I know it feels like we've only just gotten over Christmas and into January, but Valentine's Day will soon be upon us! And what better way to say "I love you" than with a personal handmade cross stitch card. Yeah, sure, its a lot easier to buy a card at the shops, but I always feel that it means more when the gift is handcrafted with love and care.
1. To start, you'll need card (anything from a craft shop will do), pencil, needle, thread (I'm using DMC 3731 Dusty Rose and 159 Blue Grey), scissors, a pin and some masking tape.
2. Turn over the front cover of your card and, using the pattern below, mark out your holes using pencil (and a ruler if needed). Push the pin through each mark in turn.
3. Stitch away! Use 3 strands of floss to make your stitches look a bit thicker and more luxurious. Keep going until you're finished and tie a knot in the end of your thread.
4. You should have something that looks like this!
Tape up the back and cover with card or something decorative. The card I'm using actually has three sides so I've stuck two down to cover up the messy ends! You can use any colour thread you like and you don't even need to stick to traditional reds or pinks (you could even use white thread on coloured card). Then simply, write a heartfelt message and give it to your Valentine!
There's so much you could do this Valentines, so think outside the box! Here are some other great ideas (click the images for more info)...
Do Small Things With Love
The Bellweather
Just Call Me Chris
Subversive Cross Stitch (stitched by Things Helen Likes)
Caterpillar Cross Stitch are honoured to be the next crafty small business chosen to help raise money for Cats Protection! We have designed 3 unique, wooden, cat-shaped decorations for you to personalise with little cross stitches.
You'll have heaps of fun, learn a new, crafty skill, and have a beautiful, finished craft project to show off to your family and friends, all while raising vital funds for the UK's leading cat charity.
Love It Stitch It has enabled many to find a sense of mindfulness with cross stitch designing. Visualising their designs come to life and sharing with others, has proven a very rewarding experience and feeling of accomplishment. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling with mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety.
'Woodland Whimsies' features all your favourite woodland animals and fauna! The box contains easy-to-follow instructions, a professionally printed colour pattern on one page of A4 paper, DMC stranded cotton, 1 DMC branded size 24 needle, pale sage green Zweigart 14 count aida fabric (ideal for beginners) and a pre-sorted CCS thread holder.