As I have stated in the description of the last few hand-stitched cards, these are a collection of approximately 50 hand-stitched cards I made, giving 44 of them as a special gift to my Mom in early 2019. My Mom is a master cross-stitcher, and I had been looking for several years to find a way of simulating or actually stitching on cardstock. When I watched a YouTube by Jennifer McGuire, who was showing how to hand stitch on cardstock, using a stitching die by Paper Smooches, I knew that I had found the way to create the cards for my Mom that she would especially enjoy giving to her friends who also cross-stitch, but also to other friends and family. I planned to make perhaps 12 to 15, then maybe 25, but in the end, I gave her a set of approximately 44 cards, the 50 cards took approximately 18 months to complete. Likely, this will be the largest and the most time-consuming set of cards that I will ever give as a gift, but I wanted to make a large set of an assortment of sentiments and occasions. I didn't make any sympathy cards, because I didn't have a sympathy die, plus, I wasn't sure that someone would want to hold on to a sympathy card, but when I get this die, I will gladly make some for my Mom, and/or I will make more of any type that she might want or need.
These are definitely not quick cards to make. Just die-cutting the stitching die-cut takes several passes going through my Gemini with some extra shims. Then, I have to poke out most of the holes that have been cut out but have not fallen out. Then, after approximately every 4 die-cuts, I find that it's prudent to leave the cardstock in the die after it's been die-cut, and to poke out the holes of the cardstock and the die. I tend to use Crafter's Companion pokey tools, which come in a package of 2 for a reasonable price.
With the exception of 2 patterns, which I will alert you and let you know which and who designed those, I have created my own patterns using my own color combinations. I would love to learn some more basic stitches to incorporate into those that I have learned to add more into future patterns. Any potential sources for those stitches would be gratefully received. I am also searching for a good-quality 5 by 7 envelopes in various colors, and I would appreciate learning of any potential sources for those.
Since this is a 5 by 7 sized card, I used the larger-sized Altenew Pegboard stitching die. I really appreciate that it has a cutting edge around the outer edge of die, whereas the smaller-sized Paper Smooches stitching die does not have an outside edge cutting die, which also means that one can make a larger or smaller edge around the stitched piece with the Paper Smooches die, Altenew has another stitching die of the same size which works very well on a 5 by 7 card, but this Cross Stitch die has holes MUCH closer together, which would require using much thinner embroidery yarn or floss. I have this die, but I have not yet played with it. As a matter of fact, I don't believe that I have even cut that due out yet. If I have, I haven't done any real stitching on it, although I welcome the challenge of doing something much more intricate, if I can manage it.
I made a few of these praying for you type cards for this set for my Mom, and each card is different. Some of these hand-stitched cards have crafting elements and tools on them, like scissors, and needles, thread, yarn and knitting needles, etc. This card kind of goes down the middle, for it contains some die-cut buttons that were cut from fun foam then threaded. As well, to somewhat coordinate with the embossing folder that I used on the burnt orange cardstock that has hearts made of cross-stitch x's, I have die-cut from silver foil cardstock a metal heart full of cross-stitch x's. I tried to use a variety of color combinations in these cards so that my Mom would be able to choose cards that incorporate favorite color combinations for her friends and other dear ones. For mounting the hand-stitched piece onto the card base that usually has a colored layer of cardstock often embossed, I used Darice foam strips to give some height. On many of these cards, I cut the sentiment die with fun foam for more dimension, but like the "Thankful For You" hand-stitched card, I die-cut the word prayers from silver foil cardstock from Anna Griffin, but this time I used mirror foil cardstock for both that sentiment as well as the foil cross-stitch filled heart decoration on this card. Using mirrored cardstock is much more difficult to photograph, but it's fun to play with, and it's nice for variety.
Thank you so much for stopping in to take a look at the latest hand-stitched card, it means so much to have you stop by, welcome!!! Please know that when you show your support by leaving a comment, that I am very thrilled. To be honest, it absolutely makes my week!!!
Please take good care, and please stay healthy and safe especially during these very difficult and very unusual times.
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 GMT Views: 326
Favorited:2
Paper: Anna Griffin matte foil silver cardstock, 110 pound white cardstock, Scrapbooking Made Simple Simply Defined Distinctions A2 heavyweight card bases and envelopes set
Ink: Versa fine black
Accessories: Altenew Pegboard stitching die, Hero Arts prayers die, fun foam, colored embroidery yarn, size 20 needles, Darice foam strips, Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue
Techniques: Hand-stitching on paper, Embossing with an embossing folder, Die-cutting foil cardstock
Registered: May 18, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 24623
Wed, Jun 24, 2020 @ 7:33 AM
Thanks so much for leaving the most heartfelt comments on my cards Joanne. I haven't seen a lot of stitched cards, so this is really a treat. The time and attention it took really shows and made it worth all the effort you put into it. I love your added elements, colors and the embossed heart as well as the main panel. I see you have other uploads with close ups and I looked at them too. Amazing work!! I hope I made your day because you made mine.
------------------------------ Pam Co-Founder of The Punchkateerz! Fan Club Member FS149, QFTD44