Last week the Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana (NANI) had their annual holiday party.

One of the activities during the evening is an ornament exchange. This was my first ornament exchange with the group, since I just joined this past year, so I was a little nervous that my ornament would not stand up to some of the incredible work I am seen the other members do over this past year. But, I think my contribution turned out okay.

This is the ornament I made for the exchange:

The pattern is by Prairie Schooler from the Holly Days pattern leaflet. This happy snowman stitched up so fast and looks so cute that I may make another for myself.

And here is the beautiful beaded ornament I received in return in the exchange:

Isn’t it wonderful? As soon as I got home from the holiday party, I immediately put this ornament on my Christmas tree in the living room. I only removed it to take this photo.

I have never tried incorporating beads into my stitching. That might be something to try in the new year…