Embroidery Reveal

2012 Christmas Embroidery

This little guy was a Christmas present for someone special. Obviously. If they get handmade, they have to be special, right?

I found a similar stitching online, and pinned it to my inspiration board for later viewing. When the time came I printed it out and laid it under my fabric on the lightboard. If you are wondering, yes, the patterned fabric made it impossible to do any tracing. This was fine as I was mostly just using it for dimension. I added my own touches just for the recipient: cats, and birds abound. Of course, the patterned fabric also made it impossible to see the fabric pen, and I ended up tracing over most of it with a thin sharpie.

I was quite pleased with the finish, and I think so was the special someone.

Click to view larger

2011 Embroidery

Here is the extent of my Christmas crafting. A bit of embroidery. These were really my first embroidery projects, and I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. The samplers are from this pattern by Alicia Paulson. She makes lovely patterns which include very detailed instructions including a really wonderful tutorial on framing your needlework.

I altered the color schemes form the original to coordinate with their new homes. The first is mostly rose shades and blues, and the second is in brighter cherries, coral, and greens to match an old-fashioned afghan that lays at the foot of my parents bed.

You should be able to click on each to see them larger.

These next little embroideries were inspired by something I found on pinterest, and made for a couple I happen to like a lot. I know that they are available on etsy.com if you are not inspired to make your own.

Cheers!

All that She had Learned

A little project for your eyes to see. The quote is from the inestimable Leigh at Curly Girl Design via pinterest, of course. She beautifully works the English language to say just the right things, in just the right ways. Her work makes me happy, and inspired me to make this little painting for my girl Cas who has loads of potential AND cute shoes.

I started with this old canvas, pre-painted in my college days. Which is perfect because Cassi was probably jumping on my bed, talking my ear off as I painted it. Also, I like starting out with some texture.

The paint on the canvas is oil, so I layered on some tissue paper with layers of Arlene's tacky glue, and acrylic.

Added those perfect words.

et voila, instant Birthday present... if by instant I mean taking two weeks.

More Glitter

An Exercise in Creativity

Sometimes you just gotta get out the glitter and let the creative juices flow. Plus, we needed some coasters.