I did it! After a whole year of hiking, drawing, and stitching, I’m finally done with my embroidered phenology wheel! This month, there was no question what my subject matter would be. When I hiked, there were big bushes all over the place, covered in clusters of little red berries. I got home and discovered they are called “California holly” or sometimes “Christmas berry.” Perfect for December!

Here’s my interpretation of it. It looks very similar to Manzanita that I did in September, but I think the berries were a little smaller, so I used French knots. There were a lot more berries clustered together on this plant too. After finding them on my hike for this project, I realized a lot of people use them in their landscaping in the area as well. So fun to be able to identify new plants.

I wanted the berries to stand out, so I used all 6 strands of floss for them. It worked out pretty well, and a lot easier than using a satin stitch for all of them.

The leaves are a normal fishbone stitch to create that nice line down the middle. And, of course, some stem stitch for the stems.

And here’s my finished phenology wheel! I’m so happy that it’s finally done!

I spent so much time hiking this year and learning to notice and appreciate all of the different native plants in my area. I’m so glad that I did this project, and I hope you enjoyed watching my progress!

If you’d like to make one, you can purchase the fabric here. To see my original post that explains this project, go here. Make sure to post your photos to Instagram using #cutesycraftsSAL so we can all see your work!

Get the free pattern!
If you’d like to add this evening primrose embroidery to your wheel, here’s a link to the free patterns that I created.
Jayne
Monday 20th of March 2023
Iβve finished it! Yeah ππ». I canβt seem to find a round 10β frame for it. Do you have any suggestions please?
Yolanda
Thursday 17th of March 2022
Love to embroidery Mini hoops as pendants for sale and for gifts... I really appreciate your crafts. Those are beautiful.
Billie
Wednesday 26th of January 2022
Just beautiful Jessica. So glad you love the outdoors and the beauty that goes with it. And, you interpret it so beautifully in your art work. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
Thank you so much!
Melanee
Tuesday 25th of January 2022
We lived for year's in the CA mountains. Lots of California Holly along with lots of other wildflowers. The flowers are the thing I miss the most!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Tuesday 25th of January 2022
We are closer to Sacramento valley so it gets super super hot (and smokey lately) in the Summer. It's soooo beautiful here in spring with all of the wildflowers though! It's just around the corner, and I can't wait!