December Still Reflections ATCs

I was saying in my previous blog post about the different ways the theme 'Still Reflections' could be interpreted. In my information pack about the Stitchscape swap I like to add some starting ideas for each theme in case someone gets a bit stuck, and I sort of feel that in this swap each person took a different element of those inspiration points and ran with it. 

For watery interpretations we have both still lakes or ponds and also a beautifully calm sea, there's a really lovely take on a reflective Christmas bauble and also an abstract piece which appears to have a horizontal reflection. 

There is lots of muted blues and greens going on in these cards too which is rather interesting, with hints of yellow. 

It's tricky to run a swap toward the end of the year because so many other things are happening. Creative people usually have lots of other projects on their hands; creating gifts for people, making homemade cards, crafting decorations or even frantically making costumes and outfits for plays, pantomimes and parties! Working part time in a haberdashery shop, I am fully aware of the range of projects that people have at the end of the year and we don't get as many people joining in with the Stitchscape swap in the darker months because of this. 

I treasure the cards that do get sent in all the more so thank you to everyone who was able to join in with the last swap of the year. Even though we are continuing in 2024 it has an air of finality to it - or is that just me being maudlin?

Suzi's beautiful blue card looks like it's frozen over. The print she's chosen with the snowy trees is really lovely, and combined with the glittery fabric for water it makes me think of newly frosted surfaces and that super sparkly look everywhere gets. You almost feel the cold looking at this one! I like the moon too, with the extra ring of darker light around it. 

In complete contrast, I love Abi's seaside piece; the way the girl's hair is blowing in a soft breeze as she stands on a seed stitch sandy beach. The waves have been made in stem stitch I think, using a silky yarn so they have a little glimmer of light. It's so simple and effective. 

Veronica's card is equally lovely and completely different again, although based on the same theme name. You can't see so well in this photo but the metallic bauble fabric is nicely padded (an extra stamp was sent in with this card for the post as it wouldn't fit in a normal letter size), and sparkle given with those holographic sequins. I love the holly and berry detailing with felt and beads, and know that the lady who received this card was thrilled to bits with it. 

I should have asked Liz about her card as I feel that this represents a certain type of technique or style but I can't place it. She's an amazing needleworker and all of her cards have been so beautifully neat, with the tiniest stitches and petit point work! As well as being a mirror image, this does also have a watery feel to it with those rows of running stitch. 

Jacquie's card is serene and beautiful. I think she must have used a stamp to cut out the tree and house shapes (or maybe a cricut?) but the best bit for me is the light shining from the cracked open door and windows. How welcoming does that look? To be reflected in a paler way in the water as well is a really lovely touch, with the ripples being made with a multicoloured single strand of thread. 

The ladies really pulled out the stops for this theme and have done the Stitchscape swap, and themselves proud! I really hope that they are all able to join in with the 2024 swap themes because each of them has their own distinctive style and I'd love to see more of what they come up with. 

All of the cards sent in for December, previous months of 2023, and the 2022 swaps are photographed and in albums on my website. If you would like to have a look through them, please click here to go to my dedicated ATC page.