Yes, I know that Halloween was just here, but I like to get an early start on my Christmas crafting!
I love making Christmas ornaments, and I ended up creating quite a few original Christmas ornament patterns last year.
Here are some of my favorite Christmas ornament tutorials and how-tos from last year.  As always, these are my own original patterns and are not to be copied or reposted elsewhere without my permission.
Dog paw-print ornament (part one and part two):

 Machine-embroidered Christmas tree ornament:

 Russian punch-needle or Igolochkoy ornament (part one, part two and part three):

 Yo-yo Christmas tree ornament:

 Happy Christmas crafting!
all images: © C …read more

I finally had a chance to sit down this afternoon and finish the embroidery on my latest project, an igolochkoy (Russian punch needle embroidery) Christmas tree ornament:

I used plain cotton DMC floss for the berries, outline of the leaves & the border. The pale green leaves are silk floss that I picked up in a little silk shop in Vancouver. The cream floss is an ombre “Waterlilies” floss by Caron.
I didn’t use a pattern for this project, I just drew right on the fabric – iron on transfers would work great though too! I can definitely tell …read more

Sorry about the lack of posts – my internet has been down for waaaaay too long!
Of course, when I’m not able to check my email or write, I do have a chance to play with techniques in my studio
I finally picked up an embroidery hoop (actually I got three) and have been working on a little igolochkoy (Russian punch needle) Christmas tree ornament.   Here’s what the front looks like so far:

The needle creates a little tuft of thread as you push it through the back.  I’ll post a more detailed look at how the needles work tomorrow.
Here’s what …read more

I thought it would be fun to post a great site for hand-work & embroidery

Nordic Needle carries an amazing variety of supplies & tools for handwork. I believe they have something like 19,000 different products? Definitely worth exploring!

Have you discovered punch embroidery yet? I have and it is really fun. Look here to see my current project. It’s almost finished and I will post a picture of it when it is. Meanwhile, take a look at this punch embroidery tutorial. It is very clear and complete.

The trip to the craft store was a success. Here is the project I’m working on:

The first time I do something new (to me), I like to get a kit. The instructions really help and yes, I do read them.
I did one of the lighter orange areas yesterday but had to take it out. It seems that it is quite important to punch very evenly. So – that was the trial run and now it’s off to the races!

Apparently I’m a bit behind the time. Punch Embroidery was popular in Victorian times! Check this site to get really motivated to try this needlecraft. No, I’m not an affiliate. This page just shows what you can do. I’m going to my local craft store tomorrow! I’ll let you know what design I decide to try first. It probably won’t be with ribbons but I’ll get there! Wouldn’t these make some great Christmas gifts? Hmm…

I just found punch needle embroidery. I’m not saying it’s new but I just discovered it. Check out this piece:

Isn’t this pretty? I’m going to try it. If you want to see this kit, it is here. I see that floss is not included and I’m not sure if the punch needle is included so I’m going to check this out at my local craft store.