Mollie Magazine Christmas 2020

...to our Christmas issue – your official start to the festivities. And, to make this month’s mag even more special, we’ve included a bonus recipe book filled with 12 seasonal treats! Lots of us turned to baking as a source of joy this year, so we’re celebrating this latest obsession with a fun collection of sugary delights in association with our pals at Bacofoil®. There’s quick makes, recipes to relax with and goodies to gift, plus gluten-free and vegan options, so something for everyone. It definitely made us hungry! Once you’ve whipped up something sweet, get stuck into all the amazing projects in the main mag. Discover must-make presents, including statement stitch markers and a mini amigurumi Christmas tree, or embrace decorating your home. From our crochet advent calendar to the embroidered…

Benita Nagra Benita left the world of finance to follow her creative dreams, and now makes gorgeous homewares and jewellery from her studio in London, championing eco-friendly processes and products. Make Benita’s resin earrings on page 26. www.theabstractbee.com Nikki Griffiths Nikki is one half of the dream team behind colour-pop home Tierney Terrace. When she’s not working as a communications consultant, you’ll find her hanging out with her Boston terriers Paloma and Pilot. Look around Nikki’s pad on page 40. www.tierneyterrace.com Taylor Clem Jewellery designer Taylor always wanted to have a house full of dogs, and will go out of her way to pet your dog, even if it involves crossing the road. She’s a lover of craft beer, and often has one beside her while making earrings. Craft Taylor’s polymer clay stitch markers on…

PARTY OR NO PARTY, THERE’S ALWAYS AN URGE TO SPRUCE UP and rock something special for Christmas. Enter People Tree’s capsule collection with the V&A – chintzy floral prints rendered in the most planet-friendly fabrics. There are eight garments, all with a statement feel, like this curling fern fronds jacket that looks like embroidered velvet, but is actually organic cotton. www.peopletree.co.uk JUST LANDED CELESTIAL STUNNERS that are small enough to slip in with a Christmas card – a lovely way to surprise pals you might not be seeing IRL. Indie maker Mia Winston-Hart has captured dark winter sky loveliness with her exquisite resin hair slides and earrings. www. mwinstonhart.etsy.com IS A JESMONITE CRUSH A THING? If so, ours is definitely KLNDRA. Their slick modern homewares have the kind of simple beauty that…

HOW TO MAKE AN APPLIQUÉ BANNER MATERIALS • 35 x 45cm (13¾ x 17¾") blue cotton fabric• 31 x 23cm (12¼ x 9 1/8") brown felt• 5 x 5cm (2 x 2") pink felt• Wooden dowel, 20cm (7 7/8") long, 1cm ( 3/8") diameter• Gold braided cord• Embroidery thread in yellow, red, green, white, gold, light blue, pink and dark brown• Erasable fabric marker• Fusible webbing• 15cm (6") embroidery hoop• Card Alternative Christmas decs are all the rage this year, from sparkly robots to tasselled llamas. So, we’re channelling Nativity charm with this appliqué camel version, complete with starry night sky and festive message. This seasonal banner is filled with extra-special details and decorative touches, but it’s a bit of an embroidery hack that’s easier than it seems. Both the camel and his saddle…

HOW TO MAKE A TIERED SKIRT MATERIALS • 2.5m (2¾yrd) medium-weight taffeta fabric (we used Two Tone Poly Taffeta Dress Fabric in Chalky Lilac from www. minervacrafts.com )• Elastic, 2cm (1") wide• Pattern paper• Tailor’s chalk• Rotary cutter Normally we’d be getting party ready right about now, but just because things are different this year, doesn’t mean we can’t still get fancy. Use the power of dressing up to boost your mood with this swishy tiered skirt, be it for a social bubble shindig or your Christmas day outfit. If you want to practise your sewing skills this is a good place to start, as it’s a simple project with an impressive result. And, it’s even got an elasticated waistband to make space for festive indulgences. Seam allowances are 1cm (½") unless otherwise stated. 01…

WARM GLAM Don’t let party season pass you by – just because we’re staying in more, doesn’t mean we can’t go all out. Luxe up your home while keeping it cosy with velvet, fringing and faux fur, and go extra with your loungewear look. WARM GLAM EARRINGS MATERIALS Jesmonite AC100 Kit (we got ours from www. mbfg.co.uk) Jesmonite colour pigments (we used yellow, red, blue, green and white) Faceted earring mould (we got ours from www.etsy.co.uk) Wooden stick Cocktail sticks Sandpaper Plastic cups Polishing wax (we used Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish) Cloth Earring stud backs 01 First, prepare the colours by weighing out 10g of jesmonite liquid in three separate plastic cups. Slowly add the colour pigments to each cup one drop at a time until you achieve the colours you want, stirring as you…