Needlework Finishing - Ornament Edition

Hello friends! As promised, I am back today to share some of my recent needlework finishing with you - this is just a sampling (I have way too many photos to share them all). These pieces were all for clients - not my stitching or designs, just my finishing work. I will post designer details with corresponding images for those who are interested (if I have it). Fabrics that are in the images were used for backing...and all the perfectly matched trims and rayon ribbons are from the incredible Lady Dot Creates (the very best finishing supplies!). As you can see, I have been doing quite a few Christmas ornaments lately....with my travel plans for the remainder of the year, I am trying to get all of them done before the end of October. Enjoy the creative eye candy and I will be back to visit with you again soon!

"Flirting" from Plum Street Samplers

"I Believe In Santa" from The Primitive Hare

"Gingerbread House 8" from Country Cottage Needleworks

"Merry Moose Wishes" by Designs by Lisa

"Oh By Gosh" from Heart in Hand

"Merry Musings" from Waxing Moon Designs

"A Mid-Century Modern Christmas" from Misty Hill Studio

Oodles of Ornaments

It continues to be a finishing frenzy in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...client orders are still piled across my counters and my list continues to grow. I have been super focused and productive, working around the clock to finish up the projects on my to-do tables along with preparing new designs. I have a plethora of finishing clients to take care of for the holidays (and into the new year)…and I am trying to balance it all and keep my sanity. I have been working on a variety of creative activities, including: lots of needlework finishing, pattern writing, custom sewing, custom quilting and freelance designing…plus making some gifts for the holidays…the to-do list is almost overwhelming. Of course, this time of year, I'm asked to keep many of my client finishes a secret...here is a picture album of needlework finishing that I completed over the last few weeks that I have the "okay to show" (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing work)…

Fabric shown with each was used for the backing...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons, velveteen, pop-pom trim and twill tape are all from Lady Dot Creates (visit her Etsy Shop for the very best pretties and finishing materials)…

I hope you are inspired to finish some of your own holiday projects! I am headed back to the studio momentarily to work on more client (you guessed it) Christmas ornaments...it seems like the piles are never-ending. I just took advantage of the Audible Black Friday Sale (a girl can never have too many books) and have a wonderful assortment of new titles queued up and ready for listening...  

As I look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, I have so many things to be extremely thankful for: a loving family, a wonderful husband, AMAZING friends (who accept me, my quirks, and my crazy busy schedule!), two loveable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list. I am truly grateful for all of you who share my passions, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs and creative ventures - you all brighten my days!

To everyone celebrating tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rejoicing Reindeer

The Just CrossStitch 2020 Special Christmas Ornament Issue is currently arriving at needlework shops, in mailboxes, and on newsstands. Today, I am pleased to share my contribution with you. My ornament for this year is titled "Rejoicing Reindeer" and can be found on page 96, with my Christmas memory and recipe found on page 102. This year, I included my recipe for Salt Dough Ornaments...you know, the favorite childhood ornament project - dough cut with cookies cutters, embellished and baked, then painted if desired. My recipe has a simple list of ingredients (which you probably have on hand) that will make quick and easy ornaments and a fun family project! My 2020 cross stitch ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years, only this year it is circular in shape. The entire design is Cross Stitch over two linen threads, so you can easily change the type/count of fabric. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments.

This is the 15th year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue (2006 - 2020)...which doesn't even seem possible! If you would like to see all 15 of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my coordinating ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite.

I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was SUPER excited - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. Over the last several years, criticism regarding this issue seems to pop up everywhere - complaints that the ornaments seem too simple and/or without thought, harsh statements about the finishing of the ornaments, complaints that favorite designers are missing....some say the photography isn't good and the magazine is of lesser quality. As a designer and contributor (who puts a ton of thought and time into EVERY ornament design), this can be quite discouraging. Over the years, the magazine has taken away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in this publication. For those who do not know, this issue has always been an unpaid assignment and designers do not receive any compensation for being included. In years past, the included designers would receive a handful of copies of the magazine (which I would give away in contests to my readers and social media followers) - now we get a single copy (and somehow, mine always arrives bent and damaged)...these are just a couple reasons why you may not be seeing some of your favorite designers in the more recent issues. The needlework industry is constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been happy to be a part of this special publication for the past 15 years! I can't wait to sit down with my issue and look through each page. There is always a diverse selection of designs from some very talented creators (some are new and upcoming talent, some are longtime favorites)...these designers love needlework so much that they contributed/donated their time and talent...so, while each and every ornament might not be a personal favorite, I hope you will still be able to find a few to stitch up for your tree!

