Showing posts with label Pink Positive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pink Positive. Show all posts

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Creating Behind the Scenes

Hello friends - I am so happy you stopped by to visit with me today! I have been extremely busy creating behind the scenes. I am working on more new cross stitch designs...and I am working on client needlework finishing and sewing projects. It is a creative summer and I am enjoying a quiet couple months in my studio. I'm making a little time to reset, refresh my spirit, and find my joy. Thank you for the lovely comments and compliments regarding my latest cross stitch designs - it makes my heart happy to put more of my artwork out into the universe. I also uploaded two new FlossTube videos this week...

FlossTube Episode Six is an in-depth look at my three new summer cross stitch releases - you can find it here: https://youtu.be/tln8xkjIIoY


©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

FlossTube Episode Seven is a full finishing tutorial for the rounds in my new "Rick Rack Rounds" seasonal/holiday series. It covers all the materials and how to put one together. You can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI


Sweet Slice of Liberty ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

I hope the new cross stitch design releases and two new videos will inspire you to create something special this week!

Monday, June 28, 2021

Happiness = New Cross Stitch Designs

©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Hello friends! I have so much to share today...I am not really sure where to start...but I guess I will begin with a big THANK YOU! I am overwhelmed by the positive and kind comments regarding my last couple posts - it is not always easy to share when I am struggling, but you have all provided me with comfort. I truly appreciate all the uplifting messages - I replied to many of you, but some of you are marked "no reply", so I have no way to contact you directly...just know you are appreciated. I am still trying to focus my energy on tasks and work while I am in "my funk", so as you will be able to tell from this post, I have been quite productive...

Three new cross stitch designs have been listed in my Etsy Shop...and I feel extremely blessed by the enthusiastic response on social media. I hope you can feel the love and joy I put into each piece. It feels good sharing new cross stitch designs, even if they are in a different format. I feel like I wasted so much time trying to fit into the "industry mold" of how things are supposed to be done...and now that I am doing what works best for me and my small business, my creativity is flowing. As I mentioned in previous posts, 2021 is the year for "finding my worth" and putting out new designs on my own terms is a HUGE step for me! I am learning daily...and I now realize that there is no mold that my business has to fit into - I need to make my own mold. Today is a great day - I have put more of my artwork out into the world - I have found my joy...and I am crossing my fingers theses new designs will be well received and I can continue to pursue my passion...

Without further ado, here are the new releses. Each one is available in my Etsy Shop in digital download format. Each design includes charting in both color AND black and white - that way, if you are printing, you can save ink and print the black and white version OR if you are stitching from a device, you can use the color chart...the best of both worlds. Each design also includes full finishing instructions.

First up is "Sweet Slice of Liberty"...this is the first design in my new series "Rick Rack Rounds" (yes, there will be more of these in the future...in fact - spoiler alert - the Halloween Rounds are currently in my design software!). These have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and stitched on 32-count fabric measure 3 1/4" round. I stitched them on 32-count Light Examplar by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites, but almost any fabric color will work for these red, white and blue beauties...and the DMC equivalents are provided. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack. These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora creative ideas! If there is interest, I may film a FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these - let me know if that is something you would like to see...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028614966 for more information.

Sweet Slice of Liberty ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Sweet Slice of Liberty ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Sweet Slice of Liberty ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

My second new release is titled "Pink Positive." This uplifting sampler design was originally created as a fundraiser years ago - after quite a bit of interest, I have decided to give it a makeover and release it in my regular collection. This is a signature Blue Ribbon Designs counted cross stitch sampler with finishing instructions for the quilted wall hanging and a pin pillow. It was the perfect time to revamp this pattern - right now, I think we can all use the positive message in this design - I definitely felt the urge to hang it up in a place of prominence in my studio! The models are stitched on 35-count Linen (yes, Linen is the color) hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works and I used Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss...again, you can use your favorite neutral fabric and DMC equivalents are provided. This design has a very special place in my heart and I am excited to release it in my regular collection...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1042823783 for more information.

Pink Positive ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Pink Positive ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Pink Positive ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Pink Positive ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Last, but definitely not least, is "Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents" - an herb garden signature style Blue Ribbon Design! Some of you may recognize this design - it was originally in a UK magazine publication (many years ago), but I have put it in a fancy frame and designed needlework smalls to coordinate with it. You can stitch the entire sampler, or select some of your favorite motifs for smaller projects. This design is stitched on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Platinum (3281-770) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC equivalents are included). Complete finishing instructions are included for the scissor fob and pins & needle keep. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the pins & needle keep - it is a new finishing concept I created - holding pins on one side, needles on the other. The  sections in this design are the perfect size for bowl fillers...and a couple would be perfect for a small framed designs...you could even make a lovely selection of ornaments. The full design would look great in a tray, on a box top or as a quilted wall hanging. My signature samplers are created in sections that look good together or on their own - with each option having extensive stitching and finishing possibilities...and this design definitely hits those marks!
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1029152154 for more information.

Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Front of Scissor Fob
Pins Side of Pins & Needles Keep

Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Back of Scissor Fob
Needles Side of the Pins & Needles Keep

Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

I truly hope one or all of these new designs will speak to you...and you will find joy in stitching one for yourself or a friend! I am already working on more new cross stitch releases - seriously, I have piles (yes, piles!) in the works...so if these are well-received, I will continue to bring you pieces that make my heart happy.

©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

A couple other notes:

I have been slowly be converting my vintage cross stitch designs to digital download format and listing them as I go - ten have already been listed in my Etsy Shop. If you have a favorite you would like to see available in PDF format, send me a message or drop me a comment.

Also I am doing some work on the Blue Ribbon Designs website. There were some glitches after a recent software update and I am working to make things a bit easier to navigate. For the next couple weeks, you may notice some of the menus are missing or a few cosmetic issues, but know I am in the process of making some changes behind the scenes. Thank you for your patience. I have already updated my website with the new design images and details. I am still working on listing the digital designs for sale on my website (there is a learning curve), so for now, visit my Etsy Shop to purchase the new designs...

Finally - I will be filming a new FlossTube video this week...so look for that in the future. I will share/discuss the new designs and catch you up with all the creative things happening in my studio...you can find my YouTube Channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and sharing in my happiness...I hope you are inspired by this post to work on something that brings you joy!

Saturday, October 31, 2015

A Pink Halloween

Today we celebrate Halloween and the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month...which makes complete sense, because cancer is extremely scary (but it is definitely not a trick or a treat). I'm going to spend my Halloween afternoon training (indoors at the gym because it's raining again) and prepare for the Komen 3-Day which will be here in less than a week. Now that I have kicked my head cold to the curb and finished a GIGANTIC deadline, I have been able to get back to training and I am feeling ready for the 60-miles in Dallas. Before writing this post, I was reflecting on my journey thus far and my last minute preparations...and I am  excited to share that I am just shy of reaching an astounding $5,000...and although I am probably not going to reach my fundraising goal this year, I am beyond touched by the incredible support I continue to receive year after year - I am tremendously blessed and grateful! Seriously - I am close to being speechless and touched beyond belief - a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged both me and my fellow teammates - I am so very thankful - this wouldn't be possible without you. I am feeling so very blessed to have so much love and support! I can't believe I leave for Texas in a few short days - I have been gathering all the needed gear and getting it ready to pack - it will be here SOON...

To read more about the Komen 3-Day, my reasons for walking, and/or support me and my fellow teammates on this incredible journey, visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda - thank you for helping me make a difference!

Okay, so after all the "pink" talk, I haven't forgotten about Halloween or my fellow needleworkers/quilters...here is a little Halloween collage featuring many of your favorite spooky Blue Ribbon Designs...
Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers - I heart you!

Monday, September 28, 2015

A Pink Update

It's been a while since I posted a "walking update" and photos from my daily outings, so I thought I would share some of my favorite recent images today. The Komen 3-Day event in Dallas is taking place in 39 days and I have been getting in quite a bit of training...and I have been logging some BIG mileage. I am currently breaking in two fancy new pairs of shoes...and gathering the last of the gear I need for the 60-mile walk this year. I want to thank everyone who as of this post has made a donation to support me and make a difference. Together, (so far) we have raised 47% of my fundraising goal - almost $3,600  for breast cancer research, scientific programs, and community-based breast health and education programs. I am so very grateful for your love, encouragement, and generous support! If you haven't had a chance to make a donation yet, there is still plenty of time...and I would LOVE to reach my goal this year - please check out my fundraising page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda - every and any amount helps!

...and if you are a needleworker, be sure to check out the details for my 2015 fundraising design titled "Pink Positive" - 100% of the proceeds benefit the Komen 3-Day - you can read all about it here:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/pink-positive-my-2015-komen-3-day.html
or here: http://blueribbondesigns.com/komen_3day_design.html

"Pink Positive"

So now, take a photo walk with me - I see beautiful things on each and every training walk....












