Thinking ahead....

I'm about to start my first goldwork bird for by January CQJP and it's time to make a decision... mainly what will the first bird be.  I have narrowed it down to two birds.. cedar waxwing and a wren. 


Since the gold bird will be monochromatic I decided to start with birds that were pretty much the same value..  It will be easier to translate to gold materials.







Another criteria in my choice was that it have some distinguishable  characteristic that makes it identifiable.  With the wren that is the white eyebrow and perky tail and with the waxwing it is the mask and top crest.

Then I need to find a pose that maximizes the opportunity for embellishment since I want to use a lot of my gold stash on hand.  So I am going through my picture file of birds.

I want some way to make some of my laces gold metallic and have been waiting for Susie Wolfe to arrive as she is bringing a variety of gold fabric paints from her supplies.  Luckily she will be here in 5 days...

Checked out my supply of gold threads left from the goldwork round robin and I have plenty.  In that RR I tried all brands of gold threads and found I definitely loved the very fine Kreinik metallic threads the very best.  The ones I liked the least were Candlelight gold and DMC gold....both shredded and disintegrated.  I like Sulky gold for couching. I will try some of the golds mixed with black and see if I can use them.

My world outside in general is pretty much monochromatic.  I can usually see all the way across the prairie to the mountains from this window, but the fog has come right up to the fence.  Our 4-wheel drive vehicle has been stuck in the driveway for 3 days so am housebound as well.  Hopefully we will get out today to get some much needed groceries.

Morris has perfected the art of couch potato and this is his favorite position. I can't see how sleeping with his neck all twisted can be very comfortable...