printable // give thanks bookmarks

I've got plenty to be thankful for...

These are words from a song in the film "Holiday Inn", one of few true Thanksgiving songs. As in, it's not just about being thankful, but it's directed tied to the holiday. And I love it.

Because I do have plenty to be thankful for. We all do. And not just at Thanksgiving.

The bookmarks pictured above are a free printable I made to share as a reminder for us all. You'll find the download link at the end of the post if you prefer to skip ahead. But before I get to that, here are some thankful, grateful thoughts.

In September I had a spot on my face checked and found that it was melanoma. It wasn't deep, but it was creeping wider and removing it was ugly. Repairing the area was the biggest medical procedure I've ever had, and the recovery was much slower than I expected or would have liked.

In the middle of it all, I was grateful for doctors who took excellent care of me, and of course, I was thankful that we found it early. I was and still am thankful for family and friends who supported me and stepped in when I couldn't do certain things.

Of course, the skin cancer is gone and that's something HUGE to be grateful for. I've also been learning that it's okay to let some things go because I don't need to do everything (pausing the posts on my blog is an example of this), a lesson that I'm very thankful for. And these are a just a few things I'm thankful for. Seriously, there are tons of things. A few that are pretty amazing (but that I can't share just yet...)

And throughout all of this, in the middle of a crazy world and life that isn't always fun, God is good.

Right now, I really don't even need a reminder to be thankful. But since I don't think it's possible to express gratitude enough, a bookmark to keep handy isn't a bad idea.

If you'd like to color a give thanks bookmark for your everyday use, or perhaps to have as a Thanksgiving day activity for the little ones at your house, grab the PDF below and enjoy!

DOWNLOAD THE GIVE THANKS PRINTABLE BOOKMARKS

So tell me, what are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear about the gifts of grace in your life, big or small!

travel the globe with a new wild olive stitching club

Where do you like to stitch? Around the house? Out in nature? While exploring your town? Or maybe as you travel the globe? No matter where you pick up a needle, if you like stitching cuteness, I'm pretty sure you're gonna enjoy the latest Wild Olive stitching clubs!



With this club, we'll be stitching something from each of the seven continents. This really is a stitching trip around the world!

Bringing together two things I love, embroidery and English paper piecing, this 8-week club will result in a large mini quilt. Each week club members receive an email from me with that week's pattern and/or instructions, ways to connect with other club members, and a special section with prayer prompts for those who wish to pray for the world (it's at the end of the email and easy to skip if you'd rather).




Of course, this project starts with embroidery. This club features seven small embroidery patterns representing landmarks and a few natural features from each of the seven continents. Six of the locations are beautiful places I'd love to see someday (okay, so maybe not Antarctica...), as well as one that is near and dear to me.

Because of the locations we're stitching, the color palette for this club is much more neutral and natural, with a few fun pops of color.



Each pattern fits on a 2-inch hexagon, and that's where the English paper piecing comes in. Along with the embroidered hexagons, you'll also make extra pieces and everything will fit together to make a mini quilt.

And because both embroidery and EPP are so portable, you can actually stitch while you're traveling the globe! (or just dreaming of your trip!)

Basic instructions for English paper piecing and quilt-making are included, though it's helpful to have some knowledge of embroidery. If you need assistance with this project along the way, I'm happy to help.

Plan to set aside a few hours a week for this, and you'll have a hand-embroidered, hand-pieced, and even hand-quilted mini quilt in eight weeks.

In addition to making something cute, you'll also have the opportunity to connect with other club members by sharing your progress and interacting with others using the tag #TravelingTheGlobeStitchingClub on social media.



The price for the Traveling the Globe Stitching Club is just $8.00! When you register, you'll receive a welcome PDF with a supply list and templates to get you started, as well as access to all the club emails that were already sent out to members. Patterns and instructions will be emailed on Tuesdays starting through December 12.

Traveling the Globe Stitching Club: 8.00

NOTE: If you are outside of the US or Canada, please visit my Etsy shop to sign up.

If you have any questions, please ask them here and I'll answer right in the comments. Or, feel free to email me (molliejohanson at gmail) or reach out via social media.

Let's stitch while traveling the globe!

pattern // halloween candy bats

If you're batty for Halloween candy, or any candy for that matter, this is an embroidery pattern for you!

