This time... LINES

Remember my pictures for inspiration post from last week? Well, I guess I really like the concept, because I took another walk, this time on the search for lines. 

a fence line

Trees have always been a big deal to me. I'm not sure just what it is exactly, their grandeur, their ability to clean the air, their home site capabilities, their colors and beauty. If you've ever seen the changing colors of the leaves in fall, or fledgling bluebirds following the mama from branch to branch, or Spanish moss dripping in the fog, you'd get it. 

knobby lines on the left,
smooth lines in the center

So anyway, here are my lines. We have a few trees in our yard, so I thought I'd capture a few pictures of the lines that trees create. 

not all lines are straight in a swamp;
trees lean into the softer ground

sexy curves?

lines going the wrong way

And I'll close with a few lines that are not from trees. Do you see the lines in these everyday objects? 

Pictures for inspiration

Under my needle today are these masks in gingham that my niece requested. Ten in total they've been relatively easy to sew. I made a jig to help in the pleating and that has made all the difference. Before this request, I'd made a few in oranges because I'd over-cut some 1½ inch strips. How convenient that they're the exact size of the straps. 

Recently one of the BRMQG quilters posted some photos she'd taken on her daily walks. The pictures depict lines in nature, and she uses the pics as inspiration to make blocks.   

hard gravel

mushy mushrooms

I loved the idea and decided to join her, except that I would work on textures. 

soft clover in bloom

  It doesn't take long to find different textures when you're looking. I started by looking down at the things under my feet as I walked. 

prickly stickers (yes in my yard!)

But soon I was looking a bit higher.

splintered wood

And then straight ahead at eye level.

rough oak trunk made even more so with woodpecker holes

sticky, prickly cedar

It was a fun exercise, though I was strolling rather than walking. I forced myself to get moving because I was, after all, out there for the physical exercise and it was getting hot. I don't necessarily intend to use these, except that I am enjoying the many different textures and it's as great exercise in mindfulness.