Handmade Nordic Christmas 'Baubles'

...as if we are now 4 days into December!!

This week, I have launched a couple of new cross stitch patterns that are perfect for anyone feeling the need for some crafty festive fun! Christmas is creeping round the corner fast now so it's a good job that - for the accomplished stitcher - these alternative embroidery hoop 'baubles' only take a couple of hours to make... You can buy the patterns here.

Nordic Star Mini Cross Stitch Pattern - £2

Both the Nordic Star and Nordic Stripe designs are inspired by this season's Scandinavian trend. I think that the Red & White Gingham Ribbon works great with this style and also adds a simple yet effective finishing touch. I've used mini 3" Embroidery Hoops which are available from Hobbycraft.

Nordic Stripe Mini Cross Stitch Pattern - £2

For those too busy to stitch, I am also selling the finished items: www.etsy.com/shop/GirlGotHeart

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DIY Jewellery Tree

This time last year, I was developing decorative slot together constructions at work. Since then, I've noticed how several high street chains have implemented various cardboard masterpieces in their store window displays, including Next, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer...not to mention Muji, who were ahead of the game in 2011 and can probably be held partially responsible for introducing this innovative style of product in the first place.

I always appreciated the smart concept - combine a simple material with a simple process, but carefully calculate the shape and size of each creative puzzle piece in order to achieve something that appears rather impressive. I decided to make a cardboard jewellery tree (painted with white acrylic) which utilizes the same idea. 

I kept the design fairly basic as I don't have access to laser cutting and was therefore reliant on a single sharp scalpel and patience in abundance! I'm happy with the result though and for once, it was nice to spend a bit of time creating something for my bedside table, as opposed to waving goodbye as it gets shipped away to a manufacturer or client.

Pattern Wrapped Jars

Following on from my last post, I wanted to do something more colourful with some neat little air-tight jars I’d saved. These sweetie jar styles are so ‘in’ at the moment and are great for storing small items like cotton reels, ribbons and buttons.

The way I decorated these old coffee jars couldn’t get any simpler! I took a few of my print designs, cut strips that were plenty long enough to wrap around the jar and then secured with a strip of double-sided tape.

DIY Heart Candle Votive

At work, we’ve been enjoying the current trend for cute clusters of glassware within wedding floristry and home accessories. I particularly like the simple Scandinavian style etchings and printed detailing seen on a lot of jam-jars and bottles, which have a homemade, upcycled appearance. This gave me the idea to have a go at giving some old candle votives a bit of a makeover.

As it was my first attempt at anything to do with glass painting, I decided to keep it simple by using a ‘Porcelain Painter’ pen to trace over a dotted heart outline which I quickly drew to scale on Illustrator. I masking-taped the template to the inside of the glass and drew onto the outside…et voila!

The pen was a little temperamental as the ink did not flow continually (it may actually be easier to use a paintbrush and glass paint, but this creates more mess to clean up after!) However, it only cost about £3 from Hobbycraft, providing a fairly inexpensive way to customise a few pieces of old glassware and have a bit of fun!