Displaying Needlework http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
While recuperating from surgery my daughter bought and/or loaned me various cross stitch patterns to keep me from going cabin fever crazy insane. It had been over 20 years since I have cross stitched and quickly remembered why. I grabbed a very powerful pair of reading glasses and went to work. It did give me something to think about and I would have stayed sane except for the little tiny squares and messing up counting. It should be called cross-eyed stitching in my opinion.
After I finished a few projects I needed to get them framed. No problem, I had a 40% off custom framing and an additional 50% off more. Wouldn’t you think with that kind of discounting that it would be affordable? It was still over $200 after the coupons. I couldn’t see spending that much money on my little projects. I set them aside and continued to stitch.
My thoughts kept going to how I would use and or display these projects. I came up with a few affordable alternatives.
Bee Cross Stitch http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
I saw this cute frame at Hobby Lobby and 50% off. My little bee looks good clipped on it. I frayed the edges a little and made it small enough so the patterned frame background shows.
Pant Hangars for Displaying Cross Stitch http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
The pant hangars were used for the two linen floral pieces. I had two ruler pieces left over from the ruler box I made and they were just the right length.
Butterfly http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
The small butterfly was made for my daughter’s guest room. It matches the quilt I made for her. The frame was originally black and a quick spray paint made it coordinate with the room. I used the round glass for the mat by placing thin batting on the glass especially over the edges and then the cross stitch over that. I stitch around the edges and gathered the edges on the back pulling it tightly. then the original backing of the frame was placed over that.
Small Clipboard with Pumpkins http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
I found the little clipboard at Michael’s and made a quick Halloween pumpkin stack. I love the clipboards to display all kinds of art.
Finn Quilt Label http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
My daughter made a quilt label for the quilt she made her dog Finn.
I made a friend house-warming gifts with a pillow and multi media shadow box.
shadowbox http://www.lifeatthecottage.com
I have more projects not completed so drop by again to see those.
Happy Stitching,
Mary
