Burlap Gift Bag

I wanted to make a bag that resembled one of those brown paper gift bags that the stores pack your purchases in.
I used burlap for the main part and a coordinating cotton fabric for the handles and front pocket. It has a mitred base and is fully lined in a burnt orange cotton.
All the long edges are sewn down to give it a crisp finish like paper has.

I made it look like a hamper by filling it up with a nice assortment of groceries and gave it to my brother for Christmas.

Chinese Noodle Box Lantern

I love those cute Paper Bag lanterns that can be used for outdoor entertaining. They add such a lovely ambience and gentle light to your surroundings.
I didn't have time to purchase any so decided to use my noodle and make my very own, with a slight twist.
I used Chinese noodle boxes, coloured tissue paper and a heart hole punch to create these.
I think they'll look so nice hanging up on my tree branches on Christmas Day.
As I am using real tea lights, I'll need to make sure the lanterns are supervised at all times.

Handmade Floral Garland

I had some small pieces of shimmery red organza and fine silk fabric left over from previous projects and wasn't sure what to do with them.
Maybe some handmade flowers would look nice?
After a little playing around with various petal shapes and their arrangement, I finally came up with a style and shape that I liked.
The fabric petals have been layered and scrunched up in the centre to give a more realistic effect and the centre is beaded with tiny red beads.
The flowers are then strung together on a long piece of organza ribbon to create a floral garland.