Thursday 28 December 2023

Penguins at Craftlandia

Today I thought I would pop in to enter the current Craftlandia Challenge over on Mia's blog. It is challenge 17 and they are asking for 'penguins or nothing'. I didn't think I had anything remotely penguin like in my stash until I remembered this little guy. I actually made him a while ago but have never shared him. He is cross stitched on evenweave and his Santa hat and belly are stitched in Lana thread, which you can fluff up. I turned him into a tree decoration by backing it in red fabric and stuffing it with toy stuffing.


Each year I make my 3 grandchildren a Christmas decoration that they can add to their tree. It is often something cross stitched. 

I have been enjoying this quiet week and playing with my Christmas presents. I got a Betterpress, I expect I will share some of my makes in due course. I am particularly impressed with how amazing the plates look when used with hotfoil. Not quite what they are designed for I know, but they work brilliantly and I do love foiling things.


Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

26 comments:

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

What a treasure Hilary, I love the children will add these to their trees and remember who made them for them. Beautiful stitching.
Faith x
Happy New Year.

crafty-stamper said...

Beautiful keepsake and stitching,love the cute little penguin.Look forward to seeing what you are making.
Carol x

Jules said...

Hi Hilary

What a fun project .. .. I love that you make your grandchildren decorations for their tree each year! Super special!
Never heard of the thread you can fluff up. That is interesting.

Looking forward to seeing your Betterpress projects.

Hope you had a good Christmas

Love Jules xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Hi Hilary, I'm glad that you posted this ornament, not only as it's a so cute and lovely project, but also because you remember me about Craftlandia that I forgot.
Love the fluffy hat and belly, such great idea for a cross stitching! Your grandchildren surely love their handmade ornaments!
Glad to know that you are enjoyed your new crafty toys, I will look forward to see the magic you are doing with the Betterpress and hot foiling.
Hugs

GerJanne said...

Hi Hilary,
What a great pinguin decoration for one of your grandchildren! So funny!
And I'm looking forward for your creations with your new toy ;-)

Christine Alexander said...

your penguin is so adorable. How nice to make the grandchildren Christmas ornaments each year.
I love my Betterpress but haven't tried it with my foiling machine yet. I can't wait to se what you do with it xx

Ashwini Rao said...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Hilary! Your penguin tree decoration looks adorable!! Very neatly done cross stitching too. I must say you really deserve the Betterpress present and more so, since it is going to be well used and well loved! Looking forward to your creations using that! Wish you a very happy new year in advance, my friend!

Mia said...

The most beautiful cross stitched penguin! A unique Christmas ornament! And what a great idea to use fluffy thread for penguin's belly and hat! I am sure that your grandchildren love your handmade ornaments. Thank you so much for joining Craftlandia Challenge, my friend. Good luck in the draw. I wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Bonnie said...

I got a Betterpress too and I'm really enjoying it. I usually make the grandchildren a Christmas tree ornament but fell short of time this year. Your penguin is adorable and I'm sure much enjoyed and treasured. Happy New Year, Hilary!

KraftyKoolKat said...

This is awesome Hilary, I bet your grandchildren loved this one.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

Leslie Miller said...

You are so very creative, Hilary! This cross stitched penguin ornament is a cute little treasure that will become a family heirloom. It's the little things that matter. I haven't gotten the Betterpress yet, but I'm loving the look it gives to cards. Very elegant. I'll be interested to see yours with foiling. Happy new year!

Diana Moriel said...

That is such a sweet ornament, your penguin is lovely! Thank you for joining the Craftlandia Challenge!

Greta said...

Oh how fun to have the Better Press! I know you'll make beautiful cards with it! I'm impressed you make ornaments every year for your grandkids--so special! The penguin is darling!

Loll said...

Your sweet penguin ornament is adorable, Hilary! What a special gift to give your grandchildren!! I have not heard of the Better Press before, so I will have to check it out on-line. Have fun playing with your new toy! Love, Loll

kiwimeskreations said...

what a gorgeous wee penguin Hilary, and beautifully stitched also. Love how you have made it into an ornament.
Enjoy your new 'toy' :)
Blessings
Maxine

Viv said...

This is such a perfect keepsake Hilary. Lovely.
Happy New Year! x

I Card Everyone said...

Oh, those lucky grands! I wished I had a grandma - especially one who made me such darling gifts! So darling, Hilary!
Glad to know you're enjoying your new toy!
=]

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Hilary what an adorable little Penguin a great piece of cross stitch I would like to wish you a Very Happy New Year
hugs
lolo x

Ayla said...

Que bella decoraciĂ³n para el arbol, es un pingĂ¼ino muy lindo y el adorno es muy original.
Muchas gracias por acompañarnos en este reto de Craftlandia
Feliz año 2024!!!!!

Menchuhiloyaguja said...

Que bonito tu pingĂ¼ino en punto de cruz. Feliz entrada de año 2024

Maria said...

Such a cute penguin decoration with wonderful stitching! Wishing you a New Year filled with good health and happiness!

Sarn said...

This is a really lovely keepsake ornament for your grandchildren. Nice idea.

Thank you for recommending I join in at the Group of 7.

Happy New Year to you.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Carole said...

Wow Hilary....you have been busy haven't you! Love your penguin decoration and the idea that you make them for your Grandchildren...a lovely momento to bring out year on year. Looking forward to seeing your makes with the better press...not heard of that! I still have to find some time to play with the gemini hot foil machine...and as 2024 starts with shoulder surgery in a couple of weeks , it doesn't look like happening anytime soon!! Happy New Year to you xx

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Sweet little penguin ornament, Hilary - love it!!

Julia Aston said...

This is just the cutest Hilary! Long ago and far away - I was into cross stitching - I love how clean they come out - and what fun for your grands to get special ornaments each year from you! Julia xx

MARIELA Inspirada said...

A penguin so cute! And a pretty christmas ornament, I love handmade decorations!
Happy New Year!!! Besitos...