Thread. WHAT!? Yes. Coral and lily pads made from thread.  This is the stunning work of Australian artist Meredith Woolnough. How you ask? I have no idea, so I’m going to let the ‘about’ section from her portfolio site do the talking:

“… Through a delicate system of tiny stitches she creates intricate and complex openwork compositions that are then carefully pinned in shadowboxes, just like preserved specimens. 

The work maps the frameworks of the various veining systems found in nature to create work that explores the balance, harmony and connectivity of life on Earth. Inspired by the patterns, structures and shapes found in plants, coral, cells and shells Meredith’s embroideries represent both the robust beauty and elegant fragility of life.

Robust beauty and elegant fragility of life… love.