Inquiring Minds...

...want to know. How did you keep the edges of the butterfly from fraying?  Not a problem, once I finished cross-stitching the beads into place...and reinforcing the butterfly with 24gauge wire...I spread a thin layer of glue (white craft type) all over the back. On top of that, I placed a thin layer of Angelina Fiber.Let dry overnight...and trimmed very close to the stitching (i.e. beads) the next morning.Since then...I've also finished the edges with some fiber thread provided to me by my Floridian pal, Willa...

 Doesn't the color match perfectly! And, on the reverse...I added some hot-fix crystals with glue backs. The Angelina was not happy to be getting so hot...but, generally I'm okay...since these wings are only my first attempt...and I'm sure to get better at this!

Beaded Butterfly Wings

Here is my Bead Journal Project submission for January. Designed the wings in cross-stitch; and stitched the with Delica Sz 11 seed beads...on 18ct Aida. 

 Then wove 24gauge wire through the rows...so that they will stand along. Glued a thin sheet of Angelina Fiber to the back to hide the stitches.I tried bead weaving...but the loom would not hold tension well. Tried brick stitch, and decided that I do not have enough patience for that! So, cross-stitch was the solution. The following months might see that change...might not. We'll both just have to wait and see! Am thinking about finishing the edge with a couched line of metallic fiber...if I can find some in my stash. Not sure yet...so will set them aside until the muse is ready to work some more.

Lovely Snow!

We are certainly having a strange winter this year, here in my homestate of Alabama. It's been more like Spring than Winter...which is great...lot's of days in the 60's! But, you just have the "feeling" that any minute now...it's going to be one REALLY HUGE SNOW STORM! I mean, weather just is not supposed to be this nice in January! And, while snow is pretty...it is really bad for us, we just don't have the equipment to clean the streets...So, as I'm thinking about snow...thought I'd doodle a little CQ Snowman.He is in color so that you can easily omit any part you don't need.An embroidery snowman is the best kind...no melting!Think I'll omit the flowers...and bead the seams on mine!Hope you have fun with him...and send me a photo of your project, I'd love to see it..and of course, will blog about it too!

Another Great BOM!!!

Just trust me...go check out this blog!

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/

 She has a new BOM started...Mimi's Bloomers! Wonderful applique quilt...looks like it could be a great Redwork Project too!

AND, if you are quick...her BOM for last year, My Tweets are available until the end of the month. Check the side bar for downloads.

Both of her BOMs require purchase of the center medallion pattern...but the price is right!. Or just use the other blocks...and create your own center!

Hugs!

Seriously...I Need Professional Help!

Today...I was just reading some posts over on HGTV...and followed a link...and it landed me at The Raspberry Rabbits...and they have a Block of the Month starting...called Harrington and Hannah...and...it is a gorgeous quilt...and it has felt pieces in it...and they kit the quilt top...and it is priced right...and...well...um....uh....I'm sorta...I'm seriously ...considering starting their BOM and getting their felt kit! Oh Lordy...I need help!  There has to be a 12-step program out there somewhere for folks like me...but, I'm afraid to search for it...cause there's no telling where that might lead me!!!

HGTV BOM

HGTV Message Board is having a Mystery Block of the Month. Here is my first finished section. We will not know what the quilt looks like until all of the sections have been created...then we will get the instructions on how to assemble the quilt top. I purchased two fabrics for the top...the multi-print floral design...and a panel of little 5-inch squares. So, I changed the design a little to accommodate my fabrics...keeping the total size of the section the same. We'll see how it all looks when all is done!

Slumber Party...are you SERIOUS!

Okay...here's the story.I'm going ON-THE-ROAD starting this year. I have been lazy since leaving Enterprise, AL...and didn't teach while working with the Army Audit Agency..because we were traveling so much...it was IMPOSSIBLE to know when we'd be in town or out of town. Oh, and of course... I became a grandmother...and started blogging...and co-writing courses for others...and doing ON-LINE kindx of teaching events. So, no time!
But, over these past six months...I have had four different inquiries...and serious ones too...about teaching again. So, I've decided to do it (keep me in your prayers!!!) And...so...I have finally taken the time to update my webpage (you know, it used to be my web-store)...so it has my classes...and if I get enough events...will host my schedule too! Now, wouldn't THAT be a hoot!
Oh, so anyway...back to the Slumber Party...
Yep...there is a Slumber Party Class! Have you ever had a teacher come in on Friday or Saturday morning...teach that afternoon and all night...and go home the next day? Bet not!!!
I taught slumber party classes while in Enterprise...and they were a HOOT! Pot-luck dinner, snacks, fun games with prizes! Oh, and we actually got some stitching done too!...so, looking forward to seeing how the idea is entertained now!
Go check out the classes...and I welcome any feedback you might want to email me on!Hugs! 

Lace and Pearls for Arlene

Arlene's block will be making it's way to Nickilee next...some time this week. My work is complete! Here are some closeups Arlene...

