I started this badge a few times, but have finally done enough to call it finished, I think. It's slightly heavy on the Christmas theme, but I hope that doesn't matter. I did the following clauses:
Clause 4 - Embroidered a sampler, card, picture or similar using counted cross stitch.
This little bear was a kit on a magazine, and it isn't obvious but the snow flakes and parts of the scarf use a metallic thread. It was an interesting challenge getting it situated to the cut out, but I'm quite pleased that I managed it.
Clause 5 - Embroider a sampler, card, picture or similar using blackwork embroidery.
This is about 8x8 inches, and I do love the art deco effect that it has. It's one of my favourite things about blackwork, that particular aesthetic is a common one for this style of embroidery.
Clause 6 - Embroider a sampler, card, picture or similar using Hardanger embroidery.
This was new to me, and I found it quite hard to do the cutting, and it has ended up looking a little tatty on the edges. I don't think I'll be taking this up as a style of embroidery, but I enjoyed this taster.
Clause 7 - Embroider a sampler, card, picture or similar that incorporates beadwork.
Whilst I've done things with beadwork before, I did get to try something new with the perforated paper this is worked on. Although the tiniest beads which have a full cross stitch through them were a bit of a pain, and not all of them could fit the needle through twice. Luckily the kit came with plenty of beads.
Clause ? - Embroider a sampler, card, picture or similar using Sashiko embroidery.
This Japanese embroidery technique was new to me, and whilst it isn't an existing clause, I'm sure this should count, as this is a completely different style to anything else I had done. The fabric is folded onto the needle and then it is stretched out to give the running stitch. I've fallen in love with this technique from the portability point of view, as the traditional fabric for this is so forgiving of being folded, screwed up and generally treated badly, and it turns out good at the end. Expect to see more of this from me in the future.
