06 May 2010

Water Goddess Wall Hanging

I wanted to share my lasted, finished project with you. Did you notice that I actually used the word FINISHED? I know, I can hardly believe it myself. Beginning to end I stuck it out and WOW it was so worth it!

I began working on this project a couple of weeks ago. It was just something that I felt compelled to do after I got home from Phoenix. I chose blue for a number of reasons. Primarily because blue it is my mother's favorite color. But also because blue is totally out of my comfort zone. And I wasn't even sure that I would be able to stick with it long enough to see the end results. Sadly, now that it's finished and it is so beautiful, I don't even have anywhere in my house to hang it. Not even in my studio. I just can't bring myself to go to the blue side. Oh well!

Additionally, blue symbolizes the element of water, its direction is West, and the moon phase is waning. Its angel is Gabriel, the season is Autumn, and the zodiac sign is Scorpio, which oddly enough is also a water sign.

Blue also represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, cold, technology, and depression. It is also said that blues can slow the pulse rate, lower body temperature, and reduce appetite. And is considered a good business color because it reflects reliability. The various shades of blue have their own unique representations and psychology.

All of that being said, here SHE is in all of her 20" by 20" glory.



She started out as an art doll based on the Butterfly Goddess Pattern by Kivett Studio. This pattern is just one of three that are offered for free. The studio blog showcases her projects and designs.



She has been assembled using multiple layers of silk and cotton fabric, batting, muslin and cotton backings, hand embroidery, and hand quilting/hand finishing (using transparent thread). She is embellished with layers of lace, beads, trims, and buttons.



Her face is baked clay, painted with acrylics. Her body is hand embroidered using both cotton threads and silk ribbons.



Each of the four corners are embroidered in a Celtic design representing all four of the elements, their directions, and their seasons:

Green - Earth, North, Winter
Red - Fire, South, Summer
Blue - Water, West, Autumn
Yellow - Air, East, Spring

These were sewn using cotton threads and Press 'n' Seal for tracing and placement. I found this free design on the Internet and simply printed it out. No need to purchase a stencil.

This photo will give you a better idea of the layering process involved.



Lastly, I added the three silk loops for hanging. Just look at the wonderful dimension that comes the quilting. I did this piece by hand because it was such a relatively small piece but a sewing machine would have saved my hours upon hours. LOL.



I'm not sure if I will list her for sale or offer her as part of a give-a-way. But when I decide what will become of her, I'll let you know!

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

14 comments:

Karen said...

Such a wonderful piece. I love what you have done with it. You and I are alike with the color blue. I think our art keeps us going when things in life are so tough to take. Blessings!

Judy S. said...

Very impressive, Gerry. Did you make the clay face also?

Marianne S-M said...

Gerry, she is just beautiful. I am sorry to hear about your Mom. I will keep you all in my prayers. I hope she does not suffer. Just know I am here for you.

Thelma said...

Congratulations on finishing a project. lol Wished I could say that.
Can't believe you are thinking of giving it away, such a beautiful work of art.
Hope all goes well with DH and his test comes back good. I hate to hear the news of your mom, I know it must be a difficult time for you.
Take care of yourself and hope to hear from you soon.Been missing your posts.

Lauri said...

She's absolutely beautiful! It is so nice to get a finished product isn't it?
Great Job
Lauri

Lesley said...

Hi Gerry, what a wonderful piece of work. Blue is my favourite colour, and I'm a Scorpio, so it was inevitable that I would love it. You must be very proud of such an outstanding outcome. Hope other thingd go well for you and DH. blessings

Gerry said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have reponded to each of you at your blogs or private email.

Wendy said...

Hi Gerry, she is gorgeous! You did such a wonderful job. She would be lovely anywhere you decided to put her. Will be praying for your mom and dh. Will also be praying for you. You are such a creative person, I always enjoy seeing what you have been up to.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

She is a beautiful piece of art!

Cat said...

Oh my gosh she is gorgeous! Every little detail just is perfect from the 4 shades of blues in the corners to the Celtic designs! Love the swirls on her wings and body! I think she's a keeper!!!

Love to you, your dh and your mom!
May Spring bring refreshed life!

And bow-wow to Fritz!

Gerry said...

Oh my goodness, you are all so kind! I know it's difficult to see in the photos, but all of the fabrics are some shade of blue.

I'm beginning to wonder now if I should just find a special spot for her in my studio. LOL.

Thank you also for your prayers and concern. I do appreciate it!

FredaB said...

I think you need to find a special place for her. She is too beautiful to just give away. I must go look at the patterns.

Hugs

FredaB

SH Sue said...

Gerry - she is absolutely lovely. Colors and design are beautiful. What a great piece of art.

Gerry said...

Thank you, Freda and Sue. I think I've been talked in to keeping her :-)