Up and Away
This one measures 5.5 x 6 inches. I painted the background by pouring two different shades of green on the silk while it was stretched in a hoop (yes, I end up with a green hoop). I tipped the silk one way and then the other so I had drips running in both colors, and it ended up happening to look vaguely grassy, which I was happy with.
The stems are the usual hand-painted ribbon, glued into a gentle bend.
For the brown parts of the seeds, I used very narrow strips of hand-painted ribbon. I used to use thread but I think the ribbon looks more solid. The ribbon ends are snipped short and glued into place behind the silk, so that you don’t see the leftover ribbon sticking out (this silk at 12 momme is still quite see-through). I also used a stitch or two in the same color thread to hold it down, otherwise they spring out from the fabric a bit too much.
Before sewing or gluing anything, I split some white Gutermann thread into two strands. The strands look crimped, like hair that’s been in a braid. But then I iron them nice and straight and save them to use for the long part of the “umbrella” of the seeds.
The rest of the seeds are done in the same way I outlined here.
I don’t know what I’m doing next but I hope it’s quicker!