Little colorful boxes in a row

Here's a preview of the ornaments I'm doing for an ornament exchange this year. I just finished stitching all of them and couldn't wait to show them off (there's actually 10 but a photo of nine looked better!). It's part of a pattern from the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments issue. It's called "Winter Sampler" from Little House Needleworks. I only used a small portion of the sampler. Since I live in sunny Southern California, I never see snow (unless we drive to it), so I think I'm drawn to cozy winter scenes. Now that the stitching is done, it's time to finish them up. I'll shown them to you once they are complete.

...and the back!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I finally did some cross stitching con't...

Since I haven't posted anything in three months, I realized I forgot to show you a picture of the back of my stitching. Well, I didn't think about that until after I packaged it up (pre-mailing package, luckily!). I love exchanging handmade ornaments but I also love to figure out a cute way to send them off. Here's how this is going out. I'll throw in a couple of fun surprises in the mailing package, but here is the ornament all ready to go.

And the back...

Okay, I think I'm done talking now!

I finally did some cross stitching!

It's my favorite time of year when crafting blogs are hosting handmade ornament exchanges. I'm not seeing any out there that are quite as large as the one freshlyblended hosted (if you hear of any, please let me know!), but I'm finding a few that look interesting and I'm willing to take the chance. If you're interested in the ones I've signed up for, just send me a note and I'll let you know.

So, first up, I found this lovely design in the 2012 Just CrossStitch magazine and I knew it would be perfect for an exchange. It's going to make it's home in Kansas. I hope they like it as much as I do. (It's in a 3 inch hoop.)

I think my next ornament will be origami. It's going all the way to Australia so I'm very excited about that. Once I finish that one, I'll post it as well.

Special note: If any of you are looking for a private swap, I would LOVE to exchange a handmade ornament with you - any type, any style! If you would only like to exchange a cross stitched piece, I'm totally onboard with that too.

Let the merriment begin!