I applied pieces of silk in the approximate shapes of stems and leaves as a background and set off using the sewing machine and looking at the drawings for guidance. Having established the shapes of the flower heads, I used zig-zag stitches to create areas of texture and colour variations in the background. Then I cut all around the edges and applied the whole thing to a background of purple silk.

Irises 2 was the first picture I sold from my first exhibition. It was bought by Steve Proctor and Christine Griffiths for £200.00. They have hung it on the chimney breast over a brick fireplace in their living room. The strong colours in the picture are beautifully balanced by the dark wood furnishings in the room - I'm really pleased with the way it looks. I hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.