A frame card made using my Brother Scan N Cut

This is a frame card I made using my brother Scan n Cut. It is my own design and all done by hand, then coloured using copic markers. Firstly, I started by drawing the design I wanted onto vellum so I could see the photo through it,  slightly larger than I wanted the finished design to be so I could get more detail. It also had to be a negative of what I wanted to keep, so after a few mistakes I finally got the design I wanted. 

I then scanned it into my Brother, reduced it to the size I wanted and cut out the base design onto 300GSM Super Smooth Card. Then I drew the first layer of flowers, again on copier paper, scanned these and had the machine cut them out on the same card. Then this was repeated for the third layer, this time slightly smaller then the first layer, cut out on the same card and then I drew in the fine detail with a copic fine liner.

Finally I coloured all of the layers with copic markers so once the card was finished no white card was showing. It wouldn't have been possible with scissors as some of the branches within the frame are less than 3mm think so it's very delicate. At the back of the base card I have attached a layer of mauve card covered in acetate and the design is placed over the top, this added some protection without loosing the delicate effect.

My First Ever Embroidery

I Just had to share this project next, I was totally blown away by the results I got. I started Crosstitching years ago, I have always loved it along with the projects that I have completed. I had always admired embroidery but always thought it would be very difficult and take a lot of concentration in order to get a good result. On Hochanda (My Favourite Craft Channel) I saw Katrina from Rowandean demonstrating some of her amazing embroidery. I have to say she made it look incredibly easy, so I watched all of the shows before making the decision to try one of the kits.

Oh my goodness, I am so glad I decided to go for it. It is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic of needlecraft's, that I have tried. The instructions are so easy to follow, a simplified design is also printed on the fabric making it so easy to stitch. Obviously you do have artistic licence and can change or add just what you like to make it your own. I got a little carried away with the French knots so one of the bushes ended up being totally knots rather than straight stitch.

I thoroughly enjoyed stitching the design, the only down side to the kit was coming to the end, although now I can enjoy the framed piece on my wall. I am now keen on trying a larger piece, three I have my eye on are: Bluebell Wood, Seagulls and Blackberries. Watch this space.