Tag Archives: peony

Color Inspiration Thursday {51}

June 18, 2015 kittywilkin 6 Comments

Irises and peonies took center stage in my garden this week, so pinks and purples dominate this week’s color inspiration. Color palettes are created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Eggplant, Bella Royal, Kona Shadow, Bella Baby Blue, Kona Crocus, Bella Purple

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
4225 – Eggplant
2581 – Dk Dusty Grape
2600 – Dove
2562 – Lilac
2524 – Grey Violet
4225 – Eggplant

I like to get up close and personal with flowers. There’s a whole new world of fuzzy, fluffy, intricate detail that is revealed once you get within a few inches. From afar, sure–flowers are pretty. Once you put your nose inside it and take a look around, you see the tiny details that make each flower unique, and an intricate new world blossoms.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Petal Pink, Bella Bunny Hill Pink, Kona Putty, Bella Thistle, Bella Magenta, Kona Garnet

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2566 – Wisteria
2564 – Pale Lilac
2314 – Beige
2566 – Wisteria
4030 – Plum
2568 – Mulberry

Peonies. For some reason, this species of peony makes me feel like I’m watching a ballet, each petal a dancer deftly arcing and twirling in unison with the others, yet bringing her own personality to the dance. Typically, I love the symmetry found in flowers, but with peonies I appreciate the organized chaos, the improvisational beauty.

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Lead, Kona Magenta, Kona Cerise, Bella Deep Burgundy, Kona Petunia, Kona Lupine

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
1246 – Grey
2535 – Magenta
4030 – Plum
2568 – Mulberry
2564 – Pale Lilac
2479 – Med Orchid

This time of year, my daughter brings in flowers daily to replenish the vase on our kitchen table. From wild daisies to voluptuous peonies, our table always has a burst of color right in the center. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Color Inspiration, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {49}

June 4, 2015 kittywilkin 6 Comments

Since I don’t have any tiny pink baby toes to share yet (Go ahead, ask: Have you had that baby yet?), today I’m sharing more color inspiration from my garden. While the days have gotten pretty chilly lately, the flowers continue to bloom in earnest. Color palettes are made using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1 and my photographs. Matching solids and Aurifil thread are all care of the awesome Palette Builder!

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Bella Etchings Charcoal, Bella Thistle, Bella Orchid, Bella Violet, Kona Pewter, Kona Rose

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
5013 – Asphalt
2566 – Wisteria
4030 – Plum
2479 – Med Orchid
2606 – Mist
2445 – Victorian Rose

This beautiful Columbine was photographed last week during the last light before dusk. I love the varied shape of this flower, and how it looks so different depending on perspective. Here it is again, during a darker rainy day, from the top:

Over the past few days of rain, the peonies began to bloom. Peonies are among my favorite flowers because of the vivid, voluptuous flowers and bold color. The jewel-drops just add to the luxuriousness! (For the record, forget-me-nots are my favorite flower in terms of color, peonies are my favorite in terms of voluptuousness, and dahlias are my favorite in terms of geometry and perfect symmetry).

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Magenta, Bella Boysenberry, Bella Violet, Kona Bordeaux, Kona Garnet, Kona Crocus

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2545 – Med Purple
4030 – Plum
2540 – Med Lavender
1103 – Burgundy
2345 – Raisin
2566 – Wisteria

Corresponding solids from left to right:
Kona Plum, Kona Cerise, Kona Bordeaux, Kona Violet, Bella Betty’s Teal, Kona Grasshopper

Corresponding Aurifil thread from left to right:
2479 – Med Orchid
1100 – Red Plum
1103 – Burgundy
5003 – Wine
2850 – Med Juniper
5018 – Grass Green

I wonder what gorgeously colorful flower will bloom next! Are there any turquoise flowers? I’m thinking how wonderful it would be to have a turquoise flower right next to these peonies–my two favorite colors!

Design, Life

Color Inspiration Thursday {5}

June 12, 2014 kittywilkin 5 Comments

It’s peony time in my garden, so today’s inspiration comes entirely from those large, voluptuous flowers. There’s something about flowers that makes me reflect in awe about nature’s complexity. The petals are so soft, often symmetrical, yet abstractly swirling, the centers are a little universe of stamen and pistil, drawing the bees and butterflies into their little world to ensure the spread of future generations. It’s just flat out amazing!

Here are your color inspiration palettes for the week, created using Play Crafts’ Palette Builder 2.1. I hope they inspire you in the creation of a new quilt or project, or even just to take an extra moment to pause, get close, and really look at the next flower you pass. You may be surprised at what a closer look reveals.

Corresponding Kona cottons from left to right:
Coal, Steel, Magenta, Garnet, Raisin, Palm