Four-In-Art Nature: Tree Reveal

Today's the day!

I call it "If Napoleon Was A Tree"

 For a better understanding, here are my inspiration photos.

 When Elizabeth announced Tree as our theme.  My mind went in a million directions.  Christmas, Pines, Lone tree in the sunset, Snow covered tree, Large trunk/root system, Or even piled split logs.  When I thought back to a large cut round in the Milwaukee Public Museum, I knew that's what I wanted to do!

 The quilt before the tags were added.

 The back.  If I had known it would look so good from the back, I would have chosen a wood color for the back as well.

 Now, I'm sure you're wondering, why Napoleon?  When I originally came up with the idea, I thought that perhaps I'd tag major events in my own life.  However, the more I thought about it, the more creepy it was, as if my 'tree had been cut down.'  Anyway.  I had about 48 rings marked out, so my thoughts turned to my mother, but it was just too personal.  So, Google to the rescue.  I simply started searching on dead famous people and came across Napoleon Bonaparte who had died at age 51.  I knew I could squeeze in a few more rings, and thus: "If Napoleon Was A Tree" was born.  I narrowed major events in his life down to 16.

August 15, 1769: ·Napoleon Bonaparte born in Ajaccio, Corsica.

March 2, 1786: ·Napoleon is given command of the French army in Italy

March 9, 1796: ·Napoleon marries Josephine

August 1, 1798: ·Under the command of Admiral Nelson, the British fleet destroys the French navy in the Battle of Aboukir

November 9-10, 1799: ·Following a coup d'etat, Napoleon becomes First Consul of the new French government

March 25, 1802: ·Treaty of Amiens signed with Britain

May 3, 1803: ·France sells Louisiana territory to U.S.

May 18, 1804: ·Senate proclaims Napoleon Emperor

March 17, 1805: ·Napoleon is crowned king of Italy in Milan

October 21, 1805: ·The Battle of Trafalgar marks yet another naval defeat to the British under the command of Admiral Nelson

July 22, 1807: ·Napoleon creates the Grand Duchy of Warsaw (Poland), to be overseen by France

1810: ·Marries Marie-Louise, Archduchess of Austria

1814: ·Napoleon abdicates his rule and Louis XVIII, a Bourbon, is restored to the French throne ; Napoleon is exiled to Elba

June 18, 1815: ·Defeated in the Battle of Waterloo

June 22, 1815: ·Abdicates for the second time

October 16, 1815: ·Napoleon is exiled to Saint Helena

March 5, 1821: ·Napoleon dies

If Napoleon was a tree...I think he'd either be a Buckthorn which is an invasive species around here that is hard to kill, or a Locust Tree.  Fast growing and hard to kill, but ultimately short lived as far as trees go.w


 I'll do another post on the details of putting it together.

I am going to schedule this to post at midnight, because internet has been sketchy here.  I will update with links from Elizabeth, Betty, and Leanne as I get the chance.