First things first, revealing the project I alluded to in my December 2nd post — partridges for my purple-themed holiday tree. See one peeking coyly over her shoulder? Isn't she a beauty? I think the cardinal is jealous.
The idea was to create partridges and pears out of wool felt. For a pattern I started with a screen capture of the cartoon partridge from the 70's sitcom, The Partridge Family. (The opening sequence with the theme song is available on YouTube.) From there it was easy to make pattern pieces.
Here is a flat scan of the tatted wings. I added a few glass beads to give it some sparkle. Tatman's shuttle motif adds just the right je ne sais quoi to make this handmade bird stand out.
What about the pears?
For these, I used a wool knit fabric the color of red Anjou pears. Then I added needle felted roving to add dimension. It was my first attempt at needle felting and it was a lot of fun to do. I made six of these last year and ended up giving them all away to friends who fell in love with them. So I made more this year.
The pattern for this comes from the book Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects, by Betz White, in case you want to try your hand at making them too.
I love how my Anjou pear turned out. Even if you've never needle felted before (like me) you can do it and it will look good! Plus the stabbing motion made with the felting needle helps relieve pent-up holiday tension. LOL!
My goal for 2010 is to showcase tatting in more mixed media projects. Wishing you all successful and joyful holiday crafting in the days and weeks to come!
13 comments:
Your partridges and pears are absolutely beautiful! What a multi-talented lady you are! :)
She took the words right out of my mouth!
That as a wonderful post, they are all stunning. You ARE a clever girl.
You are tooooo clever!!!! I love seeing tatting used in other ways and the partridge is magnificent!
TattingChic, Tatskool and Gina, your praises are making me blush! So glad you like my partridges and pears.
But I can't take all the credit. The idea to use The Partridge Family cartoon bird came from my hubby (Big Daddy) who loves all things 70's.
All those tatters above, who read this first have said it all! I am so impressed with your work. Talented you!
Fox : )
Ditto to the above! I love the partridge - how unique!
I loved David Cassidy and the Partridge Family! Never thought I'd see the day where it inspired needlework, however - LOL.
Fox, so glad you like them too!
A Happy Bluebird, did you have the song from The Partridge Family playing in your head after visiting my blog? *chuckles* I started humming the tune after reading your comment! Inspiration can come for the most random sources.
The patridge is really beautiful! The tatted motif looks fantastic on the wings, like they were customised for it. Thanks for sharing the idea!
Have a fabulous season.
SO COOL! The purple themed tree reminds me of my Gma who loved purple and decorated with purple accents all over her house. She even had purple shudders on her home and I swear her house was painted lavender. Maybe it was a lavender grayish house. Still looked like a purple house. Her Christmas tree was all purple ornaments and lights.
Love the purple partridge. And the pear looks yummy! Nice to see a motif I designed put to good use. You did a wonderful job!
You've heard it before, but I'll say it again! That partridge is FANTASTIC!!! You have a wonderful imagination! The felted pears are awesome! I've have been wanting to try that but have been afraid I would stab myself!
:) Ann
They are gorgeous and you are very talented. Thanks for sharing not only your work but how you did it.That's very inspiring to try something new!
I just found your pear and partridge and they are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your talent and for such great inspiration. Merry Christmas.
Everyone is right....you are clever and super talented!!!!
It seems, no matter what you do, you do it well!
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