Sunday, April 21, 2013

For Mason


First of all I better warn you this could be a long post with quite a few pics so bear with me. My card for Mason has a TeddyBo giraffe on since my niece is mad about zoo animals especially giraffes. I had with a pink hat waiting just in case.
The clouds and gingham paper were already in my stash and I used the Memory Box clouds die but I ran them through with the Swiss Dots embossing folder.
Of course the oval is Floral Ovals from Spellbinders and my trellis is from MFT die which I cut out twice but I also took a craft knife to Kraft one to take out the trellis and then fit it over the white one. Little white flowers is a tiny flower punch with some blue gems to finish.

The secret project a Cross-stitch Afghan, my Sister wanted to make the sampler with Mason's name and she convinced me I needed to make a Afghan. I've always wanted a go but I like working in a smaller count and wasn't sure how to work out size for the pattern for each square.
So when I found the Stoney Brook pattern for Afghan that had zoo animals well I had to didn't I.
My problem if you follow my blog reguarly you would have already read my problem the time scale. There was 13 squares and each one took me two weeks to complete and thats if I had a good week. It also took over 2 weeks to do the fringing stitch in every hole all the way round.
I think officially I had about 20 weeks to complete.
I also didn't like the finish using two strands you could see the white underneath so I used three strands my poor Hubby was always having to take me a shop to buy more cotton or I was ringing my Sister to pop to her local shop.
 2 Elephants
2 Giraffes
4 Palm Trees and 2 Lions
1 Monkey
2 Rhinos
I also had another problem I didn't like the multi coloured Zebra, to me a Zebra is black and white, so he wasn't used but I needed to use something else so I moved the giraffe down and had to scan the Rhino so I could turn him to look the other way. Of course when you printed it out the symbols were facing the wrong way.
I was so relieved when the fringe came to stop at my fringing stitching was a bit worried there, I also personalised it with Mason's name. In the Cross-stitch booklet there was matching sampler too which my Sister completed.

Here's me with my Great Nephew bear in mind this is the only time I will admit to being a Great Aunty.

76 comments:

Jacqui's little piece of England said...

What a lovely post Debby, great card, love your afgan and piccie of you with Mason
jacqui x

Shirley B said...

Wow wow wow. What a beautiful card and afghan. I want to see a pic of the back. I always enjoy your blogs. Your cards are always beautiful.

Di said...

Oh my great golly gosh - love the card and quite apart from all the perfect elements the way you did the trellis fence is pure genius!

The afghan is totally breathtaking Debby! I know how much work and love must have gone into making it - err, plus a good dollop of angst :) Fabby photo of you and Mason too. Top of the class all round I'd say!

Hugs, Di xx

Sue from Oregon said...

What a treasure!!!

Have A Scrap Happy Day said...

Holy moly, what a cute and darling card. The afghan is simply adorable and so is baby.

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Wowzer Debby! First of all the card is fabulous, love the image and trellis! Next the afghan is just breathtaking! Wow wow wow! I used to cross stitch but all I ever managed was small things for cards I would love to have the determination to complete something like this its fabulous! I really admire you being able to stick at this it must have taken a lot of determination! Fabulous picture of you with Mason! I always laugh at my sister because she doesn't have children but now my son has had two she is a great auntie and she does not like that!!! Hugs Susan x

Juls said...

Gorgeous card & I love the afghan such a lot of work, but I am sure it will become a treasured keepsake. Hugs Juls

Andreja said...

aaaaaaaaaaadorable :-))
What can I say more?!

Melodie said...

Gorgeous works, absolutely cute.
Hugs
Melodie

Jane said...

OMGoodness Debby what an amazing blanket...I had to look twice at the pictures as at first glance I could not believe that every stitch was hand made by you. This is such a work of art and will be so treasured by your niece. Well done, that was such a labour of love. The card is also such a cutey, my son has always loved giraffes (even now at 24!) and that is a Teddy Bo image I have used. Rest those weary hands and eyes now and enjoy this sunshine, xx

heidy said...

What a sweet blanket Debby,love it!!
Your card is sweet too and what a lovely picture!!
XXX Heidy

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Wow, your card is so cute and that afghan is amazing. You must be so pleased with it, you did a fantastic job. Well done x

Sonia said...

Happy Sunday my dear friend^_^
Your new creation is just wonderful^_^Very beautiful image ^_^
Adorable baby^_^
Hugs,
Sonia

Doreen said...

Love this gorgeous card,fabulous image and papers and the Afgan is superb...love the photo.xxx

cuilliesocks said...

Well Debby, what a marvelous afghan, and what talent you have. It's really beautiful with all the little zoo animals, the card is fab too. Great keepsakes for little Mason.
Love the photo of you both, Kate x

Stamps and Paper said...

