Rockin' The Stitch!

Cross stitches are also versatile elements to add on scrapbook pages. Lydia created a circle border to give focus to her photo in her “(Re)Treat” layout. Connie added random cross stitches as accents on her “Memories of You are the Best” layout. Note that whether the cross stitches are perfectly straight and aligned (like Lydia’s) or not (like Connie’s), both achieved looks that are very endearing.

I remember I got hooked doing cross stitch patterns on canvass many years ago. Three large patterns, three framed canvasses, and a significant lens upgrade on my poor eyesight saw the end of my cross stitching addiction. Little did I know that after more than ten years, I still love doing cross stitching as random accents on my scrapbooks, just like what I did on my “At the End of the Run” layout.

This month, why not give your pages a personalized touch by letting your needles and threads do their magic? Handstitching has been a technique that has been around for years, but its versatility has been tried and tested. Sure, it may be time consuming, but I assure you the results are definitely worth it. Have fun rockin’ the stitch!

(Re)Treat by Lydia Jackson

Supplies: Papers: Sassafras Lass, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Tag, Brads: Making Memories, Chipboard: Making Memories, BasicGrey, Flowers, Leaves: Kajinkers, Stamps: Maya Road, Thread: DMC.

Design Notes: To create the cross stitch circle, I used a large circle template and on the back of grey cardstock, traced it and pierced holes evenly around it. I then pierced another set of holes 1\8” across from the previously pierced holes. I sewed all my stitches in one direction, then stitched back across them the other way.

Journaling: Camp Crop a lot was just what I need. It has been a long winter with bad weather, 2 boys and a puppy stuck indoors. These four days surrounded by creative women and my great friend Gina has been the treat that I needed to rejuvenate my spirit. The food was sensational, the goody bags were great and the chance to talk to industry professionals was priceless. I'm already saving for next year.

Memories of You are the Best by Connie Mercer

Supplies: Papers: Cosmo Cricket, Cardstock, Stitching Template: Bazzill Basics Paper, Pen: Signo, Stamps: Stampin' Up!, Autumn Leaves, Other: buttons, antique trim, homemade crocheted flowers.

Design Notes: I used the stapler to attach the antique trim. It is easy to do and it keeps the trim from shifting.

Journaling: You woke up in the middle of the night and said " Nini, you’re the best - I love you." and I said "me too."

At the End of the Run by Janis G. Medina-Maghinay

Supplies: Papers: Fancy Pants, Scrapworks, October Afternoon, Stamps: Teresa Collins, Autumn Leaves, My Little Yellow Bicycle, Chipboard: Maya Road, Buzz and Boom, Alphabet Chipboard: BasicGrey, Paint: Making Memories, Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels, Rub-Ons: American Crafts, Stickers: Making Memories, Dymo, Ribbon: Lil Davis, Ink: Clearsnap, Tsukineko, Tool: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Other: acetate, crackle paint, thread, foam die-cuts.

Design Notes: My husband and I took up running - - he, for health reasons; I for wanting to join my company’s 5K fun run. We’re not really the sporty type - - but we have goals that we want to achieve. I felt that somehow, there was a connection between running and my experience at this year’s Scrapstreet’s Annual Star Contest. That was my inspiration behind this layout which I submitted as my entry for the Final Round of the contest.

Journaling: It’s not the distance covered or the gallons of sweat that matters. At the end of the run, it’s the challenge that you can push yourself to run the extra mile.