I was worried about this piece despite knowing that I really wanted to stitch a big, white wave as the fourth and final piece using sections of this antique coverlet. After all, there are more white and off-white buttons in my stash than any other shade or color. Yet on the other three waves, I'd always used white buttons to define the wave's outline. White buttons provided the needed high contrast with the dark, navy coverlet. I needed "something else" for the outline here. Finally I decided that layering up three tan/brown buttons would do the trick.
Like the earlier three button tidal waves, this one was a joy to stitch. I've amassed an enormous number of buttons, more than I probably can ever stitch ... and it was time to actually use some of them. Continuing to keep things in my stash is not exactly "giving second life" to them ... which is my driving force. Not using them is sort of like having these buttons in limbo. Yet, when I finished, I didn't like the results. The contrast wasn't enough. The solution ended up a simple one: Add gold beads. It did the trick. I'm really happy now with the results.
Best of all is the fact that these four pieces are in our cargo van. Tomorrow we are headed to Spiralis Gallery in Easton, Maryland to deliver more artwork. The gallerist couldn't easily decide which of the tidal waves she wanted. We are taking all four and hoping that she loves them all equally! They all need permanent homes!
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