Spring Is Here

After a long cold winter, the spring is finally here!

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Little Girls by Kali

Download charts: A,  B,  C , D

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Ancient Alphabet Red Sampler

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I like it as I will use it for my initial label when I do something handmade. Let's say a bag, a pincoushion etc. I have been crazy about the vintage style recently. So this one is just what I need.

Nice English Lavender Field: Snowshill Lavender

Once we talk about lavender fields, the first name in mind would be Provence. I have not been there. But I am lucky as there is a nice lavender field not far from us. It's Snowshill Lavender field in Cotswold. As a tourist, you'd better not to miss cotswold. Then that's it, you won't miss Snowshill Lavender either. If you can, come in July. You won't be disppointed.

Handmade Easter Egg Candles

Easter is just around the corner. Time flies. Here are the egg candles I made last year. It's esay pizzy. It won't cost you more than 5 mins.

You need:

egg shells

rice or beans

small short candles

egg cups

Here we are! Do you like my eggcups? I have a set of four. They are from my mother-in-law. I do like them. It's always good to start a day with them.

Happy easter! ( A bit early too say this. Never mind.)

A Nice Etsy Shop in France: Petits Details

pictured by Petits Details

I found a nice Etsy shop today. The owner is from US and lives in France now. The books in her shop are very special, and they are hardly found outside France. I like the French vintage style cross stitch, especially when they work with the cartonnage together. Her blog is really lovely too.

My March Cross Stitch Progress

This is the project I am currently working on. I started it right back to July 2008. It is called 'Summer Lane'. And I bought the whole four seasons kits. You know what my friend said? 'You will never finish it in your life.' What a praise and courage! lol.

Actually, I am quite happy with the progress, especially after I did the top frame. It gave me the idea how much work I need to do more. But I used out one floss and can not find the replacement. The kit is from a Korean company called Dome. I searched online and found the DMC floss to replace it. But the result is totally disagreed. The colours are absolutely wrong. So, I have to wait to look for its original floss.

How to Make Organic All Purpose Surface Cleaner

600ml(1 pint) white vinegar
300ml(1/2 pint) water
20-30 drops eucalyptus oil

1. Pour the vinegar into spray-top bottle, then add the water and the eucalyptus essential oil. Shake well.
2. Pour a little of the mixture onto a soft, damp cloth and rub over the surface to be cleaned. There is no need to rinse.

Use it on stainless-steel sinks and draining boards, tiled and wooden surfaces, and plastic finishes.

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Symbol of Normandy - Cow, boat, fish, apple and cheese

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Free Cross Stitch Chart: Day and Night Birds

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Size: 140 x 219 squares

Canvas of 10' x 1"4' or 25.5cm x 39.8cm

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Wine

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This is a big cross stitch chart which includes all steps in winemaking: grapes, barrels and bottles. Four objects will work perfectly on its own. I am thinking about using the barrel chart and put it above our wine rack. Of course, only when I have the time. Too many cross stitches, too little time!

Size: 189 x 221 squares

Canvas: 1"2' x 1"4'

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Flower of the Month - March- Jonquil

Download the chart from http://www.maurer-stroh.com/images/complimentary/Project_2010/EMS2010_March_03.pdf

Meaning: friendship and domestic happiness.

Hidden language: 'You are an angel.' and 'I desire a return of affection'.

Free Cross Stitch Chart: Flower of the Month - February - Violet

Download the chart from http://www.maurer-stroh.com/EMS2010_February_02.html

Purple: Faithfulness, confidence and power.

Blue: Watchfulness, spirituality and intuition.

White: Chastity and purity.