When I was a little girl, I was fascinated with the gumnut babies. With summer approaching and the smell of Eucalyptus in the air, I was nostalgically reminded of these childhood favourites when I saw this gumtree and I just had to create something representative of my childhood. 
For those who may know not about the gumnut babies - May Gibbs was an author and advocate of Australian flora and fauna in which she modelled many of her characters in her books. Born in 1877, May loved to draw and went on to study art in both Australia and England. She became a famous author and illustrator of children's books with her most famous being the Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (click on the link to see more of this fabulous book).Through the encouragement of the Bead Looming Intervention group, I decided to design a cuff using the Eucalypt leaf and attempting my first extensions.
Using Delica's no.11 - the looming is 5cm wide by 13cm long - edged in
bronze and bone beads, I'm tempted to add some metal clay gumnuts. The cream background showcases the beautiful leaf and gumnuts and every
time I wear it I will be reminded of my little childhood chums!
That is really beautiful Caron!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous cuff! I love watching the patterns you create. Your artistic designs offer great depth, like in the story you told of this latest cuff. I also can't get over how you simplify pictures into wonderful color ways. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Caron! The cuff is gorgeous, I think metal clay gumnuts would be a perfect addition!
ReplyDeleteI love eucalyptus trees, too. The fabulous smell, silvery leaves and wonderful bark too!
That's lovely Caron, even more so because of the childhood memories that inspired it.
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