Handmade Christmas 2015

Cute yarn
lights
W E LO V E C R A F T
Start today!
:stocking fillers
:tree trimmings
:table themes
:cards & wrap
INSIDE!
16 PAGES OF PARTY
FOOD & DRINK
FROM
189 s
Festive idea
FAB MAKES &
INSPIRATION FOR
CELEBRATING
IN STYLE!
Im on
page 2
1!
Get crafty
:crochet
:cross stitch
:papercraft
:Needlefelt
SO EASY!
STEP-BY-STEP
GUIDES FOR
INSTANT SUCCESS
CREATE GIFTS TO GIVE AND DCOR FOR YOUR HOME
TREATS TO EAT!
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FOR THE TABLE
PRETTY PAPER
FABRIC IDEAS
Handmade Christmas H Welcome
EDITORIAL TEAM
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Managing Editor Charlotte Martyn
Art Editor Julian Dace
Production Editors
Vicky Guerrero, Helen Dorritt
Additional design Rob Eyres
Contributors Abigail Barker, Lucy Croft,
Lucy Evans, Faye Perriam-Reed,
Becky Skuse
With special thanks to all the designers
and publishers who contributed their work
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Welcome!
Our favourite thing about Christmas is the

chance to spend time with friends and family,
and make our homes even more welcoming
with pretty decorations and treats for all.
Its denitely the craftiest time of the year,
too, which is where Handmade Christmas
comes in! We have a fantastic selection of
projects for this very special celebration,
whether youre a seasoned crafter or
someone having a go for the rst time.
If youre looking for ideas to decorate
your home, then check out the pretty
button baubles (p32), origami fairy lights
(p75) and embroidered table runner
(p54). Weve also included plenty of
presents for the whole family, with our
favourites including the fox mitts (p102)
and delicate terrarium (p98). We havent
forgotten your furry friends, either
check out the crocheted cat basket (p92)
and doggie bow tie (p120)! When
everything is made, turn to the cards and
wrap section to make your nishing
touches, including cross stitch gift tags
(p144) and stamped wrapping paper (p142).
LETS EAT!
16 PAGES OF PARTY
FOOD & DRINK
FROM
Look at the end
of the mag
101
Christmas is also an opportunity to

experiment with tasty recipes, so were
thrilled to include a special 16-page party
food supplement from Olive magazine. This
has a plethora of mouthwatering treats, from
canapes to go with cocktails to a DIY sundae
spread. With all this, plus 22 pages of ideas
and trends to inspire you, youll want
to get started straight away!
48
62
So go on, make this your

most creative Christmas yet!
COVER: HESSIAN, BUTTONS, TRIMMINGS AND

BERISFORD RIBBONS ON WREATH SUPPLIED BY
GROVES + BANKS, WWW.GROVESLTD.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: MAIN IMAGE BY DAVE CAUDERY.
STAR BISCUITS BY KATE WHITAKER; TIN HORSES BY
CLAIRE RICHARDSON
Amanda Robinson, Editor
80
18
75
124
94
72
for the
home
14 Twinkle, twinkle...
Luxury paper stars
16 From junk to funk
A foraged wooden tree
18 Layer it up
Have a go at dcoupage
21 Catch me if you can
A cute gingerbread feltie
26 Touch of luxe
Cross stitch a quartet of
Christmas sayings
30 String it out!
Crochet some fairy lights
32 Vintage charm
Beautiful button baubles
34 Marvellous metallics
Pretty candle holders made
from tin foil
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
36 Smiling snowmen
Try needlefelting today
42 Festive fluffiness
DIY pompom decorations
44 Make a house a home
A fab crochet banner
50 Festive sparkle
Knit your own baubles
52 Happy holly days!
Use craft basics to make
a handy card hanger
54 Run reindeer run
Embroider a table runner
57 Rockin robin
A sweet felt bird ornament
62 In a flurry
Adorn your tree with cross
stiched snowflakes
64 Cute confections
Knit a gingerbread duo!
68 Falling snowflakes
Papercraft a snowstorm
70 Warm glow
Create a set of unique
candles for your table
72 Oh Christmas tree
A festive table runner using
free-motion embroidery
75 Merry and bright
Fold origami fairylights
77 Deck the halls
Paper chains, yarn style!
21
gifts and
goodies
80 Fly away with me
A heavenly halo and wings
83 Hello deer!
Knit this fun reindeer hat
and matching nose
86 Ready for Santa
A pretty pompom stocking
90 Pretty pockets
Sew an elegant countdown
92 Crocheted cat nap!
The comfiest kitty basket
94 Sugar and spice
Bake some tasty
Scandinavian biscuits
96 Make do and mend
Sweater to stocking
98 Garden in a jar
Plant a terrarium
129
Dozens
ideas fo of
r
ver y cra a
f
Christm ty
as!
44
108
32 54
42
86 68
101 Snap to it!

Make your own crackers
102 Feeling foxy
Keep warm in cute mittens
108 Time for tea
Make teabags and biscuits
110 Filled with fun
Cross stitch Advent calendar
114 A soft touch
Protect a gadget
117 Mark the spot
Quick-make bookmark
118 Sweets for my sweet
Delicious chocolate wafers
120 Dapper dog
Crochet a poochs bow tie
124 Have a hoot!
Adorable owl scarf
126 Stack em high
Get creative with cookies
129 Luscious lemons
Whip up a delicious digestif
130 Full to bursting

Personalised Santa sacks
133 Stuffed with love
Decorative heart sachets
cards
and wrap
138 Send it with love
Embroidered felt tags
142 Stamp it up!
Craft unique wrappings
144 The X factor
Cross stitch your tags
147 Warm wishes
Funky Scandi-style cards
147
ideas and
inspiration
06 Ideas: DIY
Make it a crafty Christmas!
24 Trends: golden
Go for glamorous metallics
40 Ideas: florals
Decorate with flowers
48 Trends: Nordic
Inspired by the outdoors
60 Ideas: winter living
Selina Lakes stylish projects
66 Trends: white
Go for some snowy dcor
88 Trends: creative
Keep it classic
106 Ideas: upcycled
Make new from old!
122 Trends: woodland
Opt for the natural look
140 Trends: brights

Try a multicolour makeover
151 How to
A guide to crochet, knitting
and cross stitch
156 Templates
Everything you need to
make the projects
162 Where to buy
Essential supplies directory
48
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
patchwork dining decs
or
Sew a patchwork runner,
ge
ed
the
d
un
aro
r
create a borde
lay
t
Jus
h.
lot
lec
tab
ple
of a sim
ra
pieces of festive fabrics ove
of
ge
ed
the
at
plain runner, or
ce
pla
in
pin
h,
lot
a tablec
and sew together.
Ideas H DIY
40 stylish DIY ideas

Get crafty this Christmas adorn your home with handmade decorations
and give it a special, personal touch
Paper paradise
One for all
10
Master the art of making paper pom

poms create garlands out of larger ones,
or use smaller ones as place settings or
decorations on your tree.
Liven up shop-bought
decorations with glue, glitter and sequins.
HOW TO MAKE THE BAUBLES

Step 1 Make sure all of the baubles are
clean and dry.
Step 2 Unless you are going for simple
spots and stripes, practise your design on
some paper first.
Step 3 Recreate your design on the bauble
using strong glue if you plan to use
sequins, a glue gun is best.
Step 4 Quickly cover the bauble in glitter or
sequins. Remember to work over a sheet of
newspaper!
Step 5 Shake off any excess and leave to
dry. Then its ready to hang up.
Get each family member to make

their own decoration this Christmas.
Stitch or write on the initials of each
person and the date, and continue the
tradition every year. Youll be able to keep
track of how everyones skills develop over
time and have a lovely collection of
handmade ornaments.
festive crockery. You could even make a

special plate to put Santas mince pies
out on
Bespoke for you
Seasons greetings
Make festive place settings using

plain kraft paper gift tags, buttons and
ribbons. Write on each of your guests
names for an impressive seasonal
dinner table.
Take a moment when you put out

your Christmas cards to make a real
display cover a single side table, pin
them to a wreath or string them up and
hang beneath the mantelpiece.
Glass jewels
Scatter glass ornaments over a silver

tray, and add in glass bowls, candlesticks
and vases to create a reective display
perfect for a side table or the entrance hall.
Gone pottery!
Take the kids to a ceramics studio

and paint your own decorations and
Decorate baubles
Ornament vase
Lick of paint
11
Woolly wreath
Wrap a wreath frame in wool for a

modern-yet-rustic look. Embellish with
buttons or pom poms, and pop on your
door make sure you keep it dry, though!
12
Paper snow
Hang stars and snowakes to

bring the beauty of a winters night sky
inside. Mix your own makes in with more
intricate ones for an eclectic look.
For a subtly festive table decoration,

half-ll a clear bauble with soil and pop a
sprig of Christmas tree inside. Wrap
some twine or rope around the base to
create a at surface for it to rest on.
Pick up some plain

wooden ornaments from a
craft shop and paint
them however you fancy
replicate antique style
decorations, or go for
something more
modern and funky.
s
Get the kid h
it
w
d
involve
r
the simple
ts
projec
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Ideas H DIY
16
Indulgent stocking
For a stocking with a very chic

feel, line the opening with a faux-fur trim
and accessorise with a vintage brooch
simply fabulous!
17
Ring the bells
18
Stylish welcome
Create a pretty feature for your

dining table with a 1950s-style sugar
shaker and a little bell. Using red
gingham ribbon, hang the bell inside the
sugar shaker then cover the top with a big
bow. It looks delightful and sounds very
festive, too.
13
Delicious tree decorations
14
Message boards
Homemade biscuits are an

eye-catching and mouth-watering way to
decorate a tree. Just dont expect them to
last the full 12 days of Christmas!
Tap into the chalkboard trend by

taking a frame and cutting a piece of
sturdy cardboard or balsa wood to t.
Paint the board with chalkboard paint
and, when dry, write festive messages on
it such as Goodwill to all men and Santa
Claus is coming to town!.
15
21
Sweetly scented
Tie together a bundle of

cinnamon sticks with some red ribbon,
then add a few dried orange slices
beneath. Create a loop at the top using
raffia and youve got the scent of
Christmas in a tree ornament.
Mix things up a bit at the front

door instead of a traditional wreath,
why not choose a couple of your favourite
baubles to tie onto the knocker with some
pretty ribbon?
19
Vintage touch
Bring the feel of

Christmases past to your
table. Dress each napkin
with a strip of ribbon,
tuck a retro card behind
and pin together with a
vintage badge.
These idea
s
are great fo
r
using up
your stash
!
Garland trim
Embellish a lampshade by gluing

on a felt garland. Keep the decoration
simple and ensure that nothing comes
into contact with the bulb.
20
All doilied up
Create a thrifty-chic
garland. Simply cut your doilies in half,
then stitch along a piece of ribbon. No
23
let it snow
Dont rely on the British

weather to bring a white Christmas
create your own wintry snow globes!
HOW TO MAKE THE SNOW GLOBE
Step 1 Use a strong adhesive to glue
decorations to inside the lid of a jam jar.
Opt for plastic decorations, rather than
ceramic, as the paint on these would run in
the water. We love retro cake toppers!
Step 2 Fill the jar with water and add a
tablespoon of glycerine and two teaspoons
of glitter. Stay traditional with white glitter
or experiment with different colours.
Step 3 Be patient and wait for the glue to
dry. Then, screw the lid on and turn upside
down. Shake for a mini winter wonderland.
sewing skills? Fold the doilies over the

ribbon and glue.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
22
Better than
bunting
Make a festive garland out of

wrapping paper concertina fold
rectangles of the paper, then tie in the
centres. Fan out each side to make a circle
and glue together.
24
Simple bauble
25
Jingle bells
26
Quick candle idea
Pick up a cheap foam ball and

wrap it up in an offcut of Christmassy
fabric. Secure tightly at the top with an
elastic band. Tuck some holly, ivy or
mistletoe into the band, then cover the
elastic with ribbon and create a bow.
Make sure your Christmas

surprises stay secret hang some merry
jingle bells on your door when youre
wrapping presents and no one will be able
to sneak up on you!
Stick a small doily onto a jam jar,

then tie a length of ribbon around it. Add
a tealight candle and youve got a pretty
light for your mantelpiece or hearth.
27
Crafty cushions
Put offcuts of fabrics to go

od
use by combining them to
create seasonal cushions.
If
youre not handy with a sew
ing
machine, use felt and fab
ric
glue to create a simple
winter scene.
28
Taste of Christmas
al
Whip up a batch of season
h
wit
s
jar
te
ora
dec
chutney and
ric
fab
tic
rus
,
els
lab
n
itte
handwr
ve
and dried bay leaves. If you
n
the
th,
too
more of a sweet
uld
wo
jam
ne
mulled wi
look just as festive.
Ideas H DIY
38
Felt tree decorations
Felt is amazing easy to use,

nice and vibrant, and hard wearing too.
These decorations will last for years.
29
Cute as a button
30
Dress the doors
HOW TO MAKE THE DECORATIONS

Step 1 Use a pencil or fabric marker pen to
draw out your chosen shape. Also mark the
positions of any buttons youd like to add.
Step 2 Cut out the shape using fabric
scissors and then sew on the buttons.
Ricrac ribbon is great on a tree decoration
as miniature tinsel thanks to its zigzag
edges pin into place and sew.
Step 3 For the trunk of a tree, wrap ribbon
around the base, pin and sew into place.
Step 4 Stitch a ribbon loop on top and
hang it on your tree.
Create gorgeous button wreaths

for your tree choose coordinating
colours and sizes, then feed onto some
craft wire. Tie a ribbon around the wire
join to hang them up.
Hang big pinecones from your

kitchen cabinets and dresser door
handles. Hot glue some ribbon to the base
of the cone to make a loop, then cover the
join with a bow.
33
Learn a new skill
Why not pick up a new hobby

this Christmas? You could learn how to
knit your own stocking, crochet a wreath,
or cross stitch a cosy cushion for
your home.
34
Crafty cornucopia
Roll up semicircles of
kraft coloured paper to make
rustic llable cones for your
tree. Create holes in either
side and feed some twine
through to hang from the
r. Fill with sweet treats.
31
Presents and parcels
As an alternative to a Christmas
tree (or as well as one!), why not create a
gorgeous display of your presents in the
run-up to the big day?
32
Go nuts!
Fill a glass bowl with the fruits of

the season mix walnuts, hazelnuts and
macadamias with colourful clementines,
cranberries and even kumquats. You will
need to replenish this one regularly,
though they are irresistible!
35
Shining chandelier
36
Chained together
37
Button men
create a scarf out of ribbon to hide the

join. Make a top hat out of felt and secure
a loop behind, to hang.
39
Feast for the eyes
If youve friends or family

popping over for a mince pie, then make
a feature out of your teatime treat. Place
the pies onto a cake stand, dust
with icing sugar and decorate
with sprigs of fresh holly
r
u
o
y
ft
a
theyll look just as good
Cr
h
s
li
ty
s
t
as they taste.
mos
Christmas
ever!
To create an elegant
centrepiece hang a selection of
harmonising baubles on long lengths of
sheer ribbon from the ceiling or a light
tting this looks spectacular over the
centre of a dining table.
40
Cookie cutter
decorations
Create quirky tree ornaments

with festive biscuit cutters stick
different coloured papers behind one
side and attach a loop of ribbon.
The humble paper chain is a

great project for the kids sit them down
with some colourful paper and some
glue, pop a lm on and theyll be quiet
for hours
Use white buttons to create

snowmen decorations. Glue a small
button to the top of a large one, then
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
11
12
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.DUNELM.COM
Make your
house a
warm and
welcoming space
LVVHDVRQ
Home is where the heart is, and even more
so at Christmas. Trim
the tree with

handcrafted decorations and make
your dinner table look extra special in
preparation for the big feast! Evoke a winter
landscape with owers and berries,
while glittering fairy lights and
ickering candles create a cosy glow
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
13
Twinkle, twinkle
DESIGNER: JULIET CARR, PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY JOLLIFFE AND EMMA MITCHELL
Whip up a galaxy of shining silver stars for your festive parties

this year, using simply folded mirrored card
For the home H Silver stars
YOu will need

MIRRORED, PLAIN OR PATTERNED
CARD OR GOOD-QUALITY
(180GSM) PAPER
6LPSOHWRPDNHEXWRKVRHIIHFWLYH)L\RXU
KRXVHZLHVHSUHWW\VWDUVWRPDNHVXUH\RXU
&KULVWPDVUHD\VKLQHVLV\HDU
PENCIL
SCISSORS OR CRAFT KNIFE
METAL RULER
SCORING TOOL, SUCH AS A BONE
FOLDER ALTERNATIVELY USE THE
NON-SHARP SIDE OF YOUR SCISSORS
3MM PUNCH TOOL OR MINI
HOLE PUNCH
NARROW RIBBON, 3MM WIDE,
FOR HANGING
HOW TO MAKE THE STAR

Step 1 Position one of the scored star
templates from page 156 on your chosen
card and draw around it with a pencil.
Step 2 Repeat if desired and then cut your
stars out, using either scissors or a sharp
craft knife.
Step 3 Turn the stars over and, following

the template, use a metal ruler and pencil
to draw the straight lines from the points
It wouldnt be Christmas without
to the centre on the back of the star. Make
a liberal sprinkling of stars, and
sure your lines meet exactly at the midthese folded card versions are an
point of the star (otherwise youll
easy way to achieve this!
lose the crispness of the form).
Theyre made from
Turn your star over and lightly
mirrored card but old
draw in the shorter lines,
Make in a
greeting cards would
from the inverted corners
rainbow of
also work extremely well.
to the centre.
for a
lours
co
You can hang them
childs room
individually on
Step 4 Take your scissors or
a Christmas tree, or make
scoring tool and metal ruler
several and arrange them at
and start to score along your
different heights in a cluster. In
longer pencil lines. Do this with a
fact, theyd look pretty displayed
little pressure, but not so much that you
at any time of year!
will tear the paper or card. Turn over and
repeat the process on the shorter lines.

Step 5 Using a little force with your fingers,
squeeze and fold either side of one of the
longer scored lines so that they are pushed
backward. Do this on all five points. Then
turn over and repeat on the shorter lines.
Step 6 To hang the star, punch a small hole
at the top of one of the stars tips and
thread through your ribbon. A mixture of
large and small stars looks good when
hung as a display.
$QGHUHVPH
Paper Pom-poms
And Other Party
Decorationsby Juliet
Carr is published by
CICO Books, priced
12.99. To buy a copy for the special price of
9.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256
302699 quoting EC8. For more information,
please visitwww.cicobooks.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
15
For the home H Driftwood tree
FRPMXQNWRIXQN
Bring the seaside into your home with a spectacular driftwood
Christmas tree by Pip Leyland
YOu will need

SMALL TREE STUMP
1.2CM WOODEN DOWEL
WOOD GLUE
The beautiful simplicity of bleached wood

PDNHVLVWULGHDOIDKRPHDWV
GHFDWHGLQDQHXWUDOFRORXUSDOHWWH
1.2CM WOOD DRILL

SAW
MEASURING TAPE
WORKTOP WITH CLAMPS
WOODEN MALLET
STAR FOR THE TOP
Foraging is all the rage at the moment

so why not incorporate this trend into
making bespoke festive trimmings for
your home? The great thing about this
design is the endless possibilities it
holds. We love the seaside, so we
chose to use driftwood here; however,
woodland or industrial themes would
work just as well. The tree looks
fantastic as it stands, or can be dressed
up with fairy lights, baubles or tinsel,
or you could even show your creative
flair by getting your paints out. This is a
great way to boost your eco brownie
points too its recycling at its best!
HOW TO MAKE THE DRIFTWOOD TREE
Step 1 Clean your pieces of wood with a
brush and disinfectant and leave to dry
completely before starting the project.
Using the saw, cut your tree stump, making
sure that the bottom side is completely flat.
Test that it doesnt wobble when placed
upright this is very important for the
overall stability of the tree.
7RSWLS
You can easily adapt the measurement of
this tree to fit in with the wood you collect or
the size of the room its going to be in.
Step 2 Cut the dowel 2.5cm longer than

the height you would like the tree to
stand. Dont forget to add on the height
of the tree stump when estimating this.
Clamp the tree stump onto your
workbench securely and mark the centre
point with a pencil.
Step 3 Choosing a drill bit that is the
same diameter as the wooden dowel,
drill 2.5cm deep into the centre of the
tree stump using the pencil mark as a
guide. Check the dowel fits and if it
doesnt, use the drill to cut a little more
wood away from the edges. Blob a
generous amount of wood glue into the
hole and wiggle the dowel into it. The
dowel needs to fit snugly into the hole and
you can gently use a wooden mallet to tap
it in further. Wipe any excess glue from the
tree stump before it dries.
collected enough for back-up pieces.

Step 6 Using the thinnest pieces of wood,
cut enough lengths to cover the diameter
of the bottom piece of dowel to form the
trunk. Glue each piece in place and tie
string around the trunk to secure
until dry.
Step 4 Lay your driftwood out onto the

floor to make it easier to select the
best pieces. Using the smallest
piece first arrange the
Step 7 Once dry, thread the
wooden sticks into a
Use your
to
longest piece of driftwood
tree-shaped triangle with
s
winter walk r
onto the dowel, place a little
each piece slightly bigger
nd wood fo
glue around the hole and
than the last until it
this project
trunk and thread the next on
measures the height of your
top. Repeat until all the pieces
dowel. Remember to leave an
have been threaded onto the
inch or two at the bottom and an
dowel. Once all the branches have
inch at the top of the dowel.
been threaded, make sure the weight is
evenly distributed.
Step 5 Using the same drill bit and your
workbench and clamps, drill holes in the
Step 8 Leave to dry thoroughly overnight.
middle of all your pieces of driftwood.
To finish, choose your tree topper and
Some of the smaller or dryer pieces may
secure in place.
crack or crumble, so make sure you have
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
17
Great
g
stashbustin
projects!
For the home H Dcoupage decorations
Layer it up
Get creative with festive papers to make Pip Leylands beautiful
dcoupage projects theyll wow your Christmas visitors
YOu will need

WOODEN CAPITAL LETTERS
PLANT POT
CARDBOARD BIRD DECORATIONS
POMPOM TRIM
PVA GLUE
PAINT BRUSH
MIXING BOWL
SHARP PENCIL
SCISSORS
SELECTION OF FESTIVE PAPERS OLD
WRAPPING PAPER, TISSUE PAPER OR
DCOUPAGE PAPERS
STRING
BLU-TACK
Add an on-trend touch to your home

with these stylish dcoupage makes,
featuring oversized letters, an
embellished plant pot and a hanging
bird decoration. With so many
gorgeous papers around, the
possibilities to make your set unique are
endless, whether you opt for classic
colours or experiment with pastel
shades. You can use any thickness of
paper for the letters, but generally
thicker is better. For the pot and bird
you will need thin paper, such as
wrapping or tissue paper.
Line up the edges of the letter with the

edges of the paper to avoid waste. Draw
around the letter in pencil, then cut out.
Repeat for all the letters, using different
papers for each one. Make a hole in the
centre of the O by placing Blu-Tack
underneath it and stabbing with a pencil;
this will enable you to cut out the centre
without creasing the paper.
HOW TO MAKE THE LETTERS

Step 1 Protect your workspace with some
cardboard or a plastic sheet, then pour half
a cup of PVA glue into a mixing bowl.
Step 4 Add a splash of water to the glue in

the mixing bowl and stir well.
Step 2 Put a letter, wrong way around, onto

the reverse of one of the festive papers.
Step 3 Use a paintbrush to coat each

wooden letter with glue, then stick the
corresponding paper letter on top; line up
the edges exactly.
Step 5 Use the same paintbrush to coat the

letter with the glue/water mix. This will seal
the paper in place and give it a glossy
finish. Leave overnight to dry completely.
HOW TO MAKE THE PLANT POT

Step 1 Measure the plant pot, then cut your
festive paper to this size plus a 6cm overlap
to the height and a 4cm overlap to the
diameter. Cut the paper in half so that you
have two matching papers.
Step 2 Use a paintbrush to coat the entire
plant pot with PVA glue. Stick one half of
the paper to the back of the pot and
smooth into place, using your fingers to
push out any wrinkles. Fold the extra paper
under the bottom of the pot, making sure
there are no big bumps and lumps that
might make it sit wonky when upright.
Step 3 Once you are happy with the back of
the pot, then stick the front piece of paper
in place. Add more glue to the overlapping
paper and secure in place, folding the ends
under the bottom of the pot, as before.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
19
For the home H Dcoupage decorations
Step 4 Measure the circumference and

depth of the rim of the plant pot and cut a
contrasting piece of festive paper, adding a
4cm overlap to each measurement. Cut this
piece of paper lengthwise to make three
long strips.

the mixing bowl and stir well. Use a
paintbrush to cover the entire plant pot
with this glue/water mix to seal the paper
and give it a glossy finish. Leave overnight
to dry completely.
Step 5 Use a paintbrush to cover the rim of

the plant pot in PVA glue. Starting at the
back of the plant pot, attach the first strip
of paper. You will need to make sure there
is a straight line along the bottom edge of
the rim, covering any overlapping paper
from the body of the pot. Repeat until the
rim is covered by the papers.
Step 8 Add a pompom trim just under the

edge of the rim using PVA glue, to finish.
Step 6 Cut into the excess paper sticking

up from the top of the pot at 1cm intervals.
Fold these tabs over the top of the pot,
using extra glue to secure them in place.
20
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
HOW TO MAKE THE BIRD HANGINGS

Step 1 Put the cardboard bird decorations,
wrong way around, onto the reverse side of
one of the festive papers. Draw around
each bird (omitting the hanging loop) using
pencil, then cut out.
Step 2 Use a paintbrush to coat the right
side of each bird with PVA glue, then stick
the corresponding paper bird on top.
Step 3 Stick the two bird shapes together.

