As most cross stitch enthusiasts will already know, not only is cross stitching a very rewarding, relaxing hobby but it is also a form of art.

Although most cross stitch kits provide everything required to complete your chosen item, it still requires a degree of artistic skill to complete your piece of work, frame it and then decide where it should be hung to achieve the maximum result. If you have decided to make a present of your cross stitched piece to a friend or relative, not only will they greatly appreciate your gesture but will, no doubt, request your advice on the best method of displaying such a treasure.

What an achievement of your imagination and “arty crafty” skills to design your own pattern, choosing your own colour scheme and theme - that really is artistic talent. Imagine the pleasure on someone`s face when you give them an originally designed cross stitched emblem to be sewn to a jacket pocket or attached to a pair of jeans - a really glitzy pattern will turn ordinary jeans into special jeans. A young football fan will be delighted with a baseball cap in his favourite team`s colours with possibly his name alongside the team emblem.

There are so many different types of needle craft following on from cross stitch including embroidery, quilting, needlepoint tapestry work, knitting and crochet which are also amongst the most popular forms of needle craft.

Embroidery is also an artistic needle craft and when you think of the number of items that can be embroidered the list is endless. For example, it is possible to transform a plain pillow case by embroidering a pretty pattern onto it, edging the complete pillow case with lace and you have created a luxurious place to rest your weary head when you have finished all that stitching.

Of course, now you need a pretty patchwork quilt to compliment the pillow cases - get quilting.

Needlepoint tapestry uses wool instead of sewing floss and the completed results are very dramatic and hardwearing. Footstools are an ideal example of needlepoint tapestry.

Experienced knitters will know they are creating something unique when making a Fair Isle item of clothing. The patterns are very intricate and it needs a great deal of skill to use several colours (without dropping any stitches) but this form of knitting really does enable you to end up with a very special sweater, hat or cardigan.

Crochet is another form of needlecraft and it is possible to complete some really unusual items - one of my favourite keepsakes is a crochet christening shawl my mum made for my first baby. This shawl comprises some 500 individually crocheted shells and is absolutely gorgeous. As you can imagine, it has now become a family heirloom with my grandchildren each being christened in it.

So you see there are several forms of needle craft following on from cross stitch which could all be referred to as artistic. Cross stitched cushion covers, coasters, greetings cards, matching tablecloths and napkins are all beautiful pieces of Cross Stitch illustrating your artistic as well as sewing talents.