The Exemplary 2025
Best of Show
Best Flower (The Gail Sirna Award)
1st Place, Non-Professional Original

I came across this vintage toy wheelbarrow in an antique store. I walked past but then backed up. It spoke to me and I knew I needed to take it home! It was a bit rusty and dingy and well loved, my favorite condition. I cleaned it up a bit and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.

I have always loved an impromptu wildflower garden. Whether on the side of the road, started accidentally, or on purpose in an old container, they are bright and bring joy. I had so much fun making this project and it truly was joyful. I let my imagination go wild and just stitched. I included many flowers, pods, grasses, ground cover, stones and anything I could think of that might be included in a garden. I also added a few bugs, as no garden is complete without them. Fanny, the needle felted frog, supervised the entire project and decided to hop on for a joy ride after it was complete. Who can blame her!