Add scraps of paper between the two bird
shapes to pad out and give them a 3D
appearance.
the mixing bowl and stir well. Use the same
paintbrush to coat the bird with this glue/
water mix. This will seal the papers in place
and give the hanging bird a glossy finish.
Leave overnight to dry completely
Step 5 To make the hanging, tie a length of
string through the loop at the top of the
bird.
Catch
me if you
can!
No baking is required for
Manuela Tranis supercute gingerbread man
ily
Craft a fam
of felties by
e
enlarging th
s
te
la
temp
For the home H Felt gingerbread man
YOu will need

LIGHT BROWN FELT
PALE PINK FELT
NATURAL WHITE FELT
SIMPLE SEWING THREADS (SAME
COLOURS AS FELT)
BLACK EMBROIDERY THREAD
POLYESTER TOY STUFFING
NATURAL WHITE LACE RIBBON, 7MM
WIDE
TWO 10MM PALE PINK BUTTONS
TWO 6MM BLACK ROUNDED GLASS
BEADS
2MM SILVER SEED BEADS
Our little smiling gingerbread man is

good enough to eat! Settle down and
sew up this favourite storybook
character to hang on the Christmas
tree or in a childs bedroom. If youre
new to felt craft then hes a lovely
project to start with, as he only
requires basic sewing skills. One of
these felt cuties would make a great
role play toy for children, too, so why
not package up one alongside a copy
of the book to make a wonderful gift
for a young child?
HOW MAKE THE GINGERBREAD MAN
Step 1 Photocopy and cut out all the
pattern pieces from page 156. Place the
head template on light brown felt and trace
it, using a pencil. Cut out the felt head
piece leaving an approx. 5mm seam
allowance from the pencil trace. Use this
head piece as a template to cut out a
second head piece.
Step 2 Use the paper template to cut out
one body. Sew a 3.5cm piece of natural
white lace ribbon at both arms and legs of
22
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
the gingerbread man, using whipstitch and

matching thread. Fold the ribbons ends
and secure them at the back with a couple
of stitches inside the felt (dont sew all the
way through the felt). Add two 10mm pink
buttons to the gingerbread mans tummy
when done.
Step 3 Pin the icing paper template on
natural white felt and cut out one felt icing
piece, leaving an approx. 5mm seam
allowance from the top edge. Cut two
9-10mm dots from pale pink felt to make
the cheeks.
Step 4 Outline the pencil trace on the head
piece with a few pins or make a simple
basting along the pencil trace with white
thread that youll remove later. This will
help you keep your stitching within the
pencil trace. Turn the head piece so that
the pencil trace is at the back, pin the icing
piece in place and sew along its bottom
edge only, using whipstitch and matching
natural white thread. Backstitch a little
smiling mouth using black embroidery
thread separated in half (3 strands).
For the home H Felt gingerbread man
'HOLJKWFKLOGUHQDQGDGXOWVDOLNHLV
&KULVWPDVE\LQJLQJDIDYRXULWHIDLU\WDOH
FKDUDFWHUWROLIHLQIHOW
Whipstitch the pink cheeks as well. Remove
all of the pins and basting when complete.
Step 5 Pin the two head pieces together
wrong side out and start sewing along the
pencil trace from the heads bottom,
leaving a small 2cm opening to insert the
polyester toy stuffing. Sew very small
backstitches in matching brown thread and
pull the thread firmly at each stitch.
Carefully trim off the seam allowance when
done. Turn the head right side out and stuff
it. Leave the gap open.
Step 6 Cut out a second body piece. Pin
the two body pieces together and start
sewing from one side of the neck, leaving
the top open for stuffing. Use blanket stitch
and matching brown thread. Stuff the arms
and legs first. Sew up the gap when done.
Step 7 Take a 15cm piece of pale pink

cotton thread and knot its ends together to
make a hanging loop. Use a larger needle
to poke the loop through the gingerbread
mans head opening and out on its top.
Step 8 To add the silver seed beads onto
the icing of the gingerbread mans head,
poke a needle with white thread in
between the icing whipstitches. Pull the
thread until the knot disappears
underneath, stitch all the beads in place
and secure the thread with a hidden knot
under one bead when done.
Step 9 To add the eyes, poke the needle
with black thread through the heads
opening and out just above one cheek.
Add one black bead, poke the needle
inside the head again and out above the
other cheek. Add the second black bead.

Repeat to make sure both eyes are
attached firmly to the head. Secure the
thread with a hidden knot under one bead
when done.
Step 10 Pin the head to the body (the neck
hidden inside the head completely) and
sew the gingerbread man together using
ladder stitch. To make a tiny bow tie, cut a
2.5x1.5cm piece from pale pink felt and
wrap a piece of matching pink thread right
at its centre a couple of times. Pull firmly
and secure the thread with a knot at the
back. Add the bow tie to the gingerbread
mans neck with a couple of stitches and
embellish it with a silver seed bead in
the middle.
0DQXHOD7DQL
Find more fab felties on designer Manuela
Tranis Etsy shop at www.manufatti.etsy.
com. And keep up with her free tutorials and
inspiration at www.manufatti.blogspot.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
23
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.SAINSBURYS.CO.UK
Trends H Golden
Golden glamour
Nothing says festive luxury more than dcor based around gold accents,
whether you use it subtly or go for fully glamorous accessories
This lavish
dcor will
shine in the
candlelight!
A touch of sparkle +
Pick up plain wooden shapes from

your local craft shop and coat with
gold paint and then add glitter to
give them the wow factor. We love
these fretwork decorations from
www.tch.net
Dazzling display
Take a leaf out of our book and make

a wreath this season thats more
striking than the usual red and green
offering. Tie leaves around a wire
circle then spray them with gold paint
or try this wreath from
www.marksandspencer.com
Picture perfect
Trawl antiques shops and reclamation yards

for old gilt frames, then use them to show off
vintage-style decorations for a classy display
thats actually super-simple to put together.
From www.rigbyandmac.com
y
Sheer opulence y
Old tree decorations can easily

be given a glamorous makeover
by spraying them with glitter
paint youll create an extra
luxurious look in a matter of
moments. Or buy a gold
decoration like this one from
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Golden highlights +
Glam up plain white tableware by adding gilt

highlights with specialist paint or go for these
fab items from www.wilko.com
Time to party +
Holding a few festive gatherings this

year? Give your guests stylish treat
cones. Easily create them from gold
card, then hang from gold ribbon and
decorate with organza or silk bows
like these from www.dunelm.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
25
Uses whole
cross stitch
tch
and backsti
only
Touch of luxe
Spread joy and happiness with Emma Congdons
stylish sayings, framed inside a golden hoop
for a fabulous festive nish
For the home H Cross stitched hoops
20
YOu will need
20
STRANDED COTTON AS LISTED IN

THE KEY BELOW
SIZE 24 TAPESTRY NEEDLE
14-COUNT WHITE AIDA MEASURING
10
15x15CM FOR EACH DESIGN

13CM WOODEN CRAFT HOOPS
GOLD ACRYLIC PAINT
RIBBON
MEASUREMENTS
9.5x9CM ON 14-COUNT FABRIC
10
The season of good cheer is nearly

with us, so lets celebrate in stitches!
We love the clever way that these cross
stitched designs use festive words to
create a striking decoration. Theyre
also a great way to incorporate the
current typography trend into your
home in a crafty way. Worked in
sumptuous shades of gold and purple,
these classic designs are sure to be
brought out year after year to adorn
your home. The real beauty of these,
however, is that they use whole stitches
and backstitch only, so youll be able to
complete them in no time at all! To
finish the Christmas look, display your
work in wooden hoops that youve
painted with gold acrylic paint.
So simple yet so pretty!
WDMC
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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
20
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HOLLY JOLLY XMAS CHART
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
29
For the home H Crochet fairy lights
String it out!
Add a splash of colour to your walls with Liz Wards cool crocheted fairy
light bunting. No need to check if the bulbs are blown with these!
YOu will need

RICO ESSENTIALS COTTON DK (100%
Substitute
es
pastel shad
e
for a vintag
look
COTTON, 50G/130M) IN RED (02),

FUCHSIA (14), GREY (25),TURQUOISE
(33), ROYAL (36), EMERALD (45) AND
BANANA (63)
FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162
3.5MM CROCHET HOOK
WOOL NEEDLE
TOY STUFFING
MEASUREMENTS
127CM LONG
ABBREVIATIONS
FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 155
Handmade bunting is always a great

item to make at Christmas, as it can be
re-used each year. Try our crochet fairy
lights, which combine traditional
shapes with funky colours.
HOW TO MAKE THE LIGHTS
Make 12 (two in each colour start each
one in Grey yarn).
Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts.
Round 1 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next), repeat
to end. [9 sts]
Round 2 (Dc into each of next 2 sts, 2dc in
next), repeat to end. [12 sts] Change to bulb
colour after round 2.
Round 3 (Dc into next st, 2dc in next st),
repeat to the end. [18 sts]
Round 4 Dc in each st to the end. [18 sts]
Round 5 (Dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next
st) repeat to end. [24 sts]
Rounds 6-8 Dc in each st to the end. [24 sts]
Round 9 (Dc2tog, dc in next 10 sts) repeat
to end. [22 sts]
to end. [20 sts]
to end. [18 sts]

to end. [16 sts]
Round 13 (Dc2tog, dc in next 6sts) repeat
to end. [14 sts]
to end. [12 sts]
to end. [10 sts]
to end. [8 sts] Fill with stuffing.
to end. [6 sts]
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through the loop to secure.
Using a wool needle, weave the yarn

through the last 6 sts and pull tight to close.
Weave in the yarn ends and cut off the
remaining yarn.
HOW TO MAKE THE TAPE
Make one in Grey yarn.
Ch261.
Dc in second ch from hook, (dc in next 20 ch
sts, slip stitch in the top of a bulb to attach it
to the tape). Repeat until you have
connected all the bulbs along the tape,
evenly spaced, dc in the remaining ch sts.
Weave in and cut off any loose ends.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
31
Handmade H Crochet Crown
For the home H Button baubles
Vintage charm
Dip into your button box to make Dorothy Woods stunning baubles
in pretty shades of cream, ivory and gold
YOu will need

THREE POLYSTYRENE SHAPES, ABOUT
8CM IN SIZE
MIXTURE OF IVORY, CREAM AND
:KDWEHWWHUZD\WRPDNHXVHRIDW
FRHFWLRQRIEXWWRQV\RXYHEQVDYLQJXS
IDVSHFLDORFFDVLRQ"
GOLD BUTTONS
HOT GLUE GUN AND GLUE STICKS
7MMx1M COFFEE-COLOURED
ORGANZA RIBBON
35G TUB SEQUIN/BEAD PINS IN GOLD
OR BRASS
30x4MM GOLD BEADS
20G OF SIZE 8 AND 11 SEED BEADS IN
IVORY AND GOLD
BAMBOO SKEWER
If youve been hoarding a selection

of pretty vintage buttons, nows your
chance to show them off! If youre not
a button collector, however, then you
can look in charity shops or online, or
raid the button boxes of relatives
who have been keeping hold of their
spares for years. It takes several
handfuls of buttons to make each
bauble, so you can add some
unusually shaped ones to the mix to
make them more interesting.
HOW TO MAKE THE BAUBLES
Step 1 Begin with the round bauble.
Plug in the glue gun with a glue stick
inserted, and bring up to
temperature. Apply some glue to a
small area, about postage stamp size,
and then stick buttons onto the area,
butting the edges together.
Top tip!
Sort your buttons before you start to ensure
theres an even distribution of distinctive
buttons for each bauble.
the pointed end of the skewer so that the

knot is on the surface. Leave to dry.
Step 2 Continue to apply the glue to the

Step 4 Fill in the gaps between the buttons
bauble in small areas, adding large
with different sized seed beads and
buttons from time to time as well
small round gold beads. Use the
as the smaller buttons. If a
sequin pins to add one bead
button has a shank you can
at a time, pushing the pins
cut it off using pliers or
Use this
firmly into the polystyrene
overlap it slightly with
technique to
using the flat end of the
the flatter buttons.
in
decorate pla s
skewer.
e
wooden box
Step 3 Once the whole
Step 5 When making the
shape is covered, use the
heart and star baubles, choose
handle of a fine paintbrush or a
buttons that fit over the edges and
skewer to pierce a small, single hole
around the flatter shapes. The star is
about 1cm deep between the buttons at
particularly tricky, and youll need to
the top of the decoration. Fold a 25cm
graduate the sizes of the buttons down
length of ribbon in half and tie an overhand
each spike and glue small buttons over the
knot about 1.5cm from the cut ends. Apply
gap between the rows of buttons. Again,
a small amount of hot glue into the hole
fill any small gaps with beads.
and then push the tails into the hole with
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
33
DESIGNER: CLARE YOUNG, PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON
ur
Light up yo
table this
Christmas!
For the home H Foil candle holders
0DUYHRXVPHWDLFV
Try something different for your Christmas decorations this year
with a set of striking foil candle holders
YOu will need

TRACING PAPER
These unusual candle holders are

based on the Mexican tradition of
punched tinware. As well as looking fab,
theyre also very easy to make.
PENCIL
SCISSORS
2 SHEETS OF THICK FOIL (AVAILABLE
FROM CRAFT SUPPLY STORES OR USE
Step 1 Copy and enlarge the horse

template and patterns on page 156 onto
tracing paper and cut out the horse shape.
A DISPOSABLE FOIL ROASTING TRAY),

MEASURING APPROX. 21x25CM
OLD BALLPOINT PEN
3 CANDLES
STRONG DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE OR
GLUE
3 SMALL METAL TART TINS TO PLACE
THE CANDLES IN (YOU CAN USE
SMALL GLASS CANDLE HOLDERS, BUT
MAKE SURE THAT ANYTHING YOU USE
IS VERY STABLE)
Step 2 Lay the template on a piece of foil.

Draw around the template with a ballpoint
pen an old one that has run out of ink is
ideal. Press firmly to make a clear indented
line. It may help to place the foil on a
newspaper or magazine, as this will allow
you to make a deeper indentation. Cut out
the horse shape. Take care, as the edges
are sharp, and do not use your best fabric
scissors as the blades will blunt very easily.
Step 3 Lay the traced template on the foil
horse and draw over the lines with the
ballpoint pen, pressing firmly to transfer
the pattern.
Step 4 Place the horse next to the candle.

Take a strip of foil approximately 2cm wide.
Bend it into a ring and use double-sided
tape or glue to stick it to the back of the
horse, so that it fits snugly around the
candle and the horses feet are level with
the bottom of the candle.
Step 5 Repeat steps 1-4 to make the heart
and circle decorations, using the
templates. Place the decorated candle in
the tart tin or holder. Repeat to make two
more foil candle holders.
AnGeUHVPH
Handmade Christmas is
published by CICO Books
at 14.99. To purchase a
copy at the special price of
10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256
302699 quoting EE2.For more information,
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
35
t
Have a go a
g
needle feltin
technique!
For the home H Felt snowmen
Smiling snowmen
These needle-felted cuties will make a lovely set of decorations for your
home this festive season! By Vicky Craxton
Its snow time! These snowmen are

made by felting yarn with a needle and
will last for years to come. Once theyre
created, we guarantee that theyll be
brought out for many Christmases to
come. Each one has a snuggly hat and
a scarf, plus chunky mittens to keep
them cosy. You can really enjoy
yourself by making each snowman
unique, and varying the colours in the
accessories and details. Needle felting
is a fun craft to try, and we guarantee
that once youve made one snowman,
youll end up making a whole family!
Roving is wool that hasnt been spun
into yarn. Its also called combed tops
and is easily available online.
HOW TO MAKE THE SNOWMEN
Step 1 For the body, tightly roll about 8g of
white wool into a ball, and stab with the
needle until it forms a solid ball. Turn it
continuously while you stab to keep the ball
shape. Add layers of the wool to make the
ball bigger until it is about 6cm tall. Try to
flatten the bottom by stabbing it with the
needle and shaping it with your thumbs.
This will help the body to stand upright
when its finished.
Step 2 For the head, tightly roll about 5g of
white wool into a ball and stab with the
needle until it forms a solid ball. Add layers
of the wool to make the ball bigger until
you have your required head size for the
body. Hold the head on top of the body

and, with the needle, stab the bottom of
the head onto the top of the body until it
stays fixed.
YOu will need

160G OF WHITE MERINO WOOL
ROVING
Step 3 For the arms, cut a 10cm length of

white wool and fold it in half. Leaving one
end fluffy, stab this with the needle to
make a solid arm shape. Place the arm onto
the body and start by stabbing the fluffy
end onto the body first. Then stab the
edges of the arm to secure it to the body.
7G OF BLUE ROVING
3G OF LIGHT GREEN ROVING
2G OF YELLOW ROVING
4G OF LIGHT PURPLE ROVING
4G OF BROWN ROVING
4G OF RED ROVING
6G OF BLACK ROVING
1G OF ORANGE ROVING
Step 4 For the mittens, cut a thin 5cm

length of coloured roving and wrap it over
the end of the arm as a hand. Stab this in
place with the needle until it sticks. Roll a
very small piece of the roving into a ball,
line up the cuff edge and stab this at the
side of the coloured hand to form a solid
thumb shape.
SMALL AMOUNT OF BABY PINK AND

DARK GREEN ROVING
SIZES 38 AND 40 FELTING NEEDLES
NEEDLE-FELTING FOAM PAD
MEASUREMENTS
BOBBLE HAT SNOWMAN
11x8.5x6CM
EARMUFFS SNOWMAN
Step 5 For the bobble hat, cut an 18cm

length of light green roving, pull apart
slightly and fluff up. Wrap this around the
head to form a rough hat shape and stab in
place with the needle. When this is fixed
and is a solid hat shape, wrap a thin strip of
yellow roving around the bottom of the hat
and stab this until it fixes. Then make a ball
with some yellow roving and fix this to the
end of the hat by stabbing it in place.
9.5x8.5x6CM
CLOCHE HAT SNOWMAN
9.5x9x6CM
TOP HAT SNOWMAN
12x8.5x6CM
Step 6 For the cloche hat, start in the same

way as the bobble hat to fix the purple
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
37
For the home H Felt snowmen
11
14
$JJHRXVTXDUWHWRIIXQGHFDWLRQV
DWDUHGHQLWHO\VHWWREHFRPHSDUWRI\RXU
IDPLO\V&KULVWPDVWUDGLWLRQV
roving to the head. Cut another length of
the purple roving so it is long enough to
wrap around the bottom of the hat. Roll it
into a sausage shape and stab with the
needle to make a solid brim shape. Attach
this to the hat by wrapping it around the
bottom, and by stabbing the side that
touches the hat until it fixes. While the brim
is fixed, you can stab it to make it more
solid. To add a band, wrap a thin strip of
yellow roving around the bottom edge of
the hat and stab it in place.
Step 7 For the earmuffs, make two blue
balls using the same technique as before,
but as you stab, squeeze each one into a
flatter shape. Fix onto each side of the head
by stabbing them in place. Then cut a thin
6cm length of blue roving and fix to the top
of the head so it joins up the earmuffs.
6DIHW\UVW
When stabbing the wool, rest it on the foam
pad do not place it directly on the table.
38
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Step 8 For the top hat, cut a 20cm length of

black roving and roll it up into a cylinder
shape. Stab this with the needle until it is
solid. Cut a 10cm length of black roving,
fold it up and stab into a solid disc shape as
the brim. Fix this on top of the head by
stabbing it in place, then add the hat on
top of the brim by stabbing the bottom
edges of the hat. To add a band, wrap a
thin strip of red roving around the hat and
stab it in place.
Step 11 For the snowmans buttons, roll

up two small pieces of black roving and
stab in place on the tummy of the
snowman. Keep stabbing them to form
two solid circles.
Step 12 For the snowmans eyes, roll up
two 2cm pieces of black roving into balls.
Stab them in place onto the face. Lightly
stab each ball until they become
more solid.
Step 13 For the snowmans cheeks, take
two very thin pieces of pink roving and
lightly stab them in place to make rosy
cheeks on each side of the face.
Step 14 For the snowmans eyebrows and
smile, take a thin length of black roving and
twist it in between your fingers so that
it becomes like thread. Lightly
stab in place to form the
features.
Step 9 For the snowmans scarf, cut a

20cm length of coloured roving
of your choice and stab into a
long solid shape, but leave
the ends fluffy. Wrap it
Use one as s
tma
around the neck so the
a fun Chris r!
ends cross over at the front,
tree toppe
and stab it in place.
Step 10 For the nose, cut a thin
4cm length of orange roving and
fold it in half. Stab this into a solid carrot
shape and leave the end fluffy. Attach this
to the face by stabbing the fluffy end of the
nose to the head until it is secure.
Step 15 For the holly leaves,

cut a thin 2cm length of dark
green roving and fold it in
half. Stab it in place on the hat
or earmuffs and shape the leaf
by stabbing the required areas
inwards. For the berry, roll a small piece of
red roving into a ball and stab it in between
the leaves to cover the join, until solid and
fixed in place.
Making scents
PHOTOGRAPHY: DARREN CHUNG, MICHELLE GARRETT AND PAUL RYAN-GOFF, STYLING: EMMA VOWLES AND SOPHIE ROBINSON
Create your own delicious

xing
smelling pot pourri by mi
,
ise
an
r
sta
es,
ng
ora
ed
dri
d
an
eg
tm
cinnamon, cloves, nu
e
ros
few
a
h
bay leaves, wit
petals and pine cones
to decorate.
Ideas H Flowers
10 simple flower ideas

Get out your vintage vases and vessels, and fill them with seasonal blooms
for easy yet striking festive displays
Natural flourish
Build your own wreath
Use ribbons to tie small sprigs of

mistletoe to Christmas gifts. Not only
will they make the wrapping much
prettier, theyll look stunning arranged
underneath the tree, too.
Decorate your door with this pretty

circlet of hellebores and ivy.
HOW TO MAKE THE WREATH

Step 1 Wire in flat moss, thistles and
lichen-covered fruit-tree twigs such as
apple onto a wire wreath base.
Step 2 Build up the wreath by twisting
some ivy through the twigs, poking the
ends into the damp moss. In our example,
weve added some battery-powered fairy
lights and silver-frosted birch twigs.
Step 3 Add some fake hellebores (fresh
ones are too unstable). Twist them into the
twigs and attach with wire.
Step 4 Add a ribbon and hang up. Spray
with water about three times a week.
Places please
Set a pretty place using a hand-tied

mix of larch twig, thistle and a couple of
ivy leaves. Write your guests name in a
place-set bauble visit www.confetti.co.
uk or www.favourfairy.co.uk
6
3
Dressing up
wrap around
Make your staircase the star of the

show this Christmas by creating a festive
display. Tie small branches of r and ivy
to the banisters with orist wire, then
decorate by arranging bunches of roses,
dried oranges and cinnamon sticks and
attach at intervals. If youve children in
the house, use articial roses for a sturdier
arrangement.
Window vases are plentiful in the

nations charity shops and sit beautifully
on shelving and window sills. Fill with
oasis, then add steel berries, white
hellebores, white carnations, silversprayed silver birch, snowberries,
Christmas tree offcuts, acacia, ivy and
larch twigs to create a beautiful display
that will wow your guests.
Tree trimmings
A door swag makes a great change

from a wreath. Start with an offcut of
Christmas tree, then layer with holly, ivy
and berries. Secure with gardening string
and tie a contrasting ribbon around it.
Festive makeover
Rustic choice
Recycle a simple jam jar and ll with

an exuberant display of hydrangea,
amaryllis and tendrils of ivy. For a cooler
and less traditional palette, choose blue
hydrangeas and white amaryllis. Add to
the sense of occasion by sitting the jar
inside a basic wreath.
Use what you already

have in the house and
give it a Christmassy
twist. Select some of
your normal
houseplants and pop
the tubs into a fabric
bag. Choose a fabric and make into a

bucket shape by hemming the raw edges
along the top, then tie with a ribbon.
10
Crowning glory
For a glamorous cake display,

stack two cake stands on top of each other
then ll the bottom tier with rose heads
and intersperse with currants. Finish with
a ring of washed ivy. Add further owers
and currants to the top of the icing.
Be sure
ur
to check yo l
n
orists a
te
deliver y da
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
41
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTH JENKINSON
Make this
decoration
in under
an hour!
For the home H Pompom baubles
)HVWLYHXIQHVV
Enhance plain glass baubles with tiny handmade pompoms
for a yarntastic tree decoration
YOu will need

SMALL AMOUNTS OF RED, WHITE
AND GREEN YARN
SCRAP OF RED SATIN RIBBON, 3MM
WIDE
GLASS BAUBLE OF THE DESIRED SIZE
(ONE USED HERE HAS A 9CM
DIAMETER) THAT CAN BE OPENED
FROM THE TOP
SIZE 25MM POMPOM MAKER (YOU
CAN ALSO USE CARDBOARD DISCS
OR A FORK)
EGG CUP
In classic Christmas colours, these

cute little pompom baubles are such a
fun project! You can also experiment
with different ideas, such as using
tinsel yarn to make the pompoms,
including more of them or adding
embellishments inside the bauble such
as rhinestones or sequins.
HOW TO MAKE THE POMPOM BAUBLE
Step 1 Remove the bauble top and place
to one side. Sit the glass bauble on the egg
cup to stop it from rolling away.
Step 2 Make up two pompoms in each
colour of yarn, so you have six in total. Trim
each pompom into a neat ball.
Step 3 Once you are happy that all six
pompoms are of equal size and shaped
carefully, insert them into the glass bauble.
Use the top of a pen rather than your finger

glass baubles can break easily. A little
pressure should be enough to push them
through the neck of the bauble.
Step 4 To finish, carefully replace the
bauble top and add some red ribbon to
allow it to hang. Trim to the desired length
and secure with a knot.
$QGHUHVPH
20 To Make: Pompom
Christmas by Alistair
Macdonald is published
by Search Press and is
priced 4.99. For more
information about the
book, please visit www.searchpress.com
7KHFUHDWLYHSRVVLELOLWLHVIFRPELQLQJ
SRPSRPVDQGEDXEOHVDUHHQGOHVVKDYH
IXQVLQJZKDW\RXFRPHXSZL
Top tip!
Never use a metal instrument to push the
pompoms into the bauble, as this may
accidentally crack the glass.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
43
Make a house a home

Celebrate your space this Christmas by crocheting a fun
festive hanging that the whole family will love
For the home H Crochet banner
YOu will need

DMC NATURA JUST COTTON (100%
COTTON, 50G/155M), 1 BALL
OF EACH:
YARN A: GREEN VALLEY (N14)
YARN B: PASSION (N23)
YARN C: CHARTREUSE (N48)
3MM CROCHET HOOK
YARN NEEDLE TO DARN IN ENDS
MEASUREMENTS 16x16CM APPROX.
PER PANEL
ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST,
SEE PAGE 155
Spell out your favourite place

in yarn! This sweet hanging is
made in double crochet,
meaning that its a great project
for beginners and intermediate
crocheters. This 100% cotton
4ply yarn from DMC is super
soft to craft with and gives a
lovely matt finish. Weve used
classic shades of red and green
here, but as there are 60 colours
of Natura Just Cotton, you can
easily change them to match
your chosen dcor.
HOW TO MAKE THE HANGING
Background panel
Using Yarn A:
Row 1: 27ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook,
1dc in next 25 ch, turn. [26 sts]
Rows 2-30: 1ch (does not count as
st), 1dc in each dc, turn.
1dc in next 26dc, 2dc in next dc, ss to 1st

ch, turn. [120 sts]
Row 3: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next
29dc) 4 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [124 sts].
Row 4: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next
30dc) 4 times, ss to 1st ch, fasten off and
sew in ends. [128 sts]
EDGING
Continue working in yarn A.
Row 1: 1ch (does not count as st),
2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 24dc, 4dc
in next dc, working in row ends,
miss 1st row, (1dc in next 5 rows,
HOW TO MAKE THE H
miss next row) 4 times, 1dc in next
Row 1: With yarn B, 33ch, 1dc in 2nd ch
4dc, miss next row, working along
from hook, 1dc in next 8ch, 10ch, 1dc in
other side of starting ch in unused
2nd ch from hook, 1dc in next 8 ch, 1dc in
loops, 4dc in next ch, 1dc in next
next 14ch, 10ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook,
24ch, 4dc in next ch, working
1dc in next 8 ch, 1dc in next 9ch, turn.
in row ends, miss 1st row,
[53ch and 50dc]
(1dc in next 5 rows,
Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc
miss next row) 4
in next 16dc, 3dc in next dc,
r
This banne
times, 1dc in next
working along other side of
is crocheted
4dc, 2dc in last row.
ch in unused loops, miss 1st
c
using just d
Change to border colour,
ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in
stitches
(we have used the same yarn
next 7ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next
colour for the edging as each
10dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 7dc,
letter).
3dc in next dc, working along
To join round, ss to 1st ch, do not
other side of ch in unused loops,
turn. [112 sts]
miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 8 ch,
Row 2: 1ch (does not count as st), working
1dc in next 8 dc, 3dc in next dc, working
in back loops only, 2dc in next dc, (1dc in
along other side of ch in unused loops,
next 26dc, 2dc in each of next 2dc) 3 times,
miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 7ch,
dc3tog, 1dc in next 10ch, dc3tog, 1dc in
next 7ch, 3dc in next ch, ss to 1st ch, turn.
[108 sts]
Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, *3dc in next dc,
If youre an experienced crocheter, you can
1dc in next 7dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 8dc,
adapt the pattern so that the letters spell out
dc3tog, 1dc in next 7dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc
NOEL, or experiment to create the initials of
in next 2dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next
your loved ones.
18dc, 3dc in next dc, ** 1dc in next 2dc, rep
from * to **, 1dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch,
Top tip!
46
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
For the home H Crochet banner
turn. [116 sts]

