The Tree of Us : My Largest Piece Yet

My largest piece to date is finally ready for viewing! This work has been a journey of materials, imagination, community, and even a little cat mischief.

The Process

It all began with an upside-down Christmas tree. I once vowed I’d never buy one, but it turned out to be the perfect base. Instead of fluffing out the branches, I wrapped them in batting, then used yarn-covered wire to attach more than 40 additional branches—turning it into something that felt alive.

This was Ginger’s favorite stage. She claimed the branches as her playground, darting in and out, tangling herself up with threads. Her “help” may have added a few extra hours, but it also brought endless smiles.

Every branch is sewn to the trunk, with a clever fold-up design that allows the whole piece to break down into three sections for travel. The base sits in a navy pot, brimming with flowers, grounding the sculpture in color and weight.

And the leaves—oh, the leaves. I’ve been inviting the community to design them, and when complete, this tree will carry over 400 individual leaves. Each addition brings new life. Already, the piece has taken me more than 60 hours, with much more ahead as leaves continue to grow across its branches.

The Meaning

This work is called “The Tree of Us.” It’s a celebration of diversity, connection, and the way each of us contributes to the greater whole.

The trunk represents our shared foundation—our roots, our collective strength. The branches stretch outward, welcoming more voices, more lives, more stories. And the leaves: each one is unique, designed by people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. No two are the same, just as no two people are.

Together, these leaves create a vibrant canopy. Their differences don’t divide them—they complete the tree. It’s a reminder that just as a tree cannot flourish without its leaves, our world cannot thrive without the richness of our differences.

“The Tree of Us” is both a celebration and a call: to see each person as essential, to honor their uniqueness, and to recognize that we are stronger, more beautiful, and more alive when we grow together.

What’s Next

This is only the beginning. As the community contributes more leaves, the canopy will fill out, expanding the story this piece tells. I’ll continue to share progress photos as the tree grows.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. After all, every one of us is a thread in the bigger picture, and the world simply wouldn’t be the same without you.