I would love to hear your comments on this year's issue - do you have a favorite ornament(s)???

...and now, here is my holiday recipe for 2020... 

Salt Dough Ornaments

Dough ingredients:

• All-purpose flour - 4 cups
• Table salt - 1 cup
• Warm water - 1 1/2 cups

Decorating tools:

• Cookie Cutters
• Textural items (kitchen utensils, rubber stamps, toothpick, etc.)
• Straw (to create hang hole)
• Acrylic paint, glitter, puffy paint
• Polyurethane spray - optional
• Ribbon (for hangers)

 Directions:

Mix flour and salt – whisk until well combined. Slowly add warm water while stirring. Continue stirring until you have added all the water. Use your hands to knead the dough until smooth and pliable – this will take a few minutes. Roll out the dough 1/8″ thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes. Texture or draw/write on ornaments using your favorite tools. Use a straw to make a hole for hanging. Bake the ornaments in a 300°F oven for about an hour or until hard. Paint and decorate ornaments to your liking. Once paint is completely dry, coat with poly spray for extra longevity. Tie ribbon hanger and hang on tree.

May decorating your tree create lasting memories!

Trimming the Tree

The Just CrossStitch 2019 Special Christmas Ornament Issue is currently arriving at needlework shops, in mailboxes, and on newsstands. Today, I am pleased to share my contribution with you. My ornament for this year is titled "Trimming the Tree" and can be found on page 96, with my Christmas memory and recipe found on page 104. This year, I included my recipe for BBT Dip (bacon, basil and tomato) - a simple list of ingredients that will make a quick and easy entertaining favorite (which I will also share later in this pre-holiday post). My 2019 ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years. The entire design is Cross Stitch over two linen threads, so you can easily change the type/count of fabric. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments.

This is the thirteenth year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue...which doesn't even seem possible! If you would like to see all thirteen of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my coordinating ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite.

I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was SUPER excited - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. Over the last several years, I have read quite a bit of criticism regarding this issue - complaints that the ornaments seem too simple and/or without thought, harsh statements about the finishing of the ornaments, complaints that favorite designers are missing....some say the photography isn't good and the magazine is of lesser quality...even complaints that the holiday memories and recipes are in the back and not shown with the designer. As a designer and contributor (who puts a ton of thought and time into EVERY ornament design), this is quite discouraging. I can definitely agree with some of those statements...and, to be honest, I too have wrestled with myself for the last few years on whether or not I want to be involved. For me, the magazine has taken away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in this publication. Let me clear -  this issue has always been an unpaid assignment and designers do not receive any compensation for being included. Years ago, this issue generated quite a bit of excitement and a designer had to receive a special invitation to be included - back then, it was always a treat to be involved - but that excitement has changed and now designers receive an invitation to "submit a design idea" (which let's face it, takes away most of the incentive, especially when there is no payment)...also, in years past, the included designers would receive a handful of copies of the magazine (which I would give away in contests to my readers and social media followers) - now we get one copy (and somehow, mine always arrives bent and damaged)...these may be just a few of the reasons you aren't seeing some of your favorite designers in the more recent issues. The needlework industry is constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been proud to be a part of this special publication for the past thirteen years! I can't wait to sit down with my issue and look through each page. There is always a diverse selection of designs from some very talented creators (some are new and upcoming talent, some are longtime favorites)...these designers love needlework so much that they contributed/donated their time and talent...so, while each and every ornament might not be your cup of tea, I hope you will still be able to find a few to stitch up for your tree!

I would love to hear your comments on this year's issue - what are your favorite ornaments??
___________________________________________________________

...and now, here is my holiday recipe for 2019...

BBT Dip

2 cups sour cream

8 slices crisply cooked bacon, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

1 tbsp dried or fresh basil

crackers or vegetables for dipping

Stir all ingredients together in a small mixing bowl; cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Makes 2½ cups.

