The Beauty and Elegance of Cross-Stitch Portraits

Wall hangings are what make most homes decorative and attractive. And most of the time, the wall hangings we see are the portraits of the most memorable moments of our lives.

Family pictures, graduation pictures and baby's first birthday pictures hang on the most prominent wall of the home to remind us of the momentous events of our lives. Other times, the cutest pet, my "bestest" friend, and the prettiest dream house occupy the bare wall in the bedroom. There are also times, as a tribute to the favorite painter, his oil painting occupy the biggest space on the wall. The latest favorite celebrity idol has a place on the wall too, somewhere in the house. No matter what hangs on it, the wall looks good for visitors to see.

The most common types of wall hangings nowadays are photography and oil paintings. There are times when charcoal or watercolor paintings replace oil. There are also embroidery and cross-stitch wall hangings. The motifs of most cross-stitch wall decorations are of flowers, birds, animals and houses. It is very rare that a photo is presented in a cross-stitch. But, it is just possible.

Did you know that in the history of cross-stitch, pictures of Benjamin Franklin and George Bush were featured in almost all covers, cushions and other accessories in cross-stitch? It was at the height of cross-stitch portraitures trend that their stitched pictures became so in-demand.

Cross-stitch is actually not a new craft. In fact, in history, this art is one outstanding needlecraft used by prominent people. Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth 1 were just two of the brilliant needlewomen in history. Catherine of Aragon, wife of king Henry VII popularized a stitch called Holbein stitch or the double-running stitch. Even Elizabeth of York was into the fad when she bought a "lynnyn" cloth, one of the primary materials of the needlecraft.

It is said in history that the needlecraft was most used by the religious and the royals. Needlecraft, then, was a symbol of social status. The churches' accessories and the ecclesiastical clothing of the pious were adorned with beautiful embroidery. The homes of the royals and the elites were filled with embroidered covers for everything from cushions to coverlets, handkerchiefs and runners.

Cross-stitch portraits graced the walls of the homes of the privileged in the early age. They brought timeless class and elegance not only to the portraits but to the entire home as well. Since cross-stitch, then, was a status symbol, only the elites were privileged enough to have this kind of luxury. Instead of having their images in photograph or paintings, they chose to have it stitched - every detail and nuance of their image.

Cross-stitch portraits have the touch of class and elegance because every detail is carefully considered. Every detail is painstakingly stitched to perfection that the result is as good as the real image. Every color and every feature is very carefully considered that gives the portrait the personal touch.

These days, class and elegance are seldom elements of a household since most of the equipment in homes are technologically upgraded. Everything works in a click, a push or even a snap. Modernization has lost timeless grace and style somewhere along the way. Now, everything has to be fast, efficient and advanced. It appears that people have less time to appreciate beauty and flair. Wouldn't it be nice for your home to be appreciated for its uniqueness, style and elegance?

Snapshots are tokens of the memories that you treasure. And you would want to remember them for always. It is fun to look (and look and look again) at the collection of pictures of the most terrific events of your life. Sometimes you couldn't help yourself to trace the face of your loved ones on the pictures. Your touch bears the longing and the fondness for the person or the event.

In cross-stitch, every detail stitched means every account of the unforgettable occasion is remembered and labored with. It's like stitching together the intricate details of the memories and the feelings during those times when the affair happened.

And when the portrait is done, you'll know that all the memories and feelings are captured in that magnificent and elegant portrait in cross-stitch. And you'll always be pleased and proud of it because of the labor of love that was poured in it.

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