family motto 2011

It's still January, so I'm still thinking New Year's resolutions! Each year I pick a word to live by, but this year I decided to extend it to our little family in the form of a family motto. When I found this framed embroidered quote while visiting Utah for Christmas, I knew this was our theme. It's a life lesson that my husband and I feel is especially important for our children to learn now, while their mistakes are still relatively inconsequential. It's just on their level, but it is so crucial to their success in life.


Of course when I saw this piece I though, I could make that! But I also knew I probably wouldn't get around to it for six months and by then it would be too late. Plus it was only $9.95. My time is worth that much at least.


That said, I will definitely be making one like this for next year's theme, whatever it may be. The quote is stitched on muslin, wrapped around a batting-covered piece of cardboard, and framed. Easy peasy. If you want to make something like this but need help with your hand-stitched letters, check out this awesome tutorial from Studio Calico for using printed letters as a guide.


Or this index of 15 tutorials for great hand-stitched letters from Needle 'n Thread!


I'm headed to CHA in LA in a couple of hours and I'm too excited to sleep! If you don't know what CHA is, you'll want to check back over the next few days to see what my lucky eyes will be seeing. If you do know what it is, you'll really want to check back! Ta-ta for now. . .