(added Feb. 2011)
The following pieces posted in 2010 were actually worked on in 2009. Over the course of that year throughout the four seasons, I took photos of things that caught my eye in nature. I then created them again through free form stitchery using felt, floss, tulle, and beads. No patterns were used. I sometimes drew but mostly free cut the shapes. Most of the pieces are small (either 6"x 6" or 5"x 7") because the hand stitching was labor intensive and I would never have been able to complete very many had they been larger. However, there are a couple of bigger pieces up to 16"x 20". Mixed in with the stitchery are a few paintings and paper cuttings I did when I needed a little break from stitching for awhile.

A huge inspiration and encouragement throughout the year was my good friend Mary Petersen. While I took photos and stitched, she wrote poetry. We met once a month to share what we had been doing and encourage each other. Every season change, we brainstormed ideas. I would not have been able to complete so many pieces without her and I am grateful. We wanted to combine our work, but printing many images in color can be cost prohibiting and formatting poetry on blog sites can be frustrating. What eventually transpired is this blog for me and a self published book for her entitled: Espial: Noticings and Spottings by Mary VK Petersen available at Schuler Books or on Amazon.com. We hope you enjoy looking at our collaboration via this blog and her book.

(Dec. 2010)
Thanks to all of you for coming to look at this site over the past year. I hope it inspired you or brightened your day a little. It is a privilege to share my work with you.

May God grant you joy and peace in the coming year.
Blessings,
Cheryl

There's a song in the air
there's a star in the sky.

There's a mother's deep prayer
and a baby's low cry.

And the star rains its fire
while the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a king,
For the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a king.

-J. G. Holland

For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

I firmly believe nature brings
solace in all troubles.
-Anne Frank