Sewing Wellness | Collette Costello

Tag: holidays

  • Top 5 Victorian Christmas Crafts: DIY Decorations

    Many of today’s favourite Christmas traditions were popularised during Queen Victoria’s reign. Here’s how the Victorians shaped the festive season we know today:

    • Decorating Christmas Trees – Popularised by Prince Albert, who brought the German tradition to England. Trees were adorned with candles, ornaments, and evergreen decorations.
    • Festive Feasts – Victorian Christmas dinners often featured turkey or goose, accompanied by rich trimmings. Plum pudding, mince pies, and even boar’s head were part of elaborate meals for the wealthy.
    • Giving Gifts – Gifts were exchanged on Christmas Eve and displayed unwrapped on tables. The royals exchanged handmade items and fine jewellery, while modest families shared simple, heartfelt gifts.
    • Pudding Traditions – Christmas puddings were served with custard or set aflame for entertainment. Early puddings originated from medieval pottage and evolved into festive staples.

    From trees to puddings, the Victorian’s love for tradition continues to inspire modern Christmas celebrations.

    See below for ideas on how to craft your own Victorian-style gifts and decorations.

    How to Make Vintage Victorian ChristmasDecorations

    Bring vintage charm to your Christmas with these timeless Victorian homemade decoration ideas from English Heritage: 

    Pin-Prick Cards: Christmas cards, a tradition dating back to 1843, were initially expensive but became affordable by the 1880s. Victorians often created homemade cards with intricate pin-prick lace designs, adding a delicate and personal touch.

    To make your own Pin-prick card, download templates here.

    Christmas Crackers: Invented in the mid-19th century by London confectioner Tom Smith, crackers became a festive essential, filled with trinkets and jokes. They remain a classic holiday tradition today. Download how to make guide.

    Paper Flowers: Wealthy Victorian women crafted paper flowers as decorations and personal accessories. By tracing real flowers onto paper and dipping the petals in wax, they created beautiful, lasting arrangements. Download how to make guide.

    Easy Christmas Bunting DIY Project 

    Get into the festive spirit with this fun and easy DIY Christmas bunting project!

    Whether you’re decking the halls or adding a personal touch to your holiday decor, this simple craft is a great way to spread cheer. See how to make bunting video below.

    This 50 Pieces Christmas Cotton Bundle from Amazon includes a range of patchwork patterned fabric, perfect for creating your Christmas bunting.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • Christmas Peg Dolls Ideas

    Christmas is the season for creativity, and crafting your own decorations can make the holidays even more special.

    Peg dolls are small, versatile, and easy to transform into festive figures, making them an ideal project for both beginners and experienced crafters. Whether you’re looking to adorn your tree, create a unique nativity scene, or add charm to your holiday decor, peg dolls offer endless possibilities.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore some inspiring ideas to spark your imagination and get you started on creating your own Christmas peg dolls.

    The History of Christmas Peg Dolls

    Christmas peg dolls originated in 19th-century Europe, especially Germany, as simple, affordable toys made from wooden pegs.

    Dressed in scraps of fabric, they became popular during the Victorian era for depicting nativity figures, angels, and Santa Claus in festive displays. Families embraced crafting these dolls as part of holiday traditions. You can learn how to make your own traditional Christmas peg doll below.

    Creative Peg Doll Ideas for Christmas

    Here are some delightful ideas to inspire your peg doll creations:

    1. Classic Christmas Characters

    • Santa Claus: Paint your peg doll with a red suit, a white fluffy beard, and a black belt. Add a tiny felt hat for extra detail.
    • Elves: Dress your elves in green and red with pointed hats and cheerful expressions. These make great companions for Santa.
    • Snowmen: Use white paint for the body and add tiny details like a carrot nose, a painted scarf, and coal buttons.

