On Top of the World

Hello friends - I am finally back with a long overdue blog post from our recent trip to Colorado and Utah...I'm sure you know how it is...take a vacation, then spend weeks playing catch-up with work obligations. We had a another great off-road trip - fresh mountain air - nature - time with friends....beauty in the journey. It was a TON of driving (ten days in all), but I enjoyed the quality time with my husband...and I came home refreshed and a little lighter - spending time outdoors always gives me a feeling of calm and helps me see "the bigger picture." We spent time on the trails in Ouray, CO (and the surrounding area) and Moab, UT....and I took a million and one photos (what's new??) and gained some perspective, while finding inspiration for new creative projects! The seasonal autumn colors were just starting to appear...and the mountaintops were snow-capped.  I will let the images do the talking (I'm just posting a few favorites) - and then I'll post a short general update at the end....

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of the scenery we encountered during our trip!

For now, it is back to work with all sorts of holiday orders on the horizon. I have somewhere around one hundred pieces of needlework finishing to complete for clients (my holiday deadline was September 30th) and I have been working on all sorts of project bags...the Christmas rush is on! I will be posting a few updates soon with images I can actually share. I have been working on new cross stitch designs and model stitching...plus working behind the scenes on my website and upcoming newsletter...along with creating/listing items in my Etsy shop - things are humming along and it is a joy to be creative/artistic every single day. Oh...and I just finished a new Halloween model for the 2020 Halloween issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. Yep - it's crazy busy here!

Thanks for visiting with me today - I'm so happy you stopped by...and I hope you'll be back soon...

Blue Ribbon Designs Newsletter

Greetings friends - I'm glad you stopped by for a visit!

I have been a 'creative whirlwind' in the studio lately - working on all sorts of stitching and sewing projects. Many of you know I have been working on new cross stitch designs...and while they aren't quite ready yet, I am doing some behind the scenes work on my website and newsletter. Many of you subscribed to my long running newsletter, which has been on hiatus for a few years...and guess what?...I'm bring it out of retirement! Rather than use my old mailing list - I decided to start fresh...that way, it is relevant to all the recipients...so, if you would like to subscribe to the Blue Ribbon Designs Newsletter, please visit the following link:

https://mailchi.mp/fddc70fd6403/blueribbondesigns

A new window will open, and look like the image in the upper right hand corner. Simply type your e-mail address and click subscribe. 

I am starting from scratch, so this means, if you received my newsletter in the past, you will need to sign-up again (sorry!). I will not share your information or send spam - messages will only be sent when I have creative news to share (no more than once per month) - fun stuff, like: new designs, new products, website and Etsy additions, magazine spotlights, giveaways, finishing information, etc. ...and, you can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

Thank you for your interest in my creative journey and designs!

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...

Nifty Needlework

Greetings friends - Happy Sunday! It has been a bit of a whirlwind around here after our vacation - I have been working on an variety of creative things. I know some of you have read that I am working on new cross stitch designs and that is SO TRUE - I finished up a brand new model earlier this week and have several pieces in process - working on layouts, formats and photography...so you will see them soon. I'm still working out the details for releasing them, but when I know, you will know....there are also a magazine model and several other charting ideas in the works. As usual, I am busy with client orders for needlework finishing, custom sewing, and project bags...plus pieces for my Etsy shop...and I managed to sew up a few fun birthday gifts, as well. My studio is a happy place!

I mentioned in a previous post that 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. Details under the photos, if I have them...

First Winds of Autumn by Blackbird Designs

Paisley from the Animal Cracker Series by Stacy Nash Primitive Designs

Paisley from the Animal Cracker Series by Stacy Nash Primitive Designs (Back)

Threadwork Primitives - Quaker Bird Pinwheel

Threadwork Primitives - Quaker Bird Pinwheel (Back)

Barbara Ana Designs - Spooky Tree

Barbara Ana Designs - Spooky Tree (Close-up)

SamSarah Design Studio - Katydids & Coneflowers

I'm headed back to my stitching nest this afternoon - a little happy time with my needle and thread and a good movie. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and make a little time to be creative this week...

BRD Flash Sale!

Happy August readers! To celebrate the new month, I am having a FLASH SALE! Shop August 1st - August 4th and receive a 15% discount on all single Blue Ribbon Designs charts and pincushions. Visit my Etsy Shop or BRD website and click on the included items to see the savings:
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns
BRD Website: https://blueribbondesigns.com/

Now's the perfect time to add to your pattern collection or pick-up a one-of-a-kind treasure...

Tropical Paradise

Hola family and friends! I have returned from the Dominican Republic feeling refreshed and relaxed...so today I am going to interrupt the creativity posts with some favorite vacation photos. First of all...yes, we heard ALL the news and had (just about) everyone we know warn us before heading out of the country. I will tell you - we drank from the mini bar, ate at the restaurants, we went swimming in the pool and the Caribbean, drank at the hotel bars and went on excursions - we did it all - and it was magnificent and we came home happy and healthy. We stayed at the Hilton La Romana - an adult all-inclusive resort located on Bayahibe Beach on the Caribbean coast. My husband has been traveling for work for almost three years (with a gazillion Hilton points), so we had planned this trip to unwind after the move to Kansas. We were treated like royalty at the resort and had a lovely premium balcony suite overlooking the preferred pool and the ocean. Our room had fresh chocolates and fruits daily...and even champagne with the gorgeous view! We spent quite a bit of time at the pool and the private beach and enjoyed fabulous meals and cocktails (and a wonderful coffee house!)...and met some delightful people. We also went on a couple daylong excursions - one to Catalina Island (my husband wanted to snorkel) and one to Saona Island (which I loved!). It was a fabulous trip - the islanders were warm and welcoming, the views were incredible and the food was delicious! We can't wait to go back... Click on any photo (especially the panoramas) for a better look!

View from our balcony...

View from our balcony...

Flamingos could be seen all around the resort...

Waiting at the "meeting point" for a couple we were going to dinner with....

Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Banana/Plantain Chips and Fresh Salsa - so good!

Boat ride to Saona Island

Saona Island

Private lunch on Saona Island - Grilled Lobster and Champagne

Private Beach on Saona Island

Private Beach on Saona Island

Private Beach on Saona Island

Unfortunately, it's back to reality and business as usual in the studio...I'm busy working on needlework finishing and project bags, along with model stitching and finishing up some new designs (hmmm - maybe I should work on one with a Caribbean theme). Now that we are back, my website and Etsy shop are both open again...and I have responded to all correspondence, so if you contacted me while we were gone, you should have a message from me.

There will be more artistic things to share with you in the near future, so stop back soon!💙