Debby such a gorgeous card love the giraffe.....your Afgan is absolutely beautiful and so many hours of work but something to treasure....

Anne

Mary J said...

Amazing, Debby! Your talents are so versatile! I love your gorgeous card with the gingham too!

Sue - said...

Beautiful piece of cross stitch work, lovely card and a gorgeous baby!

Dawn T said...

Fabulous project Debby. Your Afghan is amazing. So worth all the effort. Mason and his Mum will be so happy with this.

hotpotato said...

The card is fab but the throw is gorgeous, how clever are you.

JenniferD said...

Love your Baby Rug it is just Gorgeous and your card is very Cute too! Such a lovely photo of you too!

Sue said...

Oh my goodness Debby. Your card is gorgeous, I love the sweet giraffe. The blanket is so beautiful. I love the cute cross stitched animals and how lovely to personalise it too. It really is so very special, definitely worth all your hard work and sure to be treasured forever.
hugs Sue xx

Marja said...

Lovely card and what a gorgeous Afghan! congrats great aunty, looks good hahaha

Viv said...

Loved reading this post Debby - 'GREAT' pic of 'GREAT'aunty with 'GREAT' nephew.... 'GREAT' card and of the Afghan is 'GREAT' too.... now what was it you said about admitting to 'GREAT'????? LOL

Becky said...

Your card is over the moon fabulous! Congratulations..Great aunt :)

Unknown said...

this is so gorgeous... I love the card too... very sweet...
Hugs
Kim M
x

rachel said...

aww Debby - Mason is absolutely adorable and both of your makes are amazing - you're a very clever lady!!! xx

Bonnie Weiss said...

oh my ... what a beautiful baby ... and what a beautiful keepsake afghan (and of course, card too!)

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Debbie that cross-stitch blanket is stunning! What a time consuming project and how beautifully you've finished it! Congratulations Great Aunty xxx

Kjersti said...

Fantastic projects Debby, love the afghan - you really did a great job! Have a nice Sunday! Hugs Kjersti:)

Sandra H said...

Aww Debby, Mason is just so adorable!! your card is stunning and your cross sticking blanket is beautiful!! you are so creative back to your card all of the elements used are stunning and gorgeous image well just everything used is well presented enjoy your moment with Mason the photo is truly lovely you should use it in layout page it would be lovely hugs for the baby ....enjoy your day xx

KraftyKaren said...

Beautiful card and wow that afghan is simply a labour of love - it is fantastic. I started a butterfly afghan many years ago and it isn't even half one yet - I really must dig it out and get back to work on it.

Karen x

Cheryl W. said...

I don't think you're a great aunt, Debby -I think you're a GREAT aunt. My goodness that afghan is unbelievably gorgeous. And your card is wonderful, too. You are one mega-talented lady!

Craftychris said...

My goodness, the card is gorgeous and the afghan is amazing! So much work - you are so clever! The photo is lovely - I am a Great Aunt too - six times! xx

KraftyKoolKat said...

The card is awesome Debby and I am lost for words about the Afghan, it is too awesome for words. Congrats on being a Great Aunt.

Hugs
Cathy
xxxxxx

Kay said...

Debby, I'm one of your lurkers, reading but hardly ever commenting because a) I use a reader and B) I'm too lazy to click through... But I used to cross stitch and I know first hand the time, effort and love which must have gone into creating such a beautiful afghan such a lucky baby xxx

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Wow! such a beautiful card, I love the cute giraffe and the embossed clouds and layout are amazing, beautiful colours too, absolutely love it. Your cross stitch Afghan is adorable too love those sweet animals so pretty
Lindsay xx

Anita said...

Wow, it all looks so great Debby! Beautiful!! And it matches so well together, the card with the Afghan :-) Much work but the result is stunning!
Congrats on your new sweet nephew!
xoxo Anita

Anonymous said...

The afghan is absolutely beautiful! What a treasure! Awesome job Debby!

Tracey said...

Oh my, that afghan is incredible!! So sweet!! And your card is amazing!! Well done Debby!! xx

Atty said...

Great card and a lovely afghan. Something that can be treasured for years to come.

Desire Fourie said...

You are the coolest Great Aunty ever!!! He is just precious and already stealing hearts. Your embroidery blankie is just amazing, such fine work. And of course I just love your giraffe character on the card.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Ellen Bornstein said...

Wow, what a GREAT great Auntie. Wonderful card and the blanket is adorable.

Crafting Queen said...

wonderf piece of cross stitch and lovely card.

cotnob said...

I love your card Debby, fabulous attention to detail as always, but your Afghan is absolutely beautiful, you must be so proud of the end result of all of your hours of work, it's absolutely stunning.
Great photo of you and Mason as well.
Pauline
x

MagsB said...

Oh isn't Mason adorable!

Your card is absolutely beautiful, and the afghan is amazing! Mason will treasure them both forever!!

love Mags B x

Gwen's Busy Little Hands said...