    To make your own Santa and Snowman see: Christmas Peg Dolls

    2. Nativity Scene

    Create a traditional nativity set with peg dolls. This idea is perfect for telling the story of Christmas through your handmade decorations. Include:

    • Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus
    • The three wise men with crowns
    • Shepherds and angels
    • Animals like sheep or donkeys (painted on smaller peg dolls)

    To make your own nativity see: DIY Guide How to Make a DIY Wooden Peg Doll Nativity

    3. Woodland Creatures

    Turn your peg dolls into adorable woodland animals with a holiday twist:

    • Reindeer: Paint brown bodies, add antlers using felt or pipe cleaners, and draw on a red nose for Rudolph. See video above for DIY guide.
    • Owls: Give them big, round eyes and paint them in cozy winter colours.
    • Foxes and Bears: Use soft, earthy tones and add tiny winter scarves for a festive look.

    4. Family Portrait Peg Dolls

    Personalise peg dolls to resemble your family members:

    • Paint them in their favourite Christmas outfits.
    • Add small accessories, like glasses or hats, to make them unique.
    • Use these as tree ornaments or as personalised place settings for your holiday dinner.

    5. Whimsical Winter Scenes

    Create a winter wonderland with these ideas:

    • Penguins: Paint black and white bodies with orange beaks, and add tiny earmuffs or scarves.
    • Ice Skaters: Dress them in pastel winter coats and hats, and paint tiny skates on their feet.
    • Christmas Trees: Transform peg dolls into mini evergreens, painting green foliage and decorating with dots of colourful ornaments.

    5. Christmas Themed Peg Dolls

    Bring holiday stories and traditions to life:

    • The Nutcracker Suite: Craft peg dolls as nutcrackers, ballerinas, and the Mouse King.
    • The Grinch: Create a green-faced grump and pair him with his loyal dog, Max.
    • Frosty the Snowman: Recreate this classic character complete with a black top hat.

    To make your own sugar plum fairy see: How to make a Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy

    7. Christmas Angels Peg Dolls

    Angels make timeless Christmas decorations, see DIY videos for ideas:

    • Paint the peg dolls in soft pastel or white shades.
    • Add delicate golden halos using wire or paint.
    • Use felt or paper to create wings for a finishing touch.

    Tips for Crafting Your Peg Dolls

    • Choose quality materials: Start with smooth wooden peg dolls to make painting easier.
    • Experiment with embellishments: Felt, glitter, tiny beads, and fabric scraps can elevate your designs.
    • Seal your work: Use a clear varnish to protect the paint and make your peg dolls last for years.

    How to Use Your Christmas Peg Dolls

    Once you’ve created your peg dolls, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your holiday celebrations:

    • Tree Ornaments: Attach string loops or hooks for hanging.
    • Mantel Displays: Arrange them in groups for a charming holiday display.
    • Gifts: Personalise peg dolls as thoughtful, handmade presents.
    • Advent Calendar: Use 24 small peg dolls, each decorated differently, to count down to Christmas.

    Displaying Your Peg Dolls

    Once your peg dolls are complete, display them proudly. Hang them on your Christmas tree, line them up on your mantle, or give them as heartfelt gifts. These handmade treasures are sure to spread holiday cheer and showcase your creativity.

    Christmas Peg Doll Project

    Embrace the festive spirit with this delightful and easy DIY Christmas peg doll project! With fabric and pipe cleaners, you can have endless fun crafting a unique and charming angel peg doll.

    To make your own whimsical angel see: Handmade Peg Doll

    These traditional wooden dolly pegs are available on Amazon. A sustainable and natural choice, they are perfect for making the whimsical angel.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • Christmas Stockings to Make Yourself

    Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and creativity. One of the best ways to bring a personal touch to your decorations is by making your own Christmas stockings.

    This guide will help you create beautiful, personalised Christmas stockings that will make your Christmas even more magical.

