>Landmark Felt

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I hope everyone got a laugh out of yesterday's post. I had to do it. LOL. And, I am basically finished with the beadwork on my Boston trolley car. The only thing I have left to do is edge the felt with beads. For some reason, I always save that for last. Here are some detail photos:

(Bead-embroidered Boston trolley - 19" wide x 7")

I used at least 7 different shades of green and white Czech glass seed beads. I also used gray-lined clear hex-cut beads and Toho charcoal 1/2 bugle beads. The wheels are made from a set of rubber washers and T-nuts I found at the hardware store awhile back. They are not attached yet.

(click images to enlarge)

Also, the sign on the trolley says 'No Service'. The reason for this is because the T does not run all night. It stops running around 12:30am and starts again at 5am. So, for about 4 hours per day, the MBTA is actually providing a disservice to the community, especially since the bars are open until 2am... No one likes to leave the pub early because they have to catch the last train, and as a result, most people drive home instead of taking a taxi... :/

Speaking of that, the other day, I was on my way to a pub in Kenmore Square. I was walking down the street when I looked up. There it was - a beacon brighter than I had remembered it - larger than life. It was Boston's longtime landmark - the CITGO sign.

Yes, Boston's famous landmark is a 60' x 60' tall gas station sign, and it has been for decades. It has also been cited as one of the last remaining examples of roadside art. It is a symbol of Americans' love for the automobile, freedom, and our need for speed. But, with today's astronomical price of gas, and hybrid cars, I feel the CITGO sign is now only a nostalgic symbol of those things.

The CITGO sign has had a long and interesting history, and was threatened to be removed several times. But, it's popularity never ceased. After many long debates, the sign was finally restored in 2005. Now, it uses custom weatherproof LED technology instead of the old neon tubes. It looks fabulous, and when I saw it the other day, I knew I had to include it in my piece. :D

Today, I cut out some felt, and the result is a 10.5" wide version of the sign. I actually think it could be bigger, but I'm not sure, so I'll leave it the way it is. Now, I have to pick out some seed beads, but first I must decide which version to do - day or night. Which do you prefer?? :D