I’ve decided to go with a quilting technique called “pebbling” for the flower centers. I tried to add layers to give it more height but that didn’t work. Pebbling is a lot easier on my arthritic hands than sewing beads. It also goes much faster. The centers are supported with plastic from a binder. It will last longer than cardboard.

I’ve sewn the flower peddles on 4 of the 5 flowers and picked out two shades of green satin for the stems and leaves. I like the shinny quality. I may couch some hemp or ribbon onto the satin to give it some texture. So many options…so little time!

I love thinking through each step as I go. While I finish sewing on the flower pedals, I’m working out how to finish each flower head and add the stems. How do I add wire to the leaves so they stand out and twist the way I want? I have some bead wire that might do the trick. Do I sew them on or give them pin backs for easy removal for transporting or cleaning?

How do I add 3D green leaves behind the flower heads?

How do I add the birds? Do I make them 3D as well, or just sew them on as a patch? Do I stick with two birds or should I have three or more?

Do I put a border on the whole thing, or not? I like my sunflower surface design. I may find a way to use that one way or another. Maybe the backing…..