The lace came first...some pretty morning glories up the side...

And a basket with beaded bottom and handles above it.
 You can just see a peek of the feather stitch seam with bullion flower buds and detached chain leaves.I thought long and hard about filling the basket with SRE flowers...but than all of the pretty dyed lace would have been covered up...and so decided to add some tiny bugle beads for leaves, and SRE French Knots in the center of the lace flowers. Arlene does beautiful SRE...so if she wants to remove the beads and put in flowers later on...that's fine with me! I fully believe once you get your block back...you can change anything you like!

Next I added a beaded monogram...and little pearl seam...a hand-dyed tatted trim seam with clay roses and sequins.

Lastly, A Silk Ribbon Embroidery (SRE) sprig of roses was added ...along with a bejeweled butterfly.

Online Classes Starting Soon

Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions is offering online classes!  And, two of them are mine...I'm so excited.

Soft Sculpture Applique will cover how to create this lovely little teddy bear for crazy quilt projects. Or, it could be attached to a purse or baby's bib...and instructions will include a pattern for a bunny, cat, and swan! So that's like getting 4 classes for one price!

 Beading Cabochons will cover how to surround a cabochon (or shank button) with beads and add beaded fringe. We'll be beading three different cabochons...so we can learn 3 types of fringe treatment. 

 And, if you don't have a cameo or gemstone cabochon...you can use a gorgeous Czech glass button (with metal shank) like these... AND you know that if I'm teaching it...it's gonna be EASY BREEZY!Full color instructions...step-by-step...and I'm just an email away for inspiration and guidance too! So go check out the classes...they start mid March...and sign up today!There are other classes offered too...and more to come!

Teasing Arlene

The Lace & Pearls round robin at CQI has begun, and Arlene's block arrived last week. I have until the 15th of February to stitch about 1/4th of the block...before passing it along to the next lady in the rotation. BUT, I have not been able to let it rest...immediately upon seeing the fabrics, my muse was thinking! So, I've been stitching a little on it each day....and am almost done. So, thought I'd give Arlene a little tease today...this photo doesn't give too much away....perhaps, she'll get the full picture tomorrow! Ha!

Thank you Judy!

What a pleasant surprise awaited me yesterday when the mail person delivered! My friend Judy sent me a nice little package of goodies...just because! Isn't that the best kind of surprise! No special occasion...just her being a thoughtful friend.Thanks Judy...I hope to grow up and be more like you!

TAST Week 3 - Feather Stitch

Week 3 of Take A Stitch Tuesday Challenge is complete! This is my favorite stitch to work with! Well, other my old favorites the Straight, French Knot, and Detached Chain Stitches. But, the Feather Stitch is the first "new" stitch that I learned....and can do it free hand and keep it straight! Yeah!It is perfect for seams when done in green...just add little beads, French knots, or Detached Chain between the "V" areas to create little flower buds. Very effective with 4mm silk ribbon Lazy Daisy (detached chain) stitches!But, my most favorite use is as Undersea plant life! 

 See, can't you just imagine little fishes swimming nearby!

Roses, Roses, Roses for Meg

The Roses, Roses, Roses round robin is coming to a close. This is the finished block for Meg...isn't it just gorgeous! She wanted a Yellow Rose for Texas theme...so we tried to stay true to that request, while working with the fabrics she constructed her block of. The ribbon work by the ladies before me is phenominal! Love every little smidge of this block!Here is my meager contribution...the bottom right corner...

 ...and a yellow rose beaded cabochon.

 My largest ribbon rose is a simple free-form type...roll the center...

...here's a better photo.

Stitch it down to an interfacing base. Gather the remainder of the long end of the ribbon...and wrap around the base.

Add some extra little petals to the base...gathering the bottom of each before stitching down...

And her is the final little rose. After cutting away the excess interfacing and stitching to the block...I added some green leaves around it. Easy, breezy!

TAST Week 2 - Buttonhole Stitch

 I did get my buttonhole stitches completed last week for the Take A Stitch Tuesday challenge. Just didn't get them posted with the contest going on. So far, I'm up to date...just starting stitching the week 3...and will post that later this week. I'm glad that Sharon is starting out with stitches that are probably familiar to most of us...gives me a chance to get into the "groove" of checking her blog for the weekly lesson!As you can see from my photos...I'm just doing a little sample card of the stitch..and it will go into a small photo album. Hope to keep it as a kind of stitch diary...then, when my muse gets bored...she can just flip through the pages and try a new stitch!

Wine - Starting Soon!

No, not the "drinking"...the stitching! Starting another round robin soon...titled "Wine". I see tons of grapes, vines, wine bottles, etc being stitched very soon! And since I didn't want to limit my stitching sisters...I included colors for dark wines, light wines, and even champagne! Let the fun begin!

Let's Applique!

