Blossom….

I LOVE blossom. Love love love it. I’m creating a few special pieces for the opening of Edge West Studio and this is one of them. Lots of beautiful fresh pink cherry blossom in the making. Also, one of those pieces that seems to getting larger and larger!!

Rather like silver birch, blossom is perfect for textile interpretation. The delicate bunches of petals swaying in the breeze, like balls of candy floss. The abundance of those beautiful tiny flowers on a blossom tree never cease to amaze me, literally hundreds of thousands. Just hoping it won’t be that many hours before I’m finally happy with this one!

I’ve learnt one or two things about these beautiful trees too!!

Did you know that cherry blossoms and the leaves are edible and used in many traditional Japanese sweets and tea. They are first pickled and then used in recipes for cakes, candies, and even cookies. There is actually such a thing as cherry blossom ice cream too!!

Another fact is that cherry blossom signifies renewal. Known as "sakura" in Japanese, these pale blooms are a symbol of spring because it is a time of renewal. However, because the blooms are short-lived, they are also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life.

The all important research. Simple love of a theme I’m working on is one thing (and always necessary to me) but knowledge takes me to another level and really helps me to connect to a piece - ultimately doing justice to whatever I am representing.

I am keeping this one under wraps until the opening weekend (sorry!!). Have to keep a few surprises up my sleeve!!!

Not long now - 29th May!!!!