Inspiration equals motivation

This stunning Persimmon tree above, is the inspiration for a new tea cosy. Every year I say I will take a photo of this tree and sadly the fruit disappears and I still haven't taken a picture.

It's an old gnarled tree and a few metres away there is another one. You can see where cattle have 'pruned' the bottom of the canopy to a nice even shape.

As the leaves fall, the fruit hangs on the tree and on foggy, winter days the orange persimmons glow like bright orange orbs in the mist, just stunning.

This year both trees are laden with fruit, but the crows soon eat it. The land is private property so it is hard to get a decent picture of it, but I am happy with this.

I would like a photo of it 'glowing ' in the fog, so shall have my camera and boots ready to head out and snap some pictures.

Here is the tree, it's covered in beautifully coloured leaves with a carpet underneath.

Click on the photo to enlarge. I usually stick with black thread for my embroidery using fabric and scraps for the colour. Obviously this wasn't going to work with small objects like leaves.

I'm really happy with the picture and now all I have to do is finish the other side which will have an appropriate saying.

Sometimes it's good to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You might just surprise yourself!

Uploaded in the wrong order!

The tree shortly after beginning. Don't you just love that feeling when something comes together just as you imagined it?

Our Maples along the driveway continue to colour up nicely. They are probably at their peak now and when the sun is shining on them, it's just brilliant.
A couple of more book covers:- the one above is of dried Agapanthus stems. They make great dried arrangements. Once all the flowers have fallen off the lime green stems look spectacular.Gradually, they fade to a parchment colour, I used black so that they would stand out.
Another butterfly cover with a quote from Hans Christian Anderson :- "Just living is not enough", said the butterfly "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower"

I wonder if that flower could be a Zinnia?

These little treasures are a bit early, but nonetheless very welcome in my garden. I love Jonquils and while some people may find their scent a bit overpowering, I love it. It makes me think of Winter/Spring and I love to bring them indoors and let their beautiful perfume waft through the house.

This is a vary rare photo. The gorgeous little grey cat was a stray who adopted us and it took many years before I could get near her and pat her. Alot of patience and cat treats were required. Here she is with the 'love of her life' Tigger.

She is still very shy and usually sleeps on a dining chair underneath the table, but I placed her on the ottoman and she was very happy to curl up by her mate and even let me take a couple of snaps.

Not bad being a cat, you get to sleep alot, play eat fish and curl up in front of the heater. Life could be worse.

I hope you all had a good weekend and I hope that the week ahead holds some time for you to be creative and enjoy the beauty around you.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by and saying 'hi'

Claire X