Thanks. Yes, I made the avatar for my sister's 50th birthday.

I was enthralled with them! I still have several of the books. I made the wedding party to resemble my wedding--still have the blocks, never did anything with them. :oops:

I have been cross-stitching images that I downloaded into a x-stitch software program. The attached wall-hanging includes a x-stitch of a Frida Kahlo painting. As you can imagine, it took me a really long time. I quilted a border, did some free motion handwriting, and attached Mexican milagros (a type of "charm").

Wow! that's alot of x-stitch in that picture....amazing! Very nice work...it's great to see these pieces of art.

Thanks! I have others that I will share. I always find that I start a new cross-stitch project when a crisis strikes! I find Frida Kahlo's paintings have an intense meaning for me. All that concentrated cross-stitching is a type of therapy for me. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing this photo.

I totally enjoyed x-stitching when I did it. I've had too many hand and arm surgeries and my hands can no longer grip the fabric/hoop to do it anymore...and my eyes took a dive on me.

I took up quilting after I could no longer do x-stitch...so it actually turned out to be a blessing, because I really enjoy quilting.

Barb, That's a big fear of mine. I have neck problems so I can only cross-stitch for a short time. You may or may not know that Frida Kahlo suffered many surgeries in her lifetime. I became familiar with her because my late sister felt an affinity with Frida. My sister started suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in her 20's. She had numerous surgeries, including a spinal fusion. The painting in my cross stitch shows a column in frida's body. I try to be careful with my hands and neck, but I admit that sometimes sewing is just too much of a temptation for me. It's what I love to do. I'm sorry to hear that you have had to deal with surgeries. Olga

I'll have to look up Frida pics...they look very intrigueing (sp?). I too have a spinal fusion, in addition to my other ailments, but thankfully, that hurts less than the other ailments, so I still quilt and worry about the pain later. I usually wear a kozy kollar heated neck wrap while I quilt and sew, so I don't get deterred by the pain. When I'm at my machine, it is definitely therapy like no other...I can get lost in my sewing room for an entire day and never take the time to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom!...lol. It truly is a passion, that I'm glad I found.

There are tons of websites on Frida Kahlo. A movie was also made of her life, with Selma Hayek. Frida was a fascinating woman. I'm sorry to hear you had to have a spinal fusion, I know that it is a traumatic surgery to experience. It sounds like you have a very optimistic attitude. I love the quotation you use in your signature!

She definitely endured quite the painful (physical and emotional) life....I can relate! especially the line about pain and passion.

Thanks for the info...I posted a link in case anyone else wants to read it. It's very interesting.
http://www.fridakahlo.com/