don't laugh-- the maple leaves came from a small multibranch "silk flower" stem. i cut off the protruding stem and sewed 5 or 6 stitches into the leaf along the vein, locking stitches at each end. i did the thread painting ( new technique for me) and adding the leaves (semi-new technique as i normally create my own 3D items) to the batting and top of the quilt as one unit. i learned i needed some kind of stabilizer (one could argue thread painting is very much like embroidery) which i completely didn't think of. then i added the backing and did the fmq, also a new technique for me. i think it's rather fun, this fmq-ing. as soon as i get my timing down pat i'm sure it will be a blast!! since you saw it last i have added gold burnishing to many of the leaves and along the trunk, and small bits of the blue (binding fabric) as seen thru the leaves. i like the effect of the gold, and as a texas inspired artist, i couldn't resist the bling !