Roberta Ranney
Battlefield, Missouri

Ozarks Hidden Treasures
21" x 24"

Techniques/Materials used:  I painted the background fabric with watercolor dyes.  The bottom of the quilt representing the forest floor was made by layering fabric scraps and yarn bits and covering them with Solvy and then stitching over it heavily.  The mushrooms and the mouse are thread-painted.  After free-motion quilting I added some additional background color with watercolor crayons.

Artist's statement:  I live in the Missouri Ozarks - a very beautiful place.  Ozarkians tend to be rather reserved and that trait made me think of hidden treasures.  In early spring many people go in search of the elusive morel mushroom.  It is considered a tasty delicacy but is not easy to find.  In addition to the morels, my quilt has May apple leaves and a meadow mouse.