Sunday, September 28, 2014

Round Lighthouse

I sttitched this round lighthouse design back in 2007 for a friend. It was intended as a Christmas present but, during the course of searching for a suitable frame -- round, with a five inch opening -- I misplaced it. I searched through every craft bin, though I could not remember packing it away. I feared I might have forgotten it at some shop while looking for a frame, never to see it again. Then two years ago while unpacking after a move, I stumbled upon it in a most unlikely box. One would have thought that, were I going to pack it away, I would do so with like materials, but no. It was in a mislabeled box along with a few other items I had been missing, such as a three-hole punch.




In any case, the small design was missing for five years, until I opened that mystery box and reclaimed it. Then, of course, I had to begin the frame search all over. For a year I haunted every local crafts store, as well as a few others, fruitlessly hunting for a round frame with appropriate-sized opening. At last, I finally found one -- the only problem? It was black and ill-suited to such a pastel piece. Sigh . . .




The frame being the right size and the odds of my finding anything more suited, I decided to paint it. I meant to take a "before" shot, but naturally forgot the instant I sat down with paint and brush. A first coat went on, and though I liked the sort of "weathered" look the black showing through the off-white gave it, the brush-strokes were not even and were gloppy in spots. A friend suggested I sponge on the second coat. This made the color more uniform but, alas, I lost the "weathered" look. Ah, well . . . such is the price we pay, and it did turn out lovely in the end.




The reason I had not shared this before now, even though it was a 2013 Christmas gift, was because I did not see the person for whom it was intended until last weekend. They now live out of state, and I did not want to risk shipping it. Plus, I wanted to see my friend's face when she opened it.





Source: Seaside Sentinels, Leisure Arts (2001)





8 comments:

kayerj said...

that turned out really well. Your stitches are perfect. I'm sure you friend is grateful you persisted until you had everything just right. the look of surprise on her face says it all. well done.

Heather said...

Kelley: Thank you. I'm glad I kept up the search for a frame, too -- even if it did mean a number of years to complete this.

Alice Audrey said...

It might have been years in the making, but it was clearly worth it.

colleen said...

Perfect! It's like art within art and the frame reminds me of waves.

Heather said...

Thank you, Colleen! ☺

Unknown said...

What a great gift! I surely would have been happy to receive it. :-)

Heather said...

Thank you, Helena!

Jana said...

What a beautiful gift. :) Love the look on your friend's face. You can tell she really appreciated it.