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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Snip, Snip

Thank you for saved, but not posted posts.  This has been sitting as a saved post for almost 2 months, waiting for either a time when I didn't have much else to post about, or until I could get some better pictures of what I made.  Right now I'm so swamped with packers, moving, and not being able to find a camera, that I'm glad I had this saved post.

What do you do when you have a stitched piece you're not happy with?

Cut it up into little pieces!

Then get some jewelry frames from Hobby Lobby and raid your bead stash.

This was originally the BBD project from the 2010 Shepherd's Bush retreat, but I never fell in love with it.  I didn't really like the colors (I hate baby poop pea green).  There wasn't enough floss provided for some of the colors.  The final thing that sent me over the top was realizing there wasn't enough space for me to stitch my M where it was supposed to go.  Note to designers - if you're providing an alphabet to stitch initials, make sure each letter will fit in the space you charted for it.

I actually made these a few months ago, but finally got around to posting.  I think I actually ended up with 10 to 12 pieces, of assorted sizes.  Quite a lot for such a small piece.  Some of the frames used were antiqued copper, brass, and the chrome pictured here.  I've given a few away, and the rest are down at my parent's house, probably with mom wearing the ones I finished as necklaces.  I'll have to find where she's hidden them, since some of these are meant as Christmas presents.

So, be brave!  Don't hesitate!  If you have a project you really aren't in love with, stop torturing yourself and re-purpose it.

We did this as a project at our November EGA meeting, and people were so scared to cut into a stitched piece it was funny.  But, once they got started, they couldn't be stopped.  I actually got ruthless and went through my stash and took in about 10 different un-loved, un-finished pieces for everyone to use.  Teri (of Shepherd's Bush fame) was amazing, she got on a roll and must have made 5.
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18 comments:

  1. MargaretNovember 22, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I love the idea and wonder if I am courageous enough to attempt this. Did you iron on stiffening to the back to stop the fray factor?

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  2. And This Little PigNovember 22, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Oh I have to agree, I don't know if I would have the courage to cut up a finished pieced, liked or not. So wow :@
    LiBBiE in Oz

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  3. ChristineNovember 23, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Now THAT is a brilliant idea!

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  4. cuckiNovember 23, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    wow it is looking so lovely..so beautiful and very creative..i love this idea..well done dear.i love it ..
    hugs cucki xx

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  5. AnnieNovember 23, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    Aren't you clever! Love all your embellishments. I probably have a ton of oldies that could be rejuvenated this way, but my fear of slicing and dicing is hard to overcome!

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  6. MargaretNovember 23, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Cool! What a fantastic idea! I didn't know those sorts of little frames were available. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  7. AnonymousNovember 23, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    Wow! It looks great. I don't know if I could do it. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

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  8. LauraNovember 23, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    oh my goodness! How brilliant! I have a finished Dimensions sampler from about 25 years ago that I will never put up, but I could use it to make little scissor fobs!!! So excited!!! Thanks for showing this!

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  9. MichelleNovember 23, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Hurrah for saved posts! This is a great example of repurposing something you're not in love with. I think it's a great use of your sampler. And since I'm also an "M", that drives me batty as well not having enough space for my initial!!!

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  10. Charlene ♥ NCNovember 23, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    What a terrific idea! So much better than left in a deep dark drawer... out in the light for others to view. Glad you saved that unposted snip!

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  11. MyraNovember 23, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Genius! Those are so pretty Mindi. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  12. FayeNovember 24, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Cute idea Mindi!!! Would be a little scary to cut up cross stitch, but if you were totally not satisfied with it, you may as well do something creative with it!

    Thanks for a great idea!! Faye

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  13. RanaeNovember 25, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Oh! I didnt know the frames could be purchased at Hobby Lobby,I'm there, lol
    I would have no problem cutting a piece up to make these.
    Thanks for a new crafty project this long weekend. I sure hope I can find the frames.
    Thanks for sharing

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  14. Keeper of the CrowesNovember 26, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Oh my gosh! Love this idea. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
    Linda C.

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  15. LoisNovember 28, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    I love this idea! These turned out beautifully!!!

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  16. SiobhánNovember 28, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    That is a neat idea, Mindi!! You have my mind churning now, thinking of designs that I know I won't finish but don't want to trash...

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  17. MelNovember 28, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Love it!
    We call those art cards in Canada and they often get traded around with people. :)

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  18. the striped roseDecember 7, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    What a fabulous idea! :)

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