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The design is by Shepherd’s Bush and is called “Joyful Night”. It’s from the 1998 edition of the Just Cross Stitch magazine annual ornament issue, but also appears in their 10th anniversary collection book.

Even though finishing is not included in a typical Fair & Square exchange, Corinna and I agreed between ourselves to do the finishing for this round. It worked out wonderfully because this way we were able to enjoy our ornaments this year. Otherwise, we would have needed to finish them ourselves after receiving the squares and then wait for next Christmas to roll around to enjoy them.

I did the finishing for the ornament while I was on vacation up in San Francisco with my friend Tracy. Even though she’s a scrapper at heart, she also stitches. She recently asked me to teach her how to do ornament finishing, so I took the opportunity of finishing this one to show her.

This was my first time making a two-color twisted cord. I was pleased with how it turned out. It’s not very easy to tell from the photo, but I used the same two colors for the cord what were the stripe colors in the hat in the design.

That’s it for now. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. Until next time …

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Last year was actually very easy for me. I picked up a really nice one when I was on vacation in Hawai’i last October with Terri and Tracy. It was full of vintage travel poster inspired artwork from artist Kerne Erickson. I have thoroughly enjoyed it throughout the year, and it has often brought back wonderful memories of my vacation.

I have to admit, this year’s selection was also very easy for a change. Those of you who know me well know that I’m a major fan of the work of artist Anne Taintor. If you aren’t familiar with her work, you MUST check it out. Go … now … I’ll wait.

Ok, welcome back. Anyway, I’d never even thought of seeing if she had calendars. Naturally, she does! Once I discovered this, I immediately ordered one which arrived today. I’m just really bummed that I missed out on getting what would have been the perfect holiday card for me to send. ;)

Here is a pic of the cover of the calendar followed by my favorite image. Unfortunately, I won’t get to see it until next December.

I’ve actually been doing a bit of stitching as well. I’m working on the Fa-La-La ornament of the month from Little House Needleworks. It’s stitching up very quickly, so I’m hoping to finish it tomorrow at the monthly all-day stitch at my LNS.

Now, for something completely different. Although, for those who are readers of Missy Ann’s blog, it may well remind you of the weekly manicure pics she used to post. (I miss those, Missy Ann!) I went and got my nails done today.

I just have to say that even after wearing it this color for a couple of years now, Vodka & Caviar by OPI is still my favorite nail color. That is followed closed by their I’m Not Really a Waitress color. I so want one of the Dell laptops in that color.

Speaking of OPI, has anyone tried their new Nicole line? If so, how are they? I noticed them the other day at Target, but didn’t have time to stop and really look at the colors. I want to try and get by there this weekend to check them out more.

Ok, that’s it for now. Until next time …

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Here are a couple of others I took as well:

In stitching new, I’ve been working today on Fa-La-La from Little House Needleworks. It’s the first ornament in Diane’s ornament of the month series that will run until next November.

I’ve signed up for the automatic from Drema at Needlecraft Corner. Her kits include the chart, recommended fabric, and beads. Since they are stitched using the regular DMC line, the fibers aren’t included.

I also picked up a couple of pieces of new fabric from Lauren at Sassy’s Fabbys. If you aren’t familiar with her fabrics, you should definitely check they out. They’re wonderful!

The large tan piece is 36-count linen in her new color called Snickerdoodle. The smaller piece is 32-count Lugana in Witches Brew.

Until next time …

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Now, on to the topic at hand … I’ve been a very lucky stitcher lately and have actually received two RAKs (Random Act of Kindness). One of them was received from Anne S. a couple of weeks ago, but I’m woefully behind in updating my blog, so I’m just now getting around to posting about it. I did thank Anne when I received it though.

She sent me a couple of gorgeous colors of Carrie’s Creation Threads over-dyed cotton floss, some needles, a beautiful Melbourne photo postcard, a couple of pieces of glorious chocolate, and a lovely card from Anne. I will admit that the chocolate didn’t last the day after getting the package.

Then, a couple of days ago, I was one of several recipients of a beautiful bookmark made by Annette.

They were inspired by the mutual appreciation obsession that we all share for the Black Dagger Brotherhood book series by J.R. Ward. In Annette’s words, which I completely agree with, the series is Crackilicious! I started the series 13 days ago and I should finish the 4th book in the series tomorrow. Yeah, it’s definitely book crack.

With all the reading I’ve been doing, I’ve not been doing quite as much stitching. I have still managed to get some done though. I’ve had three small finishes this month. I will share pictures of two of them, but can’t share the third as it’s for an exchange and I’ve not mailed it yet.

Moon Witch (photo is a bit over-exposed, sorry!)
Designer: The Primitive Needle
Fabric: 28-count Days Gone By linen
Fibers: Belle Soie, GAST, and WDW

Noel Naturally
Designer: The Cat’s Whiskers
Fabric: 32-count Lambswool linen
Fiber: Threadwerx

I’ve also finally had to admit to myself that I’ve failed miserably at my 25-project no stash challenge. I made it through 12 projects, but I’m totally off the wagon now. On the upside, I have some great new stash. ;) I’ll share pictures of what I’ve purchased recently in my next post.

Until then …

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