Where do you start with a BIG IDEA?

What do you do with that big idea? The one that awakens you in the night, taps you on the shoulder, as if to remind you it needs to be birthed. I begin by gathering, collecting its colors and textures. I ask what it's essence must feel like and what part of the spectrum it wants to land in. 
Sometimes a big idea charges into the room demanding to be created this way, or with that color and that feels like this. At other times the idea enters softly, no less large and every bit as persistent, but less defined, that can be frightening, or it can be an invitation. Listen, let it breathe into your heart, let it blossom, but begin, somewhere. 
I remember its first glimmer, that thing that woke me not so gently in the night and whispered, this is how it shall be. It took the form of butterflies. And now, it grows into so much more. 

Once I have gathered materials and set my sights on a course of action, I begin by creating some of the elements that appear in the vision in my mind.  Here are some of the components created so far, including needle felted wool feathers, bees, a nest and a hummingbird and machine embroidered freestanding butterflies.