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Stine Appel · Højbjerg · Denmark

Viðtal

Stine sews her own Christmas ornaments by hand

Christmas decorations in all sorts of shapes and colours have a special place in Stine Appel's heart. From fabric scraps, ribbon, and sparkly trinkets she finds along her way, she sews her own unique and personal Christmas ornaments.

Stine Appel · Højbjerg · Denmark

December 2023

Glitter, prints, and beautiful colours Sparkly ribbon and colourful fabrics are the primary elements in Stine's handmade Christmas ornaments.

Creative corner for children | Søstrene Grene

No two are alike. Every single ornament is unique and made from Stine's imagination.

How did your interest for sewing your own Christmas decorations arise?

It all started while I was working on my thesis in spring three years ago where I made some Easter decorations, and thought it was very cosy to sew Easter eggs and in that way get a little break from the books. The interest continued the following Christmas where I really got going and the project unfolded. In the very beginning, I created snowflakes from pipe cleaners which I could make while commuting by train. Since then, my Christmas decorations have changed a lot, and today, they mainly consist of handsewn ornaments in second-hand fabric.

The moments. The creative moments sewing by hand and experimenting is one of the things Stine likes the most about making her own ornaments.

What is your relationship with Christmas?

I am a bit of a Christmas person. I come from a very Christmas-loving family, and the cosy moments and traditions associated with Christmas have always meant a lot to me. I also collect Christmas decorations – a mix of homemade, heirlooms, and new additions – and my Christmas decorations hold many memories. In my family, we always bring Christmas decorations, or something that can be used for it, with us home from holidays. That is something I grew up with and the tradition lives on in our little family.

How does creativity affect your Christmas?

I have always been very fond of the creative projects of Christmas, such as flower arranging and making homemade Christmas confectionery. With my homemade fabric ornaments I can personalise my Christmas decorations, and I really enjoy those creative moments. For instance, making Christmas decorations together with my nieces. It is always so cosy and when you make your own decorations, you also get the experience and the memories.

From snowflakes to variety. Originally, Stine created small snowflakes like the yellow one in the middle. Today, the creative pursuits have unfolded to a diverse selection.

What do you like about sewing your own Christmas ornaments?

I really like the creative freedom and sewing by hand. You never know what you will end up with when you first get started. My ornaments are kind of kitsch, which reflects how I really enjoy experimenting. Sometimes I end up with something that is pretty, and other times something that might not be exactly as expected. I always sew by the rule of thumb, and it adds a unique expression to each individual ornament. At the same time, I think it is fun to add more colour to Christmas – our home is actually not that colourful, so I go the extra mile with my Christmas decorations.

Imperfectly perfect. Stine's ornaments often feature glitter and a touch of whimsy, which adds the unique expression and personal touch.

How do your Christmas ornaments come to life?

It varies a bit, and I don't really have a fixed process as such. Generally, I experiment a lot and it is very desire-driven – I get an idea and then begin. It is a kind of 'me-time' where I might make ornaments instead of watching a film. And I also relax by listening to podcasts or music at the same time or having a cosy Christmas movie run in the background. When I make Christmas ornaments, I might sew five of the same kind and then some others; it is never a mass production. I would quickly lose interest in that since it is a very pleasure-driven hobby project to me. But it can be an advantage to cut fabric for a few pieces at the time, especially when I am using these often smaller pieces of second-hand fabric.

From one candle to another. Stine is very fond of her candles made of fabric. The first fabric candle originated from a real candle that she felt like replicating in fabric.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in various places and often quite spontaneously. It can be through Instagram and Pinterest, elder Christmas decorations, or materials such as old vintage cloths or other pieces of fabric that inspire me. I also like to go to charity shops and find inspiration and fabric which I can use for my ornaments. It is such a cosy activity to browse in shops and find quirky bits and bobs that can be used. I also find it fun to look into trends and add my own take to them. My designs include both variations of decorations that I have made before, and completely new ones where I am trying my hand – I think that is the most fun.

The ornaments get a new life. Stine keeps some of her ornaments herself, while others are given to family and friends or go out to live with others when she is at her annual Christmas market.

Creative Christmas. For Stine, the Christmas season comes with opportunities to experiment with colours, materials, and shapes.

Stine's tips for getting started with sewing your own Christmas ornaments.

Experiment and have a playful approach

It is all about exploring and trying things out. Do not be afraid to mix fabrics and ribbons – if it does not turn out as desired it is all about trying again. If it does not work, you have tried it. You should do it because it is fun, and you have a good time.

Have a selection of different fabrics ready

It can be a good idea to have some random pieces of fabric ready for getting started, perhaps ten different kinds. Do not think about it too much but buy a few pieces of vintage fabric or from fabric stores or Søstrene Grene where you can buy a little at a time. When you have some different fabrics to choose from, you can get creative.

Seek inspiration

You can find a lot of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest.

Small pieces of fabric. Stine sews her ornaments from a combination of smaller pieces of fabric from vintage tablecloths or cloth napkins bought from charity shops, fabric scraps she has gotten from family or friends, and new smaller fabrics by the meter from fabric stores.