Apple Blossoms & Bluebirds

Apple Blossoms on Rita's Block, originally uploaded by ivoryblushroses.

I have been in a stitching mood the past few days! Since I finished the stitching on Gentle Blue Dreams, I've been working on Rita's Encrusted Block. She asked for a Spring theme with birds, bunnies and flowers, which is one of my favorites! I knew right away when I looked at her blocks that I wanted to focus on Apple Blossoms, as they are one of my very favorite things about spring. After doing the tree, I stitched a close up view of an apple tree in blossom and a Bluebird sitting on the limb. Using Gerry's technique of embroidering on felt and adding it later helps to give it great dimension!

In a container of metal charms, I found a lovely little brass bird, which I colored with alcohol inks to make another bluebird. I did the same with a silver butterfly charm. I added a bone bead bunny as well as a bunny button. The shank on the button was far too long, so I cut it off, glued a piece of felt to the back and after it was dry, stitched the button down through the felt.


I've still got one corner to go, which I think will be filled with silk ribbon daisies and maybe a few clovers.