Sunday, August 14, 2011

~ Newly Matted ~

Remember in the early 90's the popular colors were deep hunter green and burgundy? I fell in love with them and used them through out my home, I'm sure many of you still have those colors and that's great. I've discovered over time, not to go with a trend but what's in my heart and my budget, to let my style shine through.
During that era in my life I was doing a lot of counted cross stitch projects. The one I'm sharing today happens to be one of my favorites.

You can see  after I finished the counted cross stitch I had it framed and matted with the colors of the time. Due to it's odd size I had to have it professionally matted and framed, expensive at the time, I've lived with it all these years. Now getting something re-framed or re-matted isn't quite as expensive. There are many outlets out there that will do those types of things fairly inexpensively.
After the painting was finished, I noticed the mat had faded a bit and was quite dated. It was ready for a change and so was I. If you over look the glare you can see the colors in the letters and all the hard work I put into this beauty. :-))
~~ TA  DAH ~~
 I went with a double chocolate mat, feeling it pulled the colors out of the counted cross lettering.



FROM THIS:
TO THIS!

 I'm extremely pleased with the way it turned out. The colors flow nicely in the dining room. I wish the pictures had turned out a bit better to show off it's true beauty. If you have a picture you love that might be a bit on the dated side, consider changing out the mat or the frame for a new piece of art in your home.

Thank you for stopping and saying hello. Susan, thank you for hosting each week.

21 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh how pretty -- that cross stitch sampler was too beautiful not to hang on to. Love this -- thanks for your visit too.

Richard Cottrell said...

I had the Hunter Green and Pink thing going on. Worked at the time. Thanks for sharing. Richard from My Old Historic House.

KM Studios said...

very nice - the matt and the cross stitch!
i was just thinking of starting up some cross stitch again.

Dolores said...

Lynne, your work is exquisite .....so beautiful! I've always loved that particular pattern too.

The color changes really make a dramatic difference......I love the contrasting colors.

THE STONE RABBIT said...

Hunter green was one decorating color I didn't have...because I was still hung up on navy and peach---way toooo long ! :) Ugh.

You are right, Lynne, it's all about what WE like and what is our personal style....and your personal style, by the way, is wonderful. I love the chocolate matte and how it brings out the colors of your lettering that you so beautifully stitched!! The matte also looks awesome with your wall color!

Keep up your great decorating work! dana

Glenda/MidSouth said...

You have more patience than I do. I just could never settle down to hand stitch work - lack of patience I guess. Yes - I am living with a sofa and love seat with the dark green & burgundy stripes, the green and white stripped paper in kitchen. Still in good condition - so guess I will continue to live with them for a while. They are on my "To Do" list. :-D
Enjoy your evening.
Glenda

PAT said...

Beautiful Lynne!

afternoon tea said...

Yes, that is a picture well worth re-matting. It's beautiful. It looks great in it's new colours.
AT

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Such a beautiful cross stitch piece. I'm glad you had it re-framed. It's lovely! hugs, Linda

Linda said...

Oh Lynne, I love it. I'm in the ending stages of my stichery. Can't wait. Then to take it to be stretched and framed. Oh I tried to click on Metamorphis monday and it did not take me there.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

It is beautiful. I am getting ready to remat a few of my pieces and put them out to enjoy!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Lynne, it looks so pretty. It did before too but I really love the change! Now you will enjoy it for many MORE years to come! XO, Pinky

onlymehere said...

It's beautiful Lynne! I used to do counted cross and have rematted things myself. I love that you did this too and it made your stitching look new again. Great job!

Paula@SweetPea said...

I was cross-stitch crazy in the 90's and have some projects that I could use now if they were re-matted. You've inspired me to dig out some of my old handiwork to see if I could update it.

I love your sampler and love the updated mat colors you chose.

Miss Char said...

Lynne, I spent years doing counted cross stitch too so I know how much work went into this piece. Its a beautiful piece and what a transformation your re-matting has made. It's like having a whole new piece of artwork for the cost of a mat! Thanks for sharing.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Fabulous cross stitching work you did, and now it looks perfect, the new transformation brings out the great cross stitching work a lot better, I used to do needle point, but cross stitching takes up a lot more work. I love it, it's lovely. Have a nice week. Fabby

Barb said...

Lynne, the matting is lovely but your cross stitch, itself, is just gorgeous!!!!! I love it.

Barb ♥

The Tablescaper said...

You know I never thought of rematting and reframing something I already have, but it is a great way to gain an updated look. I too try to stay away from trends and go with what is in my heart.

- The Tablescaper

Deanna said...

lovely cross stitch....something to be very pleased with and continue to enjoy for many many years!

a great accomplishment.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lynne! Oh, it's gorgeous! I love the colors you chose for your matt! Now your cross stitch is so pretty! I used to do lots of this too until I went blind! :) It's hard on the little peepers! Such an elegant design. I'm like you - go with the colors in your home you like insted of trends. I liked the hunters greens and dark blues too! It's nice to lighten up, isn't it? Love everything you do.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

xinex said...

It's a pretty cross stictch and the framing is perfect, Lynne. You are a woman of many talents!..Christine