Halloween Decor

 I've never really been into stitching for holidays other than Christmas, but there are a couple of designs that I just couldn't resist. Some would consider this my self portrait... It's "The Horrible Hag" by Ewe and Eye and Friends. You can find it in a number of places on-line, but I like to help out my Etsy friends, so that's the link I included.

And several years ago I stitched "A Delectable Halloween Recipe" by Mosey 'n Me, but I gave it to one of my sisters without taking a picture of it, so you'll have to settle for this. Take my word for it, it's adorable!! Several metallics and buttons and beads are incorporated to add interest. I fringed the bottom and used a stick from the back yard as a dowel to hang it from.







And if you want something already stitched I found several things on Etsy that you should see.
From WhiteRiverSamplers, "H is for Halloween"








Send this card by memoriesbymimi or just decorate with it yourself.









This cute Halloween ghost by StitchnMomma glows in the dark!

 
And finally, you can decorate and save an animal by purchasing The Tales of Haunted Hollow Halloween House by threedogsnappin.

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Breaking a Promise

I know, I promised I wouldn't post every time I finished an ornament. Apparently, I lied.

In case you were wondering, I am using an overdyed red floss from my stash instead of the one Belinda (Blue Ribbon Designs) called for. These two are from one dye lot, the ones I'm working on now are from a new dye lot that has much more subtle color changes. I like it a lot better. And since most of the recipients never see each other's ornaments, who will know?

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Being Creative With Some Friends

 

A couple of my artsy friends on Facebook formed a group with the sole purpose of challenging ourselves to create something beautiful every couple of weeks. We all love color and making the most of color combinations, so the Creations Color Challenge Group is our way of pushing ourselves and sharing our creations. This week's color combo challenge (as if you couldn't tell from the photo) is green and orange. I have to admit orange is not one of my favorite colors, but when I pulled out the bead boxes this fob just sort of came to me. It happens that way sometimes, which is good, because I hate it when I have to force it. The results are usually not my best. In fact, I usually leave my designs laying on the workbench, unassembled, for at least a day, so that I can warm up to them. I put this fob together as soon as I laid it out. I added the removable stitch markers for crochet to complete the set. They're not very adventurous, but the set makes a great gift for someone who loves to crochet. Of course, I can also make counting pins for cross stitch and needlepoint or stitch markers for knitting to match the fob too. (Yes, that was a shameless plug.)

Not everyone has posted their items yet this week, but here are three wonderful items. Check out their fabulous on-line shops too! 

A gorgeous bracelet and necklace set by CarensJewelryBox on Artfire.

This lovely card is from CrossStitchCards, also on Artfire.

And this boldly beautiful bracelet is by KraftyMax on Artfire.

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One Down, Waaaaay Too Many to Go!

I promise not to post every time I finish an ornament, but now that I have this first one out of the way I'm pumped! This was a limited edition from JBW Designs, but she has an adorable collection of ornaments for you to stitch. I love the trees.

I've kitted up the stuff to do a bunch from Blue Ribbon Designs. I'm starting with the Red Letter ornaments, but I have several different sets of Belinda's from which to choose. Can you tell I'm a fan? I have my own little BRD library.  Anyway, I started them this afternoon while watching, via the DVR, Solheim Cup golf. I'm going to have to give up sleep to get my usual 25 to 30 ornaments done in time, but isn't that always the way?

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Southport, NC is on the Cross Stitch Map!

You may or may not know that I work part time and teach at my local needlework shop, Angelwing NeedleArts. A while back, Donna started added some charts of scenes of our local area. Since we live in a resort area you'd think there would be plenty of that kind of thing available. You'd be wrong. I met the designer, Pam Lamonica, one day when she brought in a model and some more charts for the shop. What a lovely person and so enthusiastic about her designs. She has recreated street scenes of the historic area, three of the local lighthouses, and some samplers that incorporate landmarks in our area in her cross stitch designs. Now she has her own web site and I'd like for you to meet our local cross stitch treasure, Lamonica Designs!

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Another Fun Finish!

 I can't figure out what I've been doing, but it's not stitching. At least, not as much as I usually do. Anyway, I finished this lovely sampler, as well as a Habitat for Humanity sampler. A group of ladies from our now defunct EGA chapter stitch them for new H for H homeowners in our area.  Emily Gorgeina Dixon is a reproduction from Ewe and Eye and Friends. The colors are unusal, but stitched as charted.

 
Now I'm officially starting the Christmas panic. I usually start my Christmas ornaments in June. Today, I final got around to kitting up some today. It's going to be quite a push to get 25-30 completed this year. Guess I'll have to give up sleep for a while.

Of course, I'm also gearing up for the gift giving rush in my Etsy shop. Don't forget your favorite stitcher, knitter or crocheter. Scissor fobs, counting pins, laying tools, stitch markers...Bling for the needleworker who loves pretty things.

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