring result. She also invested heavily in helping them believe in the value of their handmade fiber arts. This resurgence of improving excellence across an ever-growing body of quilt makers in America was in full swing when big-box stores like Sears began importing bed quilts from China. I observed that anyone who had ever attempted to create a quilt knew that these quilts were not inspiring, they were heartbreaking. In a commercially-driven attempt to profit on the growing demand for quilts in American homes, the value proposition of these objects as an art form was trashed, at least temporarily.

It was interesting for me to observe at this time that the women within this industry, who had spent the past 10-15 years helping one another grow in their expertise as fiber artists, be put in the position to belittle the quilt-making efforts of other women in China. 

My own value system was challenged by this “us vs. them” mentality. I also observed that the glut of these cheaply made quilts made an economic impact on professional American fiber artists, as well as specialty fabrics stores and entrepreneurs across the United States. In fact, I suggest that the fiber arts in America as a broad class of industry are still recovering.

Now that the Internet has so drastically changed the way that people shop, imports into our neighboring stores is only one part of the supply chain. Professional fiber artists in every country have had to learn how to promote the value of what they make to the entire world.

So what can artists and craftspeople do today to both build value and express the value of what they love to make? 

• Concentrate on the absolute value of your creation. For professional fiber artists, that includes quality materials, expert finishing techniques, and professional-quality photos. We sell not only an object, but we sell how that object makes our customers feel.

• Recognize both your expertise and your vulnerabilities. Speak to yourself in terms of valuing your artistic life. Treat yourself with respect at all times. Additionally, reach out to others. We can be the support other artists need on any given day. This can take the form of emotional support, being a collector of their work, and as a supporter of the arts.

• Balance competitive energies with consensus-building. When I market my fiber folk art, I have to both remember and forget that I do not compete with the soft goods sold at Target. I am aware that my customers have a wide variety of choices, so they will likely know about the $9 pillows at Target, but my ideal customer is not interested in filling her home with cheap imports. Instead of thinking about competing on price, I build consensus and community as part of my marketing efforts. I proudly express the quality of what I make and I seek to have that message resonate with my “just-right” audience.

•  Use the power of the Internet to express the benefits of supporting wholesome, handmade fine craft, in America and beyond! This effort helps the individual artist as well as it helps the entire arts community. We can work together to create awe-inspiring results, and this adds to the healthy future of our beloved creativity!

I would love to hear what your experiences are of buying or making craft and how you see the value of handmade items in your part of the world!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

New Website for Eco-Chic Fiber Art Lovers

The past six months of my life here in Colorado have been electronically creative for me! A strong focus on online technologies is an unnatural devotion, and I tease by telling others that I am high fiber, not high tech. Luckily, this huge technology project has been managed by a team of experts who have guided me and educated me in the ways of the web. I am pleased to announce the launch of my newly designed website, Nestle And Soar, a colorful and fun resource for those who love to fill their home with original and elegant home decor.

One of the most exciting features of my new website is the Customize It! page. Many of my collectors have asked me to make a fiber art piece especially for them, in colors and finishes that exactly match their home's decor. With this feature at Nestle And Soar, we've made it easy for folks to order their own special item. It's very exciting!

Do you love lush textiles and pops of color? Green luxury in home decor means dressing up your space with statement pieces that reflect the beauty of nature without damaging our ecosystem in process. My fiber art pieces showcase hand needle-felting and embroidery created with organic fabrics, hand-dyed wools and sustainable, fair-trade business practices. I invite everyone who loves to decorate with limited-edition fiber art designed and master-crafted in America to visit Nestle And Soar online!

I also invite each of you to subscribe to my simply elegant newsletter. Published monthly and filled with gorgeous photos and artisan interviews, you will also be among the first to learn about reader discounts and new Nestle And Soar fiber art collections! I hope to hear from you: would you tell me about your love of textiles, nature-inspired art or how you add to the green luxury in your home?

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

New Fiber Art -- A Productive January

The fresh energy of January often finds me striving in vigorous ways toward both new and old goals. I always find on my list the goal of "Make Forward Motion!", and January 2013 was no exception. I thought I would share today the fiber art that has captured this vigorous creative energy in my studio during the past 31 days...I would love to hear if you find any of the projects to your liking. Do you find yourself stretching for goals that only you know about? Me too. I'm putting myself on the hot seat today by showing everyone what productivity meant for me this month!

Thanks for stopping by, Georgianne

P.S. Happy Forward Motion!

