Free cross stitch pattern, spring flowers & birds by LaMariaCha

When I first saw this birds and flowers cross stitch design by LaMariaCha, I loved it. The colors are so bright and it has that nice folk feel. So I stitched it on tan Aida fabric and thinking of finishing it as a summer tote.

With Maria's permission I am posting the link to her chart on my blog today. This is not a quick project but definitely a nice one. You can download it here.

Enjoy!

Lilies bouqiet hot batik wall hanging tutorial

Here is how to work in hot batik technique with an example of one of Alla Samoil's painting, a lilies bouquet.

 

The general idea is that the lightest areas will be covered with melted wax first and then step by step, while adding the paint to the rest of the design to create a layered effect. Doesn't this color layering remind you of a watercolor technique?

Always be cautious while working with hot wax. It is extremely hot and very flammable.

Here is what you need to make this:

a wooden frame

fabric (pre-wash if new)

pins

soft pencil, 8B

bees wax or paraffin

a small crock pot

Pebeo Setasilk or Dye-Na-Flow Fabric paints: yellow, shades of green, dark ochre and brown

variety of brushes (you will not be able to wash the wax away from the brushes so choose the ones you will not feel sorry for later)

Iron

some newspapers and some clean white paper

1. Protect your working surface with a plastic cover. Add wax / paraffin to your crock pot and set it on low. The wax will be ready to work with when small amount of melted wax will go through the fabric and not stays on surface. You can test it on a small non working area of your fabric.

2. With pins, stretch your fabric to a wooden frame. Print a sketch of your project on paper and freehand your image to your fabric lightly by pencil.

When you are done, we will start working with melted wax and paints.

3. Use your thin brush  to cover the stamens of the lilies with a melted wax.With a thicker brush, apply the yellow paint on the rest of your design and add some very light shades of yellow, green and brown colors to the plants image (please refer to pictures for a color application). Lay your work horizontally and let it dry completely.

 

4. Cover the flowers petals and the middle of the leaves with a melted wax. Apply the light green paint and some darker shades of yellow, green and brown on your painting. Let it dry.

5. Cover the rest of petals and some parts of leaves with a melted wax. Use the dark ochre paint to cover the rest of design. Let it dry.

6. Cover the plants completely with a melted wax in the same manner. Apply a dark brown paint to cover the background of your painting. Let your design dry.

7. Cover the entire design with a melted wax. To remove it from your painting, sandwich your design in between a sheets of newspaper and a clean white paper and iron it out. Discard the wax.

Your painting is done! Now you can frame it and  hang it on a wall for a pretty display

Blue Christmas, A Christmas tree to cross stitch

While I am making some new small cross stitch patterns for the coming Holidays I'd like to add one to match the previous Snowflake one. You will find it here in my previous post. 

I made both ornaments a long time ago, both ornament look pretty together and continue the theme of a Blue Christmas.

Both of these patterns are very simple and you can finish your project over the weekend.

 

Please enjoy this free pattern. Happy Holidays! 

Free cross stitch pattern Spring heart with flower and butterfly

With our warm weather I am in a spring mood right now. We are not just getting gorgeous blossoms in our garden but also a lot of birds are appearing. Love their morning songs right outside our window!

I was looking for a quick to stitch spring cross stitch project and I found this Spring Heart pattern from Maria Chaplygina (LaMariacha shop on Etsy). This was a free pattern that she was so kind to share it with me. So with her permission I am sharing it on my blog.

I just got it and I have not stitched it yet but I am going to. If you stitch it I would love to see your finished project, so please share!

 

Happy spring, everyone. It's almost here!

Free cross stitch ornament PEACE

I just made this little holiday cross stitch ornament and wanted to share it with you. I finished it as a door knob hanger but I am sure you might find more ideas of how to use it.

It will take you just one winter evening to make it, so get comfortable and enjoy your stitching!

Here is the free chart:

Snowflake cross stitch mini wall decor

Winter holidays are all about home, family, friends and a great time spent together. The house is becoming brighter with Christmas lights and warmer with the cheerful spirit.

The shops are full of Christmas decorations but your handmade creations are always so special. I don't have too much time in December so I am always trying to make something quick and easy, just in time for the Holidays. 

I stitched this little snowflake ornament this year and thought you might like to make it, too.

You will need:

a round ornament frame, 2 1/2" in diameter (I purchased mine at Jo-Ann)

Aida fabric, 28 count, Sand

DMC threads, #3842 and # 3841

14" long silk ribbon, blue or preferred color of your choice

First of all, make your stitching (a free pattern below) and trim to fit the frame.

If you are happy with the color of your frame, leave it like it is. If you would like to make it a bit different then paint your frame to your liking. I made mine copper and add some patina as a special touch.

 Frame your stitching, add the ribbon and you are done! 

 Free cross stitch chart:

Enjoy your Holidays!