As I was doodling and drawing some Halloween candy recently, I realized that it kinda resembled a bat. You know, if you squint and imagine a roly poly super cute bat. Of course, that's pretty much how I picture everything, so it worked out.

This colony of candy bats is flying in front of the moon and they'd love you to stitch them up in a variety of colors. Or just in black and orange like those peanut butter candies that look pretty all wrapped up, but which very few people actually want to eat.

Happy stitching!

DOWNLOAD THE CANDY BAT PATTERN

calendar // trick-or-treating guinea pigs for october

I'd like to think that guinea pigs would go trick-or-treating for yummy veggie treats. In truth, I'm sure that my two piggies would be far too lazy for that. They would much rather wheek loudly until I bring them something. Which I suppose is their daily version of trick-or-treating!

Anyway, I drew up Captain Cuddles and Lieutenant Nibbles enjoying a Halloween treat for this month's calendar.

As I type this, it's October 5. I'm late with the calendar again. But I won't let myself give up on it just yet. Despite my falling behind on so many things. Perhaps if I were better at actually using a calendar, this wouldn't happen!

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

These wallpapers will fit most devices, and even though we're nearly a week into the month, they'll still work for the rest of slightly spooky October.

In other news, I have a new newsletter that is slowly replacing my old mailing list! You can sign up right here. Each issue comes out mid-month, so you'll want to be signed up to get the next issue (with an exclusive project!).

book review // pretty handmades by lauren wright

For the last week or so I've been stitching, stitching, stitching so I could make something pretty and handmade. Why? Because today I get to show you Lauren Wright's new book Pretty Handmades, along with a project I made from it!

This delightful book is filled with felt and florals, embroidery and hand sewing, and so much more. It perfectly captures Lauren's Molly and Mama style and I was so excited when she asked me to be part of her book showcase, which is a month-long blog tour of sorts. Each day in September, you can see what folks are making. It's a great way to get a glimpse of what's in the book, while being inspired by the different takes each person has on a project.



There are so many beautiful projects in Pretty Handmades, but I went for the Ribbons and Bows Clutch, making it just a little different from the original plan. But first, here's a few other projects that caught my eye...



The Sweet Treat Wall Banner was a top contender for me. After all, I know that I could add a little Wild Olive face to that cupcake to bring my personality to the pastry!



This pillow combines embroidery and English paper piecing, which I love. Isn't the piecing so pretty on this?



And then there's this darling felt kitty and the EPP sleeping bag. So cute! I may convince my little sister that she should make this one.



I settled on the Ribbons and Bows Clutch because I loved the little detail stitching on the outside and the usefulness of the pockets on the inside. But since I don't wear a lot of hair accessories or have need of a large travel case even for jewelry, I came up with a plan to adapt it slightly.



The first change was just for fun. Instead of machine quilting, I hand quilted the outside panel. It really didn't take all that long, and the result is so pretty. Actually, it's probably better than my machine quilting would have been!

I also stitched the flower petals with two straight stitches rather than the suggested lazy daisies. It changes the look just a bit, and it's been a flower stitching method I've wanted to try more.



Inside, I made the pockets a little different because of the crochet trim I wanted to use. Partly because I love this navy lace that I bought in NYC and partly because I hoped to make the entire thing without buying any supplies!



I added a ribbon tie for holding items, and created a third row of pockets in place of the original hair clip band.



The biggest alteration is that I've made my clutch to hold stitching supplies! It's just the right size for a tiny embroidery hoop and lots of EPP. A spool of thread is little lump in there, but I think I can work around that.

If you look closely, you'll notice there's just one thing missing, leaving this project unfinished. A snap! I got down to the last minute and couldn't find my nice sew-on snaps, so I guess I'll be buying a supply after all. Still, not too bad!

And I'm so happy with the result.

One thing I'd point out about the book is that the instructions for each project are extensive. That's good because she walks you through each step thoroughly. But it was a little overwhelming when I first looked at it. Especially as a person who wants to jump right in! If you've done much sewing in the past, you'll find that you can breeze through most of the steps and make something cute in hardly any time at all.

