Through the Hobbit Hole

I have so many wonderful opportunities to craft for awesome strangers because I join up for swaps on craftster. This is one of the embroideries I have done this year.

I tend to browse peoples pinterest pages, looking for inspiration, once I am partnered with them. This is an example of the fun I have because of it.

This was just a black and white drawing that was pinned to one of my swap partners pinterest boards. But I decided that I needed to give it life by embroidering it.  I was able to use a few different stitches to give it the depth and texture I wanted. The grass is full of purple glass beads that I was hoping would resemble flowers or berries, I was able to use my punch needle to give the grass a bushy effect. I used a fill stitch for the sky and mountain and hillside and a satin stitch for the walkway. I used a split stitch on the trees and french knots for the hobbit holes in the distance.

It reads, "The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began... Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow, if I can."

I had so much fun making this for my swap partner and I was so happy to know that it is loved in it's new home!

Hand Embroidered Cuckoo Clock

I recently had the opportunity to craft a unique hand embroidered piece that I probably would have never done, if not for some outside inspiration.

I have become slightly addicted to embroidering this past year. And I will take any opportunity to put needle to fabric.

I decided to make a working cuckoo clock for an online craft swap. I bought a wood craft board at my local craft store near the clock work supplies. I picked up some generic clock hands and clock innards as well. I painted the sides of the wood board in a calypso blue.  My husband drilled a hole where I told him I needed it to be. He is awesome like that.

I embroidered on a piece of white cotton fabric, which I then sewed onto a piece of felt for support. My hubby helped me get the clock work screwed down properly through the wood and fabric. I also made a polymer clay cuckoo bird which I added to the window.

I sent it to it's recipient a few weeks ago and it is loved in it's new home. I am really happy with how it turned out. It was easier than I thought it would be, which is always a nice surprise!