Free Chart: Wedding Card

My sister Jessica recently got married to her lovely new husband, Danny after 3 1/2 years together. She asked me to be her bridesmaid, which was lovely of her and I really enjoyed it, (despite the stress of helping plan a wedding, and making sure everything runs smoothly. She tied the knot at Brownsover Hall Hotel, which was an absolutely beautiful setting. The whole day was lovely, (although over to quickly). As she's my favouritist sister in the whole wide world (and my only one) there was no question that I wanted to make her a special wedding card for the big day, which, now that it is all over, I am sharing with you!

 

I used a dark red and gold for the heart border, and a sparling champagne coloured thread for the champagne glasses. I sued 1 strand of thread for all the stitching, including the backstitch. I stitched this on a 22 count even weave, which gave a finished size of 10.5cm (4") x 15.5cm (6"), perfect for an A4 card. On 14count aida the finished size is 16cm (6.5") x 24cm (9.5"). For techniques on finishing the card, please see my Project Tutorials page. I used the same technique as I did for the embroidered bicycle card but I used gold card instead, with a pearlised red card border. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the finished card, I didn't get round to making it until a few days before the wedding!

 

Happy stitching

 

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Friday Finds: Game of Thrones

I have just finished book 4 of A song of ice and fire, an extremely popular series by George R.R. Martin. You may know it as Game of Thrones, which is the title of the first book in the series and the HBO TV Series. I am definitely not alone in being a fan of the series. For those of you who haven't read/ seen it, I highly recommend it, for those of you that are reading it currently, keep going! I can't wait to find out more about the characters. And for those fans who have already read and seen al they can, Check out some of the awesome Game of Thrones paraphernalia on Etsy!

Beneath Glass have made these dark and dramatic Stark Direwolf Sigul earrings. Check out the rest of their shop too, for plenty of other fantastic Game of Thrones Jewellery.

 

Daenerys is one of my favourite Characters. She transforms from a young girl being bullied by her brother into a strong, proud, determined young woman, and this cross stitch kit from The World in Stitches shows her beauty, strength and fear superbly.

It is extremely apt to use a Game of Thrones bookmark while reading the series, there's a fantastic choice for everyone by Bijoux Malou - which one will you choose?

'You know nothing, Jon Snow' is fast becoming one of the many catch phrases of the series, and is a part (also one of many) that I particularly like. Not only is the saying a good one, but the hoodie looks nice and snug too! Thanks 21st Century Clothing!  

Pandora charm bracelet fans will love this Game of Thrones charm bracelet by Kawaii Candy Couture. with all the books, a variety of potions, and various Siguls/ charms what more could a girl want? Other than dinner with her favourite character...

I love this drawing of Sansa. She is a character who I didn't particularly like in the beginning, but has grown on me immensely. She learnt the hard way how to play the game, and this portrait by Crystal Chara captures that perfectly.

Back to the books now!

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Scotland Cross Stitch

I am off to "sunny" Scotland tomorrow for a week long walking holiday with a group of friends. I'm really looking forward to going away, which is good because the house we're staying in is in the middle of nowhere. It'll be great going away with a bunch of friends, especially as it's been a while since I saw some of them.

 

I'm expecting lots of rain, lots of midges, and lots of cold. Ok, I know rain should help keep the midges away, but if I expect them all and only suffer 2 of the 3 then I reckon we'll be doing ok.

 

If you have never been to Scotland, I thoroughly recommend it. Scotland is an absolutely beautiful country, great for hiking (and skiing, although I've never skied). Edinburgh is a lovely city, with a lot of history, and of course, there's Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) to go looking for, bagpipes to listen to, men in kilts (oh la la!) lots of whisky, and that's just to name a few!

 

If Scotland is more of a dream than a reality at the moment, then how about stitching some of these Scottish related cross stitch kits and patterns, to tide you over until you can go.

Scottish Piper on Ebay

 

Scotland Map by Happy Cross Stitcher

Nessie by Skye Stitcher

Celtic Needle Case by Textile Heritage

Highland cow by Textile Heritage

 

 Happy Stitching!

