Patriotic Samplers

Back when I still had a home, before the movers took everything away, I worked on some things that I could share now.  One of them involoved some of my traveling projects from the past.  Way back when I used to cross stitch a bit.  I did a few projects and then discovered that quilting was much better!  Several years ago, though, a friend gave me some cross stitch patterns for little "samplers" that were all patriotic.  I fell in love with them, so I got some aida cloth (I never learned to stitch on linen) and floss and worked on them from time to time mostly when I was moving.  The problem with cross stitch is when you complete the project.  Do you get it framed?  Sew it into something?  How much are you going to spend?  It isn't unlike quilting in that once you finish a top you have some of those same decisions to make.  Sometimes I think that "making the decision" is half the battle. 

While going through things in my quilting room, I unearthed a pile of these little samplers that I had more or less finished.

I say "more or less" because while I had completed the stitching, some of them needed a little charm or special buttons, etc.  I guess I was waiting until I found the special things to finish them.  I've also been shopping around for the perfect, primitive style moulding used for the frames.  You know, like the photos on the pattern cover.  Yeah right.  By now I was remarking at how much I liked them and how I just want them finished so I can enjoy them.  I dug out my button box and found some tiny buttons which worked for the embellishments.  I noted the approximate size of each one in my note app for my phone, and then when I did the thrift shop routes I could look for frames.  I thought since they were "squareish" shaped, that I would have trouble finding frames, but surprisingly, if you are just looking for shape and size there were just the right ones out there!

Whatever the frames were painted or filled with, if they fit, I brought them home.  I stripped out the back, whatever "picture" was inside, and the glass.  Then I painted them black.  While the paint was drying, I stretched the stitcheries over foamcore and pinned them into the edges.  When the pieces were all done, I put them into the frames, sealed up the back, and put on hangers if needed.  This is what I ended up with:

These two are in identical frames--I found the pair of them for $4. They were originally a pinkish "whitewash" and inside were several layers of mats with seashells in the middle.  See what I mean about if the size and shape were right?  I wish I had taken "before" pictures.

This frame was originally gold and I love the texture!   It had a small print in it, too.  Most of these were little "framed art" pictures--not empty frames.  I wasn't afraid to strip off the back and repurpose them, though.  Especially if it only cost a few dollars.   The star button was supposed to be a charm.

This is the only frame I bought new.  I loved the wooden "mat."  It was stained and the frame was shiny black.  I crackled right over the stain on the insert and love how it came out.  I mat painted the frame just like the others.  The star button on this one was supposed to be a charm, as well.

What I love most is that they are finished!  I didn't spend but $12 or so to get them done and I love the way they look!  Yes, I could have spent considerably more, but I don't think it was necessary. The decisions are over and they are ready to hang...   whenever we get to Virginia, find a house, get our stuff, and unpack!

Aloha,
JoAnne