Fasten off and sew in ends.
HOW TO MAKE THE O
With yarn C, 36ch, taking care not to twist,
ss tog to form a loop.
Row 1: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5dc)
6 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [42 sts]
Row 2: 1ch, 1dc in next 2dc, (2dc in next dc,
1dc in next 6dc) 5 times, 2dc in next dc, 1dc
in next 4dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [48 sts]
Row 3: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 7dc)
6 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [54 sts]
Row 4: 1ch, 1dc in next 3dc, (2dc in next dc,
1dc in next 8dc) 5 times, 2dc in next dc, 1dc
in next 5dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [60 sts]
Row 5: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, dc in next 9dc)
6 times, ss to 1st ch. [66 sts]
HOW TO MAKE THE M
Row 1: With yarn B, 54ch, 1dc in 2nd ch
from hook, dc in next 16 ch, 2dc in each of
next 2 ch, 1dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog, 1dc in
next 6 ch, 2dc in each of next 2 ch, 1dc in
next 17 ch, turn. (54ch and 55dc).
Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 16
dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in
next dc, 1dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in
next 5 dc, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next

2 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 16
dc, 3dc in next dc, working along
other side of ch in unused loops,
miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in
next 14 ch, dc5tog, 1dc in next 6 ch,
3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 6 ch,
dc5tog, dc in next 14 ch, 3dc in next
ch, ss to 1st ch, turn. [114 sts]
Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, 3dc in
next dc, 1dc in next 13 dc, dc5tog,
1dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc
in next 5 dc, dc5tog, 1dc in next 13
dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2dc,
3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 18 dc,
dc3tog, 1dc in next 5 dc, 2dc in
next dc, 1dc in next 3 dc, 3dc in next dc,
1dc in next 18 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in
next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [120 sts]
HOW TO MAKE THE E
Row 1: With yarn C, 41ch, 1dc in 2nd ch
from hook, dc in next 11 ch, 3dc in next dc,
1dc in next 14 ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in
next 12 ch, turn. (41ch and 44dc).
Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 12 dc,
+DYHIXQKRRNLQJXSLVFKUIXOEDQQHU
DQGVSHLQJRXW\RXUIDYRXULWHSODFHWR
EHLQFURFKHWHGVWLWFKHV
3dc in next dc, working along other
side of ch in unused loops, miss 1st
ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 10 ch,
dc3tog, 1dc in next 6 ch, 5ch, 1dc in
2nd ch from hook, 1dc in next 3 ch,
1dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next
10 ch, 3dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch,
turn. (5ch and 96dc).
Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, 3dc in
next dc, 1dc in next 10 dc, dc3tog,
1dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next
dc, 3dc in next dc, working along
other side of ch in unused loops, miss
1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next ch,
dc3tog, 1dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, 1dc
in next 10 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in
next 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next
14 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 18 dc, 3dc

in next dc, 1dc in next 14 dc, 3dc in next dc,
1dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [108 sts]
TO MAKE UP
Lay your finished green squares on a flat
surface and carefully position each letter
centrally on a square.
Using the same coloured yarn as each
letter, carefully sew in place with small neat
stitches. Try to make sure the stitches do
not show on the reverse of the squares.
Using yarn B, make a long enough ch to
hang your hanging.
With right side facing dc a row from the top
right hand corner of the E square
working into the back loops for each dc.
Continue across the top straight edge.
Then work 7ch for the space.
Repeat for letters M, O and H
squares. Make another ch the same length
as the first for hanging. Turn.
Continue to work dc across the chain and
the other dc.
$QGHUHVPH
This pattern is from
DMC. To see more
crochet and knitting
patterns and their full
range of yarn, go to
www.dmccreative.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
47
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.PAPERCHASE.CO.UK
Trends H Nordic
Nordic wonderland
Nordic style has always been a favourite. Emphasise the great outdoors with
natural shades combined with reindeers, pine trees and bears
Paper polar pals +
Polar Bear, Rudolf, Partridge,

Robin and Chris-Mouse are fun
make-them-yourself place
settings for the Christmas table.
Name cards are included in the
kit and kids will love getting
involved in putting these together.
From www.clareloves.co.uk
Cosy cup +
Cable knit fabrics keep out the winter

chill while adding to the Nordic look.
Use on soft furnishings or knit up
some mug cosies! Perfect for leaving
out with mince pies on Christmas
Eve, this cable knit-style mug is from
www.marquisanddawe.co.uk
Shades of nature
l
Blend natura
r
fo
materials
a calming
festive room
Pair neutral tones and rustic browns

with fresh greens to bring the Nordic
landscape into your home. We love
this Scandi tree decoration from
www.paperchase.co.uk
Bear necessity
Nobodys Nordic dcor

would be complete without
a polar bear cushion on the
sofa to add a touch of
authenticity! Cuddle up to this
cute fella over the holidays
hes available from direct.
asda.com/george
Perfect pine cones +
Put those pine cones collected on

winter walks to good use! Give them
a festive nish by spraying the tops
with white paint for a snow capped
look, or try these ready-to-hang
tree decorations from www.
poundland.co.uk
Rustic garland +
Featuring metal cut-out silhouettes of

Christmas trees and reindeer, this garland
will dress your tree without the need to use
tinsel and baubles. Available from
www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
49
Festive sparkle
Bring Christmas cheer to your home with these
Nordic-inspired knitted baubles by Jane Burns
For the home H Knitted baubles
YOu will need

SIRDAR COUNTRY STYLE DK (40%
NYLON, 30% WOOL, 30% ACRYLIC,
50G/155M), 1 BALL OF EACH:
YARN A: CREAM (411)
YARN B: GARNET (418)
A PAIR OF 3.25MM DOUBLE-POINTED
NEEDLES
0.75MM CROCHET HOOK FOR
PLACING BEADS
ONE PACK OF DEBBIE ABRAHAMS
SIZE 6 SEED BEADS, COLOUR 34
TOY STUFFING
TENSION
25 STS AND 34 ROWS TO 10CM OVER
ST ST ON 3.25MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS
23CM CIRCUMFERENCE
ABBREVIATIONS
PLACE BEAD SLIP A BEAD ONTO THE
CROCHET HOOK, AND INSERT HOOK
INTO NEXT STITCH KNITWISE.
TRANSFER STITCH TO HOOK, AND
DRAW YARN THROUGH BEAD TO
CREATE A LOOP. PLACE LOOP BACK
ONTO LH NEEDLE AND KNIT.
FOR A FULL LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS,
SEE PAGE 154
Scandinavian-style stars in stranded

colourwork and beading decorate
these quick-to-knit baubles by Jane
Burns. Youll easily be able to knit one
in an evening why not whip up a
dozen or more in festive shades or to
match your colour scheme in time for
Christmas? A trio packed in a box with
pretty tissue paper would make a
lovely handmade gift thats sure to be
treasured. These cosy baubles are
worked in a durable wool blend yarn
from Sirdar, Country Style DK, which
comes in 28 lovely shades. For more
guidance on knitting with beads, visit
http://bit.ly/knitwithbeads.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEADED BAUBLE
Using 3.25mm DPNs, yarn B and the
long-tail method, cast on 8 sts.
PM and join to work in the round, taking
care not to twist sts.
Rounds 1 and 2 Knit.

Round 3 (K1, M1) 4 times. [16 sts]
Round 4 Knit.
Round 5 (K1, M1, K2, M1, K1) 4 times.
[24 sts]
[32 sts]
[40 sts]
Round 12 Knit.
Round 13 (K1, M1, K8, M1, K1) 4
times. [48 sts]
Round 14 Knit.
Work round 1 of Chart A. Chart is
repeated 4 times across round.
Last round sets Chart placement.
Cont to work Chart until all 11
rounds are complete.
Round 26 (K1, k2tog, K6, K2tog, K1)
4 times. [40 sts]
Round 27 and 28 Knit.
Round 29 (K1,k2tog, K4, k2tog, K1)
4 times. [32 sts]
top of the bauble, securing with a stitch.
Round 32 (K1, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K1) 4
Close the bottom of the bauble with
times. [24 sts]
a running stitch.
Gently stuff bauble with toy
Make a hanging loop using a
stuffing before decreasing the
length of yarn, or a crochet
top further.
Clear beads
chain if preferred.
te
add a delica ct
Round 35 (K1, k2tog, k2tog,
e
twinkling eff le
FAIR ISLE BAUBLE
K1) 4 times. [16 sts]
b
to the bau
Using 3.25mm DPNs, yarn B
Round 36 (K2tog) 4 times. [8
and the long-tail method, cast
sts]
on 8 sts.
Do not cast off, but leave a long
Pm and join to work in the round,
tail of yarn.
taking care not to twist sts.
Add more stuffing if necessary.
Thread the yarn tail through the remaining
Cont to work as for the Beaded Bauble,
stitches using a darning needle. Stuff the
working Chart B in place of Chart A.
bauble lightly. Pull the yarn tail to close the
CHART A
CHART B
KEY
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10
10
Yarn A
Yarn B
Place bead
HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS

Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side
rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
51
For the home H Card pegs
+DSS\KR\GD\V
Display your lovely Christmas cards on this eyecatching hanging,
cleverly made with pompoms, ribbon, felt and clothes pegs
YOu will need

SMALL AMOUNTS OF OF RED AND
WHITE YARN
1.5CM WIDE RED DOUBLE-SIDED
SATIN RIBBON CUT TO YOUR
DESIRED LENGTH
SCRAPS OF LIGHT AND DARK
GREEN FELT
6 WOODEN SPRING-LOADED
LAUNDRY PEGS
CRAFT PAPER OR CARD
SCISSORS
TAILOR'S CHALK
SIZE 2.5CM POMPOM MAKER (YOU
CAN ALSO USE CARD CIRCLES OR
A FORK)
GLUE GUN
PENCIL
TAILORS CHALK
This holder is a great

way to use Christmas
cards as part of
\RXUGHFDWLRQV.
Transform some crafty staples into

pompom using either red or white yarn and
this pretty yet practical card hanger.
a 2.5cm pompom maker. Make two berries
Stick bright green felt holly leaves and
per peg. Trim the pompoms into neat balls
cheerful pompom berries to
and set aside.
clothes pegs, then use them
to clip your cards to a
Step 5 Assemble each
length of ribbon. Pin
peg by layering three leaves,
ke
Easy to ma t
across a bare wall for an
alternating the colours.
project tha l
instant festive update
Attach the leaves to the peg
children wil
to any room!
using the glue gun. At the
ve!
lo
HOW TO MAKE THE

CARD HANGER
Step 1 Start by deciding how long
you want the ribbon that will display your
Christmas cards to be. Tie a knotted loop
at either end to allow it to hang, and place
it to one side.
Step 2 Decide on a number of pegs to
make. For each peg, use either red or white
yarn to determine the berry type.
Step 3 Design a holly leaf template and
cut it out of paper or card. Use this
template and tailors chalk to mark out as
many leaves on the scraps of felt as you
require. Three leaves have been used per
peg here, with two leaves in one shade of
green and one in the second shade.
same time, glue two berries

together and then on to the
holly leaves. See the
photographs for guidance on how to
position the leaves and berries.
Step 6 Complete this process until you
have enough pegs, then hang your cards!
$QGHUHVPH
This project is taken
from 20 To Make:
Pompom Christmas by
Alistair Macdonald,
which is published by
Search Press, priced
4.99. For more information on this title
please visit www.searchpress.com
Step 4 To complete a berry, make a
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
53
PHOTOGRAPHY: VANESSA DAVIES
For the home H Reindeer table runner
5XQUHLQGUUXQ
Style up the simplest of tables with a showstopping Scandi runner,
embroidered in pretty red thread on crisp white fabric
YOu will need

2.2M WHITE COTTON
50CM COTTON VOILE BACKING
FABRIC
7KLVEHDXWLIX\HPRLGHUHGUXQQHULVVXUHWR
EHFRPHDQKHLUORRPLWHPDWZLEHWUHDVXUHG
I\HDUVWRFRPHE\\RXUIDPLO\.
DMC SIX-STRANDED COTTON

THREAD: VERY DARK SALMON (347),
SNOW WHITE (B5200)
SIZE 7 AND 9 EMBROIDERY NEEDLES
SIZE 7 MILLINER NEEDLE
6M WHITE PIPING
MATCHING SEWING THREAD
Top tip!
Keep your stitch direction consistent when
embroidering the satin stitch star. You want
each pair of diamonds to look the same, with
the stitches running parallel to the top edges
to form a V shape.
Get everyone into a festive mood with

this beautiful embroidered table
runner, featuring leaping reindeer,
snowflakes and Christmas motifs. We
love the classic Scandi feel, or swap the
colours to match your dcor. You can
incorporate metallic threads too why
not try the chain stitch in sparkling
silver? Or choose a rainbow of thread
colours for a bright and cheerful
version that kids will adore. The
measurements given here are for a
runner to fit a 160x90cm table, but to
adjust it to fit your dining table,
measure the length and add 25-30cm
to each end for the overhang. Before
you start, think about where youd like
your embroidered motif to appear:
towards the ends so it hangs off the
edge of the table or further in so it lies
on top of your table? Adjust
accordingly to make your ideal runner!
HOW TO MAKE THE REINDEER RUNNER

Step 1 Cut the white cotton in half
lengthways. Draw a 213x45.5cm rectangle
on one half, with positioning marks on
either side at 35cm, 60cm, 142cm and
168cm. Cut two 23x50cm pieces of voile.
Step 2 Transfer the embroidery design on
p156 facing outwards at either end of the
fabric. Position the design between the
marks on the cutting lines. Tack a piece of
cotton voile behind each design.
Step 3 Embroider the design according to
the instructions on p156.
Top tip!
Consistency is key in this design try to
keep your knots and isolated stitches as
evenly spaced and lined up as possible.
right sides facing, and use the piping

stitching as a guide (sew over it) to join
the front and back. Leave a gap at one
end for turning.
Step 9 Trim the corners, turn the right way
round and push the corners out neatly with
a closed pair of scissors.
Step 4 When the embroidery is complete,

Step 10 Stitch the gap closed by
place the fabric face down on a towel
hand with small, invisible
and iron it from the back. Iron the
stitches.
rest of the runner, avoiding the
embroidered sections,
Tap into the
Step 11 Press the seams
before sewing.
Scandi chic
gently to avoid squashing
e
monochrom
the piping.
Step 5 Check that the
trend
drawn-on cutting lines
havent distorted during
stitching and redraw them if
necessary before cutting out
the runner.
Step 6 Use the front as a template and cut
the back of the runner out of the other half
of the cotton fabric.
Step 7 Stitch the piping around the edges
of the front of the runner, lining up the raw
edges and stitching as close to the piping
as possible. Use your sewing machines
zipper foot if youre using thicker piping.
$QGHUHVPH
Embroidered Home by
Kelly Fletcher is
published by Kyle Books
priced 18.99. For more
information on this title,
please visit www.kylebooks.com
Step 8 Pin the runner front to the back,
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
55
Rockin robin
A few stitches is all it takes to transform felt

scraps into Charlie Deightons sweet decoration
ject
Perfect pro rs
e
for newcom g
in
ft
a
to felt cr
For the home H Felt robin
YOu will need

PURE WOOL FELT IN BROWN, CREAM
AND RED
FABRIC GLUE
RED THREAD
BROWN COTTON PERLE THREAD
SMALL QUANTITY OF TOY FILLING
15CM OF COLOURFUL RIBBON
1 BUTTON
58
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Pay homage to our favourite feathered

friend by making this folk-inspired robin
to pretty up the tree. This sweet robin is
made in plain felt with blanket-stitched
edges, and is then decorated with heart
wings and finished with a pretty button
and a ribbon loop so you can proudly
hang him from the tree or a doorknob.
Fabrics will work as well as felt, so if
youve saved some pretty prints heres
your chance to put them to good use.
Hes super-easy to make, so why not
whip up a trio one evening to give as
gifts? As hes small and light hes
perfect to send to friends abroad, too.
All you need is some stuffing, felt, a
needle and thread, so hes the perfect
project to get started on today!
HOW TO MAKE THE ROBIN

Step 1 Using the templates on page 156,
cut two body pieces (A) and two wings (B)
from the brown felt, two bellies (C) from the
cream felt andtwo breasts (D) and hearts
(E) from the red felt.
Step 2 Lightly glue the cream belly and red
breast in place on each of the robin bodies
as shown in the picture. Take care to ensure
Top tip!
Add some dried lavender, rose petals or pot
pourri in with the filling so this little robin
smells as good as he looks!
For the home H Felt robin
each side of the robin lines up. Weve

overstitched the felt pieces in place but
you could also use a small running stitch or
just glue securely in place if you prefer.
Step 3 Position the red felt heart on each
wing and either glue or stitch the heart
in place.
,WZRXOGQWEH&KULVWPDVZLRXWDFKUIXO
URELQUHGHDVWVLWWLQJRQHWUDQGLVIHOW
YHUVLRQLVHDV\WRPDNHLQDQDIWHUQRRQ
Step 4 Using the brown cotton perle, sew

each wing in place with a simple cross stitch.
Try to leave a little of the cream belly showing
under the wing. Stitch a couple of French
knots in the same thread for the eyes, or you
could use tiny beads if you prefer.
the tail, stitch the two sides of the robin

together. We used a blanket stitch but you
could also use small running stitches. Try to
keep your stitches as neat as possible as
they will be visible on both sides of your
robin! Work all the way around the robin,
leaving about an inch open under the wing.
Step 5 Place the wrong sides of the robin

together and starting under the wing near
Step 6 Lightly stuff the robin with toy filling

and then continue with the blanket or
running stitch to meet where you started.

Tie off the threads and tuck the ends back
into the body.
Step 7 Fold the length of ribbon in half and
position it the centre of the bird, leaving a
good size loop to hang your beautiful robin
from the Christmas tree. Stitch in place.
Add a pretty button to secure the ribbon
loop in place.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
59
DESIGNER: SELINA LAKE PHOTOGRAPHER: DEBI TRELOAR PUBLISHER: RYLAND PETERS & SMALL
Transform
your home
with these
simple ideas
Ideas H Winter style
Styling the season

Selina Lake shares three quick-make festive projects from her
new interiors book, Selina Lake Winter Living
1 Paper chains
Give the classic paper chain a
modern makeover by using
pretty Liberty print papers.
2 Patchwork baubles
Cut your chosen fabrics into
small squares or rectangles.
Use a paintbrush to cover a
bauble with PVA glue, then
stick the fabric pieces on,
overlapping them so there
arent any gaps. Make a loop
from ribbon and hang the

bauble up to dry.
3 Holly bunting
Cut out holly shapes in two
shades of green felt, and
berries from red felt. Sew
together using red thread
one leaf followed by a holly
berry by stitching down the
centre of each shape using a
straight stitch. Continue until
youre happy with the length.
$QGHUHVPH
Selina Lake Winter Living is published by
Ryland Peters & Small, priced 19.99. To buy a
copy at the special price of 13.99 including

free UK p&p, phone Macmillan Direct on 01256
302 699 and quote the reference GLR DZ8. For
more information, visit www.rylandpeters.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
61
,QDXUU\
Youll love stitching these twinkling snowakes, then
hanging them from the tree to watch them twirl and
dance! Designed by Fiona Baker
Make
c
de orations
t
that will las
for years
For the home H Cross stitched snowakes
SNOWFLAKE 1 CHART
YOu will need
20
STRANDED COTTON AND METALLIC

THREAD AS LISTED IN THE KEY
20

14-COUNT CLEAR PLASTIC CANVAS
MEASURING 10x10CM FOR EACH
DESIGN
CORD OF CHOICE, EITHER BOUGHT
10
OR HANDMADE
MEASUREMENTS 8.5x8.5CM ON
14-COUNT FABRIC
Here in Britain were used to a snow

no-show on Christmas Day, but we still
love the idea of a crisp white landscape
with soft, silent flakes falling from the
sky. If the weather isnt promising any
snowflakes, however, you can ensure
some with these fab cross stitch
versions! Theyre created using plastic
canvas, which means that theyre a
great project for children to try, and
are made with pretty iridescent
threads so theyll catch the light
beautifully. Once stitched, just cut
each one out leaving a one square
border, tie a cord to the top, and watch
them shimmer and shine!
10
20
20
Top tip!
10
WDMC W Anchor WMadeira
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E3849 (DMC Light Effects)
10
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SNOWFLAKE 2 CHART
20
Why not stitch two of each design and stick

them back to back for a really neat finish?
10
10
20
10
10
20
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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
63
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL BRICKNELL AT SEARCH PRESS STUDIOS
For the home H Gingerbread children
Cute confections
Knit up these adorable gingerbread pals for a sweet and spicy
addition to your decorations this Christmas
YOu will need

4-PLY YARN IN BROWN, CREAM
AND RED
FIVE 8MM DECORATIVE BUTTONS
FOUR 4MM BLACK BEADS
STITCH HOLDER OR SPARE KNITTING
NEEDLE
BROWN AND RED SEWING COTTON
SEWING NEEDLE
TOY STUFFING
2.75MM KNITTING NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS 9.5CM HIGH
ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST
SEE PAGE 154
Indulge your sweet tooth and whip up

this friendly pair then embroider the
icing sugar details and smiles just a
few simple stitches will really bring
them to life. This twosome will feel
right at home propped up in the
kitchen, keeping an eye on your
baking! Or thread a loop through the
knitting to hang them from the tree.
Theyre so easy to make, why not knit
up another cuddly set to give to a little
one this Christmas?
HOW TO MAKE THE BOY (MAKE TWO)
LEFT LEG
Start with the left leg. Using brown yarn,
cast on 5 sts and purl 1 row.
Next row: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts]
Purl 1 row.
Next row: K1, M1, K3, k2tog, K1. [7 sts]
Purl 1 row.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more.
Place sts on a stitch holder or spare knitting
needle.
RIGHT LEG, BODY, ARMS AND HEAD
Using brown yarn, cast on 5 sts and purl
1 row.
and chain stitch, embroider the lines on the

Next row: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts]
arms and legs. Using cream yarn and
Purl 1 row.
straight stitches, embroider his bow tie and
Next row: K1, ssk, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts]
hair. Use the photograph for guidance.
Purl 1 row.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more.**
HOW TO MAKE THE GIRL (MAKE TWO)
With RS facing, knit across 7 right leg sts
Make the legs, following the instructions
and 7 left leg sts. [14 sts]
for the gingerbread boy to **.
Starting with a purl row, work 7 rows in SS.
With RS facing, cast on 4 sts, knit across 7
*Continuing in st st, cast on 4 sts at beg of
right leg sts and 7 left leg sts, cast on 4 sts.
next 2 rows. [22 sts]
[22 sts]
Next row: K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1.
Purl 1 row.
[24 sts]
Next row: K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
Purl 1 row.
[20 sts]
Next row: K1, ssk, K to end of row. [23 sts]
Purl 1 row.
Next row: P1, p2tog, P to end of row.
Repeat last 2 rows three more times.
[22 sts]
[14 sts]
Continuing in st st, cast off 8 sts at the
Follow instructions for gingerbread boy
beginning of the next 2 rows. [6 sts]
from * to *.
Starting with a knit row, work 2
rows in SS.
MAKING UP
Next row: K1, M1, K4, M1,
A fun mini
Sew the eyes in place and join
K1. [8 sts]
project that ct
the two pieces of the girl
Next row: P1, M1, P6, M1,
rfe
makes a pe ller
together following the
P1. [10 sts]
stocking
instructions for the boy. Using
Next row: K1, M1, K8, M1,
cream yarn and blanket stitch,
K1. [12 sts]
embroider around the dress, right
Starting with a purl row, work 5
up to the shoulders, and create a
rows in st st.
neckline. Sew the buttons in place on each
Next row: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. [10 sts]
shoulder using matching sewing cotton.
Purl 1 row.
Using red yarn and straight stitches,
Next row: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. [8 sts]
embroider her mouth. Using cream yarn
Next row: P1, p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P1.
and straight stitches, embroider her hair
[6 sts]
and finish off with a few stitches of red
Cast off.*
yarn on her hair. Use the photograph
for guidance.
MAKING UP
Taking one piece of the gingerbread boy,
sew the bead eyes in place using brown
sewing cotton and a sewing needle. Sew
the three buttons in place using matching
sewing cotton. Place the two pieces of the
from Mini Knitted
gingerbread boy with WS together, then
Christmas by Sue
sew carefully around the edge using
Stratford, published by
mattress stitch and placing a small amount
Search Press at 9.99,
of toy stuffing inside the body, head and
where youll find 25 more fabulous tiny
limbs as you go.
Christmas projects. www.searchpress.com
Using red yarn and straight stitches,
embroider his mouth. Using cream yarn
$QGHUHVPH
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
65
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TCH.NET
Trends H White
White Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Give your home a sprinkling of frost and
snow by combining white decorations with subtle snowflake motifs
Shake it up +
Snow globes are a top trend for

this years festive season. Gather
a complete snow globe collection
on your mantelpiece and it will be
a real talking point when visitors
come to stay! From www.
livelaughlove.co.uk
Silent night y
Cluster together white ceramic tea

light holders for a focal point that
recreates the magic of a snowy
Christmas Eve night. This collection
of Christmas cottages comes from
www.dotcomgiftshop.com
Snowflake frame y
Nothing compares with the intricate beauty of the

patterns and shapes of individual snowakes. Keep
them on display throughout the festive season with
this wooden wall panel. www.homesense.com
Stars &
VQRZDNHV +
+
Large tin stars like this 22in

design give big impact in an
instant and will coordinate
perfectly with your other white
Christmas decorations.
Handcrafted by Amish farmers,
this star has been upcycled from
old corrugated tin roofs and
comes with a hook for hanging.
From www.limelace.co.uk
Looking for a super-quick

decorative idea? Dress up
a white wall with a rope
ladder tree, then hang
stars and snowakes for a
two-dimensional display
thats oh-so-simple yet
amazingly effective.
From www.tch.net
y
Go for a
frost-lled
look to create
chic dcor!
What a star! +
Fine pines
No room for a traditional tree in the

corner of the living room? Try this
table top idea, made using plaster
cast pine cones strung from bare
branches for a pared down, yet
striking look. Cast your decorations
from real pine cones, or buy these
from kuberstore.etsy.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
67
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE KING
Perfect
project for
rs
papercrafte
y
to enjo
For the home H Papercraft baubles
)DLQJVQRZDNHV
Fill clear baubles with pretty paper snowakes for a quick frosty idea
YOu will need

CLEAR PLASTIC BAUBLES
CUTTING MAT
SCALPEL
SMALL BRUSH
SCRAP SURFACE
PVA GLUE
PENCIL
TRACING PAPER
WHITE PAPER OR CARD
A simple but pretty winter decoration,

these snowflakes can be hung from
string or ribbon to great effect.
However, they look even better when
encased in clear baubles and adorning
the Christmas tree.
HOW TO MAKE A SNOWFLAKE BAUBLE
Step 1 Trace four snowflake templates
from page 156 and place them face down
on a piece of paper or card. Rub to transfer.
Step 2 Carefully cut out the snowflakes.

