Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Last but not least


"Oceana"--the name I've given to the third needlepoint interpretation of a Sailor's Valentine--is finally finished! I've probably attached more beads, chips and trinkets to canvas in the last several weeks than I've done in a lifetime.

The sandy corners of the canvas received some darling little starfish. At 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, I sewed on some mother-of-pearl chips and Czech opal beads.

Surrounding the center diamond are four sea glass chips that, to me, anyway, resembled swimming fish. Another specimen shell from my friend in Florida provided the centerpiece.

This was certainly an interesting experiment in combining "found" treasures with colors and threads I particularly favor to create a small ornament or scissors fob. While I was inspired by Sailor's Valentines in determining the octagon shapes of these designs and their shell decorations, I can see other shapes adapted to make personalized designs using different shapes and trinkets lurking in your stash to embellish a needlepointed background.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can see how the chips around the centre look a little like fishes and it has been fascinating to see this develop!

Cool City Stitcher said...

I love all of them. Beautiful designs, colors and embellishments.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I think I would frame this one - it's wonderful. I wish you would do another one - maybe a green one?? With more sea glass?However, "goopy" isn't your style. Oh well. I can fantasize.

Edy said...

They are all lovely -- how do you plan to finish them?

Anne Stradal said...

Haven't decided how to finish them yet--they're all so different and don't really go together as a grouping.

And no more valentines for now--I'm beaded out! Time to move on!

Anonymous said...

Each of these is so unique! I really like them, but I think I like the first one the best. It continues your lighthouse collection. I'm not much of a beader either. Looking forward to what you have in store for us next.

LIZ said...

I really like the way this turned out, but I still like Rose Beach the best! I, too, am curious to see how you decide to "finish" them!