Beefranck’s Emporium – You Are All Just Awesome

This year I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a lot of wonderful people via this blog, the Phat Quarter, Craftster, and other various internet sources. So many people in our crafty community are always there to provide support, guidance, and inspiration, and for that I am sincerely grateful. Another great thing about the crafty community is their generosity. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in several swaps this year, and I have also received a lot of “just because” gifts, too. This week I wanted to take some time to tell you about some of these wonderful people and their work that I’m so honored to own.

Shannon, aka GigglyMama, made this beautiful blackwork. She’s a talented stitcher, ALWAYS has a positive attitude, and is a seriously skilled baker as well. Check out her flickr photostream and her blog.

This was made by one of my stitching heroes, Bascom Hogue. He actually approached me about doing a swap, something which still amazes me. He’s a talented artist and also a very spiritual person, something you can see by reading his blog. Be sure to check out his work in his flickr photostream as well.

Rosa, aka Curegreed and I first got in touch when she noticed my interest in the pictures she took of this sampler from a museum she was visiting. She also noticed how much I loved the above piece, and offered to send it to me. She’s talented, bright, and sweet, and she’s learning more and more everyday as she attends the Royal School of Needlework. She’s even writing posts about her adventures there right here! Be sure to visit her flickr photostream and her blog to see more from her.

Stephanie, aka ponyinarope (she has promised to tell me what that nickname means one day) is the definition of generosity. One day on twitter, she just threw it out there – Who wants a stitch? I took her up on her offer, an this was the result – plus her cellar door stitch, plus other goodies, too! Be sure to check out her flickr photostream and her blog, there’s awesome stuff there.

Ah, Rachel. I’ve know her since she was a reluctant mullet technician. Now she’s officially a cosmetologist, but besides that, she’s a cross stitch queen. She sent me this (which TO THIS DAY makes me chuckle every time I see it) along with some awesome tunes. She’s a giver! Check out her flickr photostream and her etsy store to see more.

Katrina, aka Valued Sony Customer, is a true kindred spirit. We’ve never met, but I know we have a lot in common. I feel like I know her, and she knows me – she even wrote my introduction here on the site. She sent me this gorgeous stitch (inspired by this picture) along with an awesome care package crammed with goodies that totally blew me away. She’s amazing, and you should check out her flickr photostream to see why.

Okay, I looooooooove Ads, aka Monsterosity. It’s pretty obvious. We’ve both purchased pieces from each other in addition to the swap that garnered me this little guy as well as some of his famous piranha. He’s a talented toymaker and a genuinely nice, sweet guy. See more from him at his flickr photostream and his blog.

I’ve always admired the work of Mama Sass, but was never in touch with her until she approached me about doing a swap. I’m so glad she did, because the piece I made for her was a joy, and the piece she made for me is more than I could have asked for. Check out more of her work at her flickr photostream and her blog.

I had the pleasure of meeting Adam and Emily of MoeSewCo this summer at the Renegade Handmade Craft Fair. They were both friendly, fun, and knowledgeable of the crafty scene. I’m really glad to know them. Adam was generous enough to give me the above embroidery since he knew I knew what it meant, and would treasure it accordingly. See more of his awesome work at his etsy store.

There are many more – like my idol Julie Jackson’s awesome Flight of the Concords stitch, or super cool Mimiloveforever’s amazing portrait of my cat Shampoo. Besides that, kindred spirit and all around sweetheart Rose sent me a handmade plushie and coloring book, Jodi, a crafty lady I’m in mutual admiration with, sent me an Alice in Wonderland embroidery and a pin with an image of one of my stitches on it, and when I had the pleasure of meeting the AMAZING Miki Karson, aka Threadstar earlier this year, she gave me these worry dolls as a potential cure for my insomnia. Of course, the first swap with Jamie is what started all of this, and for that I’m very thankful.

Thanks to everyone for being so generous and kind, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to give back. You all really are just awesome.

Tagged as: Beefranck's Emporium, Cross Stitch, Hand Embroidery, plushie