Cross stitch blog header using Stitchpoint

Hello lovelies,

Today I thought I would mention the online tool I used to create my new blog header. This website called Stitchpoint is amazing! You can create whatever sentances, words etc you want easily using their online generator, then print out and get sewing. You could even print off lots of different words or phrases, cut them out and arrange onto graph paper and create a large collage, which would make a lovely personalised cushion or framed picture like the one below (or buy the pattern here ).

Also how amazing are these Hug and Kiss cushions by designer Emily Peacock? I would love to be able to recreate one of these. I love the bright colours, the circus style of font and the pom pom trim! See her work here www.emilypeacock.com/

stitchstitchhooray

stitchedupbyleona

Love all of these samplers. I am big on my motivational quotes right now because to be honest I'm feeling pretty lost in the world and unsure of what the future holds. So I might turn my hands to creating a motivational cross stitch sampler. Nothing like some cross stitch to calm the soul. 

Thanks for reading!

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Handmade vintage collage card

Hi guys,
just a quick post to show you what I made this evening. 
I was meant to buy my Auntie a card today but I forgot, so thought I would take to my sewing machine and see what I could put together. 
I found an old vintage floral card, then some co-ordinating handmade paper, card, brown paper, lace, old newspaper etc.I have a box full of scraps like this that I hope will one day come in handy. I ripped, cut and arranged and then pinned together.

I used matching threads to sew the whole thing together around the edge of the picture. Then used my favourite technique of all time; free embroidery. I had forgotten how much I love this! I picked out some of the floral shapes using my needle to draw.

I finished by cutting out some slices using a craft knife and sticking the arrangement onto some peach card and voila. 

Not my finest work but I always think a handmade card is better than a bought one, or not having a card altogether.

I have set myself a sketchbook project with the theme of 'cage' but I'm severely lacking some inspiration for what to do with bird cage imagery. I'm really not a fan of the 'twee' floral, buttons, bird cage imagery. I am looking forward to getting onto the more gritty stuff like rib cages, vertebrae, body cages, and body harnesses.

Thanks for reading :)
Love Marnie xx