Stuffed Hearts of Japan

This project was created while I was in art class, and I wanted to try something different. I had never known how to sew or embroider, so I wanted to try and create something while learning. I remember my grandmother being a master at sewing, but she passed away before she could teach me. This project was an homage to her.
In term of the paintings on the hearts themselves, my brother had just shared his dreams with me of always wanting to visit Japan. I at the time was not educated on Japanese culture and visual representations, so I did some research and chose some icons to put on my heart. It was to show my support for my brother's dreams.

The heart was created using a material (the name escapes me), that was pliable and could be painted on. I painted my sketches onto the material, painted them, cut them out, and then got to embroidering. I embroidered each individual flower that you see on the cherry blossom tree. I first did the petals and then the bud. I did other small embroideries but I am proudest of the hours that went into doing those flowers. Once done with the embroidering, I stitched the hearts together and stuffed it with fluff to make it take it shape of an actual heart. I put a little pot meant for succulents at the base to help anchor and make it stand.

Please enjoy this special piece that I created many years ago, as it still holds a massive amount of importance in my heart.