The Secret Garden II almost revealed

Want a sneak preview! I cannot ever imagine working on something for this long a time frame and so hard, not to mention the number of changes ….but that is what art is all about. One simply cannot say that the finished product will always be the same idea as what one started with.

I am however, extremely pleased, more so because there are so many elements and I had been very afraid of the stitchcount and the density. Time after time of stitching out myself various panels and also from my testers has only shown that the stitchouts are smooth and continuous without any problems.

Digitizing something this huge is indeed a lesson and ordeal in itself. I thought I had learned a lot last time when I first created the Secret Garden but I was surprised when I learned quite a lot more this time…well, one is always learning. As I used Embird Digitizing Studio for all my digitizing, I forced myself to use the outline pen tool for literally the whole design. That was not an easy task as each line had to be placed precisely. My biggest problem arose when I started work with the iron works…that had to use the column tool. The same with the leaves of the Weeping willow. Each leaf had to be precise so it looked natural and also gave a shading effect of light and dark. My neighbour who is a wonderful artist gave me guidance at many many times. I am still not pleased with the bird and may do something there yet….

For friends who do use Embird Digitizing Studio, try out the pentools option and use the outline tool to create stitches. What I love about the tool is its complete freedom in allowing me the shading effect without having to use so many threads. Do practice…you will love it.

The last and first panel is almost completed. As that shows the weeping willow, I have spent about two months on it alone so far. My trusted and ever so wonderful testers have been extremely kind to me and never have they complained when I change the look and ask for a repeat testing…thank you so much.

The Secret Garden II will hopefully be released sometime in May now, early I hope….fingers crossed. Where does the time go???