And #9 framing of the week….

I was going to frame Home for the Holidays and A Changed World this afternoon but the final frame I was waiting on, for Winter Rose Manor, was delivered this afternoon so after baking the cookies, I had to get that one framed right away.  This is the frame I loved the most when I picked it and I do really like it, just not my most favorite one.  But I love how this turned out – especially that big mustard-colored house so much better than the usual pink houses as charted (says the person who does not really like pink) and the teal color I added in.

Now as for those cutout cookies — one should always make sure they have all the ingredients on hand before starting to bake.     I was making cutout butter cookies which have powdered sugar in them as well as needing powdered sugar for frosting.  As I had the butter creaming in the bowl, I grabbed the cannister for powdered sugar.  Hmm definitely not much in there.  I was sure I had a bag or two in the cupboards.  Checked them all and found just a little bit in a bag.   It was just enough all together to make the cookie recipe but none for frosting.  So finished mixing the cookie dough when needed to chill a bit and then placed a grocery order to be delivered tomorrow norming so I can get them frosted tomorrow.  Just before that I had noticed when doing a load of laundry that the laundry detergent was nearly out so I checked all the other staples I don’t use often like cooking oil,  wax paper, aluminum foil — all those things you don’t realize you are out of until you need them — so a restock of some basics will be arriving tomorrow along with that powdered sugar so I can get those cookies frosted and packed to take into work on Monday.

I also just noticed, when looking to see if there was rain predicted for tomorrow morning, that there’s currently a tornado watch.  It did start raining a bit ago but just a nice shower although there may be a rainbow somewhere because the sun is actually shining after a mostly dark day.  And, as I opened the door to see if had gotten really humid or anything (nope) I noticed the trees and scrubby shrubs on the hill have FINALLY started to get green buds on them.  I can’t really call them leaves but they are the promise of leaves so I guess spring has finally arrived.

I’m planning to get the last two stitching projects framed that I had pulled out to do this week and then I can get the framing supplies put away for awhile.

Eighth framed piece of the week!

Yep I’m on a roll; this is framing finish number eight of the week. This is the Silent Night Sampler. This was the one I had the hardest time picking a frame for. Black would have been to stark against it and I just didn’t think brown would look particularly well either. These pastel colors in the stitch aren’t my usual colors but finally found this pewter/burnished silver looking frame and I’m very happy with the combination.

ETA – I had to go back and look at this piece after I uploaded the photo.  It is the angle the photo is taken from which makes it look a bit crooked.  I’ll have to get a better final photo.

Last night I finished adding the loopy border around Home for the Holidays so that one is ready to frame now also. 

Once it’s framed I need to add a dot of Aleene’s Glue to the back of that big snowman button because he lights to tip sideways as does the wreath above the door.  Those were not fun to sew on – you need the skinniest beading needles to get thru those holes.

In my looking thru finished things I also came across this little paddle that once the stitch is finished into a flat, it should fit perfectly.   The stitch is from the same book as Mighty Acorn that I’m working on, Winds of Autumn – Blackbird Designs, and it is called Spell of the Moon.

This was also in the box of finishes but it was from a piece from a prior cross-stitching life (’90s/early 2000) and the frame had broken so I took it out but kept it.  Can’t remember if I showed it previously or not.

When I get around to doing all the soft finishes (non-framing like pin pillows, etc) , I think I may turn this into a drum.  All that backstitching and all those half stitches that make up the ground and sky ! but that was the style of the day.  I love the first boy in line in his mustard colored shirt and knickers.

Today’s plans – well I’m waiting for the bathroom floor to dry – I steam cleaned it this morning.  The kitchen floor needs that too but I promised a friend I’d make some cutout cookies and found a recipe that is supposed to taste like Starbuck’s snowman cookies (yum) – it’s just a butter cookie recipe and I love that type of shortbread cookie.  Alas my cookies will only have regular frosting and not the yummy chocolate layer Starbuck’s uses but I love a good frosted cookie.  But I’m a messy cookie maker so the floor will wait until I’m done.

It’s a dark, gray and dreary day here and looks like it could rain any moment (and did rain last night)  but it’s low 50’s so I’ve got the door cracked open and a bit of fresh air coming in which is nice.   On to the cookie making and I think I have two other pieces I want to get framed today!