Cross Stitched Santa Figurine

My mother collects cross stitched Santa figurines and she has a beautiful collection which has really taken a life time of needlework to create. I made this figurine for her this past Christmas and he has made wonderful addition to an heirloom collection. He stands 13" tall and is 3 1/2" at the widest point of the base. His beard and fur are stitched from fluffy wool floss, and the picture does not show it but he's crusted in beading and metallic floss. Cross stitch seems to have fallen out of favor amongst crafters lately, but I'm hoping for a resurgence! It is a wonderful, relaxing art form and if I can persuade anyone to try it or return to it, I will!

Nana's Needlepoint Pillow

My mom made this gorgeous pillow for me for Christmas this year!! l can't believe she was able to keep it a secret! I just love it and now you all know where my "crafty genes" come from! It took her 6 weeks to make it and I never saw it once! Those of you who know us, know that my mom lives in a 'nanny flat' attached to the back of our house. so we are back and forth to each other's houses all the time.  Thank you mom, I love it and will treasure it. I love you too!

Cross Stitched Quilted Wreath

I remember many nights in the past cross stitching until 2 or 3 in the morning, just one more stitch...
This piece of needlework is a Christmas piece, but I think I'll leave it out all year long. The picture doesn't show it well but it's beaded with seed beads. I like doing pieces this size, big enough to be a challenge but small enough to finish before I get too distracted with other projects.

My New Year's resolution this year is to sift though my craftroom, craft storage cupboards, drawers, behind doors and inventory, sort, organize and purge!! I am going to do it with blinders on so I don't get caught up in creating before I finish cleaning up. I've tried to do it several times and I never make it past the first drawer before I find something interesting enough to keep me up until 3 a.m. I'll try and post some before and after photos. Maybe the pressure if having to post it will keep me on task!! Wish me luck and I'll hopefully  be ready for a yardsale in a few months!