Cross Stitch Robin Christmas Card

cross stitch robin christmas card, a photo by Handmade and Heritage on Flickr.

I think it has to be at least 10 yrs since I last did any cross stitch. I used to do a bit when I was a teenager but I found the big ones too boring and time consuming.

This little robin only took about an hour whilst watching TV. I think it looks really cute although whether people still appreciate traditional cross stitch is another discussion.

I might make some of these for my Etsy shop, but at least my friends and family will receive one for xmas.

Robin Gift Wrap

I've been making lots of things recently and I wanted to show you some of my favourite makes. I originally made a Robin lino block to use in greetings cards, but having seen how nice it looked I decided to make some gift wrap. I changed the main colour to black and coloured the Robin's breast to add an extra detail. I think it looks really nice and my friends and family will definitely be receiving their gifts wrapped in this design. I'm making lots as I am doing a couple fairs over the next few months and really want a decent haul of stock in interesting designs.

The original use for the block

The finished Gift Wrap

I've also been making some printed 3d bird decorations. My screen printing equipment finally got an airing and I made this simple designs to be used as Christmas decorations (the bird lover in me would have them hanging all year round). I think they look really effective and its something a bit different for those of us that love quirky Xmas interior styling. Some I have kept simple and stylish but i've also experimented with colour and stitching.

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Blue Tit

In other news I'm organising a craft fair!!! I run a little craft group in our local village and decided it would be nice to showcase their work along with other local sellers. Some ladies have had very little experience in crafting and its amazing to see their progress. I shall post more details nearer the time.... its all very exciting and VERY stressful! 

The Thrifty Forager

This is my bedtime reading, alas I seem to be suffering from a bout of insomnia. Its comes and goes depending on stress levels (usually near to payday lol)....

I shall blog some recent makes tomorrow or some day in the not to distant future!

Robin Print and Embroidery

Posting this has reminded me that I totally forgot to blog about my holiday purchases - oh well you really didnt miss anything.

I finished this little Robin off last night whilst Hubby was watching the football. *yawn* I had to use two tones for the breast as I didnt have the right colour but I think it looks quite cool. I've listed this on Etsy so hopefully he will find a new home!

Anniversary Trip (Picture Heavy)

Well I have to say I had such a fab time and I had lots of surprises along the way - a tattoo probably being the most jaw dropping moment.

We camped at Baconsthorpe a mile away from the ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle. We did some shopping in Holt which is an amazing little town full of independant shops and art galleries. We then went to Sheringham to have lunch by the sea and on the way home stopped off for tattoos. Here are some pictures I will blog about my buys and anniversary presents tomorrow.

Going on an Adventure

Hubby is whisking me away for a night away at an undisclosed location for our 1st wedding anniversary (where the blinkin heck did that go?). Worried? Slightly... excited? Hell Yeah!

It's going to be strange being away from the children, DD will love it but my DS who is only three may struggle. Lets hope we don't get a desperate phone call from the MIL :S

I've packed the entire contents of my wardrobe which amounts to pretty much a suitcase anyway and i'm praying for fine weather and an incident free weekend.

Destination Unknown!

Screen Printing - For beginners

Last Christmas I received the most amazing gift of a screen printing kit from my parents. I've been hankering after one for some time and finally in AUGUST i've had the chance to do something.

I'm stencil screen printing which is very easy and more cost effective (you can re-use screens) but it does limit you somewhat in what you can design. I have played about and this is my first effort. Ive tried it on different surfaces and the idea behind the design was that I could stitch in the block colours. (soz for poor images)

I need to work on making sure my cut lines are smooth

Printed onto a calico bag

This was printed onto paper and coloured with pro markers

I showed the pieces to my dad and he suggested that they look quite nice just in black, so im working on adding some extra detailing in and hope to show you my progress soon.