What is it about this piece that makes it so hard to name? So far I've called it "Lake Whitney in Autumn," "Hight Noon." and a few other names that I honestly can't even recall.

There were two primary inspriations for this piece. First, Lake Whitney in Hamden, CT. There is one section that is flanked by tall evergreens sheltering shorter maples. In Autumn the contrasts of turning maple leaves against the unyeilding greens is breathtaking. The other inspiration is the pink and green faceted unakite beads and the pink and green vintage crystals that work so well together.

Making this piece was demanding! I wanted to do something with the flat Cellini stitch that hadn't been done before (the splitting into forks in the road action) and add an effect reminiscent of Renaissance Lace, (the delicate threading between upper and lower bands). I also added pale colored open work leaves at the shoulders. These are the color of old foliage at the late side of Autumn. Whe it starts to snow they stand out marvelously.

Connecticut is a beautiful place!