My finished mug rug!

I've been waiting for my Mug Rug Swap Adventure package to get alllll the way from New Jersey to Australia, and Naomi has informed me that it has! Since I'll be home tomorrow for the weekend, her package might very well be waiting for me, too!

I've been waiting to show off my design. I am still experimenting with applique, and I haven't decided yet whether I'm doing it "right" or "wrong," or if there is a right or wrong. Either way, I designed this mug rug with Naomi's likes in mind - purple, and owls.

Problem: I don't have many owl prints, let alone ones that are purple. So, I made up my own design, much like I do with quilts (I have so far rarely followed a pattern). It's how I prefer to work anyway, because for me, it makes it that more personal :)

Here's the process I went through:

Hmmm, owls. And purple. I could write a little story here... hm....

Let me draw faces on them and see how it looks...

The story (if you can see - sorry for lack of better pictures): The two owls on the top left are in love (one is a girl owl - you might be able to see her eyelashes better in the picture below). I also sewed a heart above them. Then, on the top right branch, theres a dad and son owl. Below them - the blue one is just really enthusiastically saying "hoo! hoo!" The pink owl below the couple is shocked that they are flirting, hence the face, and the yellow owl at the bottom is just content. :)

Finish! I embroidered the owl faces and feet. It took a while, but it was relaxing and I think it added to the overall effect!

Here's the back. I also stippled in white. I think I'm getting better - but practice makes perfect!

I loved participating in the Mug Rug Swap Adventure! I hope you enjoy your mug rug, Naomi, and I can't wait to see yours.

Linking up to Can I get a Whoop, Whoop? and Funky Fresh Friday.

I'll have some sewing done this weekend (WOO!) - I hope you have a great weekend, too!