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Alternative Materials Category
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Daffodil Follies
Artist: Debbie Kelly (Topsham, ME)
Polly's Picks, Alternative Materials
“I don’t know about you, but, here in the Great Northeast, we are ready for a bit of springtime. My inspiration came from my anticipation of the daffodils poking their little yellow heads out of my garden, amidst the unmelted remnants of winter. I have a love for crocheting, and I set off to combine jewelry and crocheted fiber work into my creation. My first choice was to find an earthy looking background for my garden. When I happened upon a spool of natural 1.2mm waxed cotton, I thought this would be a perfect canvas to work on. I had never tried to crochet with this material before, and soon found it was a pleasure to work with. I prestrung around 200 crystal silver-lined E beads on the cord and incorporated them onto the chain row for an icy effect. I continued designing as I went until I had come up with a pleasing original design. It was no easy task to 'make' a daffodil, but, after many attempts, I felt that I had fabricated a pleasing facsimile. The daffodils and leaves were made separately for various crochet threads in appropriate colors and attached to the foundation in an attractive staggered order. Note that the tips of the daffodil petals are tipped with topaz silver lined E beads. I used sterling silver filigree bead caps upside down with a French knot in the middle for the flower centers and for buds. I added a row of wispy white novelty yarn all around the outside for a snowy illusion. For more interest, I strung crystal silver lined E beads onto cord and used 2x1mm sterling silver crimp tubes to secure the beads. I added streamers of my 'icicles' hanging out of the flowers and leaves, and combined them with more 'snow' for a bit more glamour at the bottom front. The closure is adjustable (see inset).” – Debbie Kelly
Review the 2007 contest details to see what this contestant was up against. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the 2008 contest!
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