My grandma had given me a stack of cross-stitched birds that she had made many years ago. To be honest, I hadn't a clue what I would do with them. I have never made anything with birds on them, but I felt I should do something with them to honor her. I love to work with collaged fabrics, and so I started laying materials around one of the cross-stitched birds. This bird seemed to call for vintage materials. After I laid the pieces out and I was happy with what I saw and felt, I began sewing everything together. Since the initial piece was cross-stitched, I wanted to continue stitching with floss that would show. I created a few vines and flowers, and added an antique button. The only thing I used that was not vintage are the two little pink flowers at the top of this piece.
I have taken another cross-stitched bird out so I can show you a little more of the process that I used to create my fabric collage. This bird seems to call for a mix of vintage but in a slightly bolder colors scheme. I just laid the cross-stitch out and added some old quilt scraps, a wool flower piece, some vintage handwork and some flowers cut out of a newer material. I will probably add a little vintage lace to this one and something burgundy to go with the vines. Once again, I will stitch it by hand when I'm happy with the design.
When I complete this collaged piece I will post a picture. I'm sure that it will look a bit different because I adapt and make changes as I go. Isn't that the creative force that drives us?