What do I do with my finished piece?

I often get people asking me what do they do with their finished mini-landscape piece. It makes me think about the question, what is the purpose of art and creating? Do we need a purpose for a finished product?

Firstly, I think we don’t need a purpose at all. To me, the process of creating is so much more important than the finished product. When I stitch and create something, it’s the process that I love and enjoy and I don’t often think about the finished result. Sometimes I do plan a piece for specific reason, like a gift or to hang up in a specific room; but often I just create because I need to. Collaging, painting, stitching makes me happy and is life-giving to me. Although I love selling my art and kits, it is the process of creating that brings me joy and is something I need to do almost daily.

But if you have a bought a kit and have a finished 3-4 inch embroidery mini-landscape, there are lots of things you can do with it besides hiding it in a drawer somewhere!!

Here are some ideas:

• Frame it! My husband makes my frames but you can also buy square frames with mounts from IKEA or other shops to frame your piece. I stick it on a backing board with double-sided tape, centre it, and don’t forget to sign it!!

• Stick it on your pin-up board or inspiration board! Simple but effective, and a reminder of the amazing work you have created.

• Make it into a card. You can always stick it to a card to make a unique gift for a special birthday or celebration!

• Make it into a larger quilt. You could make numerous little squares and combine them into a larger quilt. I am planning to do this at some point as I think they will look really cool together. I think choosing a theme or colour scheme for your mini’s would work well with this idea.

• Make at least three and create a wall hanging. I love this idea! Three is a good balanced number for displaying art, stitch them onto a larger rectangle background, and voila!

• Make them into a fabric book/journal for display. A lot of people enjoy creating a fabric book showcasing stitches that they have been learning and trying.

I’m sure there are other ideas out there that people can come up with. But whatever you do with your mini-landscapes, always remember that the process is the most important thing.

When you create and make something you are learning something new.

You are showcasing your imaginative talents.

You are creating art.

Whatever you do with it is up to you!