be free

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

HALLOWEEN'S A HOOT

Do you recall a snippet of this piece I showed you a glimpse of earlier? Well, it's not a postage stamp, even though it does resemble one with the notched edges and all.
It is actually a Prairie Schooler pattern I stitched one over one on a piece of 28 ct. Witches Brew linen from my stash. It came from the Halloween Issue of Just Cross Stitch in 2008.


As you all may know, I love birds, especially birds of prey. Blackbirds, ravens, crows, owls, yes I know they are all dark and mysterious. But over the past few years, I realized that I really, really like owls and so this new love took on a whole new perspective for me. As most collections go, I started with just one, and one became two and two became five and now I don't have enough fingers or toes left to help keep count of them!!! Although I only display them for Halloween, I am always on the look out at second hand stores for these one of a kind finds that I just can't bear to leave behind. Sound familiar???? I know I'm not the only crazy collector out there!!


Anyway, I am sorry for keeping you in suspense for such a long time, but I had to!!! You see, when I first started my blog back a few months ago, this wonderful lady named Deb visited my blog and left sweet comments for my reading pleasure. So, I had to venture over to her blog and check out what she was working on. I found the neatest and most unusual item that caught my eye and so I contacted her about it. It was this really neat milky white, artichoke shaped, glass decoration she called a "Scissor Frog". It was so stunning to me as I had never seen anything like this before. I sent her an email telling her I just had to make her something special to put in it. Go here to see how awesome her blog, Thread Gatherer, is and also to view her beautiful display for her scissor collection! Now you've checked it out, aren't you just jealous? What I wouldn't give to own one of those.........



So this is what I came up with..... I found these really cool owl scissors and that's how I figured out what the theme was I was going to stitch. Little did I know about making and finishing a scissor fob, but I figured it couldn't be that hard and there was no time like the present. So this owl fob represents my first try.....I think it turned out pretty good. But don't look too closely maybe it's not as good as I think!!! (LOL) I stuffed it with fiberfill and added a nickel in it for weight, so I know it's worth at least 5 cents. I stitched beads around the edges and it gave it a picot or rick-rack look, which I really liked. I think it looks fitting, don't you? I also "rubbed and buffed" the scissors with some black to highlight the owl better and give it more definition. I received an email from Deb today and by the sounds of it, she loves her newest addition and who knows, maybe this will start a new collection of owls for her, too, you just never know.



14 comments:

Cole said...

What a great fob, so cute!!

You might want to check out http://freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com/. She's an owl lover as well & has quite a few links to all kinds of crafty stuff :)

Cari said...

Great and ADORABLE fob Jolene. You did a fantastic job of stitching and finishing!! Don't you love it when a plan comes together? Happy Stitching dear friend!!

Unknown said...

You are such a generous person - I'm sure Deb just loved her gift. You did a fantastic job on the fob - I love the beaded trim, just beautiful.

Deb's 'frog'collection is amazing - I have been on the hunt for 'frogs' every since and I have yet to find one - but I won't give up!

Enjoy your day.

Cathy B said...

Jolene, your fob looks fabulous. I'm sure Deb must love it! I especially like how you did that picot edge with the beads....hmmmm. I'm going to have to try that some time!

Kathy said...

Fabulous job on the fob. And the pattern and scissors go perfect together. Fobs are so much fun to make.

Tracey said...

Wonderful stitching! I love these owl scissors- they are on my wish list. :)

Mel said...

Lovely fob. That is a great design, I also have that magazine and will have to take a second look at it. ;)

Deb said...

Jolene - Your first try at a fob didn't come out "pretty good", it came out FANTASTIC!!!!. You would never in a million years ever suspect that it was your first attempt! And I'm the lucky recipient of it - I can't tell you how happy these have made me. I'm going to treasure these forever - for your thoughtfulness and for the beauty of them. Everything is wonderful and I posted about everything you sent on my blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Catherine said...

Jolene, How thoughtful of you to create such a beautiful gift for Deb! I have never tried a scissor fob - but now I have some inspiration! I just found your blog today through Deb's.

TammyK said...

Love the fob & those scissors are fantastic! Deb is very lucky. Can't imagine stitching one over one on 28 ct. You've got some great eyes gf :o)

Alice said...

Jolene, your gift to Debbie brought this phrase in the poem "SUCCESS" to mind.
"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived."
I think Debbie has breathed easier. : )
Alice

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Jolene, you are just the sweetest person! I talked to Deb on the phone today and she was telling me all about her goodies. She was so excited and I'm excited for her. You have blessed both our lives! Great job on the fob and all the goodies you sent her were fabulous!

Siobhán said...

Jolene, I can't believe that's your first time to do finishing--it is wonderful!! I love it. Beautiful job, I know Deb LOVES it. The scissors are cool, too, huh? Check out Rubie Owl's Sampler by Plum Street Samplers for your owl collection. ;)

Pumpkin said...

Brilliant finish Jolene!!!! I love how you did the beading. I can't imagine doing that whole pattern over one. I'm sure Deb is admiring her new addition ;)