A Year of Christmas Stitching December

Hello dear stitchy friends!

Can you believe that it's December already? And that means that this is the last design in our 'A Year of Christmas Stitching' 2021 series of free charts. This year has just flown by, but since we have been stitching all through the year, hopefully there will be no last minute panic stitching for anyone :)

December's free chart is the quintessential Christmas foliage....holly!

This design is perfect for making so many different things, but since we have been making cards, ornaments and gift tags throughout the year, I thought for the last design we should make something a bit different...

I love decorating for Christmas and this candle holder is so simple to make - that's the kind of craft I like! And since Christmas can be quite an expensive time, the other good thing about this project (apart form the fact that it looks gorgeous) is that it will cost just pennies to make.

All you will need is your stitching (obviously!) an old jam jar, a small candle or nightlight, some ribbon, craft wire, a small jump ring, and some epsom salt....yes, you read that correctly....Epsom salts! Epsom salts in the jar keeps the candle in place, looks like snow, and if you buy some scented Epsom salts, the heat from the candle will release the fragrance.

I backed my stitching with iron on interfacing so that the back of my stitching was hidden, but this step is optional!

All you have to do is carefully cut round the shape of your stitching leaving at least one square of fabric....I left about 2 squares, but do whatever you are comfortable with.

Open the jump ring and carefully put it through one of the holes in the aida at the top berry.(The jump ring lets the cross stitch holly lay flat against the jar.) You can use the picture below for help in the placement. Close the jump ring.

Take a length of ribbon (enough to wrap around the jam jar and make a bow) and put it through the jump ring and then wrap around the jar and make a bow. You can make this as fancy as you'd like....I did a double loop bow on mine. If your ribbon slips down the jar, just add a few dabs of glue to keep it in place!

Next take the craft wire and loop it around the top of the jar and then form a handle.

Always be careful when moving a candle even once it has been extinguished as the jar can still be warm and there may be molten wax.

Pop in the candle and add the epsom salts, and you're finished!

Wasn't that simple? And what a cute gift to make for neighbors, friends, co-workers, teachers.....or just keep it for yourself! :)

We hope you have enjoyed our 'A Year of Christmas Stitching' - we certainly have enjoyed designing and stitching all through the year. Shall we do 'A year of Christmas Stitching 2022'? Let us know what type of designs you like best and what finishing ideas you thought were fun. And don't forget to tag us on social media #tangledthreadsandthings and #ayearofchristmasstitching.

Happy stitching

-Rhona

Grab your free chart here:

AYOXS Dec

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