Step 3 Fold the snowflakes in half as
shown, being careful to align the edges.
Step 4 Apply glue to one side of the folded
shape. Glue one of the shapes to another,
then repeat to create a 3D shape.
Step 5 Open you plastic bauble and pop
the snowflake inside.
7RSWLS
$QGHUHVPH
You can scale the template to fit different

size baubles, but you may need to glue more

from Paper Craft,
snowflakes together to create the same 3D

look. Remember to get hold of baubles that
you unscrew across the middle so you can
easily place your snowflake inside.
published by DK
for 14.99, with
photography by Dave
King. For more details visit www.dk.com/uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
69
For the home H Tealights
Warm glow
Illuminate your festive dinner table with a set of Wendy Masseys
clever cookie cutter candles
YOu will need

CANDLE WAX
TEALIGHT WICKS
METAL COOKIE CUTTERS
DOUBLE BOILER PAN
PETROLEUM JELLY
BAKING TRAY
ALUMINIUM FOIL
CLOTHES PEGS
WICK KEEPERS OR MASKING TAPE
STIRRING STICK (WOODEN
CHOPSTICK OR ICE LOLLY STICK)
Cluster a few of these homemade

tealights to make a superb centrepiece
for your table this season. Weve used
star, holly and snowman motifs for
ours, but these are just examples of
the many fabulous shaped cutters
available that you could use. Feel free
to sprinkle in some Christmassy scents
and coloured dyes, or a good
dose of candle glitter for
extra festive sparkle.
Place them in a pretty
Choose wax
container or float them
shades to
in a shallow bowl for an
t
complemen
extra magical touch.
r
o
your dc
You can also package up
a trio, wrapped in
cellophane and tied with
ribbon, to make a lovely gift.
HOW TO MAKE THE CANDLES
Step 1 Coat the inside edges of the cookie
cutters with petroleum jelly and place on a
foil-covered baking tray. Cut a smaller
piece of foil to wrap around the bottom
and sides of the cookie cutter. This will
reduce (but not eliminate) hot wax seeping
under the cookie cutter edges.
Step 2 Place tea light wicks in position at
the centre of each cookie cutter. Keep in
Let your imagination run riot when it

comes to selecting shapes, colours and
VFHQWVIHVHIXQOLWWOHFDQGOHV
place at the bottom with a wick keeper or a

piece of folded masking tape placed
underneath the bottom circle. Hold the
wick in place vertically with a clothes peg
across the top of the cookie cutter.
Step 3 Place the wax in a double boiler,
with water in the outer pan. Melt it slowly,
while stirring. Remove and allow to cool for
a few seconds. Pour wax into the cookie
cutter slowly. Some of it will seep out, but
the escaped wax will quickly set and hold
the rest in place. You can recycle this wax

later to make more candles. Allow to cool.
Remove the candles from the cookie
cutters and trim wicks if necessary.
Top tip!
Dont waste your old candles, as you can
easily recycle them for this project by
melting them and removing the old wicks.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
71
Perfect
project for
using up
scraps
2K&KULVWPDVWU
This beautiful table runner uses free-motion embroidery to gorgeous
effect, and means that every tree you make will be unique
For the home H Tree table runner
YOu will need

46CMx137CM WHITE COTTON FABRIC
BACKING FABRIC MEASURING THE
SAME AS YOUR WHITE COTTON
FABRIC
THERMAL WADDING MEASURING THE
SAME AS YOUR WHITE COTTON
FABRIC
NINE TRIANGLES OF FABRIC, IN
VARIOUS SIZES OF APPROXIMATELY
13x20.5CM
NINE SMALL PIECES OF FABRIC CUT
INTO POT SHAPES
UP TO NINE PIECES OF FABRIC CUT
INTO CIRCLES OR STAR SHAPES FOR
THE TOPS OF THE TREES
A FEW CIRCLES OF FABRIC FOR
BAUBLES
3.6M OF 2.5CM BIAS BINDING
REPOSITIONABLE SPRAY FABRIC
ADHESIVE
SEWING MACHINE AND FREEMOTION EMBROIDERY FOOT
Free-motion embroidery is like

drawing with your sewing machine,
and this runner is a great beginners
project for the technique, as a few
74
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
wonky lines here and there just add to

its charm! As well as looking pretty, the
runner includes thermal wadding to
protect your table from heat damage
when you pile all your delicious
Christmas dinner dishes onto it!
HOW TO MAKE THE TREE RUNNER
Step 1 Arrange the triangle trees evenly
across the white fabric, every other one
upside down, with the pots at the bottom
and the stars or circles on top. Place a few
baubles here and there on top of some of
the trees. Secure all the pieces with a little
spray adhesive.
Step 2 Take to your sewing machine, and
free-motion stitch in a contrasting colour
around each tree, pot, star and bauble.
Go around a few times, and dont worry if
your stitch lines arent straight! You might
want to embroider some extra baubles
on as well.
Step 3 Lay this topper over the thermal
wadding, then over the backing fabric.
Spray again to secure, and add a few pins
if you like.
Step 4 Change to white thread and
free-motion embroider all over the white
fabric, avoiding the trees. This version has
been doodled in circles and triangles with

no particular pattern. You can see what a
difference it makes in the photograph, as
opposed to leaving the fabric plain.
Step 5 Continue until the whole runner
is embroidered.
Step 6 Trim the edges of the runner if you
find that the wadding has grown.
Step 7 Apply the bias tape all around the
edge of your runner to finish. Open up the
tape and pin right sides together to the
edge of your project. Sew along the
creased line, taking out the pins as you go.
When you meet the start of the tape,
overlap by about 0.5cm. Fold the tape over
the edge to the wrong side of your work,
pin to the back, then slip stitch to secure.
$QGHUHVPH
from Half Yard Christmas
by Debbie Shore, which
is published by Search
Press, priced 11.99.
For more information on the title please
visit www.searchpress.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE KING
g
Papercraftin
h
it
project w
a twist!
0HUU\DQGLJKW
Illuminate your festive season with a set of funky origami fairy lights
For the home H Origami fairy lights
10
YOu will need

SQUARES OF THIN PAPER
LED FAIRY LIGHTS
With just a few simple paper folds,

create amazing shades for your fairy
lights! Once youve mastered the basic
folds, experiment with varying
opacities of paper and different
patterns and colours to see what works
well with your dcor. Whether hung up
horizontally or vertically, or displayed
Top tip!
Make sure you only use LED lights as these
wont get hot and be a fire hazard.
76
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
in a glass or metal bowl to create a

warm glow, this is one string of fairy
lights thats sure to be a talking point.
HOW TO MAKE THE FAIRY LIGHTS
Step 1 Fold the paper in half diagonally,
unfold and fold along the other diagonal.
Step 2 Fold in half horizontally, then unfold
and fold again.
Step 3 Turn the paper over.
Step 4 Push in the right and left horizontal
folds, then flatten to create a layered
triangle shape.
Step 5 Fold up the bottom corners as
shown, then repeat on the back to form
a diamond.
Step 6 Fold the front edges inward, as
shown then repeat on the back.
Step 7 Fold the bottom right corner up so

it runs horizontally across the middle.
Step 8 Fold it back to the bottom, then
refold up at a right angle, as shown.
Step 9 Tuck the fold into the triangle at the
side. Then repeat with the other corners.
Step 10 Pull the paper apart and blow into
the centre hole to inflate. Push a bulb from
the fairy light string through the hole.
$QGHUHVPH
Paper Craft by is
published by DK, RRP
14.99, and is full of card
making, scrapbooking,
gift wrapping and other
paper-based projects. www.dk.com/uk
'HFNHKDV
Create a knitted version of the classic
paper chain with Sue Stratfords
easy to make decorations
Perfect
knitting
project for
beginners
YOu will need

4-PLY YARN IN GREEN, PURPLE,
YELLOW, BLUE AND FUCHSIA
A PAIR OF 2.75MM KNITTING NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS EACH CHAIN
MEASURES APPROXIMATELY 3CM WHEN
SEWN; 25 LINKS MAKE A FINISHED
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE
CHAIN APPROXIMATELY 55CM LONG
In vivid jewel colours, these knitted

chains will look gorgeous strung up in
your home. Unlike a paper version,
these yarn links will last for years and
can even be washed in between
Christmases to keep them looking
fresh. If youre new to knitting, this
is a fantastic project to start
with, as it just uses basic
knitting stitch and is
good practice for
getting your rows neat and even, while

experienced knitters can use up all
those scraps of yarn in their stash!
HOW TO MAKE THE PAPER CHAINS
Using green yarn, cast on 20 sts and knit 5
rows.
Cast off loosely and evenly.
Make four more links in green and five links
in each of the other colours.
TO MAKE UP
Once you have decided the order in which
to sew your links together, carefully sew the
two short edges of the first link together.
Loop the second link through the first link
and sew the short seam on that link. Repeat
until all your links have been looped and
sewn together.
$QGHUHV
PH
Mini Knitted
Christmas by Sue
Stratford is published
by Search Press,
priced 9.99. For
more information on this book, please
visit www.searchpress.com
78
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.SAINSBURYS.CO.UK
Make unique
JLIWVDWZLEH
WUHDVXUHGE\
\RXUORYHGRQHV
Christmas is the time for giving so show
how much you love someone with a
beautiful handcrafted present just for
them. Enjoy creating beautiful accessories to
delight family and friends, homebaked

treats and fun knits for little ones and pets!
Its so rewarding to personalise your gift
so its close to someones heart just use
your imagination and youll bring so much
joy and happiness
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
79
Gifts and goodies H Halo and wings
Make the
ent
perfect pres
for a little
one!
)O\DZD\ZLPH
Theres heavenly fun to be had by little angels with this halo and wings
set, made with marabou and ostrich feathers. By Jane Tooze
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
81
Gifts and goodies H Halo and wings
YOu will need

25CM WHITE BUCKRAM
25CM WHITE FELT
25CM WHITE COTTON
20 LARGE WHITE MARABOU FEATHERS
10 WHITE OSTRICH FEATHERS
2M MARABOU FEATHER TRIM
80x5CM ELASTIC
80CM MEDIUM-WEIGHT
CRAFT WIRE
PLASTIC HEADBAND
MASKING TAPE
GLUE GUN & GLUE STICKS
SEWING MACHINE
TAPE MEASURE
SCISSORS
PINS
MEASUREMENTS FITS AGE 5-6 YEARS
Itll be difficult to resist this dressingup set, handmade with love! Perfect
for imaginative play, fancy dress or
school nativity performances, this halo
and wings are extra special because
theyre made with real feathers, and
have a durable backing to make sure
they last. Wispy marabou and dramatic
ostrich feathers cover both wings, and
a marabou trim for the halo will make
this set stand out. This pair fits a child
aged five to six simply increase
the size for older kids. Get
crafting a pair for your little
angel today!
and stalk, tying it off once all the wire is

covered. Where you tie the marabou, add
a dot of glue to secure.
HOW TO MAKE THE WINGS

Step 1 Using the template on
p156, cut two wings from felt
e
m
o
s
d
and two from buckram. Pin
Ad
r
fo
s
in
HOW TO MAKE THE HALO
the felt and buckram
sequ
le
k
r
a
p
s
Step 1 Take the wire and
together with wrong sides
extra
twist it into a halo shape,
facing, and zig-zag around
measuring 61.5cm (24in),
the edge to create two wings.
with a stalk coming off it. The
Cut out two rectangles
stalk should have a finished length of
measuring 10x15cm one felt, one
7.5cm. You will then have an excess of
buckram and zig-zag together.
7.5cm wrap this around the hairband at
the centre point.
Step 2 Cut out two straps from the cotton
measuring 5x61cm. Fold each piece
Step 2 Once you have made the wire
lengthways and stitch along the length to
shape, tape any wire ends down securely
create a channel, then turn through. Pin a
with masking tape at the joins.
safety pin to the end of the elastic and
thread it through the first cotton piece. Pull
Step 3 Once the halo shape is secured,
the elastic to each end to give the straps
take the length of marabou trim and,
some stretch, cut and secure in place with a
starting at one end, wrap it around the halo
few stitches. Repeat for the second strap.
82
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Step 3 Lay down the wings, buckram side

up, and pin your rectangle piece so that it
connects the two wings at the centre point.
Pin one end of each strap to the top corners
of the rectangle, then pin the second end
of each strap underneath. Sew the
rectangle piece in place, securing
the straps.
Step 4 Turn the wings over, so the felt side
is facing up, and start applying the feathers
with the glue gun. Starting from the bottom
up, glue the large feathers first (five large
ostrich on each side), then the smaller
marabou feathers at the top (10 on each
side). Snip off any sharp feather ends to
finish your angel wings.
Top tip!
Make sure you use the glue gun sparingly.
Apply in small dots to the wing base and
place feathers onto it.
r
Knit one fo
r
e
b
m
each me
!
y
il
of the fam
HHRGr!
Make winter playtimes outside even more fun with this quirky
character hat and matching red nose by Elizabeth Jarvis
Gifts and goodies H Reindeer hat
YOu will need

SIRDAR COUNTRY STYLE DK (40%
NYLON, 30% WOOL, 30% ACRYLIC,
50G/155M), SEE TABLE BELOW FOR
COLOURS AND QUANTITIES
FOR YARN STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 162
A PAIR OF 3.25MM AND 4MM
NEEDLES
TOY STUFFING
PLASTIC OR FOAM CLOWN NOSE
FABRIC GLUE
TENSION
22 STS AND 28 ROWS TO MEASURE
10x10CM OVER ST ST USING 4MM
NEEDLES.
ABBREVIATIONS
FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 154.
Paper party hats, Christmas jumpers,

earrings with flashing lights the
festive season is a great time to dress
up and have fun, so let the whole family
join in with this cute reindeer hat and
nose. Being made of a wool-rich yarn
the hat is practical too, as its
guaranteed to keep little heads warm.
Use a light toy stuffing, and pack it into
the antlers gently so that they hold their
shape and stand up proudly. And as
kids are bound to be kids, ensure the
stuffing you use is washable.
HOW TO MAKE THE HAT
MAIN HAT
Cast on 104 (110: 116: 122) sts using
3.25mm needles and Taupe yarn.
Next row (K1, P1) to end of row.
Continue in K1, P1 rib for 11 (12: 12: 15)
more rows.
Change to 4mm needles and, starting with
a K row, work st st until hat measures
approx 7 (7: 8: 8)cm from cast on edge,
ending with a P row.
SHAPE CROWN
Row 1 *K15 (16: 17: 18), k2tog; rep from * to
last 2 sts, K2. [98 (104: 110: 116) sts]
Row 2 and every foll WS row Purl.
last 2 sts, K2. [92 (98: 104: 110) sts]
last 2 sts, K2. [86 (92: 98: 104) sts]
Cont to dec as set on every RS row, working
one less st between each dec until 50 sts
rem, ending with a P row.
SHAPE TOP
Row 1 *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts,
K2. [38 sts]
Row 2 Purl.
SIZE
HEAD
CIRCUMFERENCE
Row 3 *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts,

K2. [26 sts]
Row 4 Purl.
Row 5 *K2tog; rep from * to end of row.
[13 sts]
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, then thread
through rem sts and pull tight.
ANTLERS (MAKE 2 OF EACH SIDE)
FIRST SIDE BASE
Cast on 10 sts using 3.25mm needles and
Naturelle yarn.
Row 2 K5, M1, K to end. [11 sts]
Row 21 Purl.
Working on first 10 sts only and leaving rem
sts on a holder, st st 8 rows.
SHAPE ANTLER TOP
Row 1 K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. [8 sts]
Row 2 Purl.
Row 3 K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. [6 sts]
Row 4 Purl.
Row 5 K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. [4 sts]
Row 6 Purl.
Return to the 10 sts on a holder and transfer
them back to a 3.25mm needle. Rejoin yarn
and, working on these sts, repeat rows 2-21
of antler base. [20 sts]
sts on a holder, st st 10 rows, then rows 1-6
Small child
Child
Teen
Adult
cm
48
50
52
55
in
19
19
20
21
YARN
SIRDAR Country Style DK (50g/155m balls)
TAUPE (477)
NATURELLE (409)
DUSKY PINK (423)
CHERRY (402)
SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, weve colour-coded the sizing
instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements.
84
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Gifts and goodies H Reindeer hat
of antler top.
Return to the 10 sts on a holder and transfer
and, working on these sts, st st 2 rows, then
rows 1-6 of antler top.
SECOND SIDE BASE
Work rows 1-21 of first side base.
sts on a holder, repeat rows 1-21 of first
side base.
sts on a holder, st st two rows, then work
Return to the 10 sts on the second holder
and transfer them back to a 3.25mm
needle. Rejoin yarn and st st 10 rows, then
Return to 10 sts on first holder and transfer
and st st 8 rows, then rows 1-6 of antler top.
EAR FRONTS (MAKE 2)
Dusky pink yarn.
Row 2 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [14 sts]
Row 4 Knit.
Row 6 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [16 sts]
Row 8 Knit.
Row 10 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2.
[18 sts]
Row 12 Knit.
SHAPE TOP
Row 1 K1, ssk, K to end of row. [17 sts]
Row 2 P1, p2tog, P to end. [16 sts]
Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts rem.
Cast off.
EAR BACKS (MAKE 2)
Cast on 18 sts using 3mm needles and
Taupe yarn.
[20 sts]
Row 4 Knit.
[22 sts]
Row 8 Knit.
[24 sts]
Row 12 Knit.
Row 13 Purl.
SHAPE TOP
Row 1 K1, ssk, K to end of row. [23 sts]
Row 2 P1, p2tog, P to end. [22 sts]

Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts rem.
Cast off.
RED NOSE
Cherry yarn.
Row 1 Inc in every st. [8 sts]
Row 5 Knit.
Cont in st st, work 23 rows.
Row 31 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [16 sts]
TO MAKE UP
HAT
Use mattress stitch throughout. Sew hat
seam, weave in any loose ends. Assemble

antler by sewing the longest edge first,
then working from the top point down, sew
each finger. Stuff lightly as the sewing
progresses. At the base, add a little extra
stuffing to form the base. To assemble the
ears, sew the side seams, matching the
increases, then gather the ear back evenly
along the upper edge so that it fits against
the top of the ear front. Sew in place using
mattress stitch. Using the pictures as a
guide, sew the antlers into place on the hat.
Fold the base of each ear into a V shape,
and sew them into place.
NOSE
Darn in any loose ends. Run a gathering
thread around the edges, and place
knitted nose onto purchased clown nose.
Pull gathering thread so that edge of
knitting is level with the edge of the nose.
Use fabric glue to fix into place.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS 85
Gifts and goodies H Pompom stocking
5HDG\I6DQWD
Add a fun touch to a fabric stocking with a trimming of tiny
pompoms in bright Christmas colours
YOu will need

OUTER FABRIC MEASURING 49x66CM
LINING FABRIC MEASURING 39x66CM
1M OF POMPOM TRIM
THREAD
SCISSORS
NEEDLE AND THREAD FOR TACKING
PINS
SEWING MACHINE
IRON
HOW TO MAKE THE

POMPOM STOCKING
Step 1 Fold the outer fabric in half, right
sides together, pin on the stocking
template from p156 and cut out, including
the cuff. Also cut out another piece, just
from the cuff part. Fold the lining fabric in
half, right sides together, pin on the
template and cut out, this time leaving out
thecuff part.
Step 2 Take the stocking and cuff pieces
and pin them right sides together, making
sure the cuff fabric will be the right way up
when the cuff is folded over. Sew them with
a 1cm seam allowance and press the seam
down towards the toe.
A stocking at Christmas is a must, as

where else will Santa Claus be able to
leave his presents? If you or a loved
one are lacking in the stocking
Step 3 Pin the other side of the
department, however, then
cuff to the lining, right sides
this lovely pompom version
together, and sew with a 1cm
can be made in just an
seam allowance. Press.
This can be
afternoon. The
if
hand sewn e
pompoms are definitely
Step 4 To make the
v
a
h
you dont
the star of the show
hanging loop, cut the
a machine
here, giving a cute detail
4x15cm piece from the
to the basic stocking
outer fabric, fold it in half
shape. The fabric used here
lengthwise, wrong sides
has a retro feel, with its cute
together, and sew together about
animals and zingy colours, but any
0.5cm from the raw edges.
material you have in your store
cupboard will work well, whether
Step 5 Take the stocking front piece and
plain or patterned.
mark 11cm down from the cuff seam on
both sides. Starting and finishing at this

point, tack/baste the pompom trim to the
edge with the pompoms pointing inwards.
Step 6 Pin the stocking pieces right sides
together, trapping the hanging loop
between the layers on the outer cuff. Sew
together carefully with a 1cm seam
allowance, avoiding the pompoms. Dont
forget to leave a gap in the lining for
turning through.
Step 7 Clip the curves, trim the points and
turn through. Push all the curves into
shape. Hand sew the opening in the lining
closed. Push the lining into the stocking,
making sure to push it fully into the toe.
Fold over the cuff. Press gently, avoiding
thepompoms.
$QGHUHV
PH
Christmas
Stockings by
Rachael Rowe is
published by
Search Press
at 7.99. For more information about the
book visit www.searchpress.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
87
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TESCO.COM
Trends H Creative
Creative classics
Take traditional Christmas decorations and combine them with on-trend
materials and ideas, to create a look that will never go out of style
Vintage charm +
Hang retro toy decorations

from a washi tape tree to
combine modern and vintage
style in one unique display. From
www.rigbyandmac.com
Mason jar miniatures y
Take old glass mason jars and ll

with Christmas gurines to make
mini festive scenes to enchant your
visitors! This option even includes a
small LED light to create an extra
Christmassy glow. So magical!
From www.tch.net
Crafty calendar y
Rustle up your own handmade advent

calendar by sewing these retro-style
buttons onto pockets on a wall hanging.
Then ll each pocket with sweeties or
festive surprises for a fun countdown to
Christmas that children will love.
From www.oakroomshop.co.uk
Beautiful beads +
Chalk it up
Whether you chalk up your

own fancy letters or simply
pick out some readymade
items, chalkboard artwork
and typography has become
a real style statement thats
perfect for festive messages.
We love this idea from
www.dobbies.com
Combine red, white and green

beads to hand-craft colour
coordinated coasters for your
Christmas table. This retro seed
beading pattern shows you how
easy it is to bead them yourself to
impress your guests. From
thearmchairstudio.etsy.com
6D\FKUV+
These festive drinking jars are

not only on-trend this season
but are ideal for serving up
mulled wine to friends and
family at a festive party. Use
stencils to add your own designs to
plain jars or buy from www.tch.net
Red, green
and white
gets a cool
makeover
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
89
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN BARBER
Gifts and goodies H Fabric Advent calendar
PHWW\SRFNHWV
Count down the days to Christmas with a homemade Advent calendar.
Melanie Williams version can be used year after year
YOu will need

APPROX. 50CM OF NEUTRALCOLOURED LINEN
FELT PIECES AND FABRIC REMNANTS
BUTTONS AND BEADS
PIECE OF DOWEL
STRING
EMBROIDERY THREAD AND NEEDLE
SEWING MACHINE
PINS
NUMBER STENCIL
STUBBY BRUSH
FABRIC OR ACRYLIC PAINT
SELECTION OF RIBBONS
GOLD BELLS
GLUE
SCISSORS
Create a new family

tradition each year on
'HFHPEHUZKHUHH
FDOHQGDULVRXJKW
RXWDQGHGZL
FRXQWGRZQJRRGLHV
The Advent calendar first landed on

wide on each strip and stitch to divide
our shores from Germany in the early
them. Each pocket will measure 9cmx9cm.
20th century. Since then its featured
wintery scenes, religious messages
Step 3 Use acrylic or fabric paint, a stubby
and chocolates, and each year theres a brush and a number stencil to mark out
dazzling array of different calendars to
numbers 1 to 25 onto pieces of contrasting
choose from. We think that theres
cloth, leave to dry, cut into squares and
nothing nicer than a home-made
glue to each pocket. For variety, glue some
Advent calendar, however, which
straight on the pockets and for
is why we love Melanies
others 6, 18 and 25 in our
version with rows of tiny
example back with a
pockets that can be filled
fabric remnant.
Improvise
with all sorts of tempting
to
with fabric
treats. For competent
Step 4 Now embellish your
is
make th
sewers its relatively
calendar with braid, ribbon
unique
simple to make, but if
and buttons. Cut out iconic
youre new to crafting, you
Christmassy shapes from felt
can make it as challenging as
and glue or sew on using hand
you like depending on how much
embroidery stitches to create a
you want to decorate it. While weve
totally original, handmade piece, which can
included a window for the 25th (a
be updated and added to each year.
modern import from America)
traditionalists might prefer to stick to
Step 5 Insert the dowel into the channel
24 pouches and make Christmas Eve a
made for it at the top of the calendar and
double pocket. The beauty of this is
attach string to each end so you can hang
that you can update it each Christmas,
it up.
adding embellishments or customising
it with a name and of course you can
Step 6 Fill the pockets with an assortment
ring the changes each year with the
of pre-Christmas treats such as chocolates,
gifts in the pockets.
sugared almonds, gifts, messages,
pictures or biscuits.
HOW TO MAKE THE ADVENT CALENDER
Step 1 Cut out a piece of plain neutralcoloured linen, which should measure
52cm across by 77cm high (this allows for a
1cm hem on all sides). Press and hem three
sides, leaving the top. Double fold the top
over, allowing a 1cm hem and leaving a big
enough (3cm) channel to slot a piece of
dowel through later.
Step 2 Measure and cut out five strips of
the same or contrasting fabric, which
should measure 47cm across and 11cm
high (again this allows for a 1cm hem on all
sides). Turn 1cm hem and press edges
under. Arrange, pin and sew onto linen.
Measure and mark out five pockets 9cm
7RSWLS
If stencilling isnt your forte then you can
use iron-on fabric numbers to go on the
pockets instead.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
91
Crocheted
cat nap!
DESIGNER: CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON
Give a cat lover the purrfect pressie

with a soft new basket for their kitty
Gifts and goodies H Cat basket
YOu will need

