Hi friends! Happy Monday! I am wishing you a great week ahead....and only three weeks until Christmas! Wow! I wish I could stop time for a couple weeks, and get everything done, and then resume the holiday season! Are you ready for the holidays yet? Our home is about 1/2 decorated both inside and out but it's looking festive. Heck, that may be all that happens this year... Yesterday we went to a wonderful outdoor craft fair and enjoyed the beautiful chilly weather and sunshine... And an old fashioned ice rink with carols.... It definitely feels holiday-y in my part of the world. I haven't posted here on my blog since Thanksgiving but I'm back today with a finished cross stitch project that I completed on Saturday!
This year has been super super hard for me and my hubs. It's been hard emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially....and here we are at the end of the year. You know what? We made it! We made it through everything that tried to break us this year. The good Lord made sure we were provided for every step of the way and for that I am VERY grateful. Spiritually I am very strong. However, I sit here feeling kind of numb and so so so tired. I haven't crafted a card in about two weeks or posted on Instagram for a long time. It's not like me, but I'm trying to give myself some time, space, and grace. I am a happy crafter - so I find it really hard to be creative when I'm not feeling my usual upbeat self. In case you're feeling down or discouraged, let me be the first to send a hug and some kind words....It's okay. The world is A LOT right now. Just do the best you can and take it one thing at a time. I love you guys and I hope you're doing great! Thank you for being here with me all year!
My project for today is a fun Winter/Christmas themed cross stitch. I bought this pattern four years ago (!) when I was lucky enough to visit The Attic Needleworks in Mesa, Arizona in person! It is a wonderful shop full of inspiration and amazing cross stitch items!! I am really glad I got to go there. I bought a few patterns that day, and finally made this one!
The pattern is called Frosty's Night Out and it's from Blackbird Designs. I used 14 Count Aida fabric - in blue, with a piece from my stash. I'm sorry that I can't remember the exact color or where I bought it. I used the called for Fancy Floss colors. I did a simple finish in a hoop and I will be giving him as a gift for a friend. I added a black and white gingham bow because it already feels kind of vintage!! For size reference - the hoop it's on is a seven inch hoop.
As we know, I love anything gingham!!
I love the variety of snowflakes that surround Mr. Frosty! They were fun to stitch!
Look at his pink cheeks and carrot nose. Quite handsome, don't you think?!
Here's the front of the pattern book! I love it when patterns come in this format - so much easier to read and follow! This pattern is readily available online now if you google the title. It was a pretty easy stitch with lots of pretty colors.
That's it for me today!! Good to be back with you here on the bloggy blog. I hope you have a great week and a great holiday season! I'm not sure what I'll post next.... I do have a fun Greetery project to show you next week, though. I'm trying not to put a ton of pressure on myself to create. I figure it will come when it comes.... I've been stamping/paper crafting for 30 years next year!! Honestly sometimes I can't believe I can keep making new stuff. LOLZ. Sending out hugs your way today. XOXO
As always, if you're crafty shopping, I would be very grateful if you use my links to my favorite shops and help me out! Also, I've updated my gift ideas section in my Amazon Storefront, so you can check that out too!! Thank you!