...cross stitch.
This is one of those pages where one choice led to another without me having to work too hard. I wanted to make a layout about something handmade, so I found a photo of the little red felt Christmas tree decoration. Then I found a piece of MME Christmas paper with just the right size of square for stitching on; and then, when I went looking for a motif to use, a Christmas tree pattern fell out of my pile of cross stitch charts. I love that red coat, which came from a Posie Gets Cozy kit a few years back. Now, if I could find that pattern again it would be just perfect ...for Miriam's Christmas Decoration Swap (I bet she'd love you to join in too. You don't have to make anything and there's still time to sign up. All the details are here.) Or maybe I could knit something?
I've added knitting to layouts in the past too and I have a pattern for a pair of miniature mittens. If the eyes are up to it, they could make a nice choice for the swap, or they could warm up a wintery page. Hmm..
Or a bit of dressmaking? I sewed a tiny blue Alice dress for a layout once.
There's something about that sky coloured felt just makes me want to stitch. Choices, choices...
So if you are feeling crafty, check out Get It Scrapped for more handmade ideas
and if you're in the mood for a bit of Christmas, hop on over to Miriam's and say yes to her swap. Let the crafting begin...
Good grief, a Christmas page! I've just seen a candle shop completely decorated for Christmas ... eek!
ReplyDeleteSo, Christmas aside, it's a lovely page and you're very clever to be able to sew a tree. Did you mark it out in pencil first?
I remember you did a layout with cross stitching on it back in Gotta Craft days and I remember being in awe of it then, and guess what .... Still am :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cross stitch tree, might have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI love adding personal embellishments too, would love the mittens pattern,
ReplyDeleteJo xxx
Love all the little hand made touches on this layout Sian - it looks really festive.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Cross stitch was my second craft. . . right after embroidery.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up on Miriam's swap. I commented on her tea post but hadn't seen the actual call.
Rinda
Very clever. I love how the heart is formed in the middle of the tree.
ReplyDeleteThat is so effective, I have cross-stitched embellishments before but not directly onto the page, great idea.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented, the cross stitch looks great on the layout x
ReplyDeleteI love cross stitch....am making some cross stitch christmas cards at the moment....but would never have thought of putting it on a layout....love what you've done.
ReplyDeleteLove the LO. Can't believe I haven't tried it myself before as an avid cross stitcher lol
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, this brings back memories of my cross-stitch obsession from years past. I was SO addicted! It's fun to see how you used the grid on the paper to place your X's. Very nice indeed!
ReplyDeleteWowee! This looks amazing! What a super special layout!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely, lovely page Sian and showcases your talents beautifully! I love the combination of the grid paper and the cross stitch.
ReplyDeleteLove the cross stitch Sian and all the other handmade elements. The Alice dress looks tiny but perfect, my eyes just wouldn't be up to that. Very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI love cross stitch too - one of my favourite crafts before I got into scrapbooking. You have made yet another beautiful page :) I hopped over to Miriam's blog and have joined the swap - now have loads of ideas floating around about what I want to make!
ReplyDeleteGreat page! I like to cross stitch & crochet. Once I made quilts, but that was back when I could get to my sewing machine currently buried under 10 years accumulation of junk in the junk room.
ReplyDeleteI love handmade embellishments Sian and how you used stitches on your page.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the bunting across the top of your page though. That really grabbed my attention!
i've spent ages examining all the little details on your beautiful page. Now that Cross stitched Christmas tree i may have to try x
ReplyDeleteI love the cross stitch. I am itching to get crafting again but with my sewing machine at home i am thinking outside of the box. I may just give cross stitch a go!
ReplyDeleteVery cool cross-stitching. You are one crafty lady.
ReplyDeleteDelightful details that add such a richness to all of your pages Sian!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing Getting It Scrapped got more than they expected when they saw your page--it truly is inspired! I especially like the cross stitch section--that was my favorite activity pre-scrapbooking. As you mention, it was the eyes that helped force the transition--I just couldn't see well enough any more to do the fine stitching I wanted to do. Still I'm able to enjoy years' worth of cross stitch almost everywhere in my home and still enjoy a mix of photography, scrapping, and blogging.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow stitcher and knitter, I appreciate the time it takes to add those homemade bits. I remember years ago---saying that when I started stitching on scrapbook pages, you could send in the men with the white coats. I noticed the precision of your cross stitched tree--only a fellow stitcher might recognize that you have crossed all your "x's" in the same direction. I'm especially interested in those little knitted hats. I might have to try to figure them out!! They are so cute.
ReplyDeleteSome very cute touches there! I love the little dress.
ReplyDeleteI am still catching up on your past posts and this one stopped me in my track! I LOVE your tree and the whole idea of featuring a handmade ornament that way! I should totally do that!
ReplyDeleteI also just used cross-stitching on a recent layout even though I have never cross stitched before in my life ;) It is a very appealing craft…
Cross-stitch - how perfect for a scrapbook page. I've done knitting on one or two but thats about it.
ReplyDelete