Country Cottages Mystery Block of the Month has started over at ShabbyFabrics. Go check it out, and don't miss out on the free pattern downloads and gorgeous designs you can purchase too! Here is my start of the first month's block...still needs my snow and snowman!

Winners...and winner may-be's...my soap box.

It's only 9:25 on Monday night...so there is still a couple of hours before the Give-a-ways for the 500 followers closes. But, I've been going back through the comments...and am surprised at the number of deletes I have had to do...because there is no way to contact folks. So, thought that while it's fresh on my mind...I'd share some issues. If you want to enter drawings or give-a-ways...please keep these in mind.
You are responsible to leave your email or contact information...I am not going to run around trying to determine what your email is...and I don't think that it is reasonable for anyone to expect me to. Afterall, I spend my own money to purchase gifts for the drawing...and will spend more money to mail items to the winners...AND I DON'T MIND. If I did...I would not have drawings. What I do mind...is having to decipher who is who and what is their email address....my time is very limited.
Update your profile so that your email is available with your NAME is clicked in the comments you leave.
Make your profile public...cause I can't see it if it isn't...and can't get to your email address to notify you.
Please don't just say this is Josy Brown in Milwalkee...even if I know a Josy in Milwalkee...it is not fair to everyone else that follows the rules and leaves their contact information for me to "assume" that you are the "Josy Brown" that I know in Milwalkee...there could be others. 
Simply put...please follow the rules. So, sorry...but several comments have been deleted because I have no contact information included...and that was one of my rules...and I don't make things difficult...just leave a comment and contact information. If you think I'm being unfair...sorry...just trying to be fair.  And, I'm HUGE on being fair...so please consider updating your profile and making it pubic before entering any contests...you might win!And thanks for the Anonymous entries that included emails in their comment..you are IN the drawings.. Now, it's 7:44 A.M. Tuesday Morning...and Aidan is off to school. The winners have been selected. I ran a random number generator of the total valid entries (those with links back to profiles, or including emails in the comment). And, before announcing the winners...let me say that if you are reading this...and left a comment...go to your comment, click on your name to get to your profile, Do you see an Email link? If not...you might have just lost out on a great book...because I had to try 4 times to give the Redwork Book away...the first 3 profiles did not have email addresses. And I tried 5 times to give the Crewelwork Book away...same issue. Seriously, I'm not ranting...I'm trying to help. Update you profiles! Hugs!
Now, FINALLY...the winners have been sent an email...and have 24 hours to respond back with their mailing address. Or, I draw again...
WINNERS:DAY ONE - Trish Burr Finest Flowers Book is AztecLady.DAY TWO - Crewel Work is Anonymous Susie Wolfe.DAY THREE - Redwork is Magpie's MumblingsDAY FOUR - Silk Shading is Bobbi PohlDAY FIVE - StitchoPedia is USAGypsy
CONGRATS to the Winners! Thanks to all why left comments...better luck next time...and, there will be a next time...so get those profiles updated! Hugs!

Party On! Day Five...

For the last day of our Party...celebrating our 500 Followers...we have a Stupendous Book!Stitch-opedia..claims right on the front cover to be "the only embroidery reference you'll ever need". And, I think that they might be right! Certainly it is a good beginning!The book is spiral bound...love that!The book includes sections on materiels and equipment, techniques, mounting and framing, designing...AND covers a multitude of embroidery...stumpwork, blackwork, crewel work, canvas work, hardanger, pulled work, and even a little freestyling!"There is nothing as beautiful as a wonderfully-worked embroidery design, either used to adorn clothing or as an embellishment on a home accessory. Now a new generation is rediscovering the pleasures of the centuries-old craft. Written for beginners and experts alike, Stitch-Opedia describes in detail hundreds of embroidery stitches. Each stitch is grouped into sections that include: canvas work, crewel work, hardanger, pulled work, stumpwork and much more. Each stitch includes close-up, detailed color photographs, a full-color working diagram, and accurate written instructions. An extremely helpful alphabetical listing with close-up thumbnail photographs appears later in the book allowing the user to cross-reference each stitch. With sections on materials and equipment, basic techniques, and a collection of motifs that can be either copied or transferred to fabric, this beautifully-designed, full-color book is sure to attract newcomers and experts alike with its combination of convenience and creative encouragement."
So...what are you waiting for...Go leave a comment to enter the drawing!
And check back tomorrow...to see who the winners are for our five days of give-a-ways!

Party On! Day Four...

When looking for books to purchase for this party, I could not decide on just one Royal School of Needlework Books to get...so got both the Crewelwork book for Day Two...and Silk Shading for Day Four!And, both are marvelous books! The Silk Shading is also a spiral bound book...and I have really had a hard time with giving it up for the contest since reviewing it since it's arrival!"Suitable for beginners as well as professionals, this handbook provides an in-depth look at the art of “needle painting” and offers techniques using long and short stitches and blending and merging colors to create beautifully shaded embroideries.Just leave a comment to enter the drawing.