Christmas in July (then and now) Blog Hop

My favorite time of the year...Christmas in July. Carol really knows how to gets us 

in the mindset of starting our holiday stitching...

Before you know it, we will be stitching up, all our favorite fall projects, as well.

(that means Halloween is right around the corner)

WHOOP WHOOP!

Ok...getting back on track here.

Then 

Yes, he was over it. He is either running away screaming or doing the happy dance.

I will let you  be the judge.

:-)

NOW

He's had time to recoup and recover a bit.

(possibly after imbibing in his favorite toddy)

He has managed to regain his stately composure, once again!

This is "Jolly Old Santa"

 from "Seams Like Home" designed by Joan Jones.

Hey, with a name like that who wouldn't love her, right?

OK...I might just be a little biased here.

I have had this pattern in my mile high stack of must do's, for a very long time.

For some silly reason, I didn't buy the pre-made face when I bought the pattern. 

Let's just say that stopped me in my tracks..

It was time to put on my big girl panties and figure it out.

Now I'm here to tell you, having  absolutely no artistic ability, with the

instructions provided, even I could manage to make a face that looks like Santa.

I started off with a piece of scrap fabric. 

Using a light board, I traced the face pattern onto my fabric with a pencil.

Then I went over it with a brown "Pigma Micron" pen.

Next came the eyes.

These were done using  Derwent "Intense Ink" pencils.

It wasn't until I sat down to write this post,

 that I realized I had bought the wrong thing.

She recommended Prismacolor Colored pencils.

(I am guessing they might be close, to the same thing)

If you have never used these, you color lightly with them, then go back with a damp pencil tip and blend it. I will say, I practiced that on another piece of fabric first. It doesn't take much water. 

My first try looked a little more "Goth" than I was going for. 

LOL!!!

 I penciled in the black pupil first, then went in with the blue for the eye. Once it's dry, you go over it with an iron. It heat sets and makes it permanent. Final eye details were drawn in with a black Micron pen, and the white dot was added with acrylic paint.

I painted my blush on with acrylic paints. If you have never done that, you want almost no paint on your brush. Work it into a paper towel, until it seems like there's no point to it, what so ever.

;-)

The pattern shows you exactly where to "blush" your Santa face.

The real fun begins when you start layering his beard!

There are lots of layers. Laying all my pieces out numerically, was a

big help.

Getting it ready for quilting was easy.

I love Thermoweb's "Spray and Bond" basting adhesive.

No sticky needles or skipped stitches when quilting, but best yet...

There is no obnoxious oder, like so many other basting sprays have.

I have to give this product a "10" thumbs up!

Check it out for yourself

HERE

I hope I've inspired you to go out on the limb, and give "Jolly Old Santa" a try!

There's still plenty of time...

Thank you Carol for giving me that "push" I needed to get this guy done.

Now, I can hardly wait to start on one of your fabulous Halloween quilts!

(winky winky)

One last little thing...

I asked to post today!

You see, today is my birthday and being able to spend it with

my online friends and blogging buddies, is my biggest gift!

You have inspired and supported me more than you know, over the past 10+ years...

"SEW"

I've got a little gift to give one of you!

It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you what it was, so your going to have to trust me

Tee hee hee. 

I promise it will be good!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will pick a winner Sunday Aug 2.

Unfortunately due to the crazy costs of international postage, 

this will be USA only.

Thanks for visiting...

now check out what my fellow bloggers are tempting us with for the holidays, today!

July 29

MooseStashQuilting

Beaquilter

Day Brook Designs

Seams To Be Sew

Little Penguin Quilts

Bumbleberry Stitches

Samelia's Mum

Canyon Rim Quilting

You can find the complete schedule 

HERE

til next time...

Keep on Stitchin'