HOOOKED ZPAGETTI (92% COTTON,
8% ELASTANE, 1200G/120M), 1 BALL
OF PINK RED 04
FOR YARN STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 162
10MM CROCHET HOOK
STITCH MARKER (SM)
BLUNT-ENDED YARN NEEDLE
TENSION 8STS AND 10 ROWS TO
10CM OVER DC ON A 10MM HOOK
MEASUREMENTS 38CM DIAMETER,
7.5CM HIGH
ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST
SEE PAGE 155
Everyone knows that cats love a cosy

place to sit, so this basket is sure to
become their favourite snooze spot.
Its made from T-shirt yarn thats a
by-product from the clothing industry,
so youll be earning eco brownie points
as you knit! We love the rose shade but
there are lots more colours available.
This will fit a small to medium-size cat.
HOW TO MAKE THE CAT BASKET
Work 2ch and 6dc into second ch from
hook, join round with a sl st to first st.
Round 1 1ch (does not count as st), work
2dc in each st. Do not join. Place SM on last
st. [12 sts]
Round 2 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next st)
around. [18 sts]
Round 12 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 11sts)

around. [78 sts]
around. [24 sts]
around. [84 sts]
around. [30 sts]
around. [90 sts]
around. [36 sts]
around. [96 sts]
around. [42 sts]
around. [102 sts]
around. [48 sts]
Round 17 1dc through back loop in
each dc.
around. [54 sts]
Round 18 (tweed stitch) dc2tog,
Round 9 (2dc in next st, 1dc in
*1ch, miss next dc, 1dc in next
next 8sts) around. [60 sts]
st, rep from * to end.
Round 10 (2dc in next st, 1dc
Add some
[101 stitches]
in next 9sts) around. [66 sts]
e
eece insid
Round 19 1ch, *1dc into
Round 11 (2dc in next st, 1dc
to make it
next ch sp, 1ch, miss next
in next 10sts) around. [72 sts]
ly
more snugg
dc, rep from * to end.
Round 20 1dc into next ch sp,
*1ch, miss next dc, 1dc into next
ch sp , rep from * to end.
Rep rounds 19-20.
Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in
the ends to finish.
$QGHUHVPH
from One Ball Of
Wool, published by
DK, RRP 9.99. Youll
find more gifts that
can be made in just a few hours using
one ball of wool, including hats,
scarves and bags. www.dk.com/uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
93
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WHITAKER
Gifts and goodies H Scandi biscuits
Sugar and spice

Add this recipe for pepparkakor to your Christmas baking list
the ginger and cinnamon will warm up cold days!
Spiced biscuits are always popular
at Christmas, and these pepparkakor
are a version thats made in
Scandinavian countries. Cut them
into any shape you like hearts and
flowers are traditional and have fun
with piping on details or even
peoples names! If you want to use
them as decorations for the tree,
poke a hole in the top before you
bake them, then add a length of
ribbon or twine when theyre cool.
YOu will need

FOR THE BISCUITS
70G BUTTER
90G DARK MUSCOVADO SUGAR
1 TBSP THICK HONEY
250G PLAIN FLOUR
TSP BICARBONATE OF SODA
2 TSP GROUND GINGER
1 TSP GROUND CINNAMON
1 TSP MIXED SPICE
A PINCH OF SALT
2 TBSP MILK
HOW TO MAKE THE PEPPARKAKOR

Step 1 Preheat the oven to
180C/350F/Gas 4.
TO DECORATE
280G ICING SUGAR
1 EGG WHITE, LIGHTLY BEATEN
Step 2 Put the butter, dark muscovado

sugar and honey into a saucepan and
heat gently until the butter is melted
and the sugar has dissolved. Leave to
cool a little.
STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS

2 BAKING SHEETS LINED WITH
GREASEPROOF PAPER
A PIPING BAG FITTED WITH A PLAIN
WRITING NOZZLE
Whip up an extra
EDWFKRIHVH\XPP\
FULVSJLQJHUVQDSVI
VXUSULVHJXHVWV
Step 3 Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda,

spices and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Pour over the melted butter mixture and
add the milk. Bring everything together
to form a smooth dough.
Step 4 On a clean, lightly floured work

surface, roll the dough out into a large
rectangle with a thickness of about 3mm.
Cut out cookies using the cutters of your
choice. Bring the trimmed dough together
and roll out again to cut as many cookies
out of the dough as possible.
Arrange the cookies on the
prepared baking sheets,
remembering to leave a
Bake
little space for spreading
le
ib
d
e
e
between each one.
som
decorations
Step 5 Bake the cookies in

the preheated oven for 8 to 10
minutes, until firm. Leave them
to cool on the baking sheets for 5
minutes or so, before transferring them to
a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6 In the meantime, put the icing sugar

into a bowl and beat in the egg white, until
you have a thick, smooth icing. Spoon the
mixture into the piping bag and decorate
the biscuits as you wish!
Step 7 Leave to set, store between layers of
baking parchment in an airtight container
or cookie jar and eat within three days.
$QGHUHVPH
The Cookie Jar by Liz
Franklin is published by
Ryland Peters & Small,
RRP 16.99. Handmade
Christmas readers can
buy a copy for the special price of 11.99
including free UK p&p by calling Macmillan
Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting
reference GLR EB7. www.rylandpeters.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
95
Gifts and goodies H Upcycled stocking
Make do and mend

Mantelpiece looking a little bare? Transform an old jumper
into a funky stocking to hang up for instant cheer!
YOu will need

AN OLD SWEATER OR CARDIGAN
(FAIR ISLE IS GOOD)
THREAD
)DHU&KULVWPDVZLEHVRLPSUHVVHGE\LV
UHSXUSRVHGVWRFNLQJDWKHVVXUHWROHDYH\RX
H[WUDVSHFLDOSUHVHQWVLV\HDU
SCISSORS
SEWING MACHINE
PINS
whip up a stack and use them as your

gift wrapping this year?
together, and sew together about 0.5cm

from the raw edges.
HOW TO MAKE THE STOCKING

Step 1 Lay the sweater flat and place the
stocking template (cut out without the cuff)
from p156 on top.
Step 5 Place the stocking pieces right sides

together, sandwiching the hanging loop
between the layers, and machine sew
round the edge with a short stitch length,
backstitching at the beginning and end of
the seam line.
Have you ever wondered what to do

with the ever-growing pile of jumpers
sitting in the back of the wardrobe that Step 2 Place the top of the stocking
have shrunk in the wash, picked up a
pattern at the edge of the sweater, to make
few holes or just dont suit you
use of the finished edge of the
any more? Well, now you can
sweater. If the sweater has
bring them out of
buttons, line up the centre of
hibernation and turn them
the pattern with the buttons.
to
y
a
w
t
a
e
into gorgeous stockings
Pin this in place.
A gr
g
n
li
c
y
c
e
to hang up on Christmas
get r
as!
Eve and be filled with
Step 3 Cut out, through
this Christm
presents! Those with
both the back and front of
minimal or no sewing
the sweater, to make both
experience will easily be able
sides of the stocking.
to make one of these funky
upcycled items, and even better, each
Step 4 To make a hanging loop, cut a
stocking that you craft will be unique.
4x15cm piece from the leftover sweater,
Since theyre so easy to make, why not
fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides
Step 6 Turn through and manipulate the

seam to create a rounded shape. Push the
toe through gently.
$QGHUHVPH
Christmas Stockings by
Rachael Rowe is
published by Search
Press, priced 7.99. For
more information about
the book visit www.searchpress.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
97
DESIGNER: EMMA HARDY, PHOTOGRAPHY: CICO BOOKS
r
Great gift fo
h
it
w
a friend
rs!
green nge
Gifts and goodies H Terrarium
Garden in a jar
Bring the outside inside this Christmas by making Emma Hardys
beautifully delicate glass terrarium
YOu will need

LARGE GLASS JAR WITH A WIDE NECK
GRAVEL
GROUND CHARCOAL (PET STORES
SHOULD STOCK THIS)
POTTING COMPOST
SCOOP
HELLEBORUS NIGER (CHOOSE AN
ALPINE VARIETY WITH A SMALL ROOT
BALL)
VIOLA X WITTROCKIANA (PANSY)
HUMATA TYERMANII (BUNNY FERN)
MOSS (AVAILABLE FROM FLORISTS)
SOFT PAINTBRUSH
A terrarium is a lovely means of

creating a small garden indoors, and an
easy way to bring colour into your
home. With a bit of careful plant
selection a simple glass jar can be
turned into a beautiful feature. Weve
suggested some plants to use, but any
ferns or succulents will also work well.
HOW TO MAKE THE TERRARIUM
Step 1 Clean and dry the jar thoroughly
before you start. Carefully place a layer of
gravel in the bottom of the jar (adding it in
handfuls rather than pouring it in, so that it
does not shatter the glass). The gravel
should be about 2cm thick and evenly
spread over the bottom of the jar.
Step 2 Sprinkle charcoal powder over the
gravel, completely covering it. This will help
to absorb odours from the compost,

ensuring that the terrarium does not smell.
Step 3 Check that the potting compost is
damp before using, and water it if
necessary, letting it drain slightly before
using it. Add the compost to the jar, making
a layer about 5cm thick. Add it using a small
scoop or your hand rather than pouring it
in, so that it does not make too much mess
inside the jar.
Step 4 Take the hellebore out of its pot and
carefully remove any excess soil from
around the roots. Make a shallow dip in the
compost inside the jar and place the
hellebore in it, spreading the roots out a
little and anchoring it in place with a little
more potting compost if necessary, so that
it sits firmly upright.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
99
Gifts and goodies H Terrarium
Step 5 Take the pansy from its pot and

plant in the jar in the same way, placing it
toward the back of the jar, next to
the hellebore.
potting compost, around the plants.

Make sure that all the potting compost is
covered, adding smaller pieces of moss
if necessary.
Step 6 Add the fern, again removing

excess soil from the roots, and plant toward
the front of the jar, adding more potting
compost if necessary. Firm around all three
plants so that they sit firmly in the compost.
Step 8 Using the soft paintbrush, clean up

the inside of the jar and brush any bits of
compost from the leaves and flowers.
Step 7 Tear the sheet of moss into pieces

and place them on the surface of the
AFTERCARE
Make sure that the potting compost
remains moist but not too wet (stick your
finger into the compost to check), watering
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\RXKDYHHEHDXW\RIQDWXUHLQ\RXUKRXVH
GXULQJHZLQWHUPRQV
100
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
sparely when necessary. Keep the

terrarium in a light spot and deadhead the
pansy regularly. With the right conditions,
the plants should keep flowering for
several weeks or months.
$QGHUHVPH
The Winter Gardenby
Emma Hardy is
published by CICO
Books, priced 14.99,
and is available from all
good bookshops. To purchase a copy at the
special price of 10.99 including free UK
p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting EC5. For
more information on this book, please
visitwww.cicobooks.co.uk
Snap to it!
No Christmas dinner is complete without a cracker, and these zingy
ones are the perfect way to get the party started! By Vicky Sheridan
1 Cut Christmas paper to

18x28cm and tape a snap
along the length (dont put
tape on the centre of the
snap!). Add double-sided
tape to one long end,
tightly wrap around the
cardboard tube and seal.
2 Tie ribbon around one end,

ll with a hat and prize, then tie
the other end. To help keep the
cracker in shape, place a second
cardboard tube in the end
while youre tying the ribbon.
3 You can leave the crackers

plain or decorate with paper
strips or other embellishments.
YOu will need

CHRISTMAS PAPERS
WRAPPING PAPER
CARDBOARD TUBES
PINK AND GREEN SATIN RIBBON
DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE
PINK BUTTON
HOLLY LEAF PUNCH
CRACKER SNAPS
HATS AND PRIZES
DESIGNER: FIONA GOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY BENSON
Ideal
pattern for
te
intermedia
s
r
te
knit
Gifts and goodies H Fox mittens
FOLQJIR[\
Keep hands warm in style this Christmas with a pair of fun mittens,
knitted in deliciously soft natural yarn
YOu will need

UK ALPACA SUPER FINE DK (70%
ALPACA, 30% WOOL, 50G/112M),
1 BALL OF EACH:
YARN A: RUST (14)
YARN B: PARCHMENT (01)
SMALL AMOUNTS OF BLACK AND
OFF-WHITE DK YARN
FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162.
A PAIR OF 4MM AND 3.25MM
KNITTING NEEDLES
STITCH HOLDER
YARN SEWING NEEDLE
LARGE-EYED EMBROIDERY NEEDLE
TENSION
20 STS AND 28 ROWS IN ST ST TO A
10CM SQUARE ON 4MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS
19CM FROM THE BASE OF THE WRIST
TO THE TIP, TO FIT A CHILD AGED 710
ABBREVIATIONS
C3R CABLE 3 RIGHT: SLIP NEXT 2
STITCHES ONTO CABLE NEEDLE AND
HOLD AT BACK OF WORK, KNIT NEXT
STITCH FROM LEFT-HAND NEEDLE THEN
KNIT STITCHES FROM CABLE NEEDLE.
C3L CABLE 3 LEFT: SLIP NEXT STITCH
ONTO CABLE NEEDLE AND HOLD AT
FRONT OF WORK, KNIT NEXT 2
STITCHES FROM LEFT-HAND NEEDLE
THEN KNIT STITCHES FROM CABLE
NEEDLE.
TBL THROUGH THE BACK LOOP: KNIT
OR PURL THOUGH THE BACK OF THE
STITCH
SL1(2) SLIP ONE (TWO) STITCH(ES):
FROM THE LEFT-HAND NEEDLE TO THE
RIGHTHAND NEEDLE WITHOUT
KNITTING IT (THEM)
FOR A FULL LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
SEE PAGE 154
Everyone loves a friendly fox, and

these gorgeous mittens are a great
way of showing your love for this
handsome creature! Theyre knitted in
yarn thats a blend of alpaca and
sheeps wool, so theyll be both super
soft and super cosy on chilly winter
mornings. The pattern here is for a
7-10 year old, but you can easily make
them larger so theyll fit teenagers
and adults. Theyre also adaptable to
make another animal try black and
white yarn to make a badger, or add
whiskers to turn them into a pair of
cute cats.
HOWTO MAKE THE MITTENS
RIGHT MITTEN
Using 4mm needles, cast on 36 sts in A.
Row 1: [K2, P2] to end.
Rep row 1, 13 times more.
Beg with a k row, work 4 rows in st st.*
Row 19: K22, [kfb] twice, k to end. [38 sts]
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: Knit.
Row 22: P12, pfb, P2, pfb, P to end. [40 sts]
Row 23: Knit.
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: K22, kfb, K4, kfb, K to end. [42 sts]
Row 26: Purl.
Row 27: Knit.
Row 29: Knit.
Row 30: Purl.
Row 32: Purl.
Row 33: Knit.
Row 34: P12, pfb, p10, pfb, p to end. [48 sts]
Row 35: K23, put next 12 sts onto stitch
holder, K to end. [36 sts]
Cont on 36 sts on main needles only.
Beg with a P row, work 9 rows in st st.
Break A and join in B.
Row 45: K8 in B; rejoin A and K7; K in B to
end, using yarn from ball centre.
Row 46: P22 in B; P5 in A; P in B to end.
Row 47: K1, skpo, K7 in B; K3 in A; K6,

k2tog, K2, skpo, K8, k2tog, K1 in B. [32 sts]
Row 48: P1, p2tog, P6, p2togtbl, P2, p2tog,
P6 in B; P1 in A; P7, p2togtbl, P1 in B. [28 sts]
Break A and the strand of B currently at the
centre of the piece and use the other strand
of B.
Row 49: K1, skpo, K12, k2tog, K2, skpo, K4,
k2tog, K1. [24 sts]
Row 50: P1, p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P2, P2tog,
P10, p2togtbl, P1. [20 sts]
Row 51: K1, skpo, K8, k2tog, K2, skpo,
k2tog, K1. [16 sts]
Row 52: P1, p2tog, p2togtbl, p2tog, P6,
p2tog, P1. [12 sts]
Break yarn, thread it through rem sts, and
pull up securely.
WORK THUMB
With RS facing you, rejoin A to 12 sts on
stitch holder.
Beg with a k row, work 8 rows in st st.
Next row: K1, [k2tog, K2] twice, k2tog, K1.
[9 sts]
Next row: Purl.
Next row: [K1, k2tog] 3 times. [6 sts]
pull up securely.
LEFT MITTEN
Rows 118: Work as for right mitten to *.
Row 19: K12, [kfb] twice, K to end. [38 sts]
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: Knit.
Row 23: Knit.
,IHUHVDFKLOGLQ
\RXUIDPLO\ZKRORYHV
DQLPDOVH\DGH
QGLQJHVHPLWWHQV
XQGHUHWU
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
103
Gifts and goodies H Fox mittens
Row 24: Purl.

Row 26: Purl.
Row 27: Knit.
Row 28: P22, pfb, P6, pfb, P to end. [44
sts]
Row 29: Knit.
Row 30: Purl.
Row 32: Purl.
Row 33: Knit.
Row 34: P22, pfb, P10, pfb, P to end. [48
sts]
Row 35: K13, put next 12 sts onto stitch
holder, K to end. [36 sts]
Cont on 36 sts on main needles only.
Break A and join in B.
Row 45: K21 in B; rejoin A and K7; K in B to
end, using yarn from ball centre.
Row 46: P9 in B, P5 in A, P in B to end.
Row 47: K1, skpo, K8, k2tog, K2, skpo, K6
in B; K3 in A; K7, k2tog, K1 in B. [32 sts]
Row 48: P1, p2tog, P7 in B; P1 in A; P6,
p2togtbl, P2, p2tog, P6, p2togtbl, P1 in B.
[28 sts]
Break A and the strand of B currently at
the centre of the piece and use other
strand
of B.
Row 49: K1, skpo, K4, k2tog, K2, skpo,
K12, k2tog, K1. [24 sts]
Row 50: P1, p2tog, P10, p2togtbl, P2,
p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P1. [20 sts]
Row 51: K1, skpo, k2tog, K2, skpo, K8,
k2tog, K1. [16 sts]
Row 52: P1, p2tog, P6, p2tog, p2togtbl,
p2tog, P1. [12 sts]
pull up securely.
Work thumb as for right mitten.
EAR
Make 4
Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 6 sts in A.
Beg with a K row, work 2 rows in st st.
Row 3: Ssk, K2, k2tog. [4 sts]
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: Ssk, k2tog. [2 sts]
Row 6: P2tog. [1 st]
Row 7: Kfb. [2 sts]
Row 8: Purl.
Row 9: [Kfb] twice. [4 sts]
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: [Kfb, K1] twice. [6 sts]
Cast off kwise.
104
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
TO MAKE UP
Join the side seams of the mittens and the
thumb seams using flat stitch.
Fold an ear piece in half lengthwise, right
sides together, and sew the two sides,
leaving the lower edge open. Turn the ear
the right way out and oversew the lower
edge. Make the other three ears in the
same way and oversew in place.
Work French knots in black yarn for the eye
centres, winding the yarn three times
around the needle instead of the usual two.
Using off-white yarn, work a circle of chain
stitch around the eye centre.
For the nose, work a small coil of chain stitch
using black yarn.
Weave in all loose ends.
AnGeres
PH
Knitted Animal Scarves,
Mitts, and Socksis
published by CICO
Books priced 12.99. To
purchase a copy at the special price of 9.99
including free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699
quoting ED3.For more information on this
book, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS READER OFFER

VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET FROM 99PP
From 129pp for 1 night.
Departure dates December 2015.
PRICE INCLUDES ALL THIS:
Enjoy a magical winter safari and a Festival

of Light celebrating some of Chinas
most mysterious myths, as one of the
most beautiful stately homes in the UK is
transformed into a world of enchantment.
Youll also visit Salisburys Christmas Market
- one of the Daily Telegraphs Top Five UK
Christmas Markets.
From 99pp for 1 night.

Departure dates November and December 2015
For a couple of festive days away,
look no further than this great-value
break. Combining the very best
seasonal shopping with fine food,
Baths spectacular Christmas lights and
a short tour of the lovely Cotswolds,
it promises to be an unmissable preChristmas weekend!
A visit to Salisburys Christmas Market

Entry to Longleats Festival of Light,
including access to Longleat House, a
winter safari and the Adventure Park
One nights bed and English breakfast
accommodation at a good hotel in the
Swindon area
Coach travel throughout
The services of a friendly Tour Manager
From 105pp
for 1 night. Departure dates November
and December 2015

A visit to Bath and its Christmas Market
A short tour of the Cotswolds
Visits to Bourton-on-the-Water and
Stow-on-the-Wold
accommodation in the Express by
Holiday Inn, Swindon (or similar)
Comfortable coach travel and transfers
Get your Christmas shopping off to a

flying start with this overnight break
to the hugely popular St Nicholas
Christmas Fayre in the heart of historic
York. The finest crafts, gifts, food, festive
fun, musical entertainment, shops and
stalls combine to make this a really
memorable weekend.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Travel insurance not included. Lead-in price is based on two people sharing. Single supplement
applies. Subject to availability. Price could be withdrawn at any time. These holidays are operated
by, and your resulting contract will be with, Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd., Cantium House, Railway
Approach, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0BP. (Registered in England no. 2238316/1708566) ABTA V7812,
ATOL 2325.
Your personal information will be used as set out in our Privacy Policy, which can be viewed at
www.immediate.co.uk/privacy-policy
A visit to Leeds

A visit to the York Christmas Fayre
accommodation in a comfortable hotel
within a 90-minute drive of York
Coach travel throughout
TO BOOK & FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE

CALL 0330 160 7864 & QUOTE CODE: CFT
VERITY WELSTEAD AND LUCY BERRIDGE
Mix & match

Make use of old cups and
into
saucers by turning them
also
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s.
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make very
ch,
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add scented oils to the
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m
fro
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set
g
makin
craft shops.
Ideas H Upcycling
New from old

Adding a personal touch to antique and vintage pieces makes
them even more alluring as presents
keep it clean
Place a pretty soap
onto a gorgeous
vintage saucer, tie
with some ribbon
and youve got a
very elegant
present to give.
What a pickle
Putting your homemade preserves
in antique jars will really give
them the wow factor. Dont
forget to label them!
Sweet treats
Fill 1950s ceramic
jelly moulds with
retro sweets for a
present thats sure
to delight.
Gardeners delight
For green-ngered
friends and family,
collect garden tools
and seeds together in
a wicker trug for a
practical yet stylish gift.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
107
Make a
real winter
warmer for
someone
Gifts and goodies H Tea and shortbread
TLPHIWHD
If you know someone who loves a biscuit and a brew, impress them
with a present of homemade teabags and shortbread
YOu will need

FOR THE SLEEPY TEA
DRIED CAMOMILE
DRIED LEMON BALM
DRIED PASSIFLORA
DRIED ROSE BUDS OR PETALS
FOR THE DE-STRESS TEA
DRIED CAMOMILE
DRIED LEMON BALM
DRIED LIME BLOSSOMS
DRIED PASSIFLORA
DRIED SKULLCAP
READY-TO-FILL TEABAGS (OPTIONAL)
MAKES 20 TEABAGS
HOW TO MAKE THE TEABAGS

Combine equal quantities (50g in total) of
each of the dried herbs in a bowl and mix
well. Scoop one heaped teaspoon of the
blend into each tea bag, tie with fine string
or cotton and attach a pretty label to each
bag. Stored in an airtight box, these will
keep for at least three months.
HOW TO MAKE THE SHORTBREAD
Step 1 To make the shortbread dough,
cream the softened butter and icing
sugar until pale and light. Add the vanilla
extract and mix again. Sift the flour (and
cocoa if using for the chocolate
shortbread) and salt, add to the mixture
and beat until smooth. Flatten the dough
into a disc, wrap in clingfilm and chill
until firm.
FOR THE VANILLA SHORTBREAD

225G UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
75G ICING SUGAR, SIFTED
1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
225G PLAIN FLOUR, PLUS EXTRA FOR
ROLLING
PINCH OF SALT
Step 2 Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/

Gas Mark 4 and line a baking tray with
greaseproof paper. Lightly dust the work
surface with plain flour and roll the dough
out to a thickness of about 3mm. Using
cookie cutters, stamp out shapes and
arrange on the baking tray.
FOR THE CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD

225G UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
75G ICING SUGAR, SIFTED
1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
225G PLAIN FLOUR, PLUS EXTRA FOR
ROLLING
Step 3 Bake on the middle shelf of the

preheated oven for around 12 to15
minutes, until crisp and pale golden. Cool
on the baking tray, then package into
pretty boxes or bags.
Lemon shortbread Add the finely grated

zest of 1 unwaxed lemon, 1 tsp of lemon
extract and 1 tbsp of finely chopped
candied lemon peel to the vanilla
shortbread mixture in place of the
vanilla extract.
Almond shortbread Add 75g of finely
chopped or ground almonds to the
chocolate or vanilla mixture.
Hazelnut shortbread Add 75g finely
chopped or ground hazelnuts to the
chocolate or vanilla mixture.
50G COCOA
PINCH OF SALT
Lets get the kettle on! Tea and

biscuits is always a winning
combination, and versions youve
made yourself are even better. Spoon
the tea into ready-to-fill teabags, or
decant into glass jars or a tea caddy
with a tea strainer attached. Pop the
biscuits in a pretty tin, then package
everything up with a teapot and youve
got a gift that any tea lover will adore!
VARIATIONS
Pistachio chocolate-dipped shortbread
Add 75g of finely chopped unsalted,
shelled pistachios to the shortbread
mixture (chocolate or vanilla). Stamp out
discs of shortbread and bake. Spread the
baked and cooled shortbread discs with
melted dark chocolate and scatter with
chopped pistachios.
Stem ginger shortbread Add 1 teaspoon
of ground ginger and 1 finely chopped
nugget of stem ginger to the basic
vanilla mixture.
Morello cherry shortbread Add 75g

chopped dried morello cherries to the
vanilla or chocolate mixture.
$QGHUHVPH
Gifts from the Kitchen by
Annie Rigg is published
by Kyle Books, priced
14.99. For more
information about ths
title please visit www.kylebooks.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
109
)LHGZLIXQ
Deck the halls with Lucie Heatons adorable cross stitch Advent calendar a
decorative and delicious countdown all in one! Its perfect for kids of every age
e
Find a guid g
hin
to cross stitc 1
on page 15
Gifts and goodies H Advent calendar
CHART
10
YOu will need
20

THE KEY
14-COUNT WHITE AIDA MEASURING
10
10x10CM FOR EACH DESIGN

BACKING FABRIC AND HANGING
CORD OF CHOICE
MEASUREMENTS
EACH STOCKING MEASURES 7.5x5.5CM
ON 14-COUNT AIDA
10
20
We love these cute little stockings

theyre the perfect way to mark the
build-up to Christmas! Each design can
be stitched in an evening, so theres
plenty of time to get finished before
December. Once youve finished, cut
the stitching into a stocking shape
leaving a 1cm border. Place with a
matching piece of fabric, right sides
facing, then fold down 1cm of fabric
either side at the top to create a neat
edge. Stitch the sides and bottom of
using a 1cm seam allowance, leaving
the top open. Finally, add a loop of
ribbon or twine and secure inside the
stocking with a few stitches.
WDMC W Anchor WMadeira
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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
113
Gifts and goodies H Gadget cover
A soft touch
Draw on Scandinavian style to sew a pretty protector for a tablet or
phone using soft fabric and beaded details
YOu will need

90x115CM LIGHT BLUE FELT
12x12CM LIGHT PINK FELT
SCRAPS OF RED AND GREEN FELT
,WVDOZD\VJUHDWWRUHFHLYHDSUHVHQWDWVDV
SUHWW\DVLWLVSUDFWLFDOZKLFKLVFHUWDLQO\H
FDVHZLLVVW\OLVKJDGJHWFRYHU
50CM RED BIAS BINDING

LIGHT BLUE AND PINK ROUND BEADS,
3MM IN DIAMETER
LIGHT BLUE AND PINK EMBROIDERY
THREAD
RED, LIGHT PINK AND GREEN SEWING
THREADS
SEWING NEEDLE
FABRIC GLUE
PINKING SHEARS
Craft the perfect gift for a gadget

HOW TO MAKE THE GADGET COVER
lover! Lots of us take tablets
Step 1 First measure your gadget to work
everywhere, but pulling them in and out out how much fabric you will need. There
of a bag can easily result in the surface
are three pieces to this project back, front
getting scratched and damaged. Stop
and flap. The back needs to be the same
any accidents in their tracks by making
size as your gadget plus 1cm all around; the
this Nordic-style cover that
front piece is the same width and
features traditional Dala
two-thirds of the height of the
horses. The case is easily
back piece; and the flap is the
created using felt
same width as the back and
Easily
with some beaded
10cm deep. To make the
to
adaptable ed cover more sturdy and
embellishments, and its
iz
different s
also simple to adjust to fit
provide extra padding, cut
gadgets
your chosen gadget size.
two of each piece. Round off
Felt is a great fabric to sew
the corners of each piece.
with, as it doesnt fray and
cuts very easily. The instructions
Step 2 Trace the templates from
here assume youll be using a sewing
page 156 onto tracing paper and cut out.
machine, but if youre confident in your
Cut out two hearts from red felt, two Dala
skills then it shouldnt take long to sew
horses from pink felt and four little green
this project by hand. If you prefer your
leaves. Place them on the front panel.
cover to be more plain then you can
When youre happy with the positions,
leave off the appliqu details.
apply a tiny dot of fabric glue to the back of
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
115
Gifts and goodies H Gadget cover
each one and gently press them in place.

