Strength CQ Block: a ton of work done

I've gotten a ton of work done on this project! First I started by getting the roots hand sewn on, and then I moved to hand appliqueing the tree trunk. Which was so easy since watching that hand applique vid on YouTube! I just can't believe how simple it really was I had some idea in my head that applique was hard! LOL Then I adjusted the top added another velvet piece and pinned it.

I feather stitched around the sun and I'm going to add little seed beads to it too.

I also added a "carved" initials for me and my hubby in a heart! I also added some beautiful oya flowers to the special spot.

Strength CQ Block: figuring out the tree

Well here is my fiddling idea for the tree. My plan is to applique the trunk, I've never done applique before so that's something new! LOL I found a hand applique video on YouTube that made it seem easy, only difference for me is I can't iron on freezer paper to crushed velvet! HA But still it's needle turning so I need to figure out what shape I want the finished trunk to be.
The leaves area is going to be large puffy silk velvet that I plan on wrinkling up and getting it really textured maybe using some beads so it's not going to look like it does in this photo. LOL
The roots are a textured yarn that I looped and twisted, I still have a few more roots I need to add and I think I need to get those sewn on before I applique the trunk.
Anyway the applique has me intrigued there is some really pretty stuff out there not just folk art type which is what I associated it with before. Here is a blog that got me interested in applique she's got some really pretty stuff and I love how it's mixed with embroidery too.
I love how with crazy quilting you get to mix the types of needlework there are! So fun!

Strength CQ Block: the idea and piecing

Well I was challenged to create a piece of art to represent strength in my life so I thought about it for a bit and drew out my idea. My dear friend Christina says that I'm like one of those trees that has really deep roots and can't be blown over easy. That is how I feel no matter what happens in my life my faith is unshaken even when it feels like a hurricane!!! That strength only comes from God and is only possible though a relationship with the One who loves us more than we can imagine!

"The LORD is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." - Psalm 28:7

"The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

"O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." - Psalm 59:17

Then I pieced 3 blocks one green 3x11, a brown 3x11 and a sky 8x11 so when sewn together they are 11x14 a typical size for framing.

Here is more of my idea for the tree. I have no idea how it will actually be done! I want to make the trunk out of crushed velvet and that's all I know right now.