The inspiration for Jungle Leaves came during a hike through jungle in Belize, while looking for monkeys. Our guide pointed out various plants to us, one of which he compared to Velcro because it would stick on fabric. I ended up sticking a leaf onto my brightly-colored handbag which I had bought from a Mayan woman. My husband took a picture of the handbag with the leaf, and I used that as my pattern.
Each leaf is big, larger than a man's hand. I cut its shape from five different green fabrics, and sewed them on a bright woven mat that I bought in Belize, actually in the airport since I hadn't been able to find a suitable piece after the monkey hike. The veins are quilted on in a different contrasting green thread for each leaf.
Size: 20½" x 19"
My artwork is mounted on foam core, which creates a light-weight but rigid piece with a wire for hanging and a felt backing. It is treated with a sun-block spray, although prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may eventually cause fading.