My Love Affair - And My Husband Approves

American Beech Tree Seed Pod and Seeds


I have fallen in love with tree seeds.
Isn't this American Beech seed pod funny? I love the little curly spikes on the outside of the pod and the exquisite little three-sided seeds. A pair of seeds is in each pod, just waiting to fall to the ground. I used this seed pod for inspiration along with leaves and stems in two quilts that can be viewed on my website http://nancygcook.com/ under Seed Play. One is Summer Split and the other is Parallels.

Juniperus

This interesting plant has a cone that does not look like a cone at all. The stems and needles are covered with triangular scales. This is a ground cover dwarf found in front of the local Barnes and Noble. Creating these scales with thread and stitch was a great deal of fun. My quilt, Juniperus, was inspired by these features.

A Branch of Crepe Myrtle Seed Pods

These seeds are just about my favorite. Their wonderful forms are so lovely, with great shadows and curves. And check out the cap on the top of the seed pod. They are a delight to work in fabric and threads. My quilt, Late Summer Dawn, was inspired by these curious little seed pods.

The many strategies that trees have developed for reproducing are fascinating. Spores, seeds dispersed by wind or animals, fruits, all depend on another force to help disperse the next generation. Many of the forms are intricate and as beautiful as flowers. In the case of trees, the seeds may be more interesting and at least more visible than the flowers.

These are three of my favorites that I have used in quilts.

I hope that you enjoy these lovelies.
Nancy