Feeling of the Flow Country

My first journey stone shows some of my favourite wildlife from the wonderful and evocative Flow Country in North Sutherland - the black throated diver breeds on remote lochs. It always takes my breath away when i see or hear these stunning birds.

Then there is a gold ringed dragonfly - a striking predator that hunts over the pools and heathland. The female is the longest UK dragonfly. I was worried about making this insect look real in threads - but I think it worked out really well.

Around these animals I tried to convey the complex texture of the bog and the plants that grow there, and the colour of the water reflecting a brilliant blue sky. It has been a wonderful experience getting back into creative crafts that I haven't done for ages, and meeting up with other lovely, interesting and friendly volunteers.