But I think the true test of a project is the repeat test. Would I make this again? Yes! In fact, I'm thinking of making another clutch and filling it with EPP supplies as a gift for my 12-year-old sister for Christmas. And with all the hand work, that's saying something!



To see more of the Pretty Handmades book showcase, visit each stop on the tour! And be sure to enter the giveaway that Lauren Wright will have at the end of the month. Because if you like making pretty things, you'll want this book!

September 1 // Lauren Wright www.mollyandmama.com.au
September 2 // Jemima Flendt www.blog.tiedwitharibbon.com
September 3 // Sharon Burgess www.lilabellelanecreations.com
September 4 // Lauren Nash www.transientart.com
September 5 // Sarah Edgar www.alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk
September 6 // Ange Hamilton www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
September 7 // Elea Lutz www.elealutzdesign.com
September 8 // Sarah Scott www.piccolostudio.com.au
September 9 // Martina Bahre www.avaandneve.com.au
September 10 // Heather Andrus www.quiltstory.blogspot.com
September 11 // Faith Essenburg www.saranaave.wordpress.com
September 12 // Alisha Orlando www.ministryoffabric.com.au
September 13 // Bev McCullough www.flamingotoes.com
September 14 // Stacy Olson www.stacyolsondesign.com
September 15 // Ali Phillips www.arabesque-scissors.com
September 16 // Mollie Johanson (you're here!)
September 17 // Kristyne Czepuryk www.prettybyhand.com
September 18 // Xanthe Grundy www.wife-made.com
September 19 // Anne Oliver www.lolliandgrace.com
September 20 // Larisa Shurupov www.stitchingnotes.com
September 21 // Sedef Imer www.downgrapevinelane.com
September 22 // Wynn Tan www.zakkaArt.blogspot.com
September 23 // Veronica AM www.VividFelicity.wordpress.com
September 24 // Minki Kim www.minkikim.com
September 25 // Elise Baek www.eliseandemelie.com
September 26 // Megan Price www.dollyhenry.com.au
September 27 // Nadra Ridgeway www.ellisandhiggs.com
September 28 // Ayda Algin www.cafenohut.com
September 29 // Jodi Godfrey www.talesofcloth.com
September 30 // Lauren Wright www.mollyandmama.com.au

printable // wheekly goals guinea pig list

I love lists. I also love a good play on words. So I've been waiting for the perfect time for my guinea pigs to have their own "wheekly goals" list, and back to school time feels right. Especially because they have their own pencil and crayon to help out!

Besides the pun, the inspiration for this form of list comes from how I've been writing out my task lists lately. I frequently change up my methods to go with what works for me at the time. Often I have projects that I need to work on over several days, and a lot of those things don't have hard deadlines. And I like flexibility.

So I figure out what I'd like to accomplish during the week. I always know which items NEED to happen, especially those that are more urgent. The rest are there to keep things moving forward.



I grab a piece of scrap paper, fold it in half, and list out my plan. Which is why this is a printable list that folds in half and has 10 lines (with room for an 11th item underneath). This isn't a list for all of the little details. This is bigger picture. And you can't usually accomplish more than a couple big items each day. Having less room to write out the list reminds me and you of that.



My scrap paper lists aren't nearly as cute as Captain Cuddles and Lieutenant Nibbles, right? I probably will still use my old method when I have unneeded pattern pages around (so I'm not just recycling without getting a little more use out of the paper). But when I need an infusion of cute, I'll print off a few Wheekly Goal lists and get to work!

DOWNLOAD THE WHEEKLY GOALS LIST PDF

pink stork scissors for snipping threads and stowing needles

Do you love embroidery scissors as much as I do? I have an ever-growing collection of them, many of which are vintage, and my latest addition is both a usable pair of pink storks as well as my own homage to stork scissors!

The tiny enamel stork scissors are my own design, created for Cloud Craft, an online stitching shop based in the UK. When Nicole asked me to create an enamel design, I was excited, and when she suggested stork scissors I knew that it would be a fun project. And they're even more fun to admire when you're stitching!



The needle minder is hard enamel and comes with a large magnet that goes on the back of the hooped fabric. I often think of these as needing to have a magnet attached to the back, PLUS a separate magnet, but the stork itself is magnetic.




And here's how it looks when it's in use! Yay for a needle that's not lost!



