This piece was a joint effort between my 12 year old daughter and me. Julie thought she wanted to learn to cross-stitch, so I gave her a book of simple designs, and she picked out these kissing ladybugs. I sat with her to teach her the basics. I think her technique is just fine, but after stitching several rows, Julie decided cross-stitch is not her passion. Months later, she gave the book and stitching back to me.

I decided to finish it. As you see, I added both our names to the finished piece. Julie's stitching is on the ladybug on the left. She stitched the top of the bug and all the black dots on that bug. I finished the bug on the left, the heart and the bug on the right.

Julie wanted it finished simply, so I placed the stitching in a hoop and filled the back with polyester fiberfill. I then glued on the trim, glued in the ribbon loop hanger, and covered the back with a matboard backing, glued in place with Aleene's Thick Designer Tacky Glue. That glue is great! It's very thick, holds quickly, and dries clear. I then tied the bow around the hoop's mechanical mechanism.

Very simple. Very quick.

If you'd like to learn more about labeling your stitchery, read my Needlework 101 page called Labeling Stitchery for Posterity.

Pattern name:	Ladybugs
Leaflet Name:	School House of Counted Cross Stitch Book 9; CC-9
Designers:	Clara Burton and Kah'trin Cleone
Stitch Count:	54 x 20
Fabric:	14 count ivory aida
Floss:	2 strands DMC cotton
Cost:	$2.98 (US) for leaflet
Copyright year:	1981

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