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!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 - Recipients

Congratulations to Barbara and Gloria - they were randomly drawn as the recipients for my Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 giveaway...they have both been contacted and the magazines have been shipped! Thank you to all who commented and shared their current creative projects/endeavors - I enjoyed reading each and every comment...

• barbara woods:just finished a t-shirt quilt and planning to spend a couple of days making casserole carriers
• Anonymous - Gloria McKenna:I do needlework and quilting = working on older WIPS at the moment. Your blog provides inspiration and 'words of wisdom' to help me through my 'slumps. Thanks!

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands now (Release Date: May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!

Sunny Parkway - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

Greetings friends! I am back from an incredible trip to Arizona/Utah...and the Grand Canyon hike was SPECTACULAR. I will be back tomorrow to share photos and details from my extraordinary journey...but today I am here to share all about my latest quilt block design in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 15 (on newsstands this week!)...

I am SUPER excited to tell you all about my original quilt block titled Sunny Parkway. Last year, I submitted a block for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue and never heard a word, so I thought my work wasn't accepted...in fact, I kept waiting for my block to be returned to me. So, imagine my complete surprise, when I see an image online of the upcoming issue and my quilt block was ON THE COVER (this is my third time as a cover girl for this special publication!) - I was completely shocked! Several days later, I received a package with copies of the magazine and I was still in awe. There must be a communication breakdown somewhere or I'm not on their e-mail list, because I never heard from the magazine (thank goodness I took photos of my block before submitting) and all my e-mails have gone unanswered - so I am not involved in the official Blog Hop (a BIG boo hoo!)...but you can head on over to the Quilty Pleasures Blog for all the festivities and giveaways this week.

My quilt block is (of course) AccuQuilt friendly...and although the magazine gives you all the measurements and details for rotary cutting, I thought I would give the AccuQuilt enthusiasts out there a list of the cutting dies I used to create Sunny Parkway (a 12" finished block):

• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block (55775):
• #3 - Half Square Triangle-3" Finished Square (55703)
• #5 - Half Square Triangle-1½" Finished Square (55705)
• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block Companion Set-Classics (55779):
• #10 - Signature Block-3" Finished (55729)

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

I'm so thrilled you visited my blog today and can share in my enthusiasm...and I would like to include you in my excitement by having a giveaway...

•  I have two copies of  Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 magazine to give away...yep, two of my readers will receive a copy!

For a chance to win a copy of this special publication, simply leave me a single comment telling me about your current creative project(s) - I would love to hear about your artistic endeavors (including, but not limited to: stitching, sewing, quilting, gardening, cooking, crafting, etc.)...

To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile. International entries are welcome. Please leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Monday, May 8, 2017 and the two prize recipients will be contacted/announced on Tuesday, May 9, 2015. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands this week (on sale starting May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!