Sunday, July 15, 2012

Productive Day...

It was too hot to do anything outside today and I had plenty of laundry and cleaning to keep me busy inside.  In between all of the housework I found time to finish this Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers project.  The stitching for the box top was done last year.  A few months ago I stitched the alphabet that goes around the sides of the lid.  It's kind of funny, I have "2011" stitched on the top and "2012" stitched in the band that goes around the edge!

I'm not a big fan of painting, but I followed their instructions and used the techniques that Barb and Alma taught us when they were at the Stitchville retreat back in 2010.  The last coat was Bri-wax and you apply it liberally and then use a soft towel to take most of it off.  Reminded me of the movie Karate Kid - "wax on, wax off"...

It looks pretty good but I have to admit that I'm not 100% happy with it...I had never worked with Wonder Under before and it didn't quite do what it was supposed to do (might have been user error.)  I've got to let go and not be such a perfectionist!

Here's a shot of the box:


And here's a closeup of the side of the box, you can see how the paint is crackled:


That little acorn button was my own addition!

Before I go, I want to share with you two gifts that I received this weekend.  First, this cute pincushion from Wendy Jo.  The design is from Primitivebetty!  Thank you so much Wendy Jo; it was a nice surprise in my mailbox on Saturday.


And from my friend Judy (no blog) this cute little case for a stitch starter!  The fabric is from Blackbird Designs and the case was made by Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs (she sells these on her Etsy site!)  I love it.  Thank you for this surprise Judy!


As much as I'd like to stay and chat (aka read your blogs) or stitch awhile longer in my chair, I need to head to bed.  I'm working the early shift tomorrow and that means the alarm is going to go off at five bells!

Have a great week.  Happy Stitching!

22 comments:

Deborah said...

Great finish! I love the band.

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Cathy,
I LOVE your BBD finish. I think the box looks terrific!
Linda

Mrs. DillyDally said...

OMGosh Good Golly! I am amazed at how productive you are! I sew admire your projects and finishing techniques!

Brigitte said...

That was really productive, Cathy. I just admire your finishing skills, that box looks gorgeous.

Bekca said...

I think the box finish is perfect Cathy, it looks wonderful. Enjoy your new goodies.
Best wishes.

Margaret said...

I love your finish! It came out great! Can't see any Wonder Under problems at all. Love the crackly paint job. Love the gifts too -- sweet stuff! 5am is way too early to have to get up. Yick!

natalysneedle said...

Cathy,

A wonderful finish. Just love how the box turned out. I tried some crackle painting last week and it was a disaster but I guess practice makes perfect. I love the two gifties you recieved. What a wonderful group of friends you have. Happy Stitching!

Giovanna said...

Wow, what a perfect box, well done! And very nice gifts too.

Katrina said...

Fun finishes, love your BBD box :-).

Melissa said...

Cathy, you did a wonderful job with the finishing of the box. Just gorgeous!

Lovely gifts from sweet friends!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I think your finish looks fabulous, Cathy! Great job!

marly said...

I've never used Wonder Under but will check into it. I wish I could crackle like that! Guess I need to look that up too. Your box is fabulous. FABULOUS. I'm so glad you showed the stitch starter. I saw this on a blog once and didn't know what it was called! Now I can order one somewhere and I have a lot of BBD sampler fabrics and can make the case too. Thank you!

Barb said...

I think your box is just lovely!!!

barbara said...

It' so beautiful, it's left me speechless! That's one gorgeous box!

Sharon said...

Your box is beautiful! You received some really lovely gifts! So wonderful to have stitching friends.

Patty C. said...

Love the BBD Box - Such a beautiful finish ;)

Jean said...

Looks wonderful, great job!

Patti-Rocky Mtn Stitcher said...

Everything looks wonderful. Great finish on the box!!

Jeanne said...

The box turned out adorable Cathy! I have a big tin of that Bri-wax, at the rate I'm using it it will last about 20 more years LOL. I've always loved this BBD pattern...someday I'll stitch it. I've seen it worked over-1 and made into a needlebook which was darling too.

You received some great gifts too - congrats!

valerie said...

Beautiful box Cathy! You did a wonderful job with the patina. Love the gifties from Wendy Jo and the stitch starter case too. I ended up buying one of those for myself a couple of weeks back!

msmartello said...

Your box looks great Cathy! I love how you finished it. Do you have the etsy site for Belinda? I'd be interested in checking it out. Thanks

Maureen

Anja´s Wunschpunsch said...

Hello,

your box is so nice. I love your box.

Greetings
Anja