My first original Cross Stitch pattern

It is always a struggle to find a gift for my younger brother. Well, more accurately, it's a struggle for me to figure out how to use my artsy skills to make something he might actually enjoy. He's an engineer, so he hates clutter & trinkets. Nix decorative glass baubles. His hobby is bass fishing, but what can I do? Crochet a cozy for his reel? Not so much. His other favourite activity is hanging out in his shed/ man-cave. Hmmm.


This year, as Father's Day rolled around, I had just started a counted cross stitch project with this pattern purchased from STEOTCH: Fine New England Needleart. It was my first time trying counted cross stitch. At first, I found it infuriating, but about 1/2 way through the pattern, I fell in love. Then I decided to try my own pattern... my younger brother's habit of singing hip hop in his shed provided the inspiration.

For a time, my brother would sing this song so frequently that my niece started repeating it. This prompted a swift change of lyrics to "Oh Hot SAM, this is my Jam" (Hot Sam was a hot pretzel joint).

When I first heard my brother singing it, I asked, "What IS that?"
My sister-in-law said, "It's a song by Flo Rida."
I asked, "By whom?"
She said,"Flo Rida. Spelled Florida."
THAT made me laugh.

Oh, and I totally had to google how to spell "AYER" properly. *snort*

He really liked it. I mean, what shed doesn't need a sampler?

What do you like better: Christmas or Wedding Season?

Whether you plan to be crashing or not, why not give a truly thoughtful gift that might redeem your behaviour at the reception?

A “bouquet bauble” commemorates the wedding with the date & the names of the newlyweds painted above the flowers. Their first ornament as a married couple!

Click on the caption below the photos to purchase.

Tulip Bouquet

Morning Glory means Affection

I am happy to create a custom work featuring the couple’s wedding flowers or just a favourite. Turnaround time can be less than a week.

Happy Honeymooning!

My work can be found at:

http://www.AmbersHand.Etsy.com

http://AmbersHand.artfire.com

Springtime Baubles - EVERY day is a holiday

I know. They're ornaments. Who doesn't think "Christmas"? Well, me, for one.
Maybe I just had a very unique circle in New England, but decorating with pretty (and sentimental) things was the norm - and if it was beautiful or useful, it was incorporated into the every day.
The few times I gave these gifts, doting friends would keep my pretty baubles hanging in windows, on chandeliers, tucked in plants, and displayed in centerpieces all year long. How lucky am I?
My "ornaments" are not traditional, but that should be no surprise. I paint what makes me smile. Kind of kitschy, cute for cute's sake. Silly, I know. I'm ok with it... maybe you'll smile, too.

SO -
Springtime Baubles! Here they are:

Because I Love turquoise & tan, that's why.

Who doesn't love purple?

Rose Red for True LOVE!

Forget-Me-Not... Who could?

The Giant Swallowtail... seen him?

Jasmine to cheer a dear

Daffodils welcome Spring, rebirth & Easter

What's the story, Morning Glory?