Studio View -- Vertical Storage

I am working on new ways to display my nature-inspired pillows and thought I would group them in the studio today as step number one. The display idea that has kept me awake since 4am is to use a clear acrylic shelf-like box that attaches to the wall like a picture frame. I could place the pillow inside the clear box for easy viewing, and the pillows would not be able to shift or fall over. Don't you love the idea of vertical storage? This idea would allow me to display dozens of pillows in minimal space! This is a great project for this snowy day in Colorado....Georgianne

Western Tanager Needle Felt Pillow

Aspen Grove Needle Felt Pillow

Red Bird Tree Needle Felt Pillow

Color or Craftmanship in Needlework: Which is more important?

Robin Pillow by Georgianne Holland

The pursuit of simple elegance in hand-stitched needle arts is an important part of my life as an artist and business woman. I often find my most satisfying expression of fine craft skills as I fill my entire worktable with piles of colorful wool roving, wool crewel yarn, and sketches of lovely birds! Creating unique textiles, like my line of Bird Pillows in the Nestle and Soar studio, is my joy and my work. Isn't it lovely to have both joy and work fill the same spot in life?

Many of the eco-chic pillows I make showcase birds that come from my whimsical imagination, and others are my needle-felt depiction of real birds, like the Western Tanager or every one's favorite Bluebird. I am a devotee of the iconic bird drawings and paintings of John J. Audubon, so some of my designs are meant to pay tribute to him as well as the fine artists who were his apprentices during his artistic adventures. Are you a fan of Audubon? Do you have a favorite bird that always catches your eye in art and fine craft designs?

Tree Party Pillow by Georgianne Holland

The process of needle felting birds, trees or any living thing is an energetic and exciting process! There is always an eagerness when I assemble all of the colors and materials I will be using for a project. Even after many years as a fiber artist, there is a passion for the process because I'm actually holding the colors, feeling the texture of the fibers, and laying them down layer by colorful layer as I work. There's a lot of physical energy that goes into the fine craft of needle felting, especially work that is done by hand...I have never tried to use a felting machine. I'm sure it would speed up the process and perhaps make me more productive, but I'm not convinced that the passion for the art form would be honored.

Western Tanager Pillow by Georgianne Holland

If I were to name the single most important element in the process of making limited-edition art pillows, I'd have to think long and hard between choosing COLOR or choosing CRAFTSMANSHIP. Because I work with forms found in nature, the coloring of most elements in my work are standard-issue blues, greens, and shades of brown. I can absolutely be the "bringer of zing" when I work with the brightest yellows, oranges,and purples that are part of male birds we all long to welcome for a visit. So while my color choices may be somewhat predictable, I believe they are still an amazing part of the joy that becomes stitched into these textile forms. I certainly feel great with the color play, and I hear that enjoying the pop of color that these pillows bring to my client's homes is great fun!

Would you agree with me that craftsmanship is the binding element that sets a family heirloom apart from a one-season, somewhat disposable room accessory? While the on-trend colors of interior design change over time, the impeccable quality of workmanship in a handmade textile is the kind of quality that makes a handmade item a family treasure. Many people also love the lineage of items that were loved by their family in years past, items like quilts or tailored clothing come to mind. The Western Tanager Pillow I've made began as a pristine vintage hankie that was hand embroidered and tatted in the 1940s by another woman who loved the needle arts! I've re-purposed that hankie into a sweet pillow that marries my love of Audubon art with my desire to make a new family heirloom that will bring a graceful note to a special family home.

What is the single most important element in the process of your creative endeavors? I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Photographic Adventures at Nestle and Soar

As a gal who never took a photography class, it is somewhat frightening to rely so heavily on great photos to operate my business! Kind of gutsy, even. Now I know that improving my photos on my own website, in my Etsy shop, and all along the Internet highways is the right thing to do, so I decided to learn from my good friend Kelly, who is quite patient with me. Today there are a few progress shots of pillows I am working on that have me kind of excited! I know that I still have a lot to learn, but each effort has a marked improvement, so that feels good. What is the one skill you know you need to improve to make your work or life more "just right"? I'd love to hear!

Soft Sunflower Pillow ©2010 Georgianne Holland

Coexist Tree ©2011 Georgianne Holland

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

"Tree Party" Design at Nestle and Soar

It has been very busy in my studio this week! I am getting ready to frame my latest needle-felt fiber art...I've named it Tree Party. I like the spirit of these colorful birds as they come together to chat and party in a tree for a bit. And like any really fun party, there is lots of diversity amongst the guests...makes for better conversations! This fiber art for the wall will be 16"x20".

The foundation of this piece is raw-edge fabric patchwork with machine quilting. The leaves are appliqued wool sheet felt with hand beading. The birds have a variety of decorative sewing or beading--I've used wool throughout--except for the green bird in the middle, who is felted with silk fibers.

The last studio photo shows a variation of this design that I'm making as a pillow top. I've included two bright blue and gold birds in this piece, and it is still in progress...I'm guessing it is about 50% complete.

