fabulous finishing!

as previously stated, i'm trying to be better about sending items off to the finisher and not letting the "finish" stash pile up too much. i completed the last 2 remaining canvases in the princess & me nativity set, and used my tax return to send them off to the finisher! #adulting

i tried my best with the lighting, but the constant downpour from this weekend wasn't doing me any favors...

the dog and cat were the last canvases stitched this year, and i chose to do the same black and white cording for each piece, since the checkers were a common theme amongst most of the canvases. the finisher did an amazing job on these, and they are nice and heavy. would it be wrong to have these displayed all year? i can't bear to put them away just yet!

previous nativity stitching seen here

nativity club progress

i signed up for the carol dupree nativity club through the french knot in 2013 but because i signed up for 3 nativity clubs in the same year, i had to prioritize. after sending off my princess & me nativity set to the finisher, i figured this was the perfect time to start another!

mary

first up: mary. sorry for the lack of progress pics on her. i've found that with smaller canvases it's harder to make myself stop and take pictures since these work up so fast! i love diana's stitch choices - these clubs are such a great way to become familiar with stitches you would never think to do.

on deck: joseph

after completing the face/hair, his rust-colored dressing was next. 

latest update from last night's stitching. i began to layer on the cream, gold and green trimmings and really love the robe trim and how vibrant it is. i treat each new color as a new piece to the puzzle, so it's neat to see how everything starts to come together. 

happy weekend!

2016 stitching & finishing

i figured that now would be a good time to show some of my stitchy pieces that i've been working on for this year!

the colder holiday season always makes me want to cross stitch something!

country cottage needleworks "merry christmas"

(for my boo...)

*fun fact: this is the first iowa state candy cane they painted!

carol dupree iowa state candy cane

funda scully kkg hinged box

(for my boo...)

this was such a fun project, and finally presented the perfect canvas opportunity to use my teeny tiny heart button! also a great stash-buster

in good company iowa mini-stocking

with the recent welcome of spring, i pulled these cuties out of my stash and loved bringing them to life! i've got big plans for the finishing (hint: it includes a giant bow)

ewe & eye bunnies

i've set a goal to be better about managing the finish pile, so i'm trying to slowly get canvases to the finisher one by one. this guy was an obvious first choice!

petei whirling dervish santa

i've stitched through SO much of my stash this past year that i am now left with some larger projects that i was putting off for a while. one of those that i've started is the carol dupree nativity club through french knot. hope you'll tune in for the progress pics!

xoxo

a new week, a new finish and a new start

new week. new start!

almost a finish...

i was able to finish the electric blue paint that is so iconic to Commander's Palace. i love how it looks like the wood slats on the actual building. 

Just a few finishing touches and this one will be moved to the finish pile! Have a great weekend!

half-way there!

typically a smaller project like this wouldn't take me so long, but we went on a little mini vacation to LA for a wedding, so progress halted!

i decided to tackle the roof and outlining first. i switched from floss to ribbon for the columns and the awning at the bottom to give it more of a sheen. had to rip out the black outlining since i wasn't paying attention and used the wrong color. 

can't wait to dive in to the turquoise and create the siding!

a new + flavorful start

continuing on with the small canvases, i pulled this friend out of my stash for some play. this will be a fun reminder of life in Louisiana, and one of my favorite fancy restaurants!

if you've ever spent time in New Orleans, or are familiar with the city, you have probably heard of Commander's Palace!

"Commander's Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1880. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans' storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm. Originally built by Emile Commander as a wedding gift for a daughter who never married, Commander's Palace has evolved into a culinary legend."