Hand-Stitched with Love!

by Virginia Lu

Hello, Altenew friends! This is Virginia here! I am here to share my cards with some simple hand-stitching! We all love handmade cards with unique touches. The color-layering stamps Hibiscus Bouquet Stamp Set is perfect for that! Even better, you can add some simple hand-stitching to your design for that special homespun feel! I just love how stitching can enhance the overall aesthetic aspect. A little hand-stitching goes a long way.

First of all, I embossed images from Hibiscus Bouquet Stamp Set with gold embossing powder on some Pale Grey Card Stock.

Hibiscus BouquetOnce the hibiscus images are embossed, I stamped the solid images with Warm & Cozy Oval Set/Mini Ink Cube Set and Rose Petal Oval Set/ Mini Ink Cube Set. For the leaves, I used Sea Shore Oval Set/ Mini Ink Cube Set.

Hibiscus BouquetSewing is not my forte, but I can sew a button! With a ruler, I paper-pierced the holes in a straight line and I carefully stitched it up with the DMC silver thread. I purposefully left the end to create a bit of flair. It is really fun to mix and match embossing with the color-layering stamps. The gold embossing gives the design a great depth and lovely interest.  The inked flowers seem to pop even more that way!

Stitching may not be just for embellishment or accents only. It can be the STAR of the show!

Sew very Happy
I stamped the image from Sew Very Happy Stamp Set with a light ink and hand-stitched the stamped lines. The sentiment is from Adore You Stamp Set. Even though it took me some time to do the stitching, I find the result to be very satisfying. Stitching in front of TV is actually very therapeutic and relaxing.

Sew Very HappyThis CAS design can also work beautifully as wedding, congratulations, anniversary …and birthday cards. Altenew offers so many exquisite stamps that you can pretty much hand-stitch anything to your heart's desire!

I hope you are inspired to add stitching to your Altenew creations. Thank you for stopping by!
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63 comments

Daria Zender February 23, 2017 - 10:07 AM

Gorgeous cards, Virginia! Absolutely love your hand stitching – the silver thread adds another level of elegance.

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:21 AM

Thank you, dear Daria! So glad that you stop by! :)

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Tara Prince February 23, 2017 - 10:11 AM

Beautiful cards! Love the stitching!!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:22 AM

You are always so sweet, Tara!

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Anne Sturgeon February 23, 2017 - 10:12 AM

I could not agree more. Being a quilter, stitches speak volumes even a
on a card.

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:23 AM

Glad that you love the look! I didn’t know that you are a quilter! Awesome!

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Cathy February 23, 2017 - 10:14 AM

Your cards are so pretty Virginia. I’m going to have to try making a card with stitches. Did you handstitch them or use a sewing machine?
Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards.
Blessings,
Cathy

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:26 AM

Hi Cathy, I don’t own a sewing machine (gasp). These two cards are hand stitched (thus the title). I stitched the lines much like I sew a button. It’s that simple, but it just takes a bit of time. I think it’s worth it though. Thanks for the inquiry!

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Jeanie Puckett February 23, 2017 - 10:26 AM

BEAUTIFUL cards !! There seems to be such a trend for juvenile/cutsie designs lately. I’ll admit they’re cute, but not really of any use to me. I’m happy to see something that isn’t cutsie for a change. I LOVE your cards. Thanks

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:34 AM

So glad that you like them, Jeanie! Thank you!

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Gloria Reynolds February 23, 2017 - 10:33 AM

I, too, love simple embellishments. Not only is the stitching on the thank you card a nice surprise, but the color combos are breathtaking. You have just inspired me to create a set of notecards today, using the gold embossing. Beautiful!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 10:36 AM

This is SO good hear, Gloria! I am glad that my cards inspire you in some ways…it doesn’t have to be stitching. Thank you!

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Michele F February 23, 2017 - 10:49 AM

Virginia!!! Oh how I love your perfect, and perfectly done, hand stitched cards!!! Gorgeous in every single element … xx
=]

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:09 AM

Oh…thank you, Michele! You sweet comment means so much to me.

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Shelly February 23, 2017 - 11:04 AM

These are gorgeous, Virginia!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:10 AM

Thank you, Shelly! :)

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Amy Seech February 23, 2017 - 11:07 AM

Love the gold embossing! Simply elegant card.

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:11 AM

Thank you, Amy! When I am stuck with ideas, I tend to reach for the gold embossing powder… :) it works!

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Tammy B February 23, 2017 - 11:29 AM

Your thank you card is just gorgeous Virginia! Love the hints of gold embossing! I wish we had some pops of colour here in Alberta to brighten up our gray background!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:43 AM

Hello Tammy! Hope the card brightens your day. I am sending sunshine to you from southern Ontario!

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Maureen Reiss February 23, 2017 - 11:37 AM

Wow!!! Sooooo GORGEOUS!!!!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:43 AM

Thank YOU, Maureen!

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Maryjo Monterosso February 23, 2017 - 11:46 AM

Your cards are absolutely beautiful. So soft and feminine and beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing your talent.

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 11:52 AM

Thank you, Maryjo, for your thoughtful comment!

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Brandi R February 23, 2017 - 12:15 PM

Wow! I’m not always a fan of the stitching, but here…..I’m wowed. Stunning cards ♥

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 12:20 PM

Stitching was not my thing until I put it on cards! Happy to hear that you like them, Brandi :)

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foleysfriend February 23, 2017 - 12:57 PM

This is so lovely; I love your choices of technique, colours – well, everything! Your hand-stitched card is so elegant. LOVE LOVE your creations, Virginia!