I'd love to know what you think about these new designs!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Studio Scene at Nestle and Soar

Inventory wall in the Nestle and Soar studio, near Boulder, Colorado

There is always a riot of color in my fiber folk art studio! I have tried to keep the walls fairly neutral because I know full well that my fiber art will be bright with color.

The needle felting process always includes steam-pressing the wool. It is important to use a pressing cloth.

The dry felting of birds and trees onto linen is still my favorite medium. These pieces become decorative pillows or wall art; this bird piece will eventually be a pillow.

The ledge that is built into this wall of my studio is a wonderful place to display fun items as well as keep regularly-used items within easy reach.

I don't know how I could ever compact my studio items into a smaller space at this point! If I don't have enough room to display, for instance, my favorite Nancy Drew book, how could I make do?

What is your favorite "unnecessary/necessary" item in your creative space?

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Handmade Gifts for Bird Lovers

Freckled Bird Pillow by Georgianne Holland at Nestle and Soar

Bird lovers are everywhere, and if you are thinking about a gift for your favorite bird lover, it is easy to find gifts that will decorate their garden or feed their feathered friends. How about a handmade gift for your bird fan that will decorate the inside of their home instead!

You won’t have to buy a tank of gas to shop for your bird-loving friend! Handmade bird pillows, birdie cups for their favorite coffee or tea, and special one-of-a-kind modern vintage bird wall art are easily available with a click of your mouse. And while technology makes it fast and easy for you to purchase a great handmade gift for a bird lover, you can appreciate the low-technology methods used to create these handmade items. Talk to most any crafts person, and you will be intrigued to hear about the extensive time, patience and talent needed to hand-make these collectible home décor items. These are the kind of gifts that will be appreciated for years to come.

Hand-thrown Birdie Cup at Nestle and Soar

Bird lovers tend to like birds in every room of the house; at least I know that I do! In my Nestle and Soar studio in Colorado, I have bird-themed office supplies, containers of all shapes and sizes, bird calendars, and bird art for the wall. The variety of bird species is so very extensive, it is easy to help bird lovers celebrate their favorite colors with handmade bird-themed items. Have you ever seen images of birds from around the world, in lands far away from the backyard sparrows and finches seen everyday, to be amazed by the bright colors and plumage of birds from around the world? This is the kind of variety that makes bird lovers happy, so help them celebrate the true wonder of birds by giving them a special gift.

Perhaps you have a creative urge and would like to try making your own handmade gift for a bird lover? It is fun and easy to turn soda bottles into bird feeders or help your kids or grand kids paint a simple wooden bird house from the hobby store. This kind of thoughtful gift has the benefit of being handmade by a loved one, and bird lovers tend to be warm hearted folks! One of my favorite handmade gifts for bird lovers became the big hit at Christmas time last year. I found a stash of simple drawstring muslin bags and stamped a lovely image of a bird in flight onto them. I filled each one with wild bird food from my local home and garden shop. It was fun and easy to give away these sweet gifts to all of my bird-loving friends at Christmas potlucks and gift exchanges. And when the bird seed was all gone, each of my friends could reuse the muslin bag as a simple gift wrap for another gift! 

What bird-themed gift would you love to receive?

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

                   

Studio Scene at Nestle and Soar

This week in the studio has been all about tree pillows. I love needle felting trees! This week I made multiples of a fan favorite design, my Spring Tree pillow. Trees will start looking like this, with tiny green buds and a bird visit or two, just any time now!

I also finished my new favorite, the Red Bird tree pillow. I think this tree looks like a lovely lady, but I didn't notice that until I started taking photos...what do you think? I'm really fond of trees that have taken on unusual shapes because of the wind: I have to admit though, I'm not a big fan of wind. Anyone who lives in Colorado this week can sympathize with me regarding heavy wind!

Well, I'm back to the studio for sewing pillows and inserting pillow forms! The windy week has now turned into a snowy day, and that's a good day to stay warm in my studio.

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- February 21, 2012

In Colorado today the weather makes me feel like we are on the brink of springtime. I feel a growing urge to plant and to tidy-up, and my mind keeps wandering outside of my fiber arts studio. There are daffodils peeking up outside my studio window, and dozens of birds are singing in the backyard. How is a person supposed to focus on inside activities on a day like today? My saving grace are the artists, organizations and ideas that I've saved for this top ten list! I find it all so engaging, I may need to set a timer to remind me to go outside to eat my lunch. I hope you will enjoy visiting these creative and inspirational places, too.

