"The Pollen Was Bad that Day"

"The Pollen Was Bad that Day" is the title of this little piece.

It's summer and that means it's Artist Trading Card time with art teachers. My Ning group (see badge on sidebar if you're interested) is doing their annual swap. I have to make five cards.

I've been watching every grade stitch and weave this quarter. Weeks upon weeks of watching kids having fun with needle and thread. Finally, it's my turn. I'll do my ATCs with embroidery.

This particular card was first colored with a freezer paper print and then embroidered. I like the idea of printing first. It gives me good guidelines to follow while filling in empty spaces between stitches. The insect motif is a favorite of mine and was an easy choice to start off the process, but I think I will base the next one on a design from a masterpiece.

Looking at photos of my work, I always see errors that I don't see in person. The eyes need to be darkened or outlined and I forgot to stitch an antennae. After that, I'll be happy with it.

The weekend's here. Finally. And it is the last one of the school year.