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Virginia L. February 23, 2017 - 1:07 PM

So glad that you stopped by, Sue! Thank you! xo

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Ginger February 23, 2017 - 1:28 PM

Lovely card. Your colors and design are so fresh and airy. I never would have thought to pair outline embossing with solid image ink. This is definitely on my must do list. It took courage to stitch on this lovely card. I applaud you.

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:36 PM

Thank you for the sweet commnt!

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treen February 23, 2017 - 2:13 PM

Virginia, I really LOVE these cards! My favorite is the first one! Isn’t it wonderful that we can have the inks that are already chosen to blend. I have always tended to spend so much time choosing different brands of inks that went together. Then i had little post it notes all over my craft room with blends that i liked. I recently put all the post it notes into a notebook and I’m organizing them. Now, with these cubes, i can just stamp quickly and not have to remember the combos. I LOVE the gorgeous loose style of the Hibiscus stamp set. I have struggled to get “loose” and I think this set might really help me do that. Thanks again for sharing with us such lovely cards. Hugs, treen

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:41 PM

The best thing about Altenew inks is that they do match perfectly with each other. I highly suggest that you have a play with them and not to worry about certain color combo. I did just that on my first card! Thank you for your wonderful feedback!

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Patt H. February 23, 2017 - 2:17 PM

So pretty, Virginia! I forget that stitching adds so much interest to a card. Plus I’m a bit lazy! lol

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:43 PM

I totally get the part about spending way too much time on stitching! That’s when faux stitching comes in handy! I will try to cover that in the near future!

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merryf February 23, 2017 - 3:48 PM

wow — the gold lined flowers in the first card are stunning! I am still afraid to sew on a card, but like you, I can sew a button so maybe it’s not so intimidating! :-)

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:46 PM

If I can do it, so can you! Go for it! I suggest to practice a bit on scrap paper before you actually add stitching on your stamped design. Have fun!

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Gwendolyn February 23, 2017 - 3:54 PM

I love the colours you chose to stamp the hibiscus, and you’re right, the gold embossing really make them pop! The stitching really adds an even more handmade look on your card, is there a risk to tear the card when stitching?

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:51 PM

As long as you use medium weight paper (say 80 lb), the risk is low. Adjust the needle size according to your design. The larger size needle (with embroidery thread) tends to tear the paper easily. Hope this helps, Gwendolyn! Danke!

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Pattie Jns February 23, 2017 - 5:59 PM

OH!MY! Beautiful design and love the stitching effect, really makes it personal. Your embossing and color stamping is gorgeous. …thanks for inspiring.

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:52 PM

Thank you so much, Pattie!

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Greta H February 23, 2017 - 5:59 PM

Have to case you, Virginia–stunningly gorgeous, creative cards!

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:54 PM

Thank you for the kind words, Greta! Make sure that you share the CASE card!

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Denise Bryant February 23, 2017 - 9:50 PM

Gorgeous cards! Love the detail of the stitching, and I love the Hibiscus Bouquet stamp set! Another one to add to my list!

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:55 PM

Thank you, Denise!

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Preety February 23, 2017 - 10:51 PM

gorgeous creations :) totally love the stitched look !!

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Virginia Lu February 23, 2017 - 10:55 PM

Thank you! Glad that you like the stitched look!

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Linda Whitaker February 24, 2017 - 12:59 AM

Beautiful cards May. Thank you for showing us your skill with the cards

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Virginia Lu February 24, 2017 - 1:37 AM

Thank you for stopping by, Linda!

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Erum Tasneem February 24, 2017 - 2:34 AM

Absolutely out of this gorgeous Virginia!! Love the cards!

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Erum Tasneem February 24, 2017 - 2:35 AM

i meant “out of this world GORGEOUS”

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Virginia Lu February 24, 2017 - 6:35 AM

Thank you, Erum! So sweet of you!

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Em February 24, 2017 - 7:34 AM

Those are especially lovely cards Virginia.

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Virginia Lu February 24, 2017 - 8:13 AM

Thank you, Em!

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Cindy C. February 24, 2017 - 9:42 AM

They are gorgeous!! The first one so very pretty with all the colors and gold embossing. The second one so unique with the hand stitched stems!! You’re so creative Virginia!

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Virginia Lu February 24, 2017 - 11:44 AM

Thank you for the positive feedback, Cindy!

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Mary Koby February 24, 2017 - 1:21 PM

I love your designs, color choices and, of course, the stitching… always my favorite accent. I also love to stitch while watching TV.

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Virginia Lu February 24, 2017 - 11:07 PM

Happy to know that you also love stitching while watching TV! Thank you, Mary!

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Janet Ingraham February 25, 2017 - 12:12 AM

So very elegant. So lovely!!

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Virginia Lu February 25, 2017 - 12:18 AM

Thank you kindly, Janet!

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janet February 25, 2017 - 12:50 PM

How beautiful Virginia, the hand stitching really does add a wonderful elegant touch!

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Virginia Lu February 25, 2017 - 1:17 PM

Very happy to know that you approve, dear Janet!

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NatQuebec February 26, 2017 - 8:52 AM

Beautiful cards ! Love especially the first one ?

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Virginia Lu February 26, 2017 - 9:06 AM

Thank you, Nat!

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