Using matching sewing thread, stitch the
decorations in place.
Step 3 Pin the decorated front panel right
side up on the plain front panel. Turn the
panel over and pin the bias binding along
the top edge, allowing a few centimetres
to stick out at each end. Machine stitch
along the top crease line in the binding.
Step 4 Trim the blue felt a little if necessary,
and fold the bias binding over to the front.
Sew along the edge of the binding from
the front. Attach bias binding to the
bottom edge of the flap. Dont forget to
pin the two layers of the flap together
before you start sewing.
:HORYHHZD\DWHVRIWSDVWHOVKDGHV
RIEOXHSLQNDQGJUQDUHFRQWUDVWHGZL
HFKU\UHGKHDUWVDQGHGJLQJ
Step 5 Cut off any excess binding sticking
out on the sides, leaving just 1cm or so
extending. Fold it over to the back of each
piece and attach with a few hand stitches.
Step 6 Place the two back pieces in front
of you, add the decorated front panel,
and then the flap. Align all pieces
carefully; trim here and there if you need
to, but dont get carried away and cut off
too much! Pin the pieces together with
long dressmakers pins. Slowly sew all
around the cover, using red thread.
Step 7 Snip around the blue felt with
pinking shears to give the cover a
pretty edge, taking great care not to
snip through the binding. Using a
sharp needle and matching
embroidery thread, add a small beaded
flower to each of the hearts, made up
of a light blue centre surrounded by pink
beads.
Step 8 Add five beads to the closing flap
light blue in the centre, a pink one on
each side and a blue bead on each side
of the pink.
116
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
AnGeres PH
Sew Scandinavianis
at 12.99, and is available
from all good bookshops.
To purchase a copy at the special price of
9.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302
699 quoting ED6.For more information,
please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk
0DUNHVSRW
Use yarn scraps in funky colours to whip up these handy pompom
bookmarks in your tea break. By Jess Byrne
YOu will need

MATERIALS
YARN IN FIVE DIFFERENT COLOURS
A FORK
SMALL SHARP SCISSORS
1 Cut four lengths of yarn

measuring 70cm and put to one
side. Choose a ball of yarn and start
wrapping it around the fork until
the bundle gets as fat as you can
make it. Cut the wool to leave a
tail of around 35cm.
MEASUREMENTS: 18x4CM
2 Take one of the pieces

of yarn you put aside and
push it between the two
centre prongs of the fork.
Pull it up, then wrap it
around the wool bundle,
tying as tightly as you can
and making sure the ends
of the long piece are even
in length. Slide the wool
bundle off the fork.
4 Using sharp scissors, snip the

loops of the wool bundle to create
a pom-pom. Roll it around a little
in your hands to uff up the
strands and then give it a trim to
ensure all the strands are even.
3 Fold in half the remaining

three strands of wool that you
set aside, then tie tightly to the
two strands holding the wool
bundle. You should now have a
tight wool bundle with 9 strands
measuring 35cm hanging from
it. Plait these strands to around
10cm long. Tie tightly and cut,
leaving a 4-5cm tassel.
Gifts and goodies H Chocolate wafers
6ZWVIP\VZW
Impress your friends and family with a box of these delicious dark and
white chocolate wafers topped with raspberry pieces and rose petals
YOu will need

150G GOOD QUALITY DARK
CHOCOLATE (72% COCOA SOLIDS)
150G GOOD QUALITY WHITE
CHOCOLATE
34 TBSP FREEZE-DRIED RASPBERRY
PIECES
34 TBSP CRYSTALLISED ROSE PETALS
34 TBSP PINK SUGARED ROSE CHIPS
OR SUGAR SPRINKLES
You can
e
substitute th r
fo
y
raspberr d
cr ystallise
ginger
Everyone loves to
indulge over Christmas
DQGHVHH[TXLVLWH
chocolates are only
slightly sinful!
Raspberry and rose is an irresistible

combination, and these pretty sweets
will make a special gift for someone
this Christmas. Even non-foodie types
will enjoy whipping up a batch, as
theres no cooking required. Pop them
in a glassine bag and tie with a ribbon
for a pretty finishing touch.
HOW TO MAKE THE WAFERS
Step 1 Line two large baking trays with
greaseproof paper.
Step 2 Break the dark and white chocolate
into pieces and melt separately in
heatproof bowls set over pans of barely
simmering water. Stir until smooth, then
remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Step 3 Spoon heaped teaspoonfuls of
melted chocolate on to the prepared
baking trays, spreading the chocolate into

discs with the back of the spoon. Scatter
with the raspberry pieces, rose petals and
rose chips or sugar sprinkles. Set the
chocolates aside to cool and harden
completely before removing them from
the paper with a palette knife.
Step 4 Stored in an airtight container, these
chocolates will keep for 45 days.
$QGHUHVPH
This delicious project
appears in Gifts from the
Kitchen by Annie Rigg,
published by Kyle Books
for 14.99. For more
information please visit www.kylebooks.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
119
Dapper dog
DESIGNER: CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON
Keep your pooch stylish this

season with a smart bow tie
Gifts and goodies H Dog bow tie
YOu will need

ONE BALL OF JAMES C BRETT
TWINKLE DK (97% ACRYLIC, 3%
POLYESTER, 100G/300M) IN RED (03)
3.5MM CROCHET HOOK
BLUNT-ENDED YARN NEEDLE
PRESS STUDS
MATCHING THREAD
SEWING NEEDLE
STITCH MARKER
TENSION
22STS AND 25 ROWS TO 10CM OVER
DC ON A 3.5MM HOOK
MEASUREMENTS
35CM LONG STRAP
ABBREVIATIONS
Always put your best paw forward

with this doggie bow tie! The yarn
weve chosen has metallic flecks in it to
make it that little bit more festive. The
strap is fastened with press studs, so
that the bow tie adjusts to fit a variety
of sizes, but if you need to make the
strap longer then just continue the
pattern as required.
MAIN BOW
Note: the main bow is worked
in the round without joining,
Makes a
use a stitch marker to mark
the first st of each round.
great last
Ch 21.
minute gift!
Round 1 Dc in 2nd ch from
the hook, dc in the next 18sts,
gathering the bow as you go,
3dc in last ch st, turn and work
to form the shape. Weave in and
along the back of the foundation ch,
cut off any loose ends.
dc in the next 18sts, 2dc in last st. [42 sts]
Rounds 231 Dc in each st around.
STRAP
[42 sts]
Ch 7.
Fasten off, press flat and sew the opening
Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 5
closed to create a rectangle for the
sts. [6 sts]
main bow.
Rows 290 Ch 1 turn, dc in each st to end.
[6 sts]
BOW MIDDLE
Fasten off.
Ch 6.
Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from the hook, dc in the TO MAKE UP
next 4sts. [5 sts]
Sew the middle of the strap to the back of
Rows 220 Ch 1 turn, dc in each st to end.
the bow. Sew press studs to the ends of the
[5 sts]
bow strap so that it fits on your dog. The
Fasten off and sew around the main bow,
strap is slightly stretchy, so if making for a
gift add a few press studs a couple of

centimetres apart so that it will fit a
range of dogs. Weave in and cut off any
loose ends.
$QGHUHVPH
This cute project is
taken from One Ball Of
Wool, published by DK,
RRP 9.99. Get your
needles and hooks out
in the run-up to Christmas and create more
fun gifts, all using just one ball of wool! For
more information visit www.dk.com/uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
121
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM
Trends H Woodland
Winter woodland
Bring the natural elements of a winter woodland into your home. Think
mistletoe bunches and berries mixed with textured woods and twine
Berry nice +
Give your Christmas table a

simple yet effective centrepiece
by choosing a candle containing
winter berries and branches, such
as this beautiful large botanical
candle by Linea with a warming
mulled berry fragrance. From
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Starry night y
Keep the woodland theme going into

the night with a natural twig star
decorated with LED lights. Its a
great example of how natural objects
can work well with modern
embellishments. Available from
www.livelaughlove.co.uk
Mix natural
and modern
styling to
t
create impac
Textural touch
Add a coat of whitewash to a wooden

Christmas decoration to bring out the texture
of the woodgrain, then hang using a simple
hessian string. This fretwork Noel
decoration comes from www.tch.net
New from old +
Natural beauty +
For an authentic forest feel, keep

your Christmas wreath
all-natural with just green
ribbon and twine to trim it. This
living succulent wreath shows
just how effective such a subtle
colour scheme can be. From
eurieugifts.etsy.com
Bring a new lease of life to

an old wooden pallet by
repurposing the wooden slats
to make a tree dec with a
difference. This sweet design
is stamped with a festive
message and topped with
a distressed paint nish.
From www.theorchard
homeandgifts.com
y
Fresh & festive
Who says baubles have to be

round? Use these quirky
toadstool decorations to deck
out your tree, or why not string
some up along red ribbon for
unique festive bunting to hang
in your hallway?
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
123
DESIGNER: FIONA GOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY BENSON
Knitted in
n
chunky yar
for a quick
make
Gifts and goodies H Owl scarf
Have a hoot!
If a woodland walk is what you fancy, dress the part and kit yourself out
in this super scarf with pockets at the ends to keep your hands toasty
YOu will need

LION BRAND WOOL-EASE THICK &
QUICK (80% ACRYLIC, 20% WOOL,
170G/97M), 2 BALLS OF
YARN A: OATMEAL (123)
KATIA MAXI MERINO CHUNKY (55%
WOOL, 45% ACRYLIC, 100G/125M),
1 BALL OF EACH:
YARN B: GOLD (047)
YARN C: RUST (040)
SMALL AMOUNT OF DARK BROWN
DK YARN
FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162.
A PAIR OF 9MM AND 5.5MM KNITTING
NEEDLES
A 9MM AND 6MM CROCHET HOOK
YARN SEWING NEEDLE
Delight a child (or an adult!) on

Christmas Day with this cute little
knitted scarf featuring everyones
favourite bird. Its practical, too, as it
will keep necks and hands warm on
those bracing post-lunch frosty walks.
LARGE-EYED EMBROIDERY NEEDLE

FOUR 18MM CREAM BUTTONS
TENSION
9 STS AND 12 ROWS IN STOCKING
STITCH TO A 10CM SQUARE ON 9MM
NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS
149CM LONG
ABBREVIATIONS
AnGeres Pe
Knitted Animal Scarves,
Mitts, And Socksis
published by CICO Books,
priced 12.99. To purchase
a copy at the special price
of 9.99 with free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699
quoting ED3. For more information on this
book, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk
HOW TO MAKE THE SCARF

MAIN SCARF
Using 9mm needles, cast on 13 sts in A.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Knit.
Beg with a k row, work 17 rows in st st.
Row 20: Knit.
Row 21: Purl.
Rep rows 2021, 87 times more.
Row 196: Knit.
Beg with a K row, work 17 rows in st st.
Row 214: Knit.
Cast off.
EYE BASES
Make 4
Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 24 sts in B.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: [P2tog] to end. (12 sts)
Row 3: [K2tog] to end. (6 sts)
pull up securely.
EYE FRINGES
Make 4
Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 3 sts in C.
*Cast off 2 sts, transfer rem st from right to
left needle without turning work. One picot

made.
Cast on 2 sts.**
Rep from * to ** until you have 12 picots.
Fasten off.
EAR LOOPS
Using the 6mm crochet hook and a
doubled strand of dark brown yarn, work
four 13cm crochet chains.
TO MAKE UP
Fold the pocket tops at each end of the
scarf upward so that the right side of the
top part of the pocket is on the inside and
oversew the side seams. Turn the pockets
the right way out.
Using B doubled and the 9mm crochet
hook, work a crochet edging along the
sides of the scarf, beginning and ending at
the top of the pockets.
For the eyes, fold the eye base pieces in
half so that the right side is on the inside
and oversew the seam (row edges) to form
a disc. Oversew the eye bases in position.
Oversew the picot edging in place around
eye bases and sew the buttons in place in
the centres of the eyes using the dark
brown yarn. Using dark brown yarn, work a
teardrop-shape for the beak in chain stitch.
Make each dark brown crochet chain into
two loops and stitch in place at the top
corners of the pockets for the ears. Weave
in all loose ends.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
125
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WHITAKER
Gifts and goodies H Biscuit tree
Stack em high
Bake sweet biscuits and arrange them into a tree shape for a striking
teatime centrepiece thats guaranteed to wow friends and family
YOu will need

120G BUTTER
120G CASTER SUGAR
180G PLAIN FLOUR
1 EGG, SEPARATED
500G READY-TO-ROLL FONDANT
ICING (IN GREEN OR WHITE)
50G APRICOT JAM, STRAINED
50G ICING SUGAR
CASTER SUGAR, FOR DUSTING
SILVER AND GOLD BALLS
STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS
IN VARIOUS SIZES
2 BAKING SHEETS LINED WITH
BAKING PARCHMENT
Children wont
be able to resist
GLVPDQWOLQJLV
IHVWLYHELVFXLWWU
DVIDVWDVH\FDQ
A lovely stack of crisp, buttery cookies

Top tip!
made to look like an elegant Christmas
tree is a very special thing
These biscuits would make a fantastic gift
to make for your guests. You can buy
packed into a pretty box. Turn to page 142
individual star cookie cutters in
to make your own stamped wrapping paper!
descending sizes, or search out the
kits that are especially made for the
purpose these usually include about
10 cookie cutters from very large for
Step 5 Leave to cool on the baking sheets
the base, to tiny ones for the top.
for 10 minutes or so, before transferring to
Choose a festive coloured icing and
a wire rack until completely cold.
decorate with sprinkles or silver balls.
With this showstopping treat it pays
Step 6 Roll out the fondant icing and cut
to be patient those who wait
into stars using the cookie cutters, so
get the biggest biscuits at
that you have fondant stars that
the bottom! These cookies
correspond in size to
the
are really easy to make, so
n
cookies.
Offer this fu
why not whip up another
to
alternative ke
batch to freeze (just
Step 7 Brush the cold
a
c
s
a
Christm
leave out the icing)
cookies with apricot jam
at teatime
for last-minute treats for
(heat it up a little in a
visitors over the holidays?
saucepan set over a low heat if
HOW TO MAKE THE COOKIES
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/
Gas Mark 4.
Step 2 Put the butter, sugar and flour in a
large mixing bowl. Rub together until the
mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, and
then add the egg yolk. Bring everything
together to form a smooth dough.
Step 3 On a clean, lightly floured work
surface, roll out the dough into a large
rectangle about 4mm thick. Cut out star
shapes in descending sizes. Bring the
trimmed dough together and roll out again
to cut as many cookies out of the dough as
possible. Arrange the biscuits on the
prepared baking sheets, with the larger
cookies on one sheet and the smaller
cookies on another.
Step 4 Bake the larger cookies in the
preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, and
the smaller ones for 4 to 8 minutes, until
golden and firm.
the jam is too thick to brush) and

place the matching fondant star on
top. Push gently to secure, taking care not
to break the cookies.
Step 8 Stack the cookies on top of each
other, starting with the largest cookie at
the base. Mix the icing sugar with enough
water to create a thick icing and decorate
the finished tree with silver and gold balls,
using the icing to secure them.
$QGHUHVPH
This scrumptious recipe
is from The Cookie Jar
by Liz Franklin with
photography by Kate
Whitaker, published by
Ryland, Peters & Small, RRP 16.99. Readers
can buy it for the special price of 11.99
including free UK p&p by calling Macmillan
Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting
reference GLR EB7. www.rylandpeters.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
127
FREE INSIDE! 40 GIFT

TAGS & GREETINGS
Christmas
etings
Seasons Gre
#! ::!::!#

!
Just
9.99!
The team behind Mollie Makes bring you this collection of seasonal makes for crafters of all levels.
Be inspired to give handmade gifts and style a festive home with our 105 exciting projects and ideas.
Packed with crochet, knitting and sewing patterns, papercrafts, jewellery-making DIYs and so much more!
order your copy today!
Order online www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspec15

Or call 01604 828744 and quote Mollie Christmas Special 2015
Lines open weekdays 8am to 9.30pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 828744.
* EUR price 11.99, ROW price 12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.
Luscious lemons
Be inspired by Italy and whip up a batch
of tangy and refreshing limoncello liqueur
YOu will need

6 UNWAXED LEMONS
250G CASTER SUGAR
the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat

and simmer very gently for 15 minutes. Add
the lemon juice and simmer for a further 5
minutes. Remove from the heat and set
aside to cool.
A 70CL BOTTLE OF GOOD QUALITY
Step 3 Pour the vodka into a large

sterilised preserving or Kilner jar and
add the lemony syrup. Secure the lid
and give it all a good shake.
VODKA
This delicious drink is so easy to put

together but, when presented in a
pretty bottle, makes a real
showstopper of a gift. Limoncello is
traditionally served as a digestif at the
end of a meal, so you could also make a
batch for your own consumption and
enjoy a shot or two after Christmas
dinner! If you prefer the taste of
oranges to lemons, you can also make
arancello by swapping the fruit.
HOW TO MAKE THE LIMONCELLO
Step 1 Wash and dry the lemons and
remove the zest in fine strips, using a
vegetable peeler. Squeeze the juice from
the lemons and set aside.
Step 2 Pour 100ml of water into a small

pan, add the zest and sugar and bring
slowly to the boil, stirring occasionally until
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PH
Gifts From The
Kitchen by Annie
Rigg is published by
Kyle Books, priced
14.99. For more
information please visit www.kylebooks.com
Step 4 Set aside in a cool, dry and dark

place for a week, shaking the jar every day.
Strain off the lemon
zest and decant the
limoncello into a
bottle. This
will keep
for months.
r
Indulge you
is
th
loved ones !
Christmas
PHOTOGRAPHY: JACQUELINE RAMSEY
Gifts and goodies H Santa sacks
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What could be more exciting for little ones than a personalised sack
full of toys? By Jacqueline Ramsey
Warning: these Santa sacks will

generate squeals of delight and lots of
poking! Theyre great for keeping
childrens gifts together and youll be
able to run them up on a sewing
machine in no time. Have fun
decorating the plain cotton with simple
felt shapes weve got a snow-laden
Christmas tree, heavenly angel and
cutie penguin for you to choose from,
or if you want to flex your creative
muscles, how about creating your own
Rudolph the reindeer, magical fairy or
jolly Santa? For the names, just cut the
letters out of felt and sew them on,
either by machine or hand. If youre in a
rush, just pop unwapped presents in
and pull the drawstring tight to keep
inquisitive eyes at bay!
HOW TO MAKE THE SACKS
Fold the cotton fabric in half, selvedge to
selvedge, and cut down the middle (this
gives you two sacks). The selvedge will be
the top of the sack. Fold in half again,
selvedges together, then work on your
design with selvedges at the top. The sack
is seamed on the bottom and right-hand
side after you have finished stitching

the design.
HOW TO MAKE THE CORD CASING
Fold 4cm down from top of sack with the
wrong sides together. Stitch across the
bottom edge, then stitch a parallel line 2cm
above it. Backstitch both ends of the
stitching to prevent unravelling. Thread
cord through casing. Make a 2x4cm felt tab
and attach over the ends of the cord.
HOW TO MAKE THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Step 1 Trace the Christmas tree templates
on page 156 onto felt. Place the tree trunk
in the centre of the sack, 19cm up from the
bottom, and machine stitch in place.
Step 2 Arrange the tree foliage felt shapes
above the tree trunk starting from the
bottom and working upwards. Position
them at wonky angles for a fun effect.
Machine stitch each one in place
individually.
Step 3 Once the tree and trunk are in place,
attach the tree pot, stitching it on top of the
bottom of the tree trunk.
YOu will need

1 METRE OF 130-140CM WIDE
MEDIUM OR HEAVY WEIGHT COTTON
IN RED OR WHITE (WILL MAKE TWO
SACKS)
1 SPOOL OF MATCHING ALL-PURPOSE
THREAD
1 METRE OF PULL CORD FOR EACH
SACK
FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE SACK:
30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN DARK
GREEN, WHITE, LIGHT
BROWN AND DARK BROWN
1 METRE OF DARK GREEN CORD
FOR THE ANGEL SACK:
30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN BRIGHT
PINK, LILAC, YELLOW AND BLUE
1 METRE OF LILAC CORD
FOR THE PENGUIN SACK:
30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN BLACK,
WHITE, RED, YELLOW AND BLUE
1 METRE OF YELLOW CORD
MEASUREMENTS
45x54CM
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
131
Christmas goodies H Santa sacks
Step 4 Cut the recipients name out of felt,

making sure the letters are a uniform size.
Stitch across the bottom of the sack.
Step 2 Position the angels hair at the top of

the body with the pigtails overlapping her
wings, and stitch in place.
stitch the main body shape to the centre of

the sack, then add the white chest shape
and the hat, as shown.
Step 5 Wrong sides together, fold the sack

in half and stitch bottom and side edges.
Leave an 8cm gap at the top of side seam.
Step 3 Pin the face shape on top of the hair

and the shoes at the bottom of the body, as
shown; stitch in place. Use fabric glue to
attach the eyes to the face.
Step 2 Pin the penguin feet shapes to the

bottom of the penguins body at a jaunty
angle, as shown. Stitch in place.
Step 6 Neatly fold in the raw edges at the

top of the side seam and stitch in place.
Turn the sack the right way out to finish.
HOW TO MAKE THE ANGEL
Step 1 Stitch the angel wings (see page 156
for the templates) to the centre of the sack,
followed by the angels body.
132
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Step 4 Cut out and stitch on the name, 7cm

up from the bottom of the sack. Follow
steps 5 and 6 from the Christmas tree to
make up the sack.
HOW TO MAKE THE PENGUIN
Step 1 Using the templates on page 156,
Step 3 Cut two black felt triangle eyes and

glue to the face. Add two white felt circles
either side of the hat for pom-poms.
Step 4 Cut out and stitch on the name, 7cm
up from the bottom of the sack. Follow
steps 5 and 6 from the Christmas tree
to finish.
Add a little
ra
lavender fo
lovely scent
6WXIIHGZLORYH
Send these beautiful Scandi-inspired hearts to loved ones
this Christmas to show how much you care
Gifts and goodies H Heart sachet
10
YOu will need

TWO RECTANGLES OF FABRIC
MEASURING 20.5x15.5CM
RIBBON FOR A HANGING LOOP
(APPROX. 20CM)
5CM CIRCULAR LID TO MAKE
A TEMPLATE
BUTTON
HANDFUL OF TOY STUFFING
QUICK UNPICK TOOL
THIN CARD
PEN
RULER
Top tip!
Make each heart slightly different by mixing
up your fabric, bows and buttons, or use
bakers twine as a hanging loop.
134
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Decorative heart sachets are a really

popular gift idea and its so simple to
make your own. Weve made these
hearts longer than usual to add to the
Scandinavian look. Theyre filled with
toy stuffing but you could add lavender
or pot pourri, wrapped in a bit of
wadding, to give them a sweet scent.
Weve kept to classic red and white,
but theyll look great in other colours
and prints take a look in your stash!
Then have fun embellishing with pretty
ribbons, plain or shaped buttons and
beads. These adorable decorations
look lovely hanging from the tree of
course, but also think about cupboards,
doorknobs or dangling artfully in
clusters anywhere that could benefit
from some Scandi cheer!
Step 3 Join the side of the circle to the

centre line, 11.5cm below the bottom of
the circle.
Step 4 Fold the heart in half along the
centre line and cut it out. When you open it
up again youll have a perfect heart shape.
Step 5 Take the rectangle of fabric that will
form the back of the heart and cut it in half
lengthways.
Step 6 Sew it back together with a 0.5cm
seam allowance. Press the seam open.
Step 7 Lay the heart template centrally
over the seam. Draw around it then cut out
your heart shape.
HOW TO MAKE THE HEART SACHET

