[art] My cross stitch dilemma

One of my dilemmas is choosing the perfect gift for my friends’ birthday, especially for my close friends.  Like what happened to my close friend/BFF Zenkie. Zenkie is the type of a guy whom I think have gotten all the great things in life. (Oh zenkie spare my life when you finish reading this post :D ) I was like, “so what the heck would I give to him?!”. I didn't managed to give him anything on his birthday, last year so I guess I ought to give something special, a gift enough for 2 years birthday (haha). After brainstorming for a month and reviewing what he likes, I ended up to personal and customizing things. Well he do like himself very much, one of the narcissist guy I’ve known (oh please spare my life :D ). Well I think I can do craft or some sorts  of things, so I thought of something with his pic, and so again light bulb! Cross stitch came up.

I have already given personalized cross stitch to my friends during my college days and have the patience of counting all those small stitches.


This is the finished cross stitch I made, I forgot to take  pictures of it with frame. After I got it from the framing services, put it on a cute gift bag then gave it to him. (hehe)

 This is how I did it... First you need a picture that you want to make... then went on to this site
http://www.myphotostitch.com . My last pattern was made from cross stitch programs I have during college days but unfortunately it was deleted :( so I opt to use online pattern makers.

This is the site, click the "Try it free" button

Just follow these 3 easy steps in the form below:
1. Select the image from your computer

2. Select how big you want the pattern to be and how many thread colors you want to use

 I followed the size and count, 150 stitches x 119 stitches (10.7 x  8.5" ) the final cross stitch will gave you as size of a short bond paper , I used 40 thread colors to achieve the colors of the pic (I want it to be near the pic as much as possible) 

3. Click 'Submit'. Your pattern will be ready in a few seconds.

 

Then download the pattern, it is on pdf format (I used different picture for this example on the site)

 

 

my pattern looked liked this, I already joined all the patterns here. When I printed the pattern, the printing shop just directly printed it from the pdf file

After the pattern, I brought all my materials and head on the stitching!

40 threads colors sure is pain the wallet. I used dmc threads and white aida cloth with small holes it in (here dmc threads is 15 pesos per thread color) . I consumed almost 1 month cause my procrastination consumed me and I also have work.

I cheated hehe I marked the same symbols then stitch stitch :D

Almost there....

Again... almost there.....

You can only appreciate the pic when looking it from afar...

Well I think he liked my gift and appreciated my "talent" (haha) he said he hanged it in his room. I'm relieved that he was happy, even though I already had the idea he knew what I'm doing and what I'm going to give to his birthday. But what about for Christmas...? or for his next birthday?! uhg...