How to Create Santa's Beard

Kristine Kingston is a stitch guide writer, painted canvas designer, teacher and and finisher who has works with Needles and Threads of Ruxton, which is in the Baltimore suburbs.  Now Kristine is adding blogging to her list of accomplishments.  Her article on stitch ideas for Santa beards is a Must Read.  Click on the photographs for a better look at the finished Santa beards using the stitches she recommends.  Then bookmark this for the next time a beard stumps you.
http://baltimoreneedleworks.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/santa-beards-i-love/

Here's the Needles and Threads of Ruxton website.  Click on Finishing to see some of Kristine's finishing.
http://www.needlesandthreadsofruxton.com/

I put a brief profile about Kristine's stitch guides on the CH Stitch Guides blog. Here's the direct link if you are tired of riding the magic carpet to the stitch guides blog.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2012/04/introducing-kristine.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Do You Think Glenis Has Forgotten My Stars?

If I post this link to Penny's version of Stars for the New Millennium she's just started, do you think Glenis will be distracted from the fact I've not worked on my version for a year?

http://soothingstitching.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-girl-to-do.html

No, I don't think so either but at least we can all see Penny's great stitching.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

From Mini Mystery to Full Design

Laura Perin's latest design "Cotton Candy" grew out of one of her Monday Mini Mystery free designs.  It's fascinating to see how the Mystery piece grew borders to become a full chart in Laura's collection.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/04/sweet-inspiration.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

How to Create Cleopatra's Hair

Earlier today, the pulled thread class at Ruth Schmuff's shop with an Egyptian theme got me off on a tangent. I had a lot of fun looking for painted canvases with Egypt-inspired themes. I also found this article (with two videos) on how to stitch Cleopatra's hair from Susan Roberts.  It covers everything from possible threads, how to braid the wig, and even ways to create the hair ornaments.
http://needlepointteacher.com/embellishing-painted-canvas/cleopatra-s-hair-do/


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Horus, Egypt and Pulled Thread Patterns

Bedecked and Beaddazzled is offering a June class with Gail Washington on intermediate pulled thread design. Gail has created a portrait of the Egyptian god Horus in pulled thread patterns for your stitching pleasure.  Isn't it lovely?  All the class details are here.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/04/egyptian-falcon-god-comes-to-bedecked.html

I'm a sucker for Egyptian design in needlepoint.  Of course we know that somewhere on Vicky DeAngelis' To Do list is Bastet from Tapestry Fair.  Don't miss the King Tut brick cover on the same page.  A little bird told me this canvas will be available with the corners squared off for those who want a framed mummy in their lives.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=1

Silver Needle has a lovely little travel ornament celebrating the monuments of Egypt.
http://www.needlepoint.com/designers/silver-needle/egypt.html

Denise DeRusha has an Egyptian "postcard."  Needle Works describes this as a fun exotic design and I think they are right.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=231

If you are more interested in abstract patterns, how about this Amanda Lawford floral based on the lotus blossom?
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4596

Or Zecca's Lotus Squared?  You can get a Robin King stitch guide for this one.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/lotus-squared-by-zecca-ze-134.html

HP Designs has a wonderful portrait of a Pharaoh.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1541


Leigh Designs has a set of ornaments based on Egyptian themes.  Here's Seti.
http://store.needlenook.com/Leigh-Designs-Ornament-Seti-p34042.html

The rest of the designs (all based on Egyptian Pharaohs or gods) are on Leigh's website.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp822x.html

Of course Cleopatra is the theme of many painted canvases.  Remember Melissa Shirley's Wild Women series?
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/6289632/8701671.htm

Labors of Love has a Cleo with a matching frame.  Hubba-hubba!
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/gallery.php?category=59

There are probably more Egyptian-themed painted canvases but I've run out of time to hunt.  I hope you enjoy what I uncovered.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com