Step 1 To make a heart template, draw a
centre line along your card.
Step 8 Cut out another fabric heart shape

using your template. This will form the front
of the heart you dont need to create a
seam in this piece.
Step 2 Place the lid to the right of the line,

so that it slightly overlaps it. Draw around it.
Step 9 Sew the two long fabric hearts

right sides together all the way around.
Gifts and goodies H Heart sachet
11
13
Step 10 Take your quick unpick and make a

hole in the back seam. Turn your heart the
right way through and poke out the point.
A knitting needle or unsharpened end of a
pencil can help with this.
Step 11 Stuff the heart tightly with toy
stuffing to give it shape.
Step 12 Sew the opening closed with
ladder stitch.
Step 13 Hand sew the ribbon loop for
hanging to the front, adding a button or
two to the centre.
$QGHUHVPH
This cute project is taken
from Half Yard Christmas
by Debbie Shore,
published by Search
Press, RRP 11.99. For
more details go to www.searchpress.com
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS 135
136
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.WAITROSE.COM
Its time to
add some
fabulous
QLVKLQJ
WRXFKHV
Youve made the perfect
presents
for everyone, so now you can package them

up in style! Be inspired to make your own
hand-stamped gift
wrap, then craft

exquisite tags by beautifully
embellishing fabric and paper. Send a special

message of peace
and goodwill to
those you love in unique Christmas cards
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
137
DESIGNER: CLARE YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON
Make your
d
parcels stan e
out under th r
tree this yea
Cards and wrap H Felt tags
6HQGLWZLORYH
Turn your presents into works of art by sewing a set of felt gift tags,
which are based on traditional Swedish folk art motifs
YOu will need

PENCIL
SMALL PIECES OF RED, GREEN, PINK
AND CREAM FELT
SCISSORS
SMALL PIECES OF THIN CARD
ROTARY HOLE PUNCH
EMBROIDERY NEEDLE
BRIGHTLY COLOURED EMBROIDERY
THREAD
FABRIC GLUE
LENGTHS OF 3MM WIDE RIBBON
AnGeres
PH
published by CICO
Books, priced 14.99. To
purchase a copy at the special price of 10.99
including UK p&p, call 01256 302699 quoting
EE2. For more information, please visitwww.
cicobooks.co.uk
Forget fancy wrapping paper let

your gift tags be the focal point of your
presents this year! These sweet little
tags are inspired by traditional Swedish
motifs found in folk art. Dont worry if
youve not tried freehand embroidery
before as these are a great introduction
to experimenting with new stitches.
Felt is also a great fabric to sew on as it
doesnt pucker or fray. The best thing
about these pretty tags is that once
theyve adorned your Christmas
presents they can have a second lease
of life by becoming decorations for your
tree the next year.
Step 3 Using fabric glue, stick the card

shapes to the back of the corresponding
felt tag shapes, making sure that the holes
for the ribbon align.
Step 4 Cut small lengths of ribbon. Thread
the ribbon through the hole in each tag and
tie a knot to make a hanging loop.
HOW TO MAKE THE TAGS

Step 1 Copy the tag templates on page
156. Trace them onto felt and cut out. Cut
pieces of thin card to match the tags. Hold
the card and felt tag shapes together and
cut or punch a hole for the ribbon at the top
of each one.
Step 2 Set the card shapes to one side.
Place the cut-out felt pieces on the tags.
You do not have to sew them down, as the
embroidery over the top holds them in
position. Using the stitch guides on the
templates, embroider each tag.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
139
STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TESCO.COM
A mix of
colours really
brightens up
winter days!
Trends H Brights
Festive brights
Give your home a multicolour makeover for Christmas! Think bold and bright
elements in rainbow combinations for a playful look
Cosy colour combo y
Add a pop of colour to your sofa

with seasonal soft furnishings in
multicoloured patterns. Cross stitch
your own cushions or try this design
for inspiration. From www.
marksandspencer.com
Count down to
Christmas +
The whole family can get creative with

the advent calendar this year. String up
mini stockings to doodle on with your
own drawings and messages, and then
ll with treats. We love this version from
www.eatsleepdoodle.com
Jewel-like colours +
Clear-coloured glass baubles make for a

vibrant jewel-like display. Hang from ribbons
in contrasting colours for a full rainbow
effect. Find them in thrift stores or try these
from www.marksandspencer.com
Top table +
Anything goes with a colourful Christmas

theme, so pick out tableware with a real
colour pop and mix and match your
napkins and coasters to continue the bright
and breezy look. These felt ball coasters are
from www.nomimakes.etsy.com
Deck the halls y
Jazz up your hallway with a giant

sticker for a cool contemporary look
that takes just minutes to create. This
amazing Christmas Reindeer Wall
Sticker is removable and repositional
so you can have fun deciding where
to put it. www.beckyandlolo.co.uk
Tinsel-tastic
No need to pop tinsel on the tree simply

make some mini trees out of the sparkly
stuff instead! Its a bright idea in more
ways than one. Available from
www.acornandwill.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
141
Stamp
it up!
Create striking cards
and gift wrap that wont
be seen anywhere on
the high street
DESIGN: CLARE YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON
Great rainy
day activity
to do with
children
Cards and wrap H Stamps
YOu will need

TRACING PAPER
PENCIL
WHITE ERASERS, APPROX. 5x2CM
horizontal slice of the background,

leaving the pattern standing proud
of the surface by approx. 3mm. For
the triangles, simply cut the whole
triangle out, making sure you have
sharp edges and points.
CRAFT KNIFE
CUTTING MAT
SHEET OF THIN WHITE CARD
RUBBER STAMPING INK PADS IN
ASSORTED COLOURS
LUGGAGE LABELS
SHEETS OF THIN WHITE PAPER OR
BROWN PARCEL PAPER
Making your own rubber stamps is an

easy way to create original cards and
gift wrap. Put together a collection to
make endless combinations of patterns
and designs. Look out for ink pads in
unusual colours metallic bronzes and
silvers are perfect for Christmas.
HOW TO MAKE THE RUBBER STAMPS
Step 1 Copy the templates from page 156
onto tracing paper using a soft pencil.
Place the trace on the eraser and transfer
the pattern. Go over the lines with a sharp
pencil to make them clearer.
Step 2 Use a craft knife to cut away a
HOW TO MAKE A CARD

Step 3 Fold a piece of white card
measuring 17x19cm in half. Load
the reindeer body stamp with ink
and print a reindeer approximately
1.5cm up from the bottom edge.
Print the antlers in place. Use the
triangle stamp to make a forest
above the reindeer. Clean the
stamps in warm water before
changing colours. Print the larger
triangle in a repeated circle shape
for the sun.
HOW TO MAKE LABELS AND WRAP
Step 4 To make gift labels, stamp designs
onto luggage labels. To make wrapping
paper, print rows of repeat patterns in
different combinations on white paper or
brown parcel paper. To make a reverse star
shape, transfer the design onto an eraser.
As you cut the spokes of the stars, angle
the blade inward at a slant. Then cut from
the other side of the spoke, sloping the
blade toward the middle so that you cut
out a V shape.
$QGHUHVPH
at 14.99, and is available
from all good bookshops.
To purchase a copy for the special price of
10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302
699 quoting EE2. For more information,
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
143
DESIGNER: MODERN CROSS STITCH BY HANNAH

STURROCK PHOTOGRAPHY: BY JO HENDERSON
Adapt the
t
colours to
threads you
e
already hav
Cards and wrap H Cross stitched tags
TKH;IDFW
Use cross stitch to create a very special way to
label your parcels this Christmas
YOU WILL NEED

TEN 4.5x9CM STURDY BROWN CARD
GIFT TAGS WITH STRING
DMC STRANDED COTTON IN THE
FOLLOWING COLOURS: B5200
(WHITE), 310 (BLACK), 801 (BROWN),
817 (RED), 699 (GREEN), 720 (ORANGE),
597 (LIGHT BLUE), 3326 (LIGHT PINK),
3607 (BRIGHT PINK), 725 (YELLOW)
KREINIK #004 VERY FINE METALLIC
THREAD IN 002J (GOLD)
SIZE 4 EMBROIDERY NEEDLE
CRAFT MAT, CORK BOARD, PAPER PAD
OR SIMILAR
DRAWING PIN
DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE
MEASUREMENTS
TREE: 2.9x5.2CM
ANGEL: 3.6x4.9CM
SANTA: 3.3x5.2CM
SNOWMAN: 2.9x5.2CM
ROBIN: 3.3x4.5CM
These cute little Christmas gift tags

are so easy to make but look
absolutely stunning. Theyre multifunctional, too the recipient can keep
them to use as decorations to hang on
the tree, or as a sweet bookmarks. You
could also use the charts to make
quick cards.
HOW TO MAKE THE TAGS
Step 1 Photocopy each of the patterns on
page 146 at actual size and cut out.
Step 2 Place one gift tag on top of your
craft mat, cork board, paper pad or similar.
Cover with the pattern so that it is straight
and in line with the tag.
Step 3 If you are right-handed, hold the
pattern still and in place with your left hand.
Use a drawing pin to gently push a small
hole through each of the dots of the
pattern, taking care not to crease the card.
Theres no need to push the tack all the way
through the tag pricking the surface will
be fine.
Step 4 You can now use your sharp needle

to push all the way through the small holes
you have made. Then use the grid you
have made to stitch the pattern in the
normal way.
Step 5 Once you have finished your
stitching, use double-sided tape to firmly
stick a blank tag to the reverse to cover the
back of your stitches.
Step 6 Write your loved ones name on the
tag, then give with pride!
AnGeres PH
Modern Cross Stitchis
published by CICO
Books at 12.99 and is
available in all good
bookshops. To buy a copy
for the special price of 9.99 including free UK
p&p, just call 01256 302699 quoting ED8. For
more information, visitwww.cicobooks.co.uk
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
145
Cards and wrap H Cross stitched gift tags
146
ANGEL
ROBIN
SNOWMAN
CHRISTMAS TREE
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
FATHER CHRISTMAS
Cards and wrap H Scandi cards
Frame your
stitching to
i
create a min
g
wall hangin
Scandi chic !
Warm wishes
Snowakes, hearts and silhouettes are the ideal way
to inject some monochrome style into your cards.
Designed by Lisa Reakes
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
147
10
YOu will need

THE KEYS BELOW
10

A PIECE OF 14-COUNT WHITE AIDA
MEASURING 10x10CM FOR EACH
DESIGN
CRAFT CREATIONS SINGLE FOLD
DECKLE EDGE CARD (DEC6U) IN
CREATIVE SMOOTH WHITE
BACKING PAPER AND RIBBON OF
YOUR CHOICE
10
FOR STOCKISTS SEE P162

MEASUREMENTS
7x7CM ON 14-COUNT FABRIC
20
10
20
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WDMC
Simply done in whole stitches only,

one of these cards can be rustled up in
an evening. By the end of the week
youll have a set of seven gorgeous
Christmas cards to send out!
10
10
10
20
10
WDMC
148
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6 799
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W Anchor WMadeira
W Anchor WMadeira
131
145
912
910
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10
20
10
BELLS CHART
WDMC
W Anchor WMadeira
T 321
q 3801
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9046
1098
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
510
411
20
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DOVE CHART
WDMC
10
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W Anchor WMadeira
E 798
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145
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510
411
10
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HEARTS CHART
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WDMC
20
SNOWFLAKES CHART
W Anchor WMadeira
10
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9046
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510
411
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
149
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How to H Get started
Get started
Follow our simple step-by-step guides and youll be cross
stitching, knitting and crocheting our projects in no time!
How to cross stitch
BEGINNERS START HERE...
Its so easy to cross stitch just follow

these simple steps to make our projects
WHERE TO START: The centre of our charts is
marked out using small arrows on the edge of each
side. This is the best place to start stitching, so you end
up with the design in the middle of the fabric. To find
the centre of your fabric, fold it in half horizontally, open
it up and fold it vertically. When you open the fabric,
the point where the creases meet marks the centre.
READING THE CHART: Our charts are printed with

coloured squares containing a symbol that represent
squares to be stitched on the fabric. The key alongside
the chart will tell you what colour thread each symbol
corresponds to, so you know which one to thread your
needle with (see below).
GETTING STARTED
CROSS STITCH
The loop method is the

neatest way to start stitching
as you dont need a knot. Cut
a 40cm (16in) thread length,
then fold one strand in half.
Thread the needle with the
ends, forming a loop, and
bring the needle up through
the fabric. As you take it back
down, pass it through the loop
and pull firmly to secure.
Youll need to make a whole

cross stitch for each coloured
square on the chart. Bring the
needle up at the bottom left
corner of a square and down
at the top right corner. This is
called a half cross stitch. Bring
the needle up again at the
bottom right corner and back
down at the top left to finish
off (see above).
Another method is to work

a line of half cross stitches
then complete on the return
journey (above right). This is a
quick way to work, especially
when stitching blocks of colour.
A good tip is to work each
half cross stitch in the same
direction, so the top arms of
your cross stitches all face the
same way.
THE KEY: All our charts are accompanied by keys

that tell you how many strands of thread to stitch in,
the thread colours needed (listed in numbers), the type
of stitches used and the size of the design. The thread
numbers listed in the first column of the key refer to
the brand that weve used to stitch the design, then
numbers for two other brands of threads are given.
H is for house
;
T
b
I
8
DMC Anchor Madeira

ecru
926
2404
350
11
213
352
918
9
341
303
314
3755
140
1013
817
13
210
918
341
314
French knots in one strand
O
918
341
314
Contains fractionals
The three main

brands of thread
we use. The first
column is always
the one that
weve used to
stitch the design
Type of stitch
and number
of strands
BACKSTITCH
FRENCH KNOT
FINISHING OFF
Backstitch is shown by a
coloured line and is added to
stitching to create detail.
Work the backstitch over
individual blocks on aida, or
pairs of threads on evenweave.
Bring the needle up through
the fabric at 1 and take it
down at 2, up at 3 and so
on, so that you are working
back on yourself.
French knots appear as

dots on your chart. Bring the
needle up through the fabric,
hold the thread down with
your left hand and wind it
round the needle twice. Still
holding the thread taut, take
the needle down one thread
or part of a block away. Pull
the thread through until a neat
knot is formed.
Once youve finished

stitching your project youll
need to finish it off by
running your needle
through the back of several
stitches that youve already
completed. Snip off the ends
of your thread neatly with
a sharp pair of embroidery
scissors, as close to your
fabric as possible.
10
10
Cross stitch
Stitch count 20 (h) x 18 (w)
Design area on 14-count fabric
3.5x3cm (1x1in)
Stitch count how
many stitches
high and wide the
design is
Thread number represented
by the symbol
Design area what the design

will measure when stitched on
the specified fabric
Backstitch
Fractional stitch
French knot
10
TbbTTb
TbbTTb
TTTT;T
TTTTTT
TTbb
TT;b
TTTT
;TTT
bbTT
;bbTT
TTTT
;TTT
TT;b
TTbb
TTTTT
TTTT;
bbTTbbTTbbTTbb;T
TTTTTTTTTTIITTTT
TTbbTTbbTIIIITIb
TTTTTTTTIIIIIIIT
III;;IIIT
bbTTb
III;;8 8; ;III
TTTT
TTbb III;;;8 8; ;;III
I;;;;;;;;I
TTTT
;;;8 8; ;88;T
bbTT
TTTT
;;88;88;T
bTTbbT
;;88;;;;bT
;;88;;;;TT
TTTTTT
Symbol and colour that

corresponds to the chart
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
151
How to knit
CAST ON Cable method. Use it for a firm edge and when adding stitches in your work
Make a slip knot. Insert

Push the point of the right-hand
right-hand needle into the stitch
needle between the first and
as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around
second stitches. Wrap the yarn
the point and pull through, slipping anti-clockwise round the point of
the stitch on to the left-hand needle. the right-hand needle.
Pull the loop out with the

right-hand needle, then slip it
over the tip of the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 2-3 until you

have the number of stitches
you require.
KNIT Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch youll learn
Hold the needle with the stitches

on it in your left hand. Keeping
the yarn in your right hand and at
the back of your work, insert the
point of the right-hand needle up
into the front loop of the first stitch,
as shown.
Wind the yarn anti-clockwise

around the point of the
right-hand needle using your index
finger. Its important to keep the
yarn in your right hand relatively
taut to maintain an even tension
as you go.
Bring the right-hand needle

down through the loop, making
sure you catch the yarn you wound
around the needle. This creates the
stitch. Dont pull the free yarn too
tightly let out some slack.
Push the point of the right

needle further through the
stitch you created, then gently pull
the right needle up and to your left,
taking the original loop with it.
Youve now created one knit stitch.
Repeat points 1-4 across the row.
PURL To make purl stitches, just reverse the action of plain knit stitches
Holding the needle with all the

stitches in your left hand, and
ensuring that the yarn is at the front
of your work, insert the right-hand
needle down through the front
loop of your first stitch as shown.
Wind the yarn around the tip of

the right-hand needle from right
to left, in an anti-clockwise motion,
constantly keeping a slight tension
on the yarn.
Now slip the right-hand needle

back through the stitch,
ensuring that you catch the yarn
that youve already wound around
the needle. This creates a stitch on
your right-hand needle.
Pushing the point of the

right-hand needle a little
further through the stitch youve
just created, pull the original loop
up and off the left-hand needle.
Thats your first purl stitch! Repeat
points 1-4 across the row.
CAST OFF Finish off your knitting with this straightforward cast-off technique
Start by knitting the first two

stitches of the row as normal, but
dont go any further along as you
usually would.
152
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Insert the left-hand needle

through the first stitch, as
shown. Lift this stitch over the other
stitch on the right-hand needle and
over the needle point.
Knit another stitch so you have

two on the right needle. Lift the
first stitch over the second, then
repeat steps 1-3.
When you get to the last stitch,

cut the yarn about 15cm away,
feed it through the loop and pull
through firmly to fasten off.
How to crochet
How to count chains
CHAIN STITCH (CH) Use this stitch to make your foundation chain
Hold the hook in your right

hand, and both the yarn end
and the working yarn in your left
hand. Move the hook under and
over the yarn to wrap it around
anti-clockwise.
Pull the hook towards the slip

knot, catching the yarn in the
hook, and pulling it through the slip
knot loop. This forms your first
chain (ch) stitch. Repeat steps 1 and
2 to form a chain.
This is what your row of chains

will look like. Hold the chain
with your left hand near the hook,
to keep the tension. Keep going
until you have the number of chains
stated on your pattern.
Each chain or loop counts as

one stitch. Never count your
first slip knot or the loop on the
hook (called the working loop).
So that you can be accurate,
make sure the chain is not
twisted and that the front is
facing you.
DOUBLE CROCHET (DC) One of the key stitches in crochet, doubles are simple, compact stitches that form a dense fabric
To make a double crochet stitch,

insert the hook under the top
two loops of the next stitch on the
previous row.
Wind the yarn around the

hook (yrh).
Pull the yarn through the stitch,

giving you two loops on your
crochet hook.
Yarn round hook again, then pull

the yarn through both loops.
Theres your double crochet made
and youll have one loop left on the
hook ready to do the next stitch.
HALF TREBLE CROCHET (HTR) A stitch thats between double and treble crochet in size
To make a half treble crochet

stitch, work to where you want
the htr and then wind the yarn
round the hook (yrh).
Insert the hook under the top

two loops of the next stitch in
the previous row. Wrap yarn around
the hook again (yrh).
Pull the yarn through the stitch

only (3 loops on hook).
Yarn round hook again, pull the

yarn through all 3 loops. Youve
made a half treble crochet.
Continue working htr into next and
following sts to the end of the row.
TREBLE CROCHET (TR) One of the most popular stitches in crochet, this simple stitch is twice as high as a double crochet stitch
To work a treble crochet, start by

winding yrh and then insert the
hook under the top two loops of
the stitch on the previous row.
Wrap the yarn around the hook

(yrh), and pull the yarn through
the stitch only.
You will now have 3 loops on

the hook. Yrh again, and draw
the yarn through the first 2 loops on
the hook.
You will now have 2 loops on

the hook. Yrh again, and draw
the yarn through the remaining
loops on the hook. Your treble
crochet is complete.
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
153
Needle conversions
UK
METRIC
US
14
2mm
13
2mm
2mm
12
2mm
11
3mm
10
3mm
3mm
3mm
4mm
4mm
5mm
5mm
6mm
10
6mm
10
7mm
7mm
8mm
11
00
9mm
13
000
10mm
15
12mm
17
15mm
19
20mm
36
25mm
50
Knitting abbreviations
alt
approx
beg
CB
CC
CF
CN
cont
dec
DK
DPN
foll/s
g st
inc
K/k
kfb
kwise
k2tog
k3tog
Yarn weight
UK/US conversion
154
4ply
Sport
Double knitting
Light worsted
Aran
Fisherman/Worsted
Chunky
Bulky
Super chunky
Extra bulky
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
LH
LT
meas
M1
M1L
M1R
M1P
MB
MC
P/p
patt(s)
patt
rep(s)
PB
pfb
PM
P2tog
P3tog
alternate
approximately
beginning
cable back
contrast colour
cable front
cable needle
continue
decrease (by working
two stitches together)
double knitting
double-pointed
needle
following/follows
garter stitch (knit every
row)
increase (usually knit
into same stitch twice)
knit
knit into front and back
of stitch
as if to knit the stitch
knit the next 2 stitches
together (1 stitch dec)
knit the next 3 stitches
together (2 stitches
decreased)
left hand
left twist
measures
make one (increase
1stitch)
make one twisted to the
left (increase 1stitch)
make one twisted to the
right (increase 1stitch)
make one purlwise
(increase 1 stitch)
make a bobble
main colour
purl
pattern(s)
pattern repeat(s)
place bead
purl into front and back
of stitch
place marker
purl 2 stitches together
(1 stitch decreased)
purl 3 stitches together
(2 stitches decreased)
prev
psso
p2sso
previous
pass slipped stitch over
pass 2 slipped stitches
over
pwise as if to purl the stitch
rem
remain/remaining
rep(s) repeat(s)
rev st st reverse stocking stitch
RH
right hand
rnd(s) round(s) (on a circular
needle/DPNs)
RS
right side
RT
right twist
skpo
slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch,
pass slipped stitch over
sk2po slip 1 stitch, knit 2
stitches together, pass
slipped stitch over (2
stitches decreased)
sl
slip
sl st
slip stitch
ssk
slip 2 stitches one at
atime, knit 2 slipped
stitches together
ssp
slip 2 stitches one at
atime, purl 2 slipped
stitches together
through back of the
loops (1 stitch
decreased)
st(s)
stitch(es)
st st
stocking stitch
tbl
through the back of the
loop
tog
together
WS
wrong side
wyib
with yarn at the back
wyif
with yarn in front
ybk
yarn to the back
yfwd
yarn forward
yo
yarn over
yrn
yarn round needle
yon
yarn over needle
*
work instructions
immediately
following *, then repeat
as directed
Crochet abbreviations
across
alt
approx
beg
bl
BPtr
ch(s)
ch-sp(s)
chcl(s)
4-tr cl
cont
dc
dc2tog
dec
dtr
dtr2tog
fl
foll/folls
FPtr
to end of the row

alternate/alternating
approximate(ly)
beginning
insert hook under
back loop only
Back Post treble:
yrh, starting from
the back, insert hook
from back to front to
back around post of
st in row below,
complete as treble
st
chain/chain stitch(es)
chain space(s)
refers to ch made
previously, eg ch-3
clusters
(yrh, insert hook in
sp/st, yrh & pull up
loop, yrh & draw
through 2 loops) 4
times, inserting hook
in same sp/st, yrh &
draw through all
loops on hook
continue
double crochet
(insert hook in next
st, yrh and draw a
loop through) twice,
yrh and draw
through all 3 loops
on hook
decrease
double treble
crochet
work 2dtr together
insert hook under
front loop only
following/follows
Front Post treble:
work in opposite
way to BPtr
htr
htr2tog
in next
inc
LH
lp(s)
meas
p or pc
patt(s)
pm
prev
rem
rep
RH
rnd(s)
RS
sk
sp(s)
ss
st(s)
tbl
t-ch(s)
tog
tr
tr2tog
ttr
WS
yoh
yrh
*
[] or ()
half treble
work 2htr together
sts to be worked
into the same stitch
increase
left hand
loop(s)
measures
picot
pattern(s)
place marker
previous
remains or
remaining
repeat
right hand
round(s)
right side
skip
space(s)
slip stitch
stitch(es)
through back loop
turning chain(s)
together
treble crochet
(yrh, insert hook in
next st, yrh and pull
up loop, yrh and
draw through 2
loops) 2 times, yrh
and draw through all
loops on hook
triple treble crochet
wrong side
yarn over hook
yarn round hook
work instructions
immediately foll *,
then rep as directed
work or repeat all
instructions in the
brackets as directed
Crochet hook
conversions
UK
METRIC
US
14
2mm
13
2.25mm
B/1
12
2.5mm
2.75mm
C/2
11
3mm
10
3.25mm
D/3
3.5mm
E/4
3.75mm
F/5
4mm
G/6
4.5mm
5mm
H/8
5.5mm
I/9
6mm
J/10
6.5mm
K/10
7mm
8mm
L/11
00
9mm
M/13
000
10mm
N/15
Crochet abbreviation conversions
Which hook do I use?
Use this handy quick-reference table to convert UK crochet terms to

US crochet terms, or vice versa.
Choosing the right size hook for the

yarn youre crocheting is important.
UK
US
Hook size
UK yarn weight
chain
ch
chain
ch
2.5-3.5mm hook
4ply yarn
slip stitch
ss
slip stitch
ss
3.5-4.5mm hook
double knitting yarn
double crochet
dc
single crochet
sc
5-6mm hook
aran yarn
half treble
htr
half double
hdc
treble
tr
double
dc
7mm and bigger
chunky yarn
double treble
dtr
treble
tr
triple treble
ttr
double treble
dtr
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
155
Templates
Copy, trace or print the following templates according to the instructions,
then cut them out to make the festive projects in the magazine
Falling snowflakes
Page 68
Copy this template on to a piece
of tracing paper and then transfer
it to card or paper
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
Catch me if
you can
Page 21
Trace the template onto
card or paper and use to cut
out the shapes in felt
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
Stamp it up!
Page 142
Copy these onto tracing paper and then
use to cut out erasers to make the stamps
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
156
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
A soft touch
Page 114
Trace the templates on to a
piece of card and use them
to cut out the
appliqu shapes
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
Ready for Santa and

Make Do and Mend
Pages 86 and 96
Trace the template on to a piece of
card and use it to cut out the fabric
for both projects
PHOTOCOPY @ 200%
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
157
Fly away with me

Page 80
Enlarge this template onto card or
paper and use to cut out two wings in
felt and two in buckram
PHOTOCOPY @ 400%
Rockin robin
Page 57
Transfer these shapes onto felt and cut
out to make your robin
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
158
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Run reindeer run

Page 54
Transfer the design (bottom) to either end of
your fabric, then embroider using the stitch
guide (below). The numbers in brackets refer
to the number of strands of thread to use
PHOTOCOPY @ 200%
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
159
Marvellous metallics
Page 34
Enlarge and then copy onto tracing
paper. Place over the foil to
emboss the pattern
PHOTOCOPY @ 200%
Happy holly days

Page 52
Copy onto card and use to cut
the holly leaves from felt
PHOTOCOPY @ 100%
Twinkle, twinkle...
Page 14
Use at 100% or enlarge and
decrease to create the size you
want for your paper stars
160
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Full to bursting
Page 130
Trace these onto card or paper and
use to cut out the felt shapes to
embellish the sacks
PHOTOCOPY @ 200%
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
161
Where to buy
If you want to discover more about the products
in Handmade Christmas, order items or find your
local stockists, just look online
Send it with love

