Backyard Inspiration

As you can see, I don't have to look any farther than my own backyard for inspiration.  This sugar maple says it all.  Decked out in snow and waiting for spring to arrive.   Last weekends storm covered the branches with snow, giving it a fullness that is generally absent during the winter months.  This snowy white apparition is much more delicate than the leafy colors of summer and fall.
The snow was gone from the tree after a few days but the bare branches remain, stark against the winter landscape.  A few weeks from now when the temperatures rise, the sweet sap will begin to flow and spring will not be far behind. 
I continue to look for branches and bark for new creations.  I have enough material now to keep me busy all spring preparing for summer and autumn craft fairs, but I always welcome more.  A second generation of tiny tree houses is in the making, and more branch boxes as well.  It has been too cold to work in the shop this week but I look forward to the warmer days ahead.