hello! is it me you're looking for?

hello out there! (if anyone is still reading this) lol

so my babe and i survived the move from new orleans to dallas in march, and we've been settling in with our new home and new jobs. it's so nice to be closer to my family and friends, and we love exploring everything this big city has to offer. new orleans will always have a special place in our hearts though, mine is probably a little more bittersweet. 

thankfully i was able to unpack all the boxes and find some moments to steal away and begin working on my gumdrop house! 

i purchased this canvas through a special trunk show from pocket full of stitches, so i also went ahead and ordered a few stitch suggestions along with it. it's nice to use the suggestions, but also make it my own with a few embellishments!

first up was the doors and windows. i had a great gingerbread-colored dmc thread in my stash that i used, and then added the window pane outlines in 1 strand. the shutters are slanted gobelin in frosty rays (i hate working with the thread, but love the effect it produces). since i had the frosty rays out already, i tackled the kreinik wreath in french knots, and added the bow. 

i wanted to tackle the roof next (and this took probably about 2-3 weeks since i wasn't very motivated). the first layer was the white ribbon "frosting" in an upright stitch. 

next was the darker shading in stranded splendor, followed by the brick stitch in the lighter gingerbread color. took longer since it required a laying tool and the canvas is a little larger so it felt clunky. 

so far i like the results, it gives it a little textured look, almost like a graham cracker or a waffle. in any case, i'm glad to be moving on to the rest of the candy house...maybe some beads will be next?