Holly

Mary Delany was an English artist, letter-writer, and bluestocking, known for her botanic drawing, needlework, and her lively correspondence. From the age of 71 to 83, when her eyesight failed her, she invented a form of paper-cutting or decoupage, which she called her "paper mosaiks" (original spelling). She created 985 of these intricate illustrations of botanical specimens. With the plant specimen set before her she cut minute particles of colored paper to represent the petals, stamens, calyx, leaves, veins, stalk, and other parts of the plant, and, using lighter and darker paper to form the shading, she stuck them on a black background. By placing one piece of paper upon another she sometimes built up several layers and in a complete picture there might be hundreds of pieces to form one plant. 

At some point Mary became well known, and donors began to send her flowers to cut. Even King George III and Queen Charlotte gave her a small house at Windsor and a pension of £300 a year. Delany had become familiar with Queen Charlotte and became an important part of the inner circle of the court, teaching the young children about plants and sewing skills.

Are you ready for Christmas?  I still have a lot of things to prepare, but this beautiful holly gave some hope.  :D

During this Christmas preparation time, please consider donating to the development of our new DailyArt apps.  Without them we won't be able to operate much longer, as the ones you use now are simply too old.  :(  Learn how you can help.

P.S. Discover stunning works by Barbara Regina Dietzsch, one of the finest botanical artists and engravers of her time.