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Designer Spotlight: Haunted Frames

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Cute spooky and fantasy cross stitch patterns is how the designer behind Haunted Frames describes their shop, and I have to agree with them. These designs are cute and Gothic and a little bit spooky all at once. There’s a heavy focus on book themes, which you know I am a fan of, so let’s get into it. 

Stopping first in the books section, there are lots of designs that are literally on book shapes, but if you know my love of both books and cats, you’ll know I had to share the Midnight Book Cart cross stitch pattern. As the name suggests it’s a design with a witchy book cart, complete with a spiderweb, bats flying out of a book and what it describes as a ghost cat (though I would have to make a black cat instead of a white one since I have a black cat, and that fits with the vibe). 

The design is 65 by 97 stitches and is worked in 17 colors. It’s shown on 16 count fabric, which makes it 4.1 by 6.1 inches, or 10.3 by 15.4 cm. 

I also love the winter themed little free library design, which would be perfect to stitch up for the little librarian in your life (or to drop at a neighborhood book space). 

Projects with a book theme make up the majority of the patterns that are categorized in this shop, but you’ll want to scroll through all their patterns to see what else is available, since it doesn’t look like everything is in a category. You’ll find castles and dragons, more cats of course, some more obviously Halloween and Christmas themed projects and those that would suit for spooky season or any other time of year. 

If cute and dark is your aesthetic, you’ll want to check out all the patterns at www.etsy.com/shop/HauntedFrames, which you can find on Etsy. 

[Photo: Haunted Frames]

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King Sophie’s World – Where Photography Meets Embroidery in a Stunning Art Evolution

In the world of modern art, creative boundaries are constantly being pushed, and one artist who is leading the charge in an innovative and inspiring way is Sophie, the mastermind behind King Sophie’s World. Sophie is redefining what it means to blend traditional needlework with contemporary art by combining her stunning photography with embroidery. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at how Sophie’s work is pushing the boundaries of art, one embroidered print at a time.

Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a  intricate interpretation of her vision, 

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.