Storing Scissors in your Frog

Someone on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation asked about storing scissors in frogs.  No, I'm not talking about amphibians, I'm talking florist frogs.  They are put in the bottom of vases and bowls to hold flower stems.  Martha Stewart explains here--
http://www.marthastewart.com/246433/flower-frogs

As you will have seen, frogs come in several styles.  The ones that look like a bunch of nails will scratch your scissors, so you don't want those.  Instead, look for the little metal cages or the glass domes with holes in them. Like this--
https://www.etsy.com/listing/122871079/antique-pink-glass-vase-flower-frog?ref=favs_view_4

Many dome style frogs come in pottery versions that are quite pretty.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/161478695/vintage-set-of-american-pottery-flower?ref=favs_view_7

Or quite unique!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/161463632/vintage-alligator-flower-frog-circa-1940?ref=favs_view_7

Another style of frog that Martha didn't show is the pottery figure with base holes.  These are intended to be set in large bowls with a few flowers inserted around the base figure.  Some of them are quite charming!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/172261912/pearlescent-finish-1930s-ceramic-owl?ref=favs_view_1

However, you want to make sure the central figure doesn't block the hole so that your scissors won't fit.  I think the bird wing might keep you from using some of the holes in this frog.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/117500519/antique-yankoware-colorful-bird-flower?ref=favs_view_2

This bird frog will work better and it looks heavy enough to not tip over if you insert several pairs of scissors in the base.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/162409222/vintage-bird-flower-frog-circa-1940?ref=favs_view_3

This one seems to have nice angled holes which you may find more useful.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/161470485/vintage-bird-flower-frog-circa-1940s?ref=favs_view_4

I also think you might want to only use frogs for embroidery scissors that are three inches long or less.  By the way, I don't know anything about the Etsy seller who carries a lot of the frogs I mentioned above. This Etsy shop just carries a lot of styles so I used it for reference photos.  It probably is better to roam through antiques places with your scissors and try before you buy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Little Magic This Morning

After all the work to prepare for the holidays, I thought you might like a little magic this morning. Salley Mavor is a book illustrator who works with felt and embroidery to create amazing scenes.  Start with the video and then explore her site....
http://weefolkstudio.com/about/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blue Russian Update

I won't be ready to talk more about my Northern Light Santa from Leigh until next Monday, January 6. With the holidays and my TNNA deadlines, I can't do much on him right now. However, I did remove the demonstration background stitches I showed you last time and continued to work background around his head and shoulders.  I have about a third of the background done now.  Those who are following along should do the same--get as much background around his head and the top of his staff done as possible before January 6 so that you'll be ready to work with me as I start the next area.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Please Pass the Ammo

Tom P. mentioned on the ANG email list that a friend of his wife's recommended she store her spools of Kreinik metallic in shotgun ammo cases.  Like these--
http://www.mtmcase-gard.com

Note that Tom is talking about SHOTGUN ammo boxes.  If you want to consider other boxes, slip a spool of Kreinik in your pocket and test the box in the store to make sure it will fit.  Some rifle bullets are very tall and slender while hand gun bullets are not.  The cartridges that fit inside shotguns are taller and a bit wider than most Kreinik spools.  I think Accentuate and Bijoux spools might also fit, but it depends on the type of ammo.  I suspect the clerk at Walmart or Caebela's or other hunting goods stores are not going to know, so take a sample or two to try.

Thanks for the tip, Tom!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The 51st Annual Woodlawn Exhibit

March 2014 is on the horizon so Woodlawn Plantation has posted the brochure for their 51st Annual Needlework Exhibit. If you are going to send a piece to Woodlawn, download the brochure and get started on the paperwork! 
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/events

Thanks for the reminder, Maggie!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.