Ideas come and go.......

 Designing something no one else has done -- that you are aware of  -- isn't always straight forward.  I get an idea from a tv show -- like Little House on the Prairie and try to adapt my thoughts to cross stitch.  

No electricity back in those days.  Candles were the answer, although they were usually in lanterns.  The printing is easy.  All kinds of lettering is available on the interenet and my go-to is Lord Libidan.  You can go fancy or you can do plain.  This time -- pretty much plain.

I looked up to follow a candle on a quilt I made years ago and darn, Christmas things were still hanging, so this candle is simplicity.  Blow it out cause Mom called out "Lights out" and there you have it.

I try to coordinate the threads -- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  You get to play a lot with cross stitch.

Happiness is a gift card from Indigo for Christmas.  Happiness is a lovely pile of books to delve into on a snowy day or a quiet afternoon. 

I hope to make 12 booksmarks and I'm well on my way.  Next up are animals!!  My favourite ones dedicated to the pups, kittens, bunnies and a charming penquin.  Just cause I like the way they waddle when they walk.

I'm going to head up to Michaels and get more aida cloth because I really want to start something big.  I've already decided what I'm doing with the one from four boys and a newfoundland girl.  That's top secret for now!!

The patterns for some of these bookmarks will be available soon.  I'm working on them right now.  All you need is embroidery floss, 14 count aida cloth, needles, scissors and you are set to go.  The most inexpensive hobby I have found.