Athens time

Tuesday 14 September 2010

A Wedding Tree

On 20 August, Karen's son Matthew and his lovely fiancee Dawn were married at the Lothian Chambers in Edinburgh.

I got to know them when I was up in Edinburgh visiting Karen and pondered on what to give them as a wedding present. I had seen through the years, and in various publications, this idea of a tree with leaves. A great idea for a wedding, but can also be used for a christening, reunion, anniversaries, parties etc. The guests write their name or a wish on the leaves so (in this case) the couple will have a permanent reminder of their special day.

I could not find a pattern(where are they when you need them!!) so set about to make my own and constructed the main tree and leaves in Edinburgh. I made 101, just to make sure there were enough... I can tell you, that's quite a pile of leaves!!

Dawn then sent me the signed leaves after the wedding and I attached each of them and sandwiched with vilene, backed with the same silk as the background on the front and quilted.

The silk was very tricky to work with, looking nice and shiny but shifting all the time. It took a long time but I have pulled it off without puckering and the back is completely straight. I just finished off handsewing the binding on and it is now ready to be packed up and be sent back.



Wishing you both a long and happy marriage Matthew and Dawn !!

16 comments:

Jodi said...

A wonderful idea! And it came out lovely - truly an heirloom.

dolores said...

That's great Marg. I really like the colors you picked for the leaves instead of green...great idea.
I can't even imagine working with that fabric...you have so much patience!

Rafael's Mum said...

Thanks Dee! The leaves are double sided linen and the fabric is the darker colour on one side and the lighter on the other. It was quite a find! The basic shapes were on there in roughly 2 days. I thought I could finish it in another day but in the end it took me 3 because the silk did not want to behave!

myBearpaw said...

wow,that is lovely Marg! What a great idea! I am sure they will really treasure that forever.

Molly said...

What a truly special gift! That is something they can look back on and relive wonderful memories.

Me and Ma said...

Really fantastic Marg, what a brilliant unique present x

Unknown said...

What a great idea! I might steal it for my own wedding.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

So beautiful! The fabrics are wonderful, and it is creative and textural, and all of that other stuff too.

Very generous of you. :)

Cat said...

this is truly a gift to be cherished forever.

Unknown said...

what a super gift

Catherine said...

Lovely idea and it looks beautiful. It will be a treasured keepsake of their special day.

karen said...

It really is lovely Marg - thanks so much for all your work on this - it was a great idea and you executed it beautifully - so very thoughtful of you

Ariane said...

Wow! That's a gorgeous gift!!! Love it!!!

Lauranie said...

You are sooo thoughtful!! I LOVE that you made this...AMAZING job!! This will be a treasure for all the years of their happy lives!! :D

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

That is such a beautiful idea! And well done on working with all that silk, it can be a tricky one that's for sure!

Allie said...

WOW! That is an amazing gift. I'm sure it will be cherished. Beautifully done!