Another Christmas Decoration Freebie...

Around this time last year, I released my first ever Christmas ornament design and - in the spirit of Christmas - I shared the pattern with you all as a GIFT :o) The response was so enthusiastic that I wanted to do the same again this year, and so today I am excited to release the FREE 2014 home♥stitch♥ness Christmas decoration design...

The FREE 'noël' Christmas Ornament design by home♥stitch♥ness

It's easy to forget when we're up to our knees in snow on this side of the world, that in New Zealand, Australia and the many other Southern Hemisphere countries, Christmas is a SUMMER holiday! It's during the festive season that I really miss family vacations at the beach! I wanted this design to have a summery feel and tie in with last year's freebie (which you can find here). I decided to go with a beach theme and feature a green sea urchin, which I think are so beautiful and just *look* like Christmas ornaments! I chose the classic word 'noël' for this design and stitched it in traditional Christmas colours, just like last year. 

Deciding how to finish the ornament...

This was a really quick and easy design to stitch and finish into a little decoration and it is perfect for both beginners and experienced stitchers alike. All you'll need is a small piece of aida or linen, a few skeins of floss and you're ready to go! The beads are optional but if you can find them in your local craft store, they definitely add some detail and texture to the sea urchin! 

In my stash I found some fabric that reminded me of Maori art that I'd bought here in the States a long time ago. I ended up choosing the red fabric and hand sewed it into a little pillow that hangs on the tree by a yellow ribbon bow. I was pleased with how it turned out and I even popped a couple of small jingle bells into the stuffing to make it extra 'Christmassy' :o) If that sounds too complicated, you could always display it in an embroidery hoop or a 4 x 6 frame.

Click on the image below to enlarge the pattern/print it...

The FREE 'noël' Christmas Ornament design by home♥stitch♥ness

Whether you are participating in an ornament swap this year, wanting to stitch something for your own tree or make a gift for a loved one, I hope this free pattern will encourage you to spend some quiet time being creative amidst the busy pre-Christmas rush! Feel free to email me a picture of your finished project or post it to the home♥stitch♥ness facebook page! You are welcome to share this link as much as you like on social media and most importantly - ENJOY :o)

Jenny x