 

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Etsy CLOSING DOWN SALE! Time to Smile

My Etsy CLOSING DOWN SALE is well underway. My shop is stocked, (although there is more to come) and my shop viewings are growing. (I do always get lots of pleasure when things grow, so please lets keep spreading the word shall we!)

If you read my previous post, you will know why I'm having a SALE, so make the most of it and have a browse while my stocks (and stash for custom orders) last, and get a bargain piece of cross stitch jewellery, such as some cute earrings, a nice necklace, or a unique ring. It doesn't stop there though, You could also bag yourself a quirky key ring or even a cool fridge magnet, and don't miss out my Christmas section!

Phew! Hopefully we will both have something to smile about with all of that, like my grinning friend who can't wait to cheer up your day. My cross stitch smiley pendant, like all my other pendants is for sale at the bargain price of only £6.00!

He's working, I'm smiling! Are you?

Happy Sale Shopping!

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Friday Finds: Baking!

I've certainly been spoiled since moving into my new house 2 weeks ago. Between them I've had 3 cupcakes, 2 rock buns, 2 portions of crumble (and more crumble was made yesterday. That's a lot of baking, especially when you take into account that they have both been away for a week!

 

I'm going to have to do some baking soon! It's been a while, so I'll have to see what I've got and find some time, (I might also have to start doing more exercise so that all these baked goodies don't make me fat!) Are you hungry yet? After perusing these baking goodies you'll want to get busy in the kitchen too!

First things first, we must make sure that you're kitted out properly for baking. Rosie Ann Shop has got that (and you) covered with this adorable child's apron. Little girls everywhere will want to bake just to wear this! Don't worry, she makes aprons for us big girls too!

 

 

The next step is to decide what to make. It is pretty likely that you'll need a rolling pin at some point, but why not treat yourself to an extra special one, like this horse one by Pyrographical Dreams. After all, it's not like they wear out!

 

 

Now the dough's all roll rolled out you need to choose your cutter. Head to the 3D Printer for a cool selection of cutters, including this sci fi fantasy Dr Who Tardis cutter, and go crazy for cookies!  

 

 

 

Cookies not for you? then how about a well loved cupcake? These stripy cupcake cases are really funky, with such a bold and bright design they will be perfect for all sorts of parties. Head over to Peggy Rose Pink for a closer look.

 

 

If you are partial to a tasty tart then look no further than LaCroixRosion for these vintage tart cases. The patterned design will make your tarts look really elegant, (and even more delicious)!

 

Happy baking!

 

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Fairy Love: Etsy Treasury

For the first time in a long time I have made an Etsy Treasury! It's not surprising really, as I have been busy restocking my Etsy Shop for a closing down sale (I really need to shift the stock that's built up as I've moved to a smaller place, and don't have the time to keep my shop up and running). All of this increased Etsy activity also means I've spent longer getting distracted by many of the fabulous items on there, as this treasury goes to show!

'Fairy Love' by yousewshould

For everyone who'd secretly love to be a fairy, at least for a day!

Fairy Love - 1 inch Circle P... AGirlAndHerStu... $7	1886 River Poem Vintage Prin... PrimrosePrints $8	Angel / Fairy Cross Stitch C... YouSewShould $6	Flute Fairy in Love Pop Up C... Bielyse $6.95
Glow in the Dark Fairies in ... Hx5Designs $8.99	Magical Fairies Wall Art Sti... NutmegWallStic... $14	Framed Flower Fairy Complete... OakendOriginal... $17	FAIRY ANGEL & CHAIN Velvet B... TwirlyTrinkets $3.99
Appliqued 'fairy' pa... amazingmaisiec... $12.99	beautiful cloth ooak handmad... Mollyjaynex $90	Pack of 6 - Angel/Fairy Gift... AuntyJoanCraft... $1.75	Faery Dust - Fae Faery wishe... wildwizardcraf... $2.5
Fossilized Faery - Clover CraftyFaeryCre... $28	Custom made faerie gothic me... steampunkagebo... $175	Polymer clay Faery window ha... Faerytastic $10	Magical Fairy Dust Glow Orb... SimplicityU $13.99

Sponsored by send bulk email from excel.

