The auricula theatre update

 Making an auricula theatre was a lockdown project  in 2020 when everything was shut down. 

We used reclaimed / gifted wood to construct it & paint that we already had because everything was shut down so the size was determined by the wood we had. 

The backing board was troublesome because it allowed wind gusts behind it & it came crashing down several times, with lots of plant & terracotta pots shattered. It was removed & the theatre was a lot more stable then. 

However, after a long grey winter, the plants were ready for a tidy up in the sunshine today. New soil added, some crushed eggshells too & a dressing of sharp sand.  It looks much fresher already. 

Some plants are in flower, their neat labels long gone in the two theatre crashes but they are joyful with their tiny flowers against the brick wall. 

I will wait & see how the non flowering ones do before replacing some late summer. 

It was a good project & the theatre is an interesting feature on the patio we use the most. 

Who has grown them & what tips do you have? 

Thanks for stopping by , it is always appreciated. 

Dee 💐🪴🪻

#1 A circular stitching project …

 I know, I know - this is the second project I have on the go, alongside my 100 day one which is making progress & I will post an update soon. 

I am eternally grateful to artists & talented people who share their skills online & then encourage us to push our comfort zones. 

I saw this group mentioned in a sewing group I already follow on Facebook & was immediately inspired to join just before it closed to new members so that everyone would be at the same project stage - phew. 

The brief is eleven 6x6 inch squares that will have a different brief each month related to circles & the seasons. 

The first task, a snow blanket,  needed a 4 inch circle to be woven with fabric strips, then embroidered with a snowflake. The colours were restricted to white or creams. I find that restricted colours takes out the colour choice, leaving more time for creativity.  I cut or tore some fabric strips for the first part.

The fabric strips for weaving were placed on fabric stiffener, then they were ironed on to fuse them into a cloth shape. 

Once the 4 inch circle is cut, the circle is attached to the backing fabric - I machined it as I was late to start this section & I thought hand stitching the circle on would take too much time. 

The template for the circle was easy to do to make 6 lines, then embroidered in creamy white thread before being whipped with a slightly darker colour. 

I think the pearl bead finishes the top off nicely. Some French knots & seed stitches finished off the outer space. It still needs to be backed & a stiffener sheet put between the two layers. 

I admit to being rather inspired by this very manageable project & the project for February popped up - I can’t wait to start on that, it is a good one. 

Do stop by for an update & your comments are always appreciated 

Dee 🪡🧵📍