    A Brief History of Christmas Stockings

    The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings is rooted in legend, particularly the story of Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. It’s said he secretly helped a poor family by tossing gold coins down their chimney, which landed in stockings hung by the fireplace, delighting the family the next

    Over time, the tradition of filling stockings with small gifts and treats became popular in Europe and America by the 19th century. What began as simple socks has turned into decorative holiday items and is now a beloved part of Christmas, with endless ways to personalise them.

    Creative Christmas Stocking Ideas

    Here are 10 fun and creative Christmas stocking theme ideas to inspire your holiday decorating:

    1. Classic Christmas
      Stick to traditional red, green, and white stockings with embroidered snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa.

    To make your own traditional stocking see: How to Sew a Christmas Stocking

    2. Vintage Holiday
    Use burlap or plaid fabric to create a nostalgic, old-fashioned look. Decorate with antique-style buttons, lace, and small wooden ornaments.

    Video: How Make Christmas Stocking quickly

    3. Personalised Names
    Customise stockings with each family member’s name in festive colours or with embroidered initials, making them special for everyone.

    4. Elf Magic
    Create stockings inspired by Santa’s helpers. Decorate pre-made felt stockings, perfect for a playful and whimsical theme.

    Video: How Make Felt Christmas Stocking

    5. Rustic Farmhouse
    Use neutral tones like cream, grey, or brown, with natural elements such as pinecones, twine, or small wooden accents to create a cozy farmhouse vibe.

    6. Christmas Animal Fun
    Design stockings to look like different animals—reindeer, bears, penguins, or even Santa’s sleigh pulled by cute little animals for a playful twist.

    7. Winter Wonderland
    Use icy blue, silver, and white tones to create a frosty, snow-filled theme. Add snowflakes, glitter, or faux snow for a magical winter touch.

    Video: How make 15 min Christmas stocking

    8. Modern Geometric
    For a trendy, contemporary feel, use geometric patterns or minimalist designs in black, white, or metallics.

    To make your own colourful modern stocking see: 30 Best DIY Christmas Stockings

    9. Nature-Inspired
    Use earthy tones and natural fabrics like linen or jute. Decorate with dried flowers, small pinecones, acorns, and sprigs of greenery to create a woodland, nature-inspired stocking.

    10. Nordic/Scandinavian

    Opt for simple, minimalist designs with Scandinavian-inspired patterns, such as reindeer, stars, and geometric shapes, all in classic red and white or soft pastels.

    Video: How Make Scandinavian Stocking

    Tips for Crafting Your Stocking

    • Up-cycled Stockings: Transform old sweaters or denim into one-of-a-kind stockings.
    • Themed Stockings: Create designs inspired by favourite movies, hobbies, or colors.
    • No-Sew Options: Use hot glue for assembling and decorating stockings if sewing isn’t your thing.

    How to Use Your Christmas Stocking

    • Traditional Fillings: Historically, stockings were filled with small gifts, candy canes, fruit (like oranges or apples), and nuts.
    • Personalised Gifts: Include items that are special to the person receiving the stocking, such as their favourite sweets, mini toiletries, or small books.
    • Creative Fillings: Some people even use stockings for non-traditional gifts like gift cards, socks, jewellery, or little handmade items.

    Display Ideas for Your Handmade Stockings

    • Hang them on the mantle with festive greenery.
    • Line them along a staircase railing.
    • Use them as decorative gift holders under the tree.
    • Display them on a stocking holder for a table center-piece.

    Christmas Stocking Project

    Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and simple DIY Christmas stocking project! Using traditional patterned fabric, you can create a charming and unique stocking decoration.

    To make your own Christmas stocking see: 10 Min Easy Stocking Tutorial

    These Christmas Fat Quarters are available on Amazon. Fabrics with traditional Christmas patterns, perfect for making your own Christmas stocking.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • 12 Sustainable Christmas Ideas

    Victorian Christmas traditions were all about creativity, charm, and making the most of what you had. The Victorians embraced simple, thoughtful gifts that were also eco-friendly.