 

Which is you're favourite item?

 

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Etsy CLOSING DOWN SALE! Featuring Ladybird Ring

In case you missed the title of this post, here I go again

I'm having a CLOSING DOWN SALE in my ETSY SHOP

In reality, this means I spent Saturday taking lots of pictures of my stock, starting to edit them on PhotoBucket (which for some reason has given several on my photo's a 'browned out' section along the bottom) and re-listing them on Etsy!

Why? I hear you say. Or maybe I don't, maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part.

Well, there are several reasons.

I have moved into a shared house, with a small bedroom so saying goodbye to my stock is a good idea.

I don't really have enough time to look for and go to craft fairs, besides which the times I have gone to craft fairs haven't been as successful as I'd like.

And finally, I am hoping to go traveling in the new year, so de-stashing and hopefully turning some of my assets into hard cash could help fund my dream.

So, what can you expect in my shop?

Well, those of you who have been following my blog for a while will probably know that one of the main items of jewellery I make are cross stitch rings, all of which are for sale for £4 or less, like this cute ladybird ring which is looking for a home to fly away to.

Of course, my cross stitch rings aren't the only things for sale, so why not head over to my Etsy Shop for a browse of the pendants, earrings, hairclips, keyrings and fridge magnets that are all also for sale.

More stock will be coming soon! I'm also still accepting custom orders (for as long as I have supplies) so if you want a different colour/ a different piece of jewellery with the same design, e.t.c. then please contact me!

Happy Sale Shopping!

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Friday Finds: Wedding Hair

I'm in the midst of starting to plan my sisters hen do, and everything is very weddingy at the moment. Most things are booked in, and her dress and accessories are all sorted and sitting waiting for her at my parents house. However, there are so many small details for brides to think about that I'll hopefully help inspire you with todays selection of bridal headwear!

Loizou Designs' delicate flower tiara is perfect for the boho bride, or those who just want to get back to nature. I love the fairy-like softness of this intricate design, helping you be a fairy princess for a day.

 If you've spent years dreaming of being a princess bride on your wedding day, and glitz, glam and glitter and sparkling throughout your big day, then check out this Swarovski crystal tiara by Hollywood Designs UK, it could be just the one for you.

 

 

If understated elegance is what you're looking for you can't go wrong with these pretty pink pearl and sparkling Swarovski crystal hair pins from jewellery made by me. Alternatively they would dress up your bridesmaids hair as a perfect compliment to your own.

 

 

For something a bit different how about trying out some kanzashi? These beautiful flowers are hand folded by the very talented Kitty Kanzashi to create a lovely, unusual bridal hair piece. Make you're extra special by ordering a unique custom made design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bewitching Lace don't lie. This beautiful hair comb and veil have indeed bewitched me. Easy to wear, and without a need to worry about getting tangled in a long veil, this is a great answer to those who want a traditional little something!

 

Enjoy getting hitched!

 

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Cross Stitch Chairs!

Even the most of active amongst us need somewhere comfy to perch our bottoms and take things slow for a moment. Those of us who are less active, (or just frantically working on a dozen projects at once) definitely need somewhere cosy to create beautiful embroideries. However, there is a downside to stitching so much, what do you do with all of your finished cross stitches. Obviously you frame them and hang them around the house, but what if you've already done that with lots of pieces? Make smaller projects to give away as cards, or small useful things like bookmarks, tissue box holders, and small hanging ornaments. No doubt many of you have made cross stitch cushions, there is even plenty of kits out there designed for that very purpose.

 

Well, some people have got their creative juices flowing, and gone one step further. How about a chair?

This geometric designed chair is the child of thrifty crafter Cintia, author of the fabulous http://mypoppet.com.au blog. I love her crafty ideas, and the best bit, she up cycles many items, rejuvenating them in unique ways to give them a new lease of life.

Vivian  of Nordic Needle is another blogger and an avid cross stitcher. She has been stitching for years, and with all of that experience behind her she adapted patterns of bird cross stitches to upholster 12 dinning room chairs! There's a lady with a lot of stitching time and prowess!

