MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Monday, May 17, 2021

A new project - or forty eight

Some of you may remember me showing you fabric advent calendars I made for two of our grandkids last year.  I never was overly happy with them, especially after I realized that the parents would have to come up with 'something' to put in each of the pockets.  Since then I've been thinking about what else I could do and finally have settled on cross stitching little  designs that ultimately will be hung on a quilted Christmas tree.  At the moment the plan is to make 48 little designs (2 calendars) and if I don't keel over in boredom I will also replace the one I made for our older grandson.  Grandma wasn't thinking when she thought it would be smart to make pockets that needed to be filled!  So, here's the first one....


I thought I'd crop this picture so you'd just see the little snowman (which, btw, measures a little less than 2") but then I decided I'd leave a little bit of the prep for the next one there to show you.  For those of you who don't know, that's waste canvas.  The design is worked on that and then the threads of the canvas are removed one by one leaving only the design itself behind.  You can also see faint pencil lines marking out the squares at 3"

Today's quote..."Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant.  There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give"

22 comments:

  1. I like your novel idea for using the Cross stitching. MA those Leaves are incredible. What a superb Artist.

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    1. I simply can't imagine the patience it must take to use leaves for art - but it's pretty incredible to see.

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  2. Cute little project!! I haven't done counted x-stitch--only stamped ones...but i feel that the cc x-stitch has a lot more patterns available...hugs, julierose

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    1. I've found a lot of patterns I can use for these and am hoping I don't have to repeat any. That will cut down on the boredom factor hopefully!

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  3. That kind of tiny art reminds me of the Japanese sculptors who carve into pencil leads. Really. And into the tips of Crayola crayons. Astonishing work.

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    1. Yes I've seen the pencil lead art - and matches too. Amazing stuff.

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  4. I love this new idea of yours. Goodness, those cross stitches will be tiny...and so many. But, oh how fabulous the tree will look and I can just imagine the fun the boys will have hanging each design, with each new day.

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    1. One thing about the cross stitching being tiny - they work up reasonably fast. Hopefully the boys will have fun with them (and it will be a whole lot easier for their parents!).

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  5. Advent calendars with pockets can get to be expensive for whoever has to fill them! Your idea is much better.

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    1. Just wish I had thought of this last year and saved myself the work of making the previous ones!

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  6. All your little cross stitches will be very much appreciated, I'm sure - by parents and youngins. Those leaves... I wonder what made someone even think of doing that! Artists amaze me.

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    1. Yes, I wondered the same thing. It never ceases to amaze me just what people will use to create art.

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  7. I can't wait to see all those cross-stitched "days". And I've just spent a lot of time on Owl Barn - a forgotten favorite your link reminded me of.

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    1. They are fun little cross stitches to do - 4 down, 44 to go (hopefully I don't get sick of them by the time I'm done!).

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  8. If I was a kid, then the pocket Advent calendar made by Grandma would be as happy for me as Santa!

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    1. I hope they think that - at least it's better for them than the commercially made chocolate ones.

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  9. Your tiny snowman is adorable. You are industrious dear and so happy you have your eyesight restored. I am speechless over the Leaf Art. Yes, I do believe we each have something worth sharing with others in this world...if only a smile!

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    1. A smile is the best piece of clothing you can put on in the morning. I like that wee snowman too and might have to stitch him onto something else one day.

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  10. What a great idea!

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    1. I hope it will be - if I don't run out of steam before I'm done!

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  11. What a great idea for a calendar. It can be difficult to have pockets to fill! Hugs Christine xx

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    1. My plan is that maybe, once the boys are done with the need for an advent calendar, the little cross stitches can be hung on their tree.

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.