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How To Embellish a Photo Frame Cross Stitch Card

By , About.com Guide

Photo &oopy; 2008 Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Photo Frame Card Embellished with Wax-Resist Technique

Photo © Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Follow the instructions for creating a card using a photo frame, but leave the stitching out of the frame after you cut it to the correct size.

You will be decorating the card form and you don't want to ruin your stitching.

Choose one of the suggested embellishment methods below to add some flair to your creation. Then add your stitched design, write your message inside, and deliver the card to the intended recipient.

Stitched Design: Free Be Mine pattern
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

  1. Decorate the frame around the area where your stitching will be displayed on the card form. In the example above, I used About Painting Guide Marion Boddy-Evan's instructions for Creating Cards Using Wax Resist and watercolors. This would be a great way to involve your kids in helping you to create special cards for friends and family.

    Try to avoid getting paint on the interior of the card or in the space where your stitching will be displayed. Use craft foam or wax paper to cover the area as you paint. If a little paint goes astray, use liquid correction fluid to paint over the area.

  2. Add some glitter to the frame. Use glue to create a simple design. Sprinkle the glue with glitter, shake it off, and allow the card form to dry before you add your stitched piece to it.

  3. Use purchased stamps to create a design on the frame. Once again, you will need to protect the interior of the card.

  4. Add stickers or paper cut-outs to the frame.

  5. Draw a border for your stitching with markers or crayons.

  6. Add sparkle with sequins or beads.

  7. Add strands of ribbon or trim around the edges.

  8. Use small stencils to create designs using crayons or colored pencils.

  9. Use your imagination to create a collage around the border using fabric scraps, floss, and anything else you want to add.

  10. Write a favorite saying or several phrases around the edge of the area.

  11. Use a mixture of methods. This project is only as limited as your imagination.

Tips:

  1. If you use water color or glue, use as little as possible to keep the card form from getting wet and buckling. You may need to press the card between heavy books after it is completely dry to help it retain the original shape.

  2. Use acid-free glue and materials so your card will last. You know that the person who receives the card will treasure it!
  3. Need help? Get it in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Become a part of a world-wide stitching community.
  4. Stay up-to-date with when new tutorials, articles, and patterns are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Sign up for the free newsletter today.

What You Need

  • Photo-Frame Card Form
  • Stitched Design for Card
  • Items to Embellish the Card - Your Choice

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