Johan Lindsten is a Swedish designer who is giving vintage cross stitches a new lease of life by using them to create feature chairs. These look so modern and chic, they would look great in a thoroughly modern, minimalistic room. I absolutely love these chairs!

After all that inspiration why not have a go at making your own. Not sure you'll have time to make a full sized chair? Then check out this little cross stitch chair project at Cut Out And Keep to look after all your stitching accessories. This would be so useful, and will make a cute ornament when you're not stitching away!

Happy Stitching!


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Friday Finds: New Home

Phew! It's been a busy few weeks since I got back from my holiday (you can read a bit about it on my new travel blog, http://exploragem.blogspot.co.uk/ although I have not had much opportunity to write much about my trip to Andorra and Northern Spain, as things have been pretty hectic because... I've been house hunting! With completion date not yet confirmed (but hopefully just around the corner) and a house mostly devoid of furniture I have been spending my free time searching for advertise and looking around house shares, and I am very happy to say I will be moving tomorrow! The house I'm moving to is lovely, closer to work and close to shops, but most importantly I'll be living with two lovely singles girls about my age, which is great as most of my friends are coupled up, and having been single since my long term relationship ended in January, I'm very much looking forward to making some single friends!

 

The only downside is that packing takes ages, (probably partly because I spent a fair while sorting out my crafting bits and pieces) but I can't wait until it's done and I'm all moved in, hence my new home inspired post today!

For a quirky new home present how about these cute jam biscuits from Bee's bakery. Take them round to a new neighbour along with some mugs, teabags and milk and you'll soon have new friends!

Brighten up your new walls with Red Post Box's wall décor.  A happy house is what makes it your home, and this shabby chic poster is a perfect reminder of that.

For a friend or family member who's moving, help make their new home satisfaction even greater with a personalised card from Sharon Langdon. I love the doodle effect of this card, (I spent many hours doodling at school, sorry mum and dad). Check out her other artwork too.

 

Meiorigami have created this beautiful book lovers gift by carefully folding the pages of an old library book. It's a very unique idea of rejuvenating an old book, and best of all, as it doesn't damage the book it could still be read should you wish too. Make sure you take a look at the other words available.

Textile art is very popular right now, and for good reason. It is very homely and great for giving your home a colourful, shabby chic splurge. I love the colours  Naisy Homemade has used for this applique 'Home Sweet Home' picture.

Happy New Home!

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Friday Finds: Faces

Hello! I am back again! Sorry for my absence of late, things have been pretty hectic and stressful these past two weeks, what with work being so busy and me frantically house-hunting, but I am back online and raring to go!

While I was on holiday (I spent 2 weeks traveling around Andorra and Catalan is Spain) I met loads of lovely people, from many different countries, including Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovinia! There were lots of new faces, and I can happily say that the vast majority of them were happy and friendly (the less friendly ones were mostly due to a language barrier) so this weeks post is dedicated to all of the new faces, and the lovely people behind them, that I met when I was away. P.S. if you want to read more about my holiday, I've started to write about it on a brand new blog!http://exploragem.blogspot.co.uk/

Who isn't mesmerised by this Canvas painting of a fiery red head with enchanting blue eyes? I find her wide eyed stare drawing me in, I want to know more. For this beautiful artwork and others like it head over to the talented Alice Mason.

Ice cool fantasy is order of the day at Cross Stitch Nerd.  There must be something about the eyes again, I want to discover her secret. This beautiful cross stitch pattern reminds me of all the reasons why I'm stitching Shh Now.


Happy Turtle Crafts are the cool kids behind this funky face footwear. You will be way too cool for skool in these fabulous hand painted canvas shoes. Even better, the design is customisable, so you can choose your favourite character!


I adore a cheeky wink, however some of us are better at doing them than others. For some unknown reason I can only wink closing my left eye, and seem to screw up most of my face in the process. IM Creations have solved the problem though, with this monochrome Fornasetti wink scrabble tile pendant.


JohnNovis is the person behind this faded portrait print. I love the unusual fade effect, and the way it enhances her features even more. This beautiful face print is available as a downloadable transfer, so you can print it on whatever you'd like!

Happy head hunting!


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