Christmas is nearer than you think...

It may be the second half of October, but considering how long it takes to do needlepoint projects, Christmas is nearer than you think.

So here's an adorable mouse I adapted from a free animated gif, turned first into a StitchPainter diagram then into a BMP image for your personal, non-commercial use (for any other use, please contact BOTH me AND the source of the image):

http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/christmas-food.shtml

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday (30)

)

My latest project...in black and white...to see the 2-D / 3-D effect better

To help you see the 2-dimensional / 3-dimensional "push-me-pull-you" effect of my latest project, I turned it into a black-and-white photograph....More......









See how the background merges with the shadows, even those between the cracks in the feathers and those falling from underneath one feather over the top of the next feather down?

This seemingly simple, but actually quite challenging type of design was inspired by the wonderful work of the Beggarstaff Brothers (who weren't called Beggarstaff, and who weren't brothers, but brothers-in-law) at the turn-of-the-last century: http://arsacupicturaestellae.blogspot.com/2010/08/meteoric-brothers-revolutionize-art.html

Just in case you're new to the blog, and wondering how it looked in color: (http://arsacupicturaestellae.blogspot.com/2011/09/wordless-wednesday-27.html)

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday (29)

)

Milan Monday (44): an urban lakeside scene, complete with little temple and swan!

I know, I know...most of my designs are horribly complicated.

Or they LOOK horribly complicated.

Why's that?...More......

Because I'm frantically busy, like all of you, so can't stop to simplify the images simply imported into my StitchPainter program.

Use my designs to inspire you, to set out proportions, to give you a clue of colors.

Then simplify at will.

Here's another good example.

I'd go crazy if I needlepointed this just as it is: a gorgeous urban lakeside scene, complete with decorative temple and swan.

I took my photo, uploaded it into StitchPainter, and turned it into a diagram and then a BMP image to share with you for your personal, non-commercial stitching fun.

If you're interested in knowing more about what it is and where it is in Milan, go to my other blog, My Milan (Italy): http://mymilanitaly.blogspot.com/2011/10/gorgeous-tempietto-on-urban-lakeside-in.html.

Enjoy!