Wonderful card. The afghan is adorable. So much work and love obviously went into them. However, little Mason is a show stealer...he is a beautiful little baby. Congrats!

XxJULESxX said...

wow Debby how talented you are!!!! gorgeous card and the afghan is beautiful! love the photo!

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Wow Debbie - what an amazing card - love what you did with the fence!

And OMWord - the Afghan is wonderful, and truly a labour of love.

Congrats. on becoming a Great Aunt - the photo is beautiful.
Hugs, Sylvia x

Alison Scott said...

Congratulations, he is just gorgeous. So sweet.
When I became a great auntie, I said I was the boys fab auntie. It has stuck!
Love the quilt, a real heirloom piece.

Lorraine said...

WOW!!!!! Your card is gorgeous as always and the afghan is just stunning!
Gorgeous photo of you too!
Lorraine x

Irene said...

Debby what a super post. Great card, stunnin afghan -a real labor of love - and icing on the cake...you and tiny Mason, bless both of you!!!

xx Irene

Riet said...

This is so wonderful Debby.

Hugs Riet.xx

Christine L said...

Hi Debby

What a fabulous card with the lovely giraffe.... but then WOWWWWWW to that stunning afghan!!!! I think that will be treasured forever! I used to do lots of cross stitch, but my eyes aren't good enough any more.. so I can imagine the work that went into this.. Thanks for sharing all the photos... and what a fab pic of you... Great Auntie!!

Hugs
Christine x

Deborah said...

OMG - I don't know where to start! The card is beautiful, love the cute image and trellis.

The afghan is just fabulous.

Deborah A

PS - loved all the photos.


Nat said...

Beautiful card, beautiful afgan and beautiful baby!
Natx

Lin said...

Just had to stop and tell you how darling your afghan (and card) turned out! What a sweet gift, one that will be treasured! Congratulations, Aunty!

Anonymous said...

WOWZER Debby!! I have to say that I absolutely ADORE the cross-stitched afghan!! What a darling card too!! TFS! HUGS :)

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

OMGosh this is so adorable!!! Love this fabulous scene!!!

Dianne H said...

Wow Debby - you are one multi-talented lady and what a lucky boy Mason is to have a great Aunt who makes him such treasures. Both card and sampler are absolutely stunning.

Mishelflos Paper Creations said...

OMG Debby!! That Afghan is stunning!!

What patience you must have, a truly fabulous project :)
Love
Michelle x

Janette said...

Thanks for sharing this Debby, what an amazing creation, although you must have the patience of a Saint.....all that work was worrth it, a beautiful keepsake.....oh, and your Great Nephew is stunning...xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

What a wonderful card and a really beautiful heirloom, your niece must have been very thrilled with your work.

Craftdee said...

Gorgeous card, and super gorgeous afghan! What a lot of work... it's come out beautifully :-) I love all the details on your card, as always! Donna xx

Atty said...

How big is your card?
Donna

Teresa said...

Gorgeous Afgan & card Debby and what a beautiful baby, I bet you loved having that cuddle. xxx

Lynne in NI said...

Wow, what a fabulous heirloom for young Mason! He's an absolute cutie, lovely pic of you too!

debbie said...

Absolutely darling! Card, blanket and baby!

Mau xx said...

Wow! The card is Gorgeous Debby love the sketch and colours together, Love it xx
What can we say about the afghan, Its Stunning!! What a beautiful work of art to treasure and pass on.
You are a super talented lady Debby.
Huge Hugs Mau xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Debby, what a cutie Mason is...LOVE your Afghan, it's a real labour of love and I'm sure your sister and your niece (as well as mason!) love it too. Gorgeous card, as always. S xxx

Anonymous said...

Oh wow brilliant LOVE the photo and so love your Afghan too! you clever lady! so lovely to see the photo of you and Mason too! hugs me xx

Bee and Dee said...

A beautiful card, lovely quilt , gorgeous baby and very clever great aunt. x

Susie said...

Wow, that is absolutely gorgeous, stunning! Susie x

Kelley said...

Love the card and beautiful afghan. My sisters are all great-aunts. They had a hard time of it, too. But now that I have four grandchildren, they've gotten over it.

Babs said...

Wow Debby, what a multi-talented lady you are! This is sooo beautiful, I love it. I've been looking at lots of your cards and they are amazing. I have been away from blogging for a while until recently, so I haven't been keeping up with what my bloggy pals have been up to. Anyway, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy what you do. Thanks for sharing with us.
Luv, Babs xo

Grenouille Greetings said...

I was lucky enough to have seen this blanket IRL and it is AMAZING, Debby! Mason looks pretty amazing too! I have just taken a sneaky peek through your last few months and I'm so pleased I did! FABULOUS work! Hugs, Lesley