Christmas Craft for Kids

I've just found some fabulous books all about Christmas crafts for kids.

Each year I like to set aside a few afternoons to spend with the kids making some Christmas crafts for our home. The only trouble I have is trying to come up with some new ideas each year. My three children all love to make things so they are always keen to get in on the action.

Each year when we get our Christmas decorations down from the attic, they are always excited to find their creations from the previous year. It is these treasured decorations that have become some of our favourites.

So what to make this year?
Thankfully my research has revealed some new books. Click on the image for more information about each one.





And my Miss 10 just loves to cook. So I also found myself pondering over these lovely Christmas cooking books.

One year the kids made ginger bread houses just like this one. It was a bit messy and we had some collapses, but they had heaps of fun and enjoyed eating the left over lollies.







I just want to eat one of these cupcakes now, aren't they yummy looking?






And I know Miss 10 will want to make her traditional
batch of Christmas cookies.

 





Hopefully these book will give you lots of ideas as well for your Christmas crafting with the kids.
Have fun.
Warmly Lenna

Handmade Embroidered Christmas Stockings

I have finally done it, I've handmade an embroidered Christmas stocking for each of the kids.

Up until now the kids have always shared one big stocking that Santa fills with lollies and chocolate. I had always planned to make them one each, but each year was the same...I ran out of time.

So you can imagine how delighted they were when I revealed to them what I was making. It did not take them long to claim their favourite design and they then watched the progress all afternoon with vested interest.

My Miss 10 was bewildered as to how the patchwork piece of fabric before me was to become a stocking, but she soon felt at ease when it started to take shape.

Each Christmas stocking has an embroidered panel which I hand appliqued to the front. The bow and brass bells were a last minute inclusion.

 Master 14 was very happy with his chubby Santa.

I know these handmade embroidered Christmas stockings will soon become part of our Christmas decorating ritual. They will take their rightful place each year in anticipation of being stuffed with goodies to eat.

If you would like to make these Christmas stocking for someone special, head on over to the Stitching Cow website, here's the link for you:
http://www.stitchingcow.com/patterns/153/Handmade+Embroidered+Christmas+Stockings

Happy Christmas sewing!
Warmly Lenna

Christmas Table Runner Pattern

Trying to think of something original to decorate the Christmas table with is always a challenge, but this year I have a new Christmas table runner.

Predominately red, with stars and Holly, it will set the theme for me.

If you enjoy both hand embroidery and applique then you'll love making this table runner for yourself.

The little stars have been hand pieced using templates. This technique is easy and is one of my favourites. Here are the stars close up.

Once they are pieced together they are then appliqued onto the background fabric. These little stars are the perfect thing to sew of a night time in front of the TV.

I used two simple stitches to work the Holly around the edge, a split stitch and Buttonhole stitch. A variegated red DMC thread gives the berries their individual colour.

The scalloped border finishes off this table runner and is great for using up any off cuts of red fabric that you may have in your stash. The good news is that it is quick and easy to sew as well.

Click here if you would like more information about this Christmas table runner

Decorating the table this Christmas will be fun. I only hope that the kids don't spill the gravy!

Happy Christmas sewing.
Warmly Lenna

Homemade Christmas Decorations

Christmas is such a wonderful time and this year I am far more organized than usual. What a pleasant surprise.

Truth is I made these homemade Christmas decorations months ago. They appeared in the popular Christmas in July special of Homespun Magazine.

I had heaps of fun making up these wool felt characters. There are six in total, each with their own embellishments which combine hand embroidery and small seed beads.These homemade Christmas decorations would make an ideal weekend project. Hang them from the Christmas tree or around your home.

 They will add a smile to all those who see them.

Homemade Christmas decorations always add a special something to any home. And these decorations are so simple to make that even the kids could get involved and share in some of the fun.


Click the link here for more information about these and other original homemade Christmas decorations.

Happy Christmas sewing!
Warmly Lenna