    From homemade decorations to reusable wrapping, these 12 sustainable Victorian Christmas ideas will help you add a touch of vintage charm to your modern celebrations.

    Traditional Sustainable Christmas Gifts

    Victorian Christmas traditions were steeped in practicality and sustainability, partly out of necessity and partly due to cultural values.

    Here are some examples of sustainable Victorian Christmas presents to try at home:

    1. Oranges in Stockings

    • Symbol of Luxury: Oranges were a rare and expensive treat for most Victorian families, especially in northern Europe. Receiving one in a stocking was a special indulgence, symbolising health and wealth.
    • Sustainable and Practical: The fruit was entirely edible, and the peels could be reused for fragrant potpourri or cleaning purposes.

    2. Reusable Wrapping

    Victorians often avoided disposable materials for wrapping gifts:

    • Fabric Wrapping: Presents were wrapped in fabric squares, often decorative scraps or embroidered cloth, which could be reused.
    • Decorative Boxes: Wooden or tin boxes were popular and durable, used to store small treasures after the gift-giving.
    • Paper and Ribbons: Wrapping paper was used sparingly, often saved and reused year after year.

    Video: Sew your own reusable gift wrap in 16 minutes!

    3. Practical and Homemade Gifts

    Victorians emphasised practicality and thoughtfulness in their gifting:

    • Knitted or Crocheted Items: Warm socks, scarves, or mittens were often made at home using leftover yarn.
    • Hand-Sewn Dolls or Stuffed Animals: Crafted from fabric scraps.
    • Homemade Toys: Wooden trains, spinning tops, or simple puzzles.

    4. Edible Gifts

    Food was a popular and sustainable gift choice:

    • Preserves and Jams: Stored in reusable glass jars, these were treasured gifts.
    • Homemade Biscuits or Cakes: Packaged in cloth or tin containers.
    • Candied Nuts and Fruits: Wrapped in paper cones or reusable cloth bags.

    5. Nature-Inspired Gifts

    Victorians loved incorporating natural elements into their celebrations:

    • Potted Plants: Ferns, ivy, or small evergreen trees were given as lasting gifts.
    • Dried Flower Bouquets: Carefully arranged and tied with reusable ribbons.
    • Handmade Wreaths: Made from holly, ivy, and pinecones, often embellished with reused scraps of ribbon.

    Video: DIY Christmas fabric rag wreath

    6. Secondhand or Repurposed Items

    The concept of up-cycling was common:

    • Books: Often passed down through generations or given as secondhand treasures.
    • Jewellery: Reworked or repaired heirloom pieces were cherished gifts.
    • Clothing: Repaired, tailored, or adorned garments were practical and heartfelt presents.

    7. Shared Experiences

    Experiential gifts were also part of Victorian Christmas traditions:

    • Christmas Feasts: Sharing a special meal was a gift in itself, with families pooling resources.
    • Music and Carols: Homemade instruments or sheet music were given to encourage family gatherings and shared entertainment.

    Video: Make Reusable Crackers for the perfect Christmas feast

    8. Handwritten Letters or Poems

    • Personal and Sentimental: In the Victorian era, written word was a cherished form of communication. Handwritten letters, poems, or short stories were given as gifts.
    • Low Waste: These gifts had minimal environmental impact and were deeply personal, often becoming treasured keepsakes.

    9. Homemade Scented Sachets

    • Natural and Fragrant: Sachets filled with dried lavender, rose petals, or cloves were a common Victorian gift. These were often sewn into small fabric pouches and used to scent drawers or wardrobes.
    • Sustainable Materials: The materials, including fabric scraps and dried flowers, were often locally sourced and reusable.

    Video: Let’s make lavender bags

    10. Hand-Painted or Carved Items

    • Artisanal Creations: Items such as wooden boxes, trays, or small decorative objects were often hand-painted or carved, reflecting the Arts and Crafts movement of the time.
    • Durable and Timeless: These gifts were made to last, with the added benefit of being completely unique, often incorporating natural materials like wood or clay.

