Another completed cross stitch

I am really enjoying cross stitching again and this is the third LOTV fairy I have completed. With hindsight I should have used slightly darker colours for her hair to give more contrast to her face. The waterlilies have pale pink edges which look really pretty but don't really show up well in the photo. 

This is how I finish mine off. The back of the cross stitch looks a mess but I never worry about that as it will be covered as you can see from the final picture.

So  when I cut the circle to begin with I allow an additional 2" so as this is a 8" hoop I cut a 10" circle. When I have finished the picture I stitch a running stitch around the edges and draw it in. I discovered anther way in a magazine so I did that too but forgot to take a picture. I laced across the back from top to bottom which pulled it in slightly more.  For a larger hoop like this I would definitely use both methods.

I then cut a circle of white felt and use 3d glue to attach it to the back. 

When I put a picture of my hedgie cross stitch on Facebook a friend messaged and said could I do a larger cross stitch for her niece's 21st Birthday.  I sent her a pic of the design and she said could she have it when completed so it is sold.