When I designed the needle minder, the idea was that the pink represented pink gold, which is a little fancier than standard gold stork scissors. But then, Nicole did something magical. She had pink stork scissors made to match the needle minder!

I was so smitten, and they've become my favorite embroidery scissors. I mean, aren't they cute?



Speaking of cute, let's just look at this needle minder once more. I always try to make things cute, but the size of this really locks in the cuteness.

Oh, and if you're really a fan of embroidery scissors, this same enamel design is also available as a necklace! And maybe, just maybe, you might see another needle minder design coming along in the future. Just sayin...

CHECK OUT THE CLOUD CRAFT + WILD OLIVE COLLABORATION

calendar // september back to school guinea pigs

And just like that, it's September. The weather has been cooler where I live, and so I guess I should have seen this coming. Never mind the school supplies that are everywhere, or even starting to disappear. Thankfully, Capt. Cuddles and Lt. Nibbles were able to get their paws on a few items so they can go back to guinea pig school.

If you're wondering what guinea pigs learn in school, today's lesson plan is "share your cucumber snack with your sister."

Anyway, they're showing off their new supplies and are ready to grace your screens for September.

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

These wallpapers will fit most devices (I use the iPad one on my lock screen), and they'll keep your company through this new month.

When I open up Blogger to set up a new calendar post, I always become very aware of how many (or often, how few) posts I've actually written in the month. August only had a total of four posts, which is a crazy low number for a girl who, at one time, posted nearly every day. Months like these are a good time to remind myself of the other things I've done outside of this blog. Here are a few of them!



Technically, I designed these Christmas food pun cross stitch patterns prior to August, but the issue of Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine just came out, so it seems appropriate to share them now. You'll find them in issue 234, and you can keep your eyes open for more of my designs in future issues, because I finished another set last month and I'm working on another now!

By the way, these puns have me thinking of ideas for new patterns. Would pun-themed embroidery patterns be a fun thing you'd be interested in?



Also in stitching, I researched and learned about Kasuti embroidery! It's a rabbit hole that I'm delighted to have fallen down. You can find my post on this beautiful Indian embroidery over at The Spruce.



These rainbow mini books are based on emojis (❤️📙😸🌵💎☂🎀) and they're stitched together with a Japanese bookbinding technique. They're over at Handmade Charlotte. While you're there, look for my Wacky Arm Clothespin Dolls, inspired by Nintendo's new game ARMS.



To help hold on to summer, I created a Printable Beach Windsock project for kids at Hello Bee. And I'll point out that those little fish and other creatures make excellent embroidery patterns. Just sayin...



Oh, and August was also when we were finishing up the About the Town Stitching Club! During my stitching clubs, I stitch ahead of the rest of the club, but I'm still stitching and finishing things along the way. So this was a lovely thing to complete. AND I get to see tons of others as they stitch their own projects!

Now I'm working on the next club, and will post details here soon. But if you missed the last club, you can still purchase the entire set of patterns and instructions as one download.

August was definitely full, and I'm on track for an even fuller September. Maybe I'll even manage to post more right here at Wild Olive!

project // easy-stitch watermelon hoop art

When August rolls around, everyone is talking about going back to school. But I for one am not ready to abandon summer. So today I'm sharing a fast and easy embroidered watermelon hoop. You'll be able to finish it in a day and enjoy it a long while before the season changes.

Despite the fact that it may be a little off-season, when I suddenly thought about stitching a watermelon, I jumped on it. Consider it my way of preserving a little more of the summer. And you can join me!



You will need:

Wooden embroidery hoop
Green paint (I used plain and glitter)
Watermelon-colored fabric
Brown or black embroidery floss
Paintbrush
Embroidery tools




Start by painting the embroidery hoop green. I used a medium green and painted a couple coats so it was even. Next I added a few coats of green glitter paint.

Instead of glitter, you could use a lighter green to add some wobbly lines like you might see on a real watermelon.



Hoop up your fabric and thread a needle with brown or black embroidery floss. I used all six strands for mine so the embroidery would be bold and show up well.

If you want a face on yours (because it's cute and kawaii!), start with that. Pick a spot and embroider the face with two french knot eyes and a scallop stitch mouth.