    11. Family Heirlooms or Vintage Items

    • Passing Down Traditions: Victorian families often gave family heirlooms as Christmas presents, such as antique jewellery, old pocket watches, or hand-me-down clothing. These items carried sentimental value and were a way to pass on memories and traditions.
    • Eco-Friendly by Nature: Since these items were often long-lasting and repurposed, they had little environmental impact.

    12. Handmade Candles

    • Practical and Decorative: Making candles at home from tallow (animal fat) or beeswax was a common practice. These candles were not only practical for lighting but also used as decorations or in Christmas wreaths.
    • Sustainable and Reusable: Candles were crafted with care, and many could be repurposed or reused, with the beeswax being particularly durable and eco-friendly.

    Video: DIY Thrifted Teacup Candle

    These ideas show how the Victorians made use of handmade, practical, and often nature-inspired gifts, reflecting a sustainable approach of being resourceful and wasting less.

    Sustainability in Victorian Celebrations

    Victorian-era gifting reflects many values of modern sustainable practices: minimal waste, resourcefulness, and meaningful, personal connections. These traditions remind us that thoughtfulness often outshines extravagance during the holiday season.

    Reusable Gift Wrap Project

    Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and simple DIY Christmas gift wrap project! Using traditional patterned fabric, you can create a charming and unique reusable gift bag.

    To make your own Christmas gift bag see: Reusable Fabric Gift Bag

    These Christmas Fat Quarters are available on Amazon. Fabrics with traditional Christmas patterns, perfect for making your own Christmas stocking.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more:

  • Top 5 Victorian Christmas Crafts: DIY Decorations

    Christmas traditions were popularised during Queen Victoria’s reign. Here’s how the Victorians shaped the festive season we know today:

    • Decorating Christmas Trees – Popularised by Prince Albert, who brought the German tradition to England. Trees were adorned with candles, ornaments, and evergreen decorations.
    • Festive Feasts – Victorian Christmas dinners often featured turkey or goose, accompanied by rich trimmings. Plum pudding, mince pies, and even boar’s head were part of elaborate meals for the wealthy.
    • Giving Gifts – Gifts were exchanged on Christmas Eve and displayed unwrapped on tables. The royals exchanged handmade items and fine jewellery, while modest families shared simple, heartfelt gifts.
    • Pudding Traditions – Christmas puddings were served with custard or set aflame for entertainment. Early puddings originated from medieval pottage and evolved into festive staples.

    From trees to puddings, the Victorian’s love for tradition continues to inspire modern Christmas celebrations.

    See below for ideas on how to craft your own Victorian-style gifts and decorations.

    How to Make Vintage Victorian Christmas Decorations

    Bring vintage charm to your Christmas with these timeless Victorian homemade decoration ideas from English Heritage: 

    Pin-Prick Cards: Christmas cards, a tradition dating back to 1843, were initially expensive but became affordable by the 1880s. Victorians often created homemade cards with intricate pin-prick lace designs, adding a delicate and personal touch.

    To make your own Pin-prick card, download templates here.

    Christmas Crackers: Invented in the mid-19th century by London confectioner Tom Smith, crackers became a festive essential, filled with trinkets and jokes. They remain a classic holiday tradition today. Download how to make guide.

    Paper Flowers: Wealthy Victorian women crafted paper flowers as decorations and personal accessories. By tracing real flowers onto paper and dipping the petals in wax, they created beautiful, lasting arrangements. Download how to make guide.

    Easy Christmas Bunting DIY Project 

    Get into the festive spirit with this fun and easy DIY Christmas bunting project!

    Whether you’re decking the halls or adding a personal touch to your holiday decor, this simple craft is a great way to spread cheer. See how to make bunting video below.

    This 50 Pieces Christmas Cotton Bundle from Amazon includes a range of patchwork patterned fabric, perfect for creating your Christmas bunting.

    If you enjoyed this post subscribe below for more: