Second Tree of Life

This is my second Tree of Life wall hanging.  For this one I used Sizzix dies for all of the flowers and leaves.  The only one not cut with a Sizzix die is the bird, which was cut from a Laurel Burch fabric.  It's not completed yet--there are a few areas that need something added, I think.  Again, I'm going to glue the pieces down and then raw edge applique them and then quilt the background.  I actually prefer my first attempt at a Tree of Life design but I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could use the dies successfully.  Part of my displeasure, I think, is the background--I think it should have been a deeper color, kind of like the teal of my first attempt   I almost feel it's too "cute".  But it's all a learning experience.  These two quilts are examples of the phrase that the quilt will speak to you when it needs something else.  This one is still speaking.  Hope you enjoy.  

Tree of Life

This is the first of a series of Tree of Life wall hangings.  The pieces were fussy cut from Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and other designers fabrics featuring flowers.  Then they were arranged and glued down, raw edge appliqued and then the background was quilted.  The fabrics on the other edges were being audtioned for the borders.  I didn't end up using either.  I'll try to find a photo of the finished product.  It was great fun to do and I'm enjoying the freedom of just cutting and designing.  I have many patterns using traditional shapes but I've discovered I enjoy creating this way.  Planning to have a yard sale and get rid of my stash of patterns in the spring or summer.