Now, add detached chain stitch (single lazy daisies) watermelon seeds all around the face to fill in the hoop.



When the embroidery is done, finish off the back of the hoop however you want, and you're done!



The process of painting the hoop and waiting for it to dry between coats takes longer than the actual stitching. That's how fast this little project is! But it's a great way to hold onto a little bit of summer.

And you could use this same concept to make other kinds of embroidered fruits. For example, you could make a series of different types of melons. Or if you wanted to be a little more seasonal, paint the hoops in apple colors, then use an off white fabric and stitch just a few seeds along with the face. Try it!

Happy stitching!

stitching is my happy place

Recently I sketched out a little thought: stitching is my happy place. If that sounds strange to you, and it may, what I mean is that when I can carve out some time to stitch, I'm a happy girl. But what I've found is that even when I have to stitch for work, even when there's a deadline, stitching is a happy thing for me. I'd even go so far as to say that I often feel comfort when I'm doing embroidery and other kinds of hand sewing.

And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. So I made that sketch into a design that could go on pouches and t-shirts in my Threadless Artist Shop.



If stitching is your happy place and you want the world to know, you can pick order your own zip pouch (which I'd like to point out is perfect as a project bag) right here. The pouch above is the small size and easily holds a 4-inch hoop. If you normally work with a larger hoop, go with the large pouch.

There are also a number of women's clothing options. The baseball tees are my favorite, because they're so soft and also a looser fit. All of the Threadless tees tend to run a little small, so keep that in mind and consider ordering up a size or two, depending on how you like things to fit.

AND through August 26, 2017, all US orders over $45 and all international orders over $80 get FREE SHIPPING! Sweet!



If you don't want to wear or carry this message of stitching bliss, I also made a free printable for you. It's perfect to print out and display in your craft area, or even to use as a flat card to send to a fellow stitching friend.

DOWNLOAD THE STITCHING IS MY HAPPY PLACE 5X7 PRINT

Do you have a happy place? Is it stitching? Do you have a place where you like to do your stitching that makes it extra happy? I'd love to hear!

pattern // squid and ink splats inspired by splatoon

Do you play Nintendo's Splatoon or Splatoon 2? Or maybe someone you know plays? Well today I have an off the hook embroidery pattern for you!

I have always have a soft spot in my heart for video games, even when I don't always have the time to play them. On occasion I'll work on crafty projects while watching my siblings play, and they're the ones who introduced me to Splatoon. I tried playing a bit, but it didn't go well and I let it go.

And then Splatoon 2 came out, and I decided to try again. And I was hooked.

If you're not familiar, in this game you play as a Squid Kid (or Inkling) and you team up to try and cover an area with your team's ink. It's fast-paced and so much fun!

Now when I have a few spare minutes, I try to play a few rounds splatting colored ink all over the place. The style and look of the game are so appealing and it's really engaging. The best part is that I get to connect with my younger siblings. We don't play together (the game doesn't exactly work that way) but they love giving me tips, cheering me on, and discussing our mutual disdain for certain maps.

The natural next step for me was to draw an embroidery pattern inspired by the game. And here it is, complete with happy ink splats.

DOWNLOAD THE SPLATOON EMBROIDERY PATTERN

You can use any stitches you like for this, but I do suggest what I call the polka dot stitch for the large round bubble splatters. I can't wait to get stitching, and I even have a special technique that I've been thinking about for ages and will finally try. Yaaayyyy!

Now, in the words of the Squid Sisters, stay fresh!

calendar // guinea pigs catching some august rays

Can you believe that it's already August? It's definitely the time we start thinking that summer is over, but it's also nice and warm and the perfect time to hit the pool. Especially if school starts early by you, because it's just a little quieter.

At least, that's what Captain Cuddles and Lieutenant Nibbles think. They grabbed their favorite fruity pool floats and are catching some rays before the pool season ends. And they'd love to float around on your screen for the next month.

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

These wallpapers will fit most devices, so download and then make sure you are enjoying this month that is still completely not the end of summer.

We won't talk about the fact that I'm currently working on a back-to-school printable, planning out some Halloween and Thanksgiving posts, and finishing up a Christmas project. Just repeat after me: "It's still summer. It's still summer. It's still summer."