, and then we could start the Stashaholic Stich-A-Long!This is what the design looks like (well, in the original -- read on for lots of possible changes and variations):
You can download the chart here. Shade numbers aren't given, as I would like everyone to adapt and change to their own stash preferences, but here are some notes I made for myself about the design:
Stitch count:
67h x 103w
Design size (approx):
14/28ct --> 4-3/4" x 7-1/2"
16/32ct --> 4-1/4" x 6-1/2"
18/36ct --> 3-1/2" x 5-3/4"
Colours free. As it was designed, the shades are as follows (DMC)
Letters: 310 (black)
Buttons: 320 352 676 922 799 3746
Scissors: 415 blended with silver, and 676 729 blended with gold; eye is a french knot in dark grey
Skeins: 434/435 and 333/3746; Bands: 310 with backstitch in 729
Needle: 729 blended with gold, or gold or silver on its own; Thread in needle: 798
Bobbins: white with black backstitch lettering; 792/793 and 815/321
Beads: mixed colours, sewn on at random
Options:
Use real buttons instead of all or some of the cross stitch buttons
Use buttons for one group of them and charms for the other
Use different sizes and shapes of beads and/or sequins
Couch a small beading needle in place of the backstitched needle, and possibly couch the thread which is in the needle as well or use a ribbon
Use variegated threads for the skeins, stitching in horizontal rows left to right and back again to make them look like proper variegated skeins
Couch down skeins made of real thread
So feel free to experiment -- myself, I'm going to do two versions, one all in cross stitch and one with as many sewn on bits as possible
!Edited:
My design program doesn't let me show couching or charms, but here it is as close as I can get to an embellished version, using satin stitch for the bobbins and couching for the needle and skeins:
Thanks Mabel I'm in 
shouldn't take too long to stitch 
There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE! 
