Lynne’s Links ~ Johnson Crafts

This is something a bit different for our website, but it is a great way of keeping your photos together and would make a lovely Christmas gift.

I took one home to have a go and found it very simple to follow the instructions.  There is a link to the supplier’s website to download the free software - this was very straightforward.  You then open your photo file and select the photos you wish to use.  Drag them into the page layout you have selected, add text if you wish, load the paper provided into your printer and when you are happy with your choices - click print!  The paper folds easily in half and is then slotted into the album provided.  I now have a lovely album of photographs of a very special anniversary in Venice.

As a special introductory offer, we are offering the Photo Book at half price during October.

If you love the grace and elegance of ballet, or have a budding ballerina in the family, this would be the ideal kit.

It is from the Lanarte Romantic Collection and is stitched on a very soft green linen which blends beautifully with the colours of the stranded cotton provided.

Other kits featuring Dance can be found here.

Lanarte have produced this beautiful Diva design in their Romantic Collection. It is stitched on 14ct aida which is shaded from coffee to white to create this unusual effect.

The lace detail and the thoughtful expression on her face will make this one of those projects that you can’t put down and the end result will be stunning.

Threads are pre-sorted and the chart is large and very clear.

I was contacted a few weeks ago by someone who wanted to convert a family photograph into a cross stitch kit and wondered if there was a way of doing it.

I suggested she should look at the DMC Stitch A Photo kit. The kit includes a pre-addressed envelope for your chosen photograph. Allow about 28 days and they will send you an easy to follow chart, along with your original photograph and easy to follow instructions.

Maia is a fantastic new range of kits from Coats. The brochure states “at Maia we create beautiful and artistic kits designed to inspire you down to the very last stitch”.

They have certainly succeeded. The range comprises landscapes, wild animals, fabulous floral designs, an Oriental collection including costume, boats and temples and much more.

If you are looking for a serious project which will probably take a few weeks (or months!) then have a look at Maia and stitch something to be proud of.