Two Quick 4th of July Finishes

I wanted to stitch something for America's 250th Anniversary, but didn't have a lot of time. These two patterns from Etsy come from Aliton Embroidery. The 4th of July pattern can be found HERE. The USA 250 pattern can be found HERE. They were both really quick and easy to stitch. 

The frames were a set of two purchased from Amazon. You can find them HERE. I love that they are a set and they are the perfect size for these two pieces.

Below is a step by step description of my (albeit primitive) framing process. Money is tight for many of us, myself included, and custom framing is just too much for me to justify right now. I did buy the Peel and Stick Mounting Boards for this project from Amazon. I've found them to be very thick and of good quality. And at $14.99 (as of today) for 10 11" x 14" boards, they're a real bargain.

After stitching and ironing the work, I gather all my supplies.

I use the plastic "glass" that comes with the frame to center my work.

After peeling off the protective film, I center the stitching on the piece.

I fold the edges upwards, creating a crease in the fabric. I do this on all four sides of the piece.

When I flip it over, it looks centered, but...

Once inside the frame I can tell it needs to be moved up and over to the left a bit.

Next I use the plastic insert to trace the lines onto the mat peel and stick mat board.

I don't have any professional tools for this, just an old box cutter and a pair of scissors. I cut the mat board along the lines. It doesn't go all the way through. However if you just fold it along the cut, you can then use scissors to cut the rest. It does give a rough edge, but that really doesn't matter because it will be well hidden once the piece is finished.

Next I position the piece in one more time to make sure it's straight.

Yep! That's much better. Reading for the gluing.

I use a hot glue that I felt is supposed to be acid free. However, I do have one piece of cross stitch that I made 30 years ago and the hot glue hasn't affected the piece at all. And since this is a small finish (as opposed to an heirloom piece that I want to last for generations) I feel confident that it will be fine for the time I intend to use it.

Next I trim the edges for a smooth fit into the frame.

Lastly I write my name, the date and location on the back. I love the fact that these frames come with backings that can be either hung or stood up on a table. So easy to finish any project!

Here are the finished pieces on the wall in my living room. My next project is to make a 4th of July quilt block cross stitch to hang where the larger piece is. 

Well that's all for today! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day and a very safe and happy 4th of July this year!