A Little Joy

Last week I took a stitching finish from last year and turned it into a festive door hanger just in time for Christmas decorating.  The pattern is "Joy" from Little House Needleworks.  It turned out a little too big for a tree ornament so I figured that other parts of the house could use a little brightening up.

I stretched the stitched piece over foam core board, and thought about what I could use for a backing.  I liked LHN's idea of making a pillowy hanger, but wanted to do something a little different.  The pretty moss green felt that I had was regular felt -- soft and pliable -- not suitable for the backing I wanted.  So I went online and found out how to make standard felt into stiff felt.  All it took was one part white glue and one part water, mixed up and a paint brush.  I painted both sides of the felt and let it dry on freezer paper.  If you do this, you may notice that it looks really splotchy while drying, but have no fear.  Mine was very splotchy and it dried perfectly clear.  Also, you might want to turn it over a few times while it's drying.  It takes about a day for it to get good and dried out.

For the hanger, I used one of the DMC colors in the design and some silver metallic DMC and crocheted a chain.  I attached a couple of silver beads to the felt, and tied on the hanger and TA DAA!!  A sweet little door hanger.  A fun way to finish a stitching project.

Now back to my tree trimming.  And more about that coming up!

A Little Christmas In July

Remember those stitched-but-not-finished ornaments I found a while back?  I decided that this will be the last Christmas that they sit in a drawer, and began my finishing project this weekend.  Here's my first effort.  I can only assume that this came out of the 1997 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue because the other two with it were from that magazine.  I think.  I can't check because I no longer have that issue.  (GRRRRR, I really have to get over it).  ANYWAY, for the backing I used leftover fabric from the wreath project that Sheila and I did, and sparkly gold rick-rack and some beads and pins for the edges!  I'm pretty proud of myself.  

I also found a new product, Terrifically Tacky Tape, which I used to stick the fabric edges to the backer boards.  Love this stuff!  I will definitely be stocking up on different sizes of this tape for more ornament finishes and other crafting endeavors.  

As for the other two ornaments, I realize that I have to make a trip to one of my favorite craft stores to get some supplies for these finishes. Oh darn, a trip to Joann's.  Think I can get Sheila to join me?  I do think that this is a good start.  Very encouraging for someone who hasn't done a lot of ornament finishing.  

Thank you for all of your comments and encouragement in previous posts.   I read and enjoy each one of them.  Also notice that I now have 92 followers!  Only eight to go and then I'll post all about the giveaway drawing!