I’ve finally got my last couple of photos done from the great Christmas craft-a-thon
While Tangled Thread isn’t a quilting blog (go to Quilting & Patchwork for that one!) making art quilts is one of my great passions.  I seem to create at least one art quilt as a Christmas gift for someone in my family every year.
Last year it was my brother & sister-in-law’s turn – this year it was my parents:

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay
My brother took the photos of my parent’s pets and I Photoshopped them.  The photots were then printed directly onto specially treated silk sheets …read more

I love having Christmas wreaths on my door during the holiday (don’t forget that it’s to make this wreath into a Christmas wreath by changing the colors to festive ones) .  Here are some great ideas for making your own Christmas or holiday wreath:
Got a big button stash?  How about a button wreath?

image: Really Bad Kitty 
Use festive fabrics to create this braided wreath:

image: Craftown
This would be the perfect project for the beginning quilter:

image: Sewing.About.com
If you change the ribbon color, this would make a gorgeous Christmas wreath:

image: The Long Thread

Christmas ornaments
One of the favorite holiday traditions at Noreen’s house is making an ornament for their family and friends. This year, it’s the Angel of Gratitude.
Favorite Upcycled Etsy Holiday Finds
Dominoes, quilts, plastic strips, aluminum cans, corks and more were used in these homemade holiday creations.
Hand Embossed Velvet Gift Bags
Do you know how to hand emboss velvet? Learn how with this project for an elegant embossed velvet gift bag. Beaded fringe optional!
Layers Upon Layers
Image transfers can sometimes be challenging. Cyndi’s giving you 4 chances to win Tilano kits that help …read more

It’s become a tradition for the b5 bloggers to share our Christmas trees and other holiday traditions during December. I’ve shared more photos on my new dog blog, The Doggy Blog – you can see them here
Here’s what my house looks like at the moment:

Of course, it’s not Christmas without yo-yo garlands:

Yo-yo garlands seem to end up everywhere…

You’ve already seen this little guy on my tree:

I also have to have lots of hand-made Christmas ornaments – made by myself:

And by my family:

You can also be thrifty when you’re making Christmas crafts – I used leftover upholstery samples to …read more

We’re getting pretty close to Christmas, Hanukkah and lots of other winter festivities – do you need more gift ideas?  Got someone who needs a hand-made gift, but you’re not sure quite what?
Did you know that fabric superstar Amy Butler has a great line of free patterns for quilts, accessories, fabric crafts and more?
You’ll find patterns for gorgeous scarves (for your hip cousin) business card holders (for your self-employed friend) and even quilts (for someone who’s really special!).
Want to check it out?   Click here to see all the goodies.

How to hand-sew sequins
Add some glitz and glamor to your holiday crafting with this easy how to sew sequins tutorial.  
Layers Upon Layers
Profiled artist Nicole Braun combines her love of mixed media arts with her photography.
Making Festive Ice Wreaths
If it’s freezing, you can make the perfect ice wreath!
More Ornament How-tos
Come see some beautiful and easy-to-make Christmas ornaments created by Eileen’s new helper elf.
Spool knitted and woven heart instructions
Noreen has re-worked the instructions for her spool knitted and woven heart. It’s now available as a pdf. The original heart was made …read more

 
Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family has put together an amazing list of Christmas crafts, holiday recipes, seasonal tips – all with a “green” or eco-friendly twist.
Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.
50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas
Cherry Dot Cookies
Organic Holiday Cookies!
Hey It’s Sugar Cookie Day – worth it for the pretty snowy cookie image alone.
Bacon Nut Stuffing – don’t forget, pork is a high pesticide food item, so buy organic if you make this dish.
Top 10 …read more

Christmas shopping for fiber-aholics with Tangled Thread
Need a gift idea for the fabric or fiber-aholic in your life? Chloe has put together her favorite picks to delight the crafter on your list.
Freaky Friday #138
A visual journal prompt using photos & images of your family.
Green crafts – A new hand made book from recycled wood & paper
Noreen’s been working on Christmas presents. She’s just finished making a journal for her sister in law, using old wood from a stage set, and recycled paper. She’s binding it all with spool knitted cords, and has embellished …read more

Not every Christmas project you cross-stitch or needlepoint needs to be a big one – in fact, it can be a lot of fun to work on little projects that you can finish in one or two evenings.
I’ve found some fun, free patterns for Christmas cross-stitch and needlepoint.   These projects would make great gifts, labels for special presents or even hung on your tree.  You could use plastic canvas or cross-stitch paper to make stiff ornaments, or use Aida cloth to make Christmas cards.
Just click on the image to view the free pattern:

image: Free Patterns Online

image: Cross-stitch.About.com

image: …read more

 I’m proud to introduce the “Tangled Thread Christmas Gifts Guide for Fabric-aholics“!
Need a Christmas gift for your friend who sews?  How about for your niece who loves embroidery?  Got a quilting-mad Mom?  Check it out!

I’ve put together some of my favorite picks for gifts – there’s everything from stocking stuffers to high-end dream studio goodies.  Got a fiber-mad friend?  You’ll find a gift that’s sure to please!
image: C Findlay-Harder