#1 Petit Collage -- Tree Print on Wood

Tree Print on Wood

This charming family-owned business is creating sweet collage on wood veneers, as well as many other options, like unframed posters. Their website is a lot of fun to visit and I literally want to buy almost everything I see there! You can also see their lovely home in Dwell magazine, one of my favorite reads. I'm in love with Petit Collage.

#2 Knit Clothes for Kids by Marmalade Baby Creations

Baby's Coming Home Outfit from Marmalade Baby

There is nothing cuter than a brand-new baby! But wait...how about a brand new baby inside of this adorable sock monkey ensemble? That, my friends, would take the cute cake. You can find great knit and crochet baby clothes for your special child at Marmalade Baby.

#3 Bird Paintings for Year-round Feathered Friends

I found a talented artist on Etsy whose shop, Jenlo262, has many lovely original works as well as reproductions to offer. I can see an installation of her great 51 Birds piece as a striking focal point in my living room...can't you? The beauty of Jennifer's site is that you can arrange for a smaller installation, too. I love how each 5"x5" bamboo panel stands alone, yet when you hang them side-by-side, the entire piece is unified. Well done!

#4 Poem by Khalil Gibran

Cherry Blossom Tree © Nestle and Soar

I ran across this line last week and it now helps me think about my blossoming tree pillow work in my studio. I think I need to embroider this line onto my next tree pillow design...

"Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit."

#5 Art is Fun! and by this she means art is

This new-to-me website has been fun to navigate this week. I'm impressed by the site's creator Thaneeya McArdle, who reminds us that whether you are a beginner or total pro, tools and encouragement are available. If you have ever felt yourself holding back from an artistic effort, I'd recommend you check out Taneeya's helpful site to feel inspired!

#6 Ruth Stout -- Gardener Extraordinaire!

I have found a new hero and her name is Ruth Stout. I love watching her YouTube video about her simple life and simple plan for gardening. She has an eloquent yet no-nonsense way about her. I love her logic about all the ways she doesn't have to buy into the "complications" of gardening. My favorite quote from this 12-minute video is "I don't do anything I don't want to do unless I have to. And I don't have to." Words to live by!

#7 Two Yellow Birds Hanging on a Tree -- Vintage Salt and Pepper Set

Japanese ink stamps mark this charming vintage swinger set. Made in the 1950s, the set is over 3" tall. My mother-in-law used to collect salt and pepper shakers, and this sweet find made me think of her. Available from Etsy's vintage shopkeeper in Ann Arbor, Michigan, neieh88. Thanks Helen!

#8 Molly Gordon and Authentic Promotion Ideas for Creative People

I have thoroughly enjoyed and recommend the insightful blog of Molly Gordon. She is a master coach on the topic of finding the "just-right" customer for your product or service. If you are a creative person, you may benefit from reading Molly's latest blog post about artists and creative vulnerability. "With a little self-awareness and the willingness to keep things simple, you can maintain focus, build confidence, and let in the support you need to continue to do creative work." Molly

#9 Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties in Deep Jewel Tones

Perhaps you already spend a lot of time on Ravelry? It is a very popular site for those who knit, crochet, and get all touchy-feely around yarn of all types! I found this wonderful crochet project which is perfect for anyone who loves tiny feet and jewel tones. Aren't they regal? I think they are really special, and you can find more information about them here.

#10 Angry Birds

Negotiations about whose branch this is, anyway, seem to always start out on a dramatic note...here's hoping your week ahead has only peaceful conversations!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Cherry Blossom Bird Needle Felt Pillow -- New Design from Nestle and Soar

Cherry Blossom Tree Decorative Pillow, ©2012 Nestle and Soar

I am pleased to introduce you to the latest original needle felt design from my fiber folk art studio, Cherry Blossom Tree, a handmade tree pillow. I had a great time creating this wool on organic linen accent pillow. Handmade embroidered pillows are one of my favorite mediums, and this limited-edition design really puts me in a good mood!

 

I was an 8th-grade class chaperon to Washington, DC for my daughter's school years ago. This was my first experience seeing Cherry trees in person...I loved it! I remember being absolutely exhausted at the end of that school trip, yet these trees have always been a happy memory for me. I knew that one day I would try to recreate their beauty in my art.

Bluebird is ready for her close-up!

I like to think of my handmade tree pillows as soft art for the home. No two pillows by Nestle and Soar are exactly alike, even when I am following my original designs! Next up on my work table is a yellow version of this tree with a Cardinal in residence. I have always loved red and yellow together, and red birds of any species are among my favorite. What color bird would you like to have in a blossoming tree like this?

 

The blossoms in this tree are hundreds of French knots sewn by hand with Paternayan-brand 100% wool yarn. The sweet bluebird is young and ready for Spring weather and nest building; or so she says. I personally think she is mostly ready to enjoy her point of view. 

 

Thanks for stopping by, Georgianne