Reneabouquets: What if I fall? Oh but Darling, what if you fly? Altered Hoops by Design Team Artist Diane McClosky

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed their time with their families and friends over the holiday season. I received the best news on Christmas Day. I am going to be a Grandmom again! This will be my second grandchild and I am over the moon with excitement for the new addition to our family!

Despite the onset of winter, I took a leap into spring by creating two altered embroidery hoops. The first is a 7-inch hoop filled with soft pastel colors using various products from Reneabouquets and the Tranquility Collection from 49 and Market. The second smaller one is 4 inches decorated with the lovely Tea Time Printed Beautiful Board and assorted goodies.

First up is the 7-inch embroidery hoop. I opted to paint it using white Gesso and added a few rub-ons. Afterward, I cut the paper to fit the hoop and adhered it to the back. I created a flower cluster positioned on the right side of the hoop using the Laser Cut Wildflowers from the collection as my base as well as Beautiful Board Quilling Flourishes and then built up the layers. I utilized white, pink, dusty blue, sage, and vintage berry mulberry paper roses and flowers on top and underneath the base to introduce dimension and visual appeal. I continued to add more laser-cut flowers from the collection until I was satisfied with the look of the project. Inside the hoop, I added a heart laser cut, and center stage is the beautiful Sugar Plum Ballerina.

On the upper left side, I incorporated a Prima Marketing mould that I painted with white Gesso. I used this as my base to add more flowers and laser cuts to create a smaller flower cluster. I like to use the pearl flatbacks under my paper laser cuts for height if needed. Finishing touches include adding the gorgeous Sweet Nothings Glitter Glass Butterflies, art stones, mini pearls, pearl and pink microbeads, seed beads, and glitter to give it a sparkle.

The next project is a smaller 4-inch hoop using the Printed Beautiful Board Tea with Me Chipboard. The process for creating this one is very similar to the large hoop, with a few variations. Instead of painting the hoop, I chose to use the Small Heart Deco Frame as a cover. To hide the mechanism of the hoop, I added a Rose and Romance Tuck-in to the top. Alternatively, you could use ribbon, as I did on the larger hoop.

For the main focal point, I positioned two lovely young ladies on either side of the hoop, facing each other and sharing a cup of tea. To add dimension and texture, I incorporated several tiny pink roses, sprinkled with white and pink microbeads, art stones in various sizes, seed beads, and some clear glass beads. To enhance the teatime theme, I also used the adorable Tea Time Trinkets Pack and a small teacup that I painted with Gesso.

Of course, no project would be complete without some Reneabouquets butterflies! I opted for the White Butterly Kisses and layered a smaller one on top of a medium-sized butterfly to create the illusion of flight.

I hope that my projects have provided you with some inspiration to create your own Altered Embroidery Hoop!

Until next time - "Let your art take you where you want to go." - Diane

Reneabouquets Products:

White Roses, Gardenias & Leaves Mulberry Flowers

Mini Dusty Pink Mulberry Paper Roses And Leaves Set

Mini Dusty Blue Mulberry Paper Roses Set

Mini Fall Mix Vintage Berry Mulberry Paper Roses And Leaves Set

Sage Roses and Leaves Mulberry Paper Flower Set

Beautiful Board Quilling Flourishes Set of 4

Printed Beautiful Board Small Sugarplum Ballerina Laser Cut Chipboard

Sweet Nothings Glitter Glass Butterflies

1 Ounce No Hole Pearl Glass Microbeads