Here is another example of the naturally ornate: wild turkey feathers. These are on a stuffed bird at the Madison Arboretum. The structural iridescence of feathers is a fascinating thing. They are not pigmented. They are prismed (if that’s a word). And each branch of the hair-like parts is barbed so that it will knit back together with its neighbor to form a more solid surface. When birds preen, they are re-knitting their feather edges. 
Of course, Nature is often showing off in flowers. Ornate, breathtaking, in color and detail that is microscopically fine, often symmetrical, and elaborately patterned. Here are a few examples: a lily and Queen Anne’s lace.
Nature is extravagant, abundant, opulent, and rich in so many ways. Oh, and it is free. Just appears without us having to do anything. In fact, it becomes even more fantastic when we leave it alone. What a wonderful world!
scillagrace 
I great post again. I think I’ve fallen in love with Boxy!
She is a sweetie. We would put her in the center of a circle of kids and see how she’d make a break for a gap in their crossed legs….at a turtle’s pace, of course, but definitely with purpose!
Delightful examples Priscilla. Love your examples and the connection of ornate with the wonders of the natural world.
It seems like it’s pretty easy to connect almost any theme to the natural world. We’re never far from our origins!
Yes, amen to that- that’s a wonder in itself. 🙂
Those feathers are particularly amazing!
janet
And you’d probably think wild turkey is pretty colorless…not so!
The hidden beauty of nature is amazing.
What a great gallery of ornate nature! Unbelievably, my first thought on “ornate” was photos of wild turkeys crossing a road this morning…..what are the chances?
They are pretty fancy with their wattles and all!
Yes, what a wonderful world!
Indeed!
Wow…beautiful photos!
Thank you! I’m glad you came to visit!
Love the fact that you used nature. As I’m a nature lover also.
Nature works with every theme, it seems to me!
Very true.
I love your choices for the challenge!
Thanks! I popped over to your blog…love the patterns and designs of the leaves and the texture you created. It reminds me of some wrapping paper I made at the Nature Center where I volunteered (a kids’ craft project for the holidays).
Was it like a rubbing technique to create an impression?
Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
Actually, I was using paint to outline the edges, sort of like a stencil. It was fun!
Oh, neat, that sounds cool.
Those turkey feathers bowled me over! I think Nature does the best job, and your photos aren’t far behind! Meg
Thanks, Meg! The turkey feathers I pick up off the ground are usually brown and white striped ones, so these were a surprise to me, too.
Oh, I do love the incredible design of Mother Nature. These are perfect examples.
And there are so many more! Hope you’re well today, Victoria. 🙂