This is the perfect wedding anniversary gift! A gift that keeps on giving and that you can add to over the years to symbolise the longevity and growth of your marriage.

I first made this for my husband on our fifth wedding anniversary - for which the symbol is wood, hence the "wooden" tree. Now each year on our anniversary I will stitch on a new leaf. We eagerly anticipated that first addition, and already talk of how our little tree will look when full with colourful leaves.

This listing is for one framed tree applique, made using free motion machine embroidery. Free motion applique is done with a sewing machine, leaving the edge of the fabric raw, so fraying is normal and expected. I will stitch on the first leaves for you - just choose from the drop down list how many years married you are = how many leaves to start with.

I will also include a ziplock bag with 60 pre-cut leaves in a variety of colours and prints, for you to add on each of your future anniversaries. The leaves have "Bondaweb" already ironed on the back, so are self-adhesive when you iron them. You can iron them on and leave it at that, or you can go on to hand stitch with black around your new leaf. Each little leaf is only about 1.5cm long, so it's not too much work!

The fabric background is pure linen, in a natural linen colour. The tree trunk and branches are dark brown cotton. The first leaves stitched on will be a variety of colours and prints - not necessarily as shown in these images. You can choose multi coloured, all greens, or autumn colours if you like.

If you'd like any little birds added to represent yourselves or your children, please let me know and I will sew this for no extra charge {up to 5 birds}.

The frame is an 8" (~20cm) diameter wooden embroidery hoop. Because you may need to take the fabric out of the frame for ironing / stitching the new leaves on each year, the fabric will not be adhered to the frame, but I will make the back as neat as possible and ready for display.

** Due to popular demand!
If you'd like to personalise your tree with your names and/or wedding date, please see this listing here where for a small extra fee you can "Add-On" your personal information:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/191089830/personalised-wedding-anniversary-add-on?

Thank you!