Thursday, September 10, 2015

"Pink Positive"
My 2015 Komen 3-Day Fundraising Design

"Pink Positive"
As many of you know, I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day this November – I'll (once again) walk 60-miles in Dallas, TX over the course of three days with my fabulous Twinkle Toes team members and hundreds of other women and men....all of us with a common goal to raise funds for breast cancer research, scientific programs and community-based breast health and education programs. I have already logged countless training miles in preparation for the event this year...and I plan to take every single step of the 60-miles in three days again this fall! My AMAZING friends, family, and fans continue to be so extremely supportive and generous and I am hoping you will feel moved to make a donation again this year. All walkers are required to raise at least $2300.00 to participate...but my goal is actually quite a bit higher at $7,500 (and one year I really want to break the $10,000 mark!)...and I know it seems outrageous, but I believe it is totally doable...

So, here is where my new "pink" Cross Stitch design "Pink Positive" comes into play...it is an exclusive Blue Ribbon Design, available only to those who donate a minimum of $15.00 (USD) to my fundraising page (all proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day)...my gift to you for supporting me and this incredibly worthwhile cause.



First I will tell you how to get this very special design...please read the instructions carefully:
  1. Visit my fundraising page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda.
  2. Make a minimum donation of $15.00 or more - yes, it is tax deductible.
  3. Send me an e-mail  (designer @ blueribbondesigns.com) or Facebook message with "Pink Positive" in the subject line . The body of the message can be as simple as "I made a donation".
  4. I will verify your donation and reply to your message with a PDF attachment of the design. It's that easy!

    NOTE: If you are overseas and have difficulty with the Komen website or making your donation, you may send your donation to me via PayPal (same e-mail address as above) and note in the comments it is a Komen donation for "Pink Positive" and anything special you would like noted on the Fundraising Honor Roll - I will make the donation on your behalf (in your name) and send you the chart as a thank you. E-mail me for more details or with questions.
If you made a donation before I posted this information, I have already sent the design to you (to the e-mail you listed when you made a donation) - you are not required to make an additional donation. If you have not received it, please check your spam and/or trash folder - if it is not there, just send me a message and I will get you taken care of promptly.

Please note, it is not feasible for me to sit at the computer all day and respond immediately - please give me 24-hours to reply to your message - I promise to respond to your e-mail as soon as possible. If you haven't heard from me within a couple days, please check your spam/junk folder (remember, this is a large quality file), then, if still needed, follow up with me. Also, this gift is only available as a PDF file via e-mail, following the instructions above - I will not be mailing printed charts.



About this exclusive design:
"Pink Positive" is a needlework sampler that was finished into a quilted wall hanging,  along with a coordination pin pillow. The PDF chartpack is set-up like all my printed Blue Ribbon Designs and includes: a color photo, charting for the entire sampler, stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, basic finishing instructions, enlarged charts, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization - it is a high quality file. You will need Adobe Reader to view/print the e-mailed chart and contents.

"Pink Positive" is one of my signature samplers and each individual box design works well on it's own and/or can be used for a needlework small of your choice. In case you haven't figured it out, the title is a play on words...instead of "think positive" (referring to the charted words), I thought "pink positive" fit perfectly!

The entire design is worked in Cross Stitch over-two linen threads (or one Aida fabric square) and Back Stitch, with a few Smyrna Cross Stitches and a few Cross Stitch over-one stitches (minimal). The model was stitched on 35-count hand-dyed fabric (Linen by Weeks Dye Works) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided. Floss colors include: Bluecoat Blue, Blue Spruce, Buttercup, Chestnut, Curry, Clockwork, Deep Sea, Emma's Pink, Ivy, Liberty, Molasses, Peoria Purple, and Tiger's Eye.

One more thing, please remember: "Pink Positive" is protected by copyright law and is meant for personal stitching only by the donating recipient. I kindly ask, please do not share, email, or post the PDF file on the Internet; if your friend(s) would like to stitch this design, please encourage them to visit my fundraising page (http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda) and make a donation to the cause...after-all, ALL proceeds are benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

Finally - please help me spread the word...if you like the design or think your friend(s) would like it, please share a link to this post on your blog, Facebook, message boards, or other social media...I would really appreciate it!



...and one more thing...a very special thank you to my dear friend that stitched and finished the fabulous pin pillow for this special project! It is not easy for me to give up any part of the design process, but you stepped in (didn't really give me a choice) and said you would take care of it...and that was just one less thing I had to worry about. I truly appreciate your friendship, love, and commitment. xoxo


So, I am off to visit my mother in Illinois first thing tomorrow morning and will be out of my office for a few days (returning on Tuesday)...I will have limited communication and will do my best to e-mail donor charts while I am away - please be patient. I plan to spend some quality time with my family - I need a little rest and relaxation...