Page 138
These are both templates and
stitch guides. Copy onto card or
paper, then cut out the main
shapes and additional shaped
details inside (everything thats
edged in black) from felt. Use the
coloured lines as a guide for
where to embroider
PHOTOCOPY @ 200%
162
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS
Acorn & Will

www.acornandwill.co.uk
Lime Lace
www.limelace.co.uk
Anchor
www.makeitcoats.com
Lion Brand
www.lionbrand.com
Becky & Lolo

www.beckyandlolo.co.uk
Live Laugh Love

www.livelaughlove.co.uk
CICO Books
www.cicobooks.co.uk
Madeira
www.madeira.co.uk
Clare Loves
www.clareloves.co.uk
Manuela Trani
www.imanufatti.etsy.com
Craft Creations
www.craftcreations.co.uk
Marks and Spencer

www.marksandspencer.com
Debbie Abrahams Beads

www.debbieabrahamsbeads.co.uk
Marquis and Dawe

www.marquisanddawe.co.uk
DMC
www.dmccreative.co.uk
Paperchase
www.paperchase.co.uk
Dobbies
www.dobbies.com
Poundland
www.poundland.co.uk
Dorling Kindersley
www.dk.com/uk
Rico Designs
www.rico-design.de/en
DotComGiftShop
Rigby & Mac

www.rigbyandmac.com
Dunelm Mill
www.dunelm.com
Ryland Peters and Small

www.rylandpeters.com
eatsleepdoodle
www.eatsleepdoodle.com
Sainsburys
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Etsy
www.etsy.com
Search Press
www.searchpress.com
Fleurieu Gifts
www.fleurieugifts.etsy.com
Sirdar
www.sirdar.co.uk
George
www.direct.asda.com/george
The Armchair Studio

www.thearmchairstudio.etsy.com
Home Sense
www.homesense.com
The Contemporary Home

www.tch.net
House of Fraser
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
The Oak Room

www.oakroomshop.co.uk
James C Brett
www.jamescbrett.co.uk
The Orchard
www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com
Katia Maxi
www.katia.com
UK Alpaca
www.ukalpaca.com
Kuber Store
www.kuberstore.etsy.com
Waitrose
www.waitrose.com
Kyle Press
www.kylebooks.com
Wilkinsons
www.wilko.com
Lilly Bimble
www.lillybimble.etsy.com
Zpagetti
www.hoooked.co.uk
Sew, bake, knit, crochet and craft dozens of festive

projects for your family, friends and home
su Ex
pp cl
lem usi
en ve
tf
or
Omagazine.com
19
MUST-TRY
PARTY RECIPES
IMPRESS
with our easy

rum-raisin
chocolate torte
Christmas
entertaining
* Easy recipes to feed a crowd
* Make-ahead canaps
* Big-batch cocktails
* Showstopping desserts
Merry Christmas
from O
GET IN TOUCH!
So, what is O?
Welcome to Britains brightest food mag. Here weve
brought together some of our favourite festive recipes
from our top team of experts, and if you like what
you see you can get your O x every month.
Our motto is cook, eat, explore, and each issue of
O is packed with more than 50 new recipes
a mix of twists on old classics, restaurant dishes
from around the world, healthy ideas, easy bakes and
more. From midweek must-trys to weekend winners,
theres a dish for every cook in our pages, no matter
what your budget or lifestyle. But thats not all. Oh
no. Weve restaurant ideas and travel inspiration,
too. This is your chance to discover the latest foodie
news, the best booze advice and the hottest trends.
For an exclusive subscription offer, turn to page 16
of this supplement, or you can download our awardwinning digital edition from the App Store. Plus, dont
miss our daily updates, including recipes, reviews,
taste tests and more at Omagazine.com.
+ MEAT-FREE MON
OCTOBER 2015
UK 4.25
DAYS: * ALLOTMENT
BURG
Easy bread
recipes Bordeau
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Jersey Sustaina
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ER * GINGER-G
SESAME * GRILL
LAZE
* SMOKY CANN ED MUSHROOMS WITH D SQUASH WITH
ELLINI BEAN
RICOTTA AND
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PESTO
TOAST
Britain
brightesst
food
mag
Omaga
zine.com
Easy
autumn
baking
MAKE OU
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Salted map
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chocolate brow
nies
* Marmite
bagels
* Tear-and
-sha
* Apple turn re garlic bread
* Really simpovers
le muesli loaf
EASY TAP
AS
MENU FOR
6
READY IN
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MOROCCANS!
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Italian saus
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Watermelon ken burrito |
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US $10.99
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CAN $11.50
Omagazine.c
2 Omagazine.com
O magazine
@O magazine
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[email protected]
ER 2015
Laura Rowe, Editor
Omagazine.com
O magazine
O OCTOB
Arent you lucky? This year Santa has

delivered an extra special present in
this issue of Handmade Christmas,
a stocking-sized sample of O! Weve
packed this mini-mag with our ultimate
festive recipes, but we like to do things
a little bit differently here at O, so
dont expect the same old classics.
Were all about parties at this time
of year, so here are recipes that you
can make ahead of time that will wow
your guests think posh hotdogs and
mini crabcakes. Theres also an
awesome family meal that everyone
can tuck into, plus some seriously
quirky sides that you wont have seen
before (from baked sweet potato mash
to an avocado, pea and herb salad with
spring onion dressing).
This is the year for big-batch cocktails!
We have smart, stress-free drinks
without compromising on flavour. Plus,
youve heard of a Boxing Day buffet,
right? Go sweet for 2015, and get the
kids involved, too, with our DIY
ice-cream sundae bar. Weve suggested
our favourite toppings, but you can
choose whatever your family loves,
dried fruit, crushed cookies or
even popcorn.
Basically, weve got your Christmas
celebrations sorted. And, if youre
feeling as excited and inspired as we
are, make sure you check out our
website, Omagazine.com, where we
have even more recipe ideas, along with
handy nutritional stats. (We left them
off these indulgent Christmas recipes,
as an extra little present Youre
very welcome.)
EDITOR Laura Rowe DEPUTY EDITOR Lulu Grimes FOOD EDITOR Janine Ratcliffe ART DIRECTOR Gillian McNeill
CHIEF SUB/PRODUCTION EDITOR Gregor Shepherd SENIOR DESIGNER Nicki Smith SUB EDITOR Sarah Kingsbury
PICTURE EDITOR Gabby Harrington GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Julie Harris PUBLISHER Dominic Murray HEAD OF PRODUCTION Koli
PickersgillPRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Gristwood SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Emma Purdy REPROGRAPHICS Immediate
Media Company Ltd PHOTOGRAPHS Ant Duncan, Myles New, Lara Holmes, Mowie Kay
CHRISTMAS 2015
Make mine a mojito

One ace cocktail is all you need to kick off any party during the
festive season. This on-trend marmalade and mandarin mojito recipe
serves one, so just multiply it by as many guests as you have. Make up
the jars ahead, have plenty of ice to hand, and top up with tonic for
each guest as they arrive.
Marmalade and mandarin mojito jars

5 MINUTES|MAKES 1|EASY
marmalade 1 rounded tsp
dark rum 2 tbsp
mandarin 1, juiced, plus 1 slice
star anise 1
ice and chilled tonic water to serve
Put the marmalade, dark rum, mandarin juice and slice, and the
star anise in a jar, screw on the lid and leave until ready to serve.
To finish, add some ice to the jar, screw the lid back on and shake
well to mix and chill everything. Top up with tonic, then serve.
CHRISTMAS 2015
Omagazine.com
Party
pleasers
Four make-ahead canaps everyone will love
asy, prep-ahead canaps that look fabulous and

will make your guests think youve gone to huge
amounts of effort. Make and store them on trays
in the fridge, then transfer to serving plates and
let them come to room temperature (or reheat) when you
need them. Dont forget to buy cocktail napkins for when
you hand them round.
Peppadews with tapenade and mozzarella

Peppadew peppers 12 each of red and yellow (youll find jars
of these in most supermarkets)
mozzarella 1 ball, torn into bitesize pieces
TAPENADE
pitted green or black olives 100g
garlic 1 clove
capers 1 tbsp, rinsed and drained
basil leaves chopped to make 2 tbsp, plus extra to serve
lemon juice 1 tbsp
olive oil
Whizz all the tapenade ingredients together with enough olive oil
to make a paste. Stuff each pepper with some tapenade and a piece
of mozzarella. When you are ready to serve, top with a basil leaf.
4 Omagazine.com
Mini crabcakes with

lime and chilli mayo
20 MINUTES + CHILLING|MAKES 16|EASY
white crabmeat 200g
mayonnaise 7 tbsp
spring onions 2, finely chopped
flat-leaf parsley chopped to make 1 tbsp
egg 1, beaten
fresh breadcrumbs 2 handfuls
butter
coriander leaves to decorate (optional)
lime 1, juiced and zested
sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp
Mix the crab, onions and parsley with 3 tbsp mayo. Divide
the mixture into 16 and shape each into a ball. Put the egg
and breadcrumbs in two bowls. Dip the crabcakes in the egg
and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Chill in the fridge for
30 minutes to firm them up.
Heat a knob of butter in a non-stick frying pan. Fry the
crabcakes in batches until golden all over. (You can chill these
again and reheat them gently when you need them). Mix the rest
of the mayo with the lime juice and swirl in the chilli sauce. Serve
with the crabcakes.
CHRISTMAS 2015
Beef tataki rolls

15 MINUTES + CHILLING|MAKES 24|EASY
Spinach and potato

tortilla bites
beef fillet 500g

oil
soy sauce 4 tbsp
sesame oil 1 tbsp
sugar 1 tsp
sesame seeds about 50g, use a mix of black and white if you like
mouli 1/4 or chinese cabbage 1/4, shredded
carrot 1, shredded
spring onions 4, shredded
red chilli 2, shredded
coriander leaves from a large bunch
Heat a non-stick pan to very hot. Oil the beef, season, then sear
for about 1 minute on each side. Mix the soy sauce with sesame oil
and sugar. Take 1 tbsp of this dressing and brush over the meat, then
roll the meat in most of the sesame seeds (keep any left over),
wrap in clingfilm, and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Slice the beef very thinly. Put some of each veg on each slice, add
coriander and a drizzle of dressing, and roll up. Sprinkle with more
sesame seeds and serve with the remaining dressing as a dip.
CHRISTMAS 2015
potatoes 3 medium, peeled and sliced

butter 50g
onion 1, halved and sliced
spinach 250g, steamed, excess water squeezed out and chopped
eggs 6
double cream 150ml
cress or other small leaves to decorate
Heat the grill. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes,
then drain well. Heat the butter in a large, ovenproof, non-stick
frying pan. Fry the onion until soft, then add the potatoes and
spinach and stir.
Whisk the eggs with the cream and season. Add to the pan and stir
everything. Leave on the heat until set and gently browned on the
bottom, then slide under a hot grill until set the top. Turn out and
cool. Cut into bite-sized squares or triangles and decorate with cress.
Omagazine.com
Simple but smart

Posh hotdogs are one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd at a party. Get all
your accompaniments made ahead, put the sausages in the oven when guests
start to arrive and assemble the buns yourself or serve them in piles for people
to help themselves. Having fun couldnt be simpler.
6 Omagazine.com
CHRISTMAS 2015
MENU for 8
Venison dogs
with pickled beet
slaw and cheats
brioche buns
Smoky bacon
bangers with
cranberry salsa
Merguez and
pepper dogs with
sesame tzatziki
Venison dogs with

pickled beet slaw
brioche hotdog or finger rolls
8, split lengthways
venison sausages 8
chives a few, snipped, to serve
BEET SLAW
pickled beetroot 250g, diced
raw beetroot 200g, peeled and
coarsely grated
runny honey 1 tbsp
orange 1, zested, plus 2 tbsp juice
red wine vinegar 1 tbsp
SPICED BROWN SAUCE
brown sauce (such as HP) 150g
ground cloves 1/4 tsp
honey 2 tsp
Smoky bacon bangers

with cranberry salsa
Merguez and pepper dogs

with sesame tzatziki
chipolatas 16
streaky bacon 8 rashers
white cabbage 300g chunk, shredded as
finely as you can (a mandolin is great for this)
lemon 1/2, juiced
olive oil
hotdog or finger rolls 8, split lengthways
stilton 150g, sliced, to serve
CRANBERRY SALSA
cranberry sauce 1/2 jar (about 150g)
medium tomatoes 3-4, diced and left
in a colander to drain
red onion 1 small, finely chopped
red wine vinegar 2 tsp
hotdog or sub rolls with sesame

seeds 8, split lengthways
long merguez sausages 8
rocket 2 small handfuls
roasted peppers from a jar about 4, sliced
pickled chillies or jalepeos to serve
SESAME TZATZIKI
ready-made tzatziki 2 x 200g tubs
tahini 3 tbsp
lemon juice 2 tsp
Take two chipolatas at a time and wrap

them together using a rasher of streaky
bacon, stretching it as you go to wind it
round as many times as you can. Repeat until
you have 8, put them on a baking tray lined
with baking paper and chill until needed.
Mix the shredded cabbage, lemon juice and
1 tbsp olive oil with some seasoning. Cover
and keep at room temperature for up to
a day. (If making the day before, then chill.)
Mix all the ingredients for the cranberry
salsa together and chill.
To serve, heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/
gas 6. Roast the chipolatas for 30 minutes,
until the bacon is golden and crisp and the
sausages have cooked through. Stuff some
dressed cabbage into each bun and then add
a pair of chipolatas with a slice of stilton, and
spoon on some of the cranberry salsa.
For the sesame tzatziki, mix all the

ingredients and chill until needed.
Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6
and roast the merguez for about 30 minutes
until browned and cooked through. Spread
the cut-side of the buns with some of the
tzatziki and sandwich in some rocket,
roasted pepper and a merguez. Top with
a dollop more tzatziki and add a pickled
chilli if you like a spicy bite.
For the beet slaw, mix all the ingredients

together, season and chill. Do the same with
the brown sauce ingredients and pour into
a squeezy bottle, if you have one, for later.
To serve heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/
gas 6 and roast the sausages for about 30
minutes or until browned and cooked
through. Add some of the beet slaw and
a venison sausage to each, then top with
a drizzle of spiced brown sauce and a few
snipped chives.
CHRISTMAS 2015
MAKE THEM VEGETARIAN

Choose good-quality vegetarian sausages we like Quorn
Best of British, and vegetarian stilton, and skip the bacon.
No one need miss out.
Omagazine.com
Help yourself
Whether its Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, or a holiday
Sunday lunch, a centrepiece ham with some simple sides
means everyone can help themselves
MENU for 8
Sweet and sour
sticky pomegranate
ham
Baked, spiced
sweet potato mash
Avocado, pea
and herb salad
with spring onion
dressing
8 Omagazine.com
CHRISTMAS 2015
O
Sweet and sour sticky
pomegranate ham
50 MINUTES|SERVES 8|EASY
pomegranate juice 150ml
pomegranate molasses 200ml
light brown sugar 2 tbsp
olive oil
orange 1, zested
fennel and cumin seeds 1 tsp each
ground cinnamon 1 tsp
cooked boneless ham or gammon
joint 3.5-4kg, skin removed
POMEGRANATE RELISH
red onions 2, finely chopped
pomegranate seeds 3 x tubs about 110g
each, or seeds from 2-3 whole pomegranates
tomato ketchup 2 tbsp
pomegranate molasses 2 tbsp
orange 1/2, juiced
Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.

Mix the pomegranate juice, molasses, sugar,
2 tbsp oil, orange zest and spices, and pour
over the ham in a roasting tin. Roast for
30-40 minutes, basting once or twice, until
hot all the way through and sticky. Mix the
relish ingredients together and serve with
the ham.
Baked spiced sweet

potato mash
Prep this ahead then have it ready to finish
off in the oven when people arrive.
sweet potatoes 1.5kg, peeled and cubed
baking potatoes 600g, peeled and cubed
salted butter 75g, plus a few extra knobs
ground coriander 2 tsp
brown sugar 2 tbsp
lime 1, juiced
coriander a few sprigs
Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.

Boil the sweet potatoes and baking potatoes
in salted water until tender. Drain really well,
then mash with butter, ground coriander, 1
tbsp sugar and lime juice. Season and tip into
a large baking dish. Top with 2 more knobs
of butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or
until golden and piping hot. Scatter with the
remaining sugar, to serve.
CHRISTMAS 2015
Avocado, pea and

herb salad with
spring onion dressing
This fresh, light salad is just what you need
after a day of feasting.
avocados 2 ripe
lemon or lime juice a squeeze
cucumber 1 small
spring onions 3
frozen peas 200g, defrosted
dill a small bunch
mint 1/2 small bunch
baby gem lettuces 3-4, leaves separated
DRESSING
spring onions 4, roughly chopped
olive oil
white wine vinegar 4 tbsp
sugar 2 tsp
dill a small bunch, stalks discarded
coriander a small bunch
mint 1/2 a small bunch, leaves picked
For the dressing, up to a couple of hours

beforehand, whizz the spring onions with the
oil and 1 tbsp water in a food processor
until finely chopped. Add all the remaining
ingredients in the order they are listed, but
dont process them yet.
Before you serve the starter, dice the
avocados and toss them with a little lemon
or lime juice on a serving platter or bowl.
Cut the cucumber into similarly sized chunks
and chop the spring onions. Add these to the
avocado with the peas, dill and mint leaves.
To serve, whizz the dressing ingredients
together with some seasoning. Toss most
of the dressing with the chopped salad. Put
lettuce leaves onto a large platter and spoon
the salad ingredients over. Serve the rest
of the dressing in a small bowl on the side
of the salad.
Omagazine.com
Big batch
cocktails
Make jugs of cocktails and everyone can serve themselves
Deep thinker
This recipe is best served in a punch bowl.
Unless yours fits in the fridge, make it just
before you want to serve it. Wash 5 limes,
dice them and put in a punch bowl. Add
71/2 tsp of demerara sugar, a handful of
chopped coriander (the stalks can go in,
too, if theyre finely chopped), then muddle,
making sure all the juice from the limes is
pressed out and the mix well blended.
Pour in 100ml of elderflower cordial
and 350ml Sailor Jerry rum (or any spiced
rum, such as Captain Morgan) and chill. Just
before serving, add plenty of crushed ice
(2 or more times the volume of the mixture,
depending on desired strength) and stir well.
All made up
Put 250ml Makers Mark
bourbon and 100ml
Amaretto into a jug, then
add 75ml fresh lime juice
(about 3 limes) and 500ml
cranberry juice and chill.
Just before serving, add a few
handfuls of ice cubes and
stir well.
Thyme punch
10 Omagazine.com
Joses garden
Pour 250ml tequila (like
Jose Cuervo Tradicional)
and 100ml poire William
liqueur (like Gabriel
Boudier) into a jug, then add
50ml fresh lime juice
(about 2 limes) and 500ml
cloudy apple juice. Stir
and chill. Just before serving,
add a handful of fresh mint
leaves, torn up, and a few
handfuls of ice cubes and
stir well.
CHRISTMAS 2015
RECIPES: GERRY CALABRESE
Cut 3 or 4 thin slices of

ginger, finely dice them,
muddle (i.e. mash up) with
5 tsps of caster sugar and
tip into a jug (if you own any
ginger liqueur, you can use
75ml of that, instead of sugar).
add 35ml fresh lemon juice
(about 1 lemon) and 250ml
gin (such as Tanqueray),
followed by 6 very roughly
chopped sprigs of fresh
thyme. Top up with 650ml
traditional still, cloudy
lemonade, stir, and chill. Just
before serving, add a handful
of ice cubes and stir again.
20 minute
party recipe
Everyone loves a fondue, so if

youre planning on having a party
around your kitchen or dining
table this is the only recipe youll
need. No double-dipping!
Gruyre and
cider fondue
20 MINUTES|SERVES 6 AS A STARTER|EASY
garlic 1 clove, halved
dry cider 250ml
lemon juice 1 tbsp
gruyre 250g, grated
emmental 200g, grated
cornflour 2 tsp
ciabatta loaf, cut into chunks
and toasted in oven until golden
cornichons to serve
baby pickled onions to serve
Rub the garlic clove around
the inside of a heavy pan then
discard (a le Creuset-style
casserole is ideal).
Add the cider and the lemon
juice and bring to the boil.
Toss the cheeses with the
cornflour. reduce the heat a little
then add the cheese, bit by bit,
whisking until the cheese is
melted, smooth and thick. Serve
with the ciabatta, cornichons and
baby onions for dipping.
CHRISTMAS 2015
Omagazine.com
11
DIY
ice cream
sundae bar
12 Omagazine.com
CHRISTMAS 2015
One of the easiest desserts to serve at a party is a do-it-yourself

ice-cream parlour. Set all the toppings out in your prettiest selection
of glasses, cups and jugs, and get stuck in
Ice-cream sundaes
Pack tubs of ice cream into a big bowl of ice.
Make some easy sauces, then pile up bought
ingredients into pretty bowls and glasses so
guests can build their own bespoke sundaes.
vanilla, chocolate and pistachio
ice cream 500g tub of each
baby meringues 1 pack
brownies 1 pack, cut into chunks
cherries in kirsch 1 jar
mini marshmallows 1 large bag
CHRISTMAS 2015
chocolate flakes 8
ice-cream wafers 8
hazelnuts
pecan nuts chopped and toasted
whipping cream 600ml tub, softly whipped
chocolate sprinkles
TOFFEE SAUCE Put a 300ml pot of

double cream in a small pan with 85g
butter and 100g dark muscovado
sugar. Heat, stirring until the sugar
has dissolved and then simmer until
toffee coloured.
RASPBERRY SAUCE Put a frozen 300g

punnet of raspberries in a food processor
with 3 tbsp berry liqueur and 2 tbsp icing
sugar and a splash of boiling water. Whizz
to a saucy consistency.
DARK CHOCOLATE SAUCE Put 250g
plain chocolate in a bowl with 100ml
whipping cream. Melt in short blasts in
the microwave then stir in 3 tbsp golden
syrup and 50g butter.
Omagazine.com
13
Sweet
things
End every party with a dessert, and whether
its a showstopping torte or individual
mousses, your guests will thank you
14 Omagazine.com
CHRISTMAS 2015
Gingerbread and white

chocolate mousse
30 MINUTES + 2 HOURS CHILLING|SERVES 6|EASY
Mini gingerbread men are available from
most supermarkets look out for them in
the bakery section.
egg whites 3 medium
golden caster sugar 100g
white chocolate 200g, broken into pieces
ground cloves 1/4 tsp
ground ginger 1 tsp
mixed spice 1 tsp
double cream 250ml
caramelised biscuits or ginger snaps
150g, crushed
mini gingerbread men 6, to decorate
Put the egg whites and sugar into a

heatproof bowl. Put the bowl over (but not
in) a pan of simmering water and whisk with
electric beaters until you have a stiff and
glossy meringue. Remove from the heat.
Melt the white chocolate over a pan of
simmering water or in a microwave. Remove
from the heat and stir in the ground cloves,
ginger and mixed spice. Fold the chocolate
through the whisked egg whites with a
spatula until combined. Whisk the double
cream to soft peaks. Fold the chocolate
mixture into the cream.
Divide half the crushed biscuits between
6 x 200ml glasses. Put a large spoonful of
the mousse into each. Scatter the remaining
biscuits and then divide the remaining
mousse between the glasses. Chill for at least
2 hours. Serve each with a gingerbread man.
Rum-raisin chocolate
torte with brown sugar
crme frache
1 HOUR + OVERNIGHT SOAKING AND CHILLING
SERVES 8|EASY
dark rum 150ml
raisins 200g
dark chocolate 250g
butter 200g, diced, plus extra for the tin
ground almonds 175g
egg whites 6
golden caster sugar 200g
cocoa and icing sugar to dust
BROWN SUGAR CRME FRACHE
crme frache 2 x 200g tubs
dark muscovado sugar 2 tbsp, plus
an extra sprinkling to serve
dark rum 1 tbsp
ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp
Put the rum and raisins in a bowl and leave

to soak for 24 hrs. The day before serving,
heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.
Butter and line the base and sides of a round,
CHRISTMAS 2015
22cm loose-bottomed tin with baking paper

so it comes an inch above the sides.
Melt the chocolate, butter and a pinch of
salt together in a big mixing bowl over a pan
of barely simmering water. Stir in the ground
almonds, followed by the raisins and any
remaining rum in the bowl and take off the
heat. Beat the egg whites until stiff, add the
caster sugar and beat again until stiff-ish and
shiny. Stir 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate
mixture to loosen, then gently fold in the
rest with a big metal spoon or spatula. Spoon
into the tin, then bake for 30-35 minutes
until the centre still has a slight wobble.
Cool in the tin, then turn upside down onto
a serving plate, leave the paper on, cover
and chill overnight.
At least a couple of hours before serving,
mix the crme frache, dark muscovado, rum
and ground cinnamon together. Scrape into
a serving bowl and keep chilled. To serve,
dust the top of the torte with cocoa. To
decorate your torte, lay a strip of paper doily
over the top of the cake and dust with icing
sugar. Serve with the crme frache.
Omagazine.com
15
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CHRISTMAS 2015
CHRISTMAS 2015

Handmade Christmas 2015

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Cute yarn

CREATE GIFTS TO GIVE AND DCOR FOR YOUR HOME

FOR THE TABLE

Handmade Christmas H Welcome

Immediate Media Company

Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415)

Our favourite thing about Christmas is the

Christmas is also an opportunity to

So go on, make this your

COVER: HESSIAN, BUTTONS, TRIMMINGS AND

Amanda Robinson, Editor

101 Snap to it!

130 Full to bursting

140 Trends: brights

patchwork dining decs

40 stylish DIY ideas

One for all

Master the art of making paper pom

HOW TO MAKE THE BAUBLES

Get each family member to make

festive crockery. You could even make a

Bespoke for you

Make festive place settings using

Take a moment when you put out

Scatter glass ornaments over a silver

Take the kids to a ceramics studio

Wrap a wreath frame in wool for a

Hang stars and snowakes to

For a subtly festive table decoration,

Pick up some plain

For a stocking with a very chic

Ring the bells

Create a pretty feature for your

Delicious tree decorations

Homemade biscuits are an

Tap into the chalkboard trend by

Tie together a bundle of

Mix things up a bit at the front

Bring the feel of

Embellish a lampshade by gluing

Dont rely on the British

sewing skills? Fold the doilies over the

Make a festive garland out of

Quick candle idea

Pick up a cheap foam ball and

Make sure your Christmas

Stick a small doily onto a jam jar,

Put offcuts of fabrics to go

Felt tree decorations

Felt is amazing easy to use,

Dress the doors

HOW TO MAKE THE DECORATIONS

Create gorgeous button wreaths

Hang big pinecones from your

Learn a new skill

Why not pick up a new hobby

Presents and parcels

Fill a glass bowl with the fruits of

create a scarf out of ribbon to hide the

Feast for the eyes

Backstitch in one strand

Cross stitch in two strands