Cross-stitched Paper Embroidery Hoop Art

Hi!  It's Amanda again!  (for the last time this week, I promise!)  The Country Charm collection comes with a variety of bright and cheery polka dot prints on the "B" sides.  I got to thinking that these dots would be perfect as a cross stitching guide, so I gave it a go.

I thought I would make a piece of trendy embroidery hoop art to give as a gift.  While I stitched a heart on my project, cross stitching lends itself to a variety of simple designs, making it easy to make a customized gift.  

I first printed the sentiment on the paper and then pierced the holes with a paper piercer.  Stitching the heart only took a few minutes.  I went with a not-too-Valentiney color scheme so it could be hung in the house year-round.

And what would an embroidery hoop be without a fun bow on the top? 

Here are a few tips to make light work of your cross stitching:

• Sketch your design on a piece of scrap paper first.  You may say, "Duh", but I managed to screw up a few times.  
• Trim the paper so the dots run vertically and horizontally.
• Trim paper to 8.5"x11" so it will run through your printer.
• Pierce holes on the dots where you will stitch. 
• Adhere inner hoop to back of your paper and trim excess paper with a craft knife.

Have fun stitching! 

Supplies: 

From the Country Charm collection: Vintage Wallpaper 1514; embroidery floss (DMC); 6" embroidery hoop, grosgrain ribbon