Making holiday ornaments is a fun and easy way to give something special
By Gwen McNamara
WHAT better way to show you care than with something handmade? The holiday ornament — perfect for decoration, gift accessory or a gift in itself — offers a simple way to express yourself, share memories and start new traditions.
”There are so many gifts that are simple to make and can add meaning without spending lots of money,” says Meg Cox, Princeton quilter, journalist and author of The Quilter’s Catalogue (Workman, $18.95) and The Book of New Family Traditions (Running Press, $12.95). “Holiday ornaments are a great way to give something special.”
Princeton resident Carolyn Brown, events manager at The Wooly Lamb in Pennington, agrees. “There’s a huge sweep back to handmade,” she says. “Ornaments are a fun way to create something simple and meaningful.”
Whether you’re crafty by nature or craft-challenged, below are two handmade ornament designs that are quick to make and sure to please.
PAPER HEARTS ‘N STARS
Design By: Meg Cox
These pretty paper ornaments are adapted from quilted fabric ornaments in Ms. Cox’s latest book The Quilters Catalogue, where there are 11 other fun projects including quilted greeting cards. Templates for the star and heart can be traced directly from the book.
Tools and Materials (makes four to six ornaments)
• Scissors
• Quality craft/fabric glue — like Sobo or Aleene’s Tacky Glue
• One sheet poster paper
• One sheet green and red (or holiday themed) paper, or wrapping paper
• Additional collage materials — such as old holiday cards or gift tags, stickers, buttons, beads and family photos (printed on regular computer paper)
• Festive ribbon
Finished size — roughly 5-by-5 inches
How to: 1. Using poster paper, cut out two of the shapes you want — heart, star, etc. — for each finished ornament.
2. On both sides, decorate entire surface with colored paper or wrapping paper. Cover entire surface with one or more papers, or use strips and triangles like a crazy quilt.
3. Assuming they will be hung, one side will be facing out so make that a more lavish display, reserving any family photos for this side.
4. Be sure there are no spaces where the poster paper shows through and glue down all paper edges carefully.
5. Before gluing the two sides together, cut a thin strand of ribbon for a handle. Glue on the undecorated side of one of the shapes so it doesn’t show when the two sides are joined.
6. If desired, also add ribbon hanging down from the bottom. Add beads for a festive touch.
WINTER WOOLENS
Design By: Knit Simple Design Team, Knit Simple magazine (c) 2008 Knit Simple Holiday 2008/SoHo Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission. These mini hat ornaments are all made from one basic pattern. Knit in the round on double-pointed needles, they have a ribbed brim and stockinette body. Some knitting knowledge required — for help, stop by The Wooly Lamb on Route 31 in Pennington.
”This small project is easy to get started and can be completed in about an hour and a half,” says Ms. Brown. Plus, it’s perfect to make your own — long, short, stripes, letters — it’s up to you!
Tools and Materials
• Double pointed knitting needles — one set (four) doubled pointed needles, size 8 (5 mm) or size to obtain gauge
• Yarn — small amounts of various colors. 3 ½ oz., approximately 220 yards
Finished Size: Shorter version — 6 ½-by-4 inches; Longer version — 6 ½-by-5 ¼ inches
How to: Brim
1. Cast on 42 stitches. Divide stitches evenly over three needles (14 stitches on each of three needles).
2. Join, taking care not to twist stitches on needles.
3. Place marker for end of round and slip marker every round.
4. Work in knit one, purl one rib for six rounds, decrease 12 stitches evenly on last round — 30 stitches.
Crown
1. Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next) until piece measures 2 inches (short), 2 ½ inches (long) from beginning.
2. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches from left to right needle, pass them back and knit them together through the front), knit 11, knit two together] twice — 26 stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
3. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit, knit nine, knit two together] twice — 22 stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
4. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit, knit seven, knit two together] twice — 18 stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
5. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit, knit five, knit two together] twice — 14 stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
6. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit, knit three, knit two together] twice — 10 stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
7. Next round: [Slip, slip, knit, knit one, knit two together] twice — six stitches. Knit one (two) round(s).
8. Next round: [Slip knit two purls] twice — two stitches.
9. Cut yarn with long tail. Thread through remaining stitches and cinch tightly to close.

