This is the first of approximately 45 to 50 hand-stitched cards I made, 44 of which I gave in a set as a special gift to my Mom, who is a master cross-stitcher. This is a card that I made for my sister, Sarah's birthday shortly before I gave the set to my mother.
I die-cut the stitching base on my Gemini using the Paper Smooches Hand-stitching die on 110-pound white cardstock. Usually it takes a few passes through because it's such an intricate die, and often I have to use a pokey tool to poke out most of the holes before I can start hand stitching.
I watched a YouTube by Jennifer Mcguire, who introduced me to this die and Hand-stitching on cardstock. I had been looking for a few years to find a method to stitch or simulate stitching on paper, and I was THRILLED when I realized that I could actually do Hand-stitching on cards especially for my Mom. It took me approximately 18 months to stitch about 50 backgrounds, and to make them into cards.
All of the patterns that I have uploaded and color combinations have been my own. I have made 2 hand-stitched pieces that I made into cards that I copied the patterns, if I upload those, I will acknowledge my source.
I used Scrapbooking Made Simple Simply Defined Distinctions heavyweight card bases and envelopes in sets of 25 bases and envelopes. These bases are 200 pound, and are made in the UK, and are made of bright white cardstock. These card bases come in A2, A6, and 5 by 7 sizes, I have used the A2 and 5 by 7 for the hand-stitched card bases. These card bases are only available at Scrapbooking Made Simple, and I would highly recommend them, and shopping at SMS. The owners of SMS have been going through extremely difficult times, and I hope that you will consider shopping there.
I have found the Darice foam adhesive strips to work extremely well to pop up the hand-stitched backgrounds onto the card bases, but likely if you are going to mail these, then I would recommend using a pice of double-sided foam cut just a little smaller than the hand-stitched background.
I cut the happy birthday to you die with fun foam, and with this sentiment, I covered it very lightly and very carefully with glossy accents. Again, I don't know how that covered sentiment will do going through the mail. I matted the hand-stitched background onto a piece of green cardstock that I embossed with an embossing folder. I used the same sentiment again cut with fun foam on the inside of the card.
This is card 1 of approximately 50 hand-stitched cards that I will be uploading. These cards were completed over an 18-month period, and 44 as a set were given to my Mom in January, 2019.
Thank you so much for stopping in and taking a look at my card. When you take the time and the trouble to leave a comment, know that it absolutely makes my week!!!
Date: Friday, June 19, 2020 GMT Views: 755
Favorited:4
Registered: April 13, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 65483
Sat, Jun 20, 2020 @ 9:48 AM
Joanne, your beautifully stitched panel is the perfect stage for this wonderful die cut sentiment. Many of my relatives are cross-stitchers so I know the time and skill it takes to create something such as this! What a labor of love this set was for your mother and all the lucky people she sends them to!!
Registered: February 22, 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 43340
Sat, Jun 20, 2020 @ 10:21 AM
How generous you are to do so many stitched cards for your Mom! Luv these colors. The die cut fun foam lettering fascinates me - great idea to lightly cover with glossy accents. So much texture - wonderful creation!
------------------------------ Priscilla (aka - PJ)
QFTD187 My Gallery
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 83544
Sat, Jun 20, 2020 @ 11:28 AM
Very, very, very pretty! So unique and fun and loves of love put into it! Hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: June 29, 2004 Location: Sugar Land. Texas Posts: 79740
Fri, Jun 26, 2020 @ 8:17 AM
Wow, I am one of those cross-stitcher from Lynn's family, and I am in awe of the time and work you have put into your amazing stitched cards. They are so rich in texture and you put great color combos together on your work. I am sure all those who receive these collect them as keepsakes.
------------------------------ LizThe joy of the LORD is my strength.Right Brain Madness --My blogProud member of the redDivasKSS certified multi-step stamperFan Club member since 2004