Spreading Christmas cheer: ornament and jewellery

Christmas Bauble

crochet

Bauble (~4.5cm diameter)

Material

Yarn: Whatever scraps you have

Hook: 4-5mm

Decorations: ribbon, sequins, more yarn etc.

Hot glue gun / needle and thread, glue etc to adhere decorations

Directions

1. make loop. Chain 2.

2. 8 x double in first loop. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

3. 2 x double in each loop. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

4. 2 x double in first loop. 1 x double in second loop. 2 x double in third loop. 1 x double in fourth loop. Continue 2 x then 1 x double until reach end of round. Slip stich to first loop of round. Chain 1.

5. 1 x double in each loop. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

6. Repeat Step 5 two times.

7. 1 x double. 1 x double. 1 x slip stitch. Continue until end of round. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

8. 1 x double in each stitch, skipping those that are now a slip stitch (too small or tight to fit hook). Slip stich to first loop of round. Chain 1.

9. 1 x double. 1 x slip stitch. Continue 1 x double then 1 x slip stitch until end of round. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

10. Stuff it!

11. 1 x double in each stich, skipping those that are now a slip stitch until end of round. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

12. 1 x double. 1 x slip stitch. 1 x slip stitch. Continue 1 x double, 1 x slip stitch, 1 x slip stich until end of round. Slip stitch to first loop of round. Chain 1.

13. 1 x double in the last few stitches.

14. Tie off OR chain until desired length and slip stich to make a loop to hang, then tie off.

Christmas Tree Necklace

origami

Unique Christmas jewellery!

Material

Chain

Ribbon

Hot glue gun and glue

Origami paper (7.5cm)

Wire

Bead

Directions

1. Make Christmas Tree origami from Merry Christmas Eve post. Making sure to put wire in it before you glue it together on the inside and finish the outside of the tree.

2. Thread ribbon through chain as you like: leaving as small or big a gap between threading as you wish.

3. Use hot glue to adhere ribbon to itself (I folded it over on itself at each end).

4. Attach tree (when dry!), with the bead tree top decoration, to the necklace.

  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Origami for the festive season!

These are all earrings, but can easily be turned into ornaments by adding ribbon/string to the metal loop rather than the earring finding. Or do not even include the loop and you have table decorations. Imagination is the key!

If you are new to origami it's a good idea to start with larger pieces of paper and make bigger things such as ornaments or table decorations, before attempting to cut up the origami paper and make them really small (as the pictures below depict origami as small as 85mm and as large as 3cm). When they get as small as the present it's handy to have a toothpick nearby.

Materials:
Origami paper - you an use any paper as long as it's cut to the right shape to begin with.
Wire - I buy it in spools from craft stores as it's cheaper than buying packets of findings.
Tools - round nose pliers, flat nose pliers and cutting pliers (they come cheaper as a pack from craft stores).
Clear acrylic spray or finish (I use decoupage finish) to seal and protect origami for longetivity.
Earring Findings - at your local craft or beading store
Beads - at your local craft or beading store



Angel
Design is from 'Origami Jewellery' by Ayako Brodek.

Christmas Tree
Inspired by the Pinecone earrings in 'Origami Jewellery' by Ayako Brodek: it's the first 3 steps. Using a square bead for the base, a seedbead for the star and thread covered in clear decoupage finish for the tinsel.

Present
The present is a cube made up of 6 modules (the exact same piece folded 6 times and then fitted together). The design is called sonobe. A free pattern can be found here.
The paper used is about 1 inch square (making the present just under 1 cm in width). The paper must be thin or you will not be able to tuck it in!
So no one can mistake it for a a plain box, wrap it up using thread!

Peace Crane
This is my all-time favourite origami - the crane. After WWII and the story of Sadako and the 1000 paper cranes, it's a symbol of peace. There are a few different designs, such as the flapping crane; but my favourite is the one that is usually featured on the back of origami paper packets. Here is a free pattern.

I need more!
Book: 'Origami Jewellery' by Ayako Brodek.
This book is magnificent! It covers all the basic things you need to know, such as materials, tools, techniques and how to choose the right paper; as well as providings you with a variety of designs to make and enjoy all year through. Everyone always loves receiving origami jewellery!

Website: Free Christmas origami patterns by Origami Resource Center
This site has some great, easy (as well as more advanced designs for the seasoned pro) origami designs for Christmas. I particularly love the candy cane that seriously takes just a minute to make after you've done it once!