January 27, 2026

 Hey friends! 
I’m WIP - Busting 😊
I have another finish for 2026!

Holiday Stroll 
By: Teresa Kogut


He’s stitched on 20 count natural raw linen
Using pearl 5 cottons a mix of WDW and DMC in my own color way mainly due to the fact that the fiber companies don’t dye all the colors in a line as regular 6 strand embroidery floss.

He’s going to be a weighted, embellished stand-up. 
I’ve had him in my minds eye like this from the beginning….
Hopefully what I have envisioned can become reality soon. 

My 2026 WIP Bustin’ year is off to a great start! 
2 down and another almost complete! 
I’d say I have less than 100 stitches left on my next finish! 

I’ll easily get it knocked out tonight. πŸŽ‰

&&&&&&&&&

On a personal note, when I had my surgery, I had to take my acrylic nails off. 
I’ve had my nails done for 20 years or more. 
So it was a real heartache (to me) when I had to take them off. 
Once I had them off I decided I wouldn’t get them back on again. 
Why? 
Well….it’s expensive. My natural nails were a wreck after (paper thin). And frankly I’ve worried for some time about the chemicals used. 
So…..
That made me start looking up press on nails. 
And researching that….
Turns out that’s the new “thing” 
If done correctly you can do press ons and they can last several weeks (2-3+) 
With a few days in between to let your natural nail rest. 
And it’s a fraction of the cost of salon nails.

I got a set of them at the store last week. 
Cora just went home, so….
I’m going to take a shower, 
Clean up my cuticles and nails in general.
And put on a set. 
See how it is. 
I have large hands for a woman. Man hands (think Seinfeld episode of Man Hands πŸ˜‚)
I like it when my hands look pretty. 
I’ve been using Halo Taco products and they are awesome! But it seems as if my polish comes off easily after a couple of days.
So I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try some of these press on nails and see how they work. 
I’ll let you know 😊

Off to shower and fix myself up…
We got 16.5 inches of snow this weekend ❄️
And it’s frigid temps out thereπŸ₯Ά
So we all have a bit of cabinet fever…

Until next time…
Love and hugs, 
Vonna 

17 comments:

  1. Your cross stitch Santa and snowman is adorable!

    As for the nails, the lady at my knitting store SWEARS by them. There are so many pretty styles to choose from.

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  2. So glad to have found you again! It's great to see all your stitching and personal finishing. You were always so generous with your tutorials, but with so much negativity and criticism these days I understand your closure. Its time for the pendulum to swing the other way toward kindness. So good to hear that your hip surgery/ recovery has gone well and you are back to watching Cora. Blessings to you and your family.

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  3. Good luck with the press on nails. Make sure your nails are free from any oils before putting them on. I have worn acrylic or gel nails since the mid 80's My nails are in very good shape because as a stylist & nail tech I have done my own. It's the e-filing that causes the most damage. I would be lost without my nails too. I'm short but have large hands for a lady. Glad to here you are getting so ,any wips finished.

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  4. So happy to have found you again. That Santa finish is adorable. Teresa Kogut is one of my favorite designers. I look forward to hearing about your new nails. Mine are paper thin and I don't want to start the money pit of getting them done. Plus it takes away from my free time and that means less stitching.

    I can't get enough of that little Cora, she is just a doll

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  5. So glad found you again. Happy to hear your recovery is going well, always a pleasure to read about your life and family. It is inspiring.

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  6. That santa is going to look adorable as a stand up!! Stay warm and keep stitching. I'm in coastal Texas and we are in the throws of temps in the 20's with ice. We aren't built for this down here! staying positive and stitching away.

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  7. Great finish!! We have so much snow here in Nov Scotia as well. Keep us updated on the nails! Mine are horrible and that sounds like something I would try!! Take care and happy stitching! Marion

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  8. Love your Santa design and can’t wait to see your finish!
    I use Lily and Fox nail stickers. They seem to stay on better for me than press on nails and for $2.99 which includes shipping, they are perfect. Lots of designs and colors.

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  9. I love that Santa. All the Kogut guys were great this past season. A cashier at HL wears the french manicure press on with a drop of glue, has for years. Thin, clear, white tip, gorgeous. I wish they made completely clear to put over a natural broken nail until it grows out. You have a lot of snow!!!

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  10. 16.5" of snow sounds like a huge amount! We were 81 this weekend but cooled down on Tuesday quite a bit. The sun has been mostly out and that is a game changer.

    I have man hands too! Interested in seeing how your press on nail journey goes!

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  11. I love your new stitching finish ! The santa and snowman are adorable. I look forward to seeing your finish as a standup. Stay safe and warm from the recent winter storm.

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  12. Beautiful finish, dear Vonna! I think it will be a fantastic weighted stand up. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the press on nails. Stay warm and be cozy with your stitching and Miss Cora.

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  13. So glad I found you. Been a friend for so long and love your stitching! Big hugs to all!

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  14. Congratulations Vonna: He is adorable, I am a fan of seeing your finishing, he will be amazing.
    I am so sorry you had to stop using nails from a salon, I stopped years ago now I have healthy nails that are long and sturdy, I take biotin, I did not notice a difference until three weeks later, now its just nail polish and filing for me.
    I have seen your hands and they are lovely, hope to see your progress on the next project.
    Catherine❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

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  15. I love your finish! Isn't it a great feeling? I tried acrylic nails once so very long ago, but I couldn't stand how they felt. I rarely ever wear nail polish as I am lazy about doing them. I love seeing pretty nails, however, and am excited to hear how the press on ones work out for you.

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  16. Good to see you again and hear of your stitching progress! I’ve missed you tons! glad you’re well and moving onward! Keep up the good work. Love hearing about what you’re doing πŸ€—

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  17. Any words about the press on nails? My nails are horrible, and I-I'm thinking maybe press on would help.

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