If using crackers, spinach make a great garnish – place spinach leaf on a cracker and put a dollop of dip on top!

While it may be a little too early to get in the Christmas spirit - I hope this post will inspire you for the upcoming holiday season! Time to start stitching those ornaments and gifts...

Winter Writings

Happy winter! The snow has stopped falling, and thanks to a wonderful neighbor and his snow blower and my fancy new shovel, the driveway and sidewalks are clear....with the garage full of boxes and furniture, I had vehicles to clean, as well (of course). Now that those duties are behind me and the dogs are walked, I am trying to warm up and catch up on a few tasks. 

I told you I would be back soon with some fabulous needlework finishing...and these finishes will not disappoint. Just a little reminder, these are not my designs or my stitching, just my finishing work. I enjoyed each of these so much...a couple challenged me and that is always a good thing. I must admit, after finishing the snowman (Whittaker from the Animal Cracker Series by Stacy Nash Primitive Designs), I am completely obsessed with this series and *in love* with each pattern - I wish I would have purchased several and kitted them up to stitch while we are mid-move...they would have been perfect...and if you think Whittaker is adorable, you should see Paisley, his companion! I don't have much time to stitch projects from other designers, but I must make an exception for some of these - they make me smile! 

Designer: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs
Animal Cracker Series
"Quincy" (owl)
"Whittaker" (snowman)

Backs

Whittaker

Designer: The Primitive Jewel
"Bird on a Peg"

Designer: La-D-Da (Lori Markovic)
Samplar Hare

Back

On The Move

Is it really January?! I hope the new year is being kind to you and the winter months aren't too chilly. It's been a while...but I'm still here. I apologize for my disappearing act - I haven't been intentionally neglecting my blog or readers...or any of you who have been kind enough to send me uplifting messages and e-mails. Truth is, Blue Ribbon Designs is on the move and I have been packing and cleaning and preparing our home of fifteen years for sale...it's been a challenging/busy/messy couple months.

My husband (who had the lovely flowers delivered to me a few days ago) accepted a promotion with his job and has been working full-time in the Kansas City area since the middle of November (actually, for more than a year)...and I have been in Iowa packing up our home and my business and getting everything stored in PODS, while we prepare our home for sale and search for a new home in Kansas. The interior painting, carpet and minor fixes are finally complete and our home is now on the market...so I am living in our finished basement with our two German Shepherds while we search for our new living quarters and sell our current house. It has been a whirlwind for this born and raised Iowa girl and all these changes are bittersweet. 

So, until we are settled, my Etsy shop is on vacation and my website shopping cart is disabled...and I have temporarily stopped taking custom orders. You can still explore both websites, but shopping is turned off until I have things unpacked. Rest assured, I will be taking your orders again soon! In fact, I can't wait to get back to work...I am going CRAZY without my creative outlets....and GREAT news - I picked up my fancy sewing machine from the service shop last week after four months of living without it...I can't wait to get it set back up and sew to my heart's content! We are hoping to be in a new house by the end of February...fingers crossed...

For now, I am going to share what I was working on up until the packing...I completed tons of needlework finishing and custom sewing/quilting before I had to pack up my studio, but just didn't have time to share it. I have photos of many of the pieces, so over the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing those with you! Today, here is a bit of needlework finishing I completed for clients...not my stitching, just my finishing work...designers are listed...

Designer: Little House Needleworks
Potted Poinsettia from The Sampler Tree Ornament Series

Designer: Misty Hill Studio
Blue & Silver Christmas
Twinkle, Glow and Flower

Ornament Backs

Designer: Misty Hill Studio
Blue & Silver Christmas
Snowfall, Silver Bells, Mitten

Ornament Backs

Designer: Blue Ribbon Designs (hey, that's me!)
Countdown to Christmas

Ornament Backs

Prairie Schooler
2003 Schooler Santa (L)
2004 Schooler Santa (R)
Finished to sit on easels.

Backs

This is a touch of what I have been up to the last couple months...more to follow in the next few days!

For now, I am back to boxing up all my charts/patterns - the "warehouse" is last thing I have to finish up (except daily living essentials)...I'm packing them in numerical order and I still have quite a few to put in boxes. Writing this blog post gave me a nice break, but now I have to get back to work...I'll visit with you again soon....