How to create a fund-raising Christmas tree

This time of year, charities look for ways to raise funds for needy families or community organizations. Creating a Christmas tree, decked out with handmade ornaments, is one way to do that—and get a group involved in crafting fun. Here's how we made the charity "tree" shown in photos here.

Each year, the Kreinik staff gathers around one of our big work tables in the silk department to make holiday ornaments. It's not just a holiday party (although cookies from a favorite local bakery are involved), and not just a way to play with Kreinik threads. We make ornaments and decorate a tree that will be auctioned off for charity by the local Easter Seals organization. While it's fun to make the project, it's even more exciting to see how much money is raised through the auction. Everyone wins.

This year's ornaments featured a few crafty techniques (look for full instructions on our 25 Days of Free Christmas Projects calendar on the Kreinik website this month). We covered foam balls with double-sided tape, wrapped Kreinik metallic threads around them, then covered the remaining areas with shiny beads. In another project, we wrapped metallic threads around pine cones. Metallics are such an easy way to dress up any craft item, and add that holiday sparkle. Look for Kreinik 1/8" Ribbon and Heavy #32 Braid, two of our thickest metallics, for the prettiest punch.

Our ornaments were set into metal trays, which we decorated with Kreinik Micro Ice Chenille (one of our fly fishing products). The design makes a lovely centerpiece for a table, foyer, or mantle. Doug Kreinik claims the concept heralds from the olden days."Yes, the Italian Pan Tree was a popular table decoration used towards the end of the 19th century. I think it came from the Trieste Region of  Italy," Doug recalls. "The Pan Tree was frequently created from discarded olive oil pails filled with boughs from the Alps, decorative balls, a tradition of eastern Italy and pine cones, the national fruit of Albania. The Pan Tree's small size enabled them to be placed on tables festooned with small gifts for children."

The whole project is a fun way to spend some time crafting, plus make something that benefits the local community. Great idea—take it and run with it to raise money in your own area.

Happy holidays to everyone.

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60 ways to use the new Kreinik pearls

Three new gorgeous metallic thread colors debuted this fall: 1232HL Lavender Pearl, 2132HL Copper Pearl, and 5013 Plum Berry, available in Kreinik Braid sizes. Did you pick up your set? If not, get thee to your nearest needlework store and add them to your stash! No store? You can pick up a pack here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/2016-New-Colors.html

2132HL Copper Pearl

1232HL Lavender Pearl

We added these shades to fill in some color families within the Kreinik metallic thread line. People are always asking for a color with more of a shade in it, such as the famous pearl color; "I need pearl, but with more copper…" or "Can we get a pearl to go with the green-tinted pearl?" The two new shades seem to be fitting in nicely, based on the fabulous responses we got when we asked Kreinik fans, "Where would you use them?"

Here are 60 ideas from stitchers for using the new Kreinik pearl colors in needlework designs (idea credits are listed after each one):

1. Santa's beard and the white trim on his coat (Nancy W.)
2. Water…reflections (margdierembroidery)
3. Ice cream (needlepointforfun)
4. Cement and cinder blocks (jacquelynroyal)
5. Magic light! (tatianakostenko)
6. Christmas snow (Wendy S.)
7. Snow-covered trees for added sparkle (Erica K.)
8. To give the moon a sheen (Erica K.)
9. Halo, wings, trim on an angel (Helen O.)
10. Stitch a cake and use it for the icing (Helen O.)
11. Snowflakes, angel wings, stars, a moon, Santa ornaments, water in a glass (Pat M.)
12. White background of a kimono design (Nancy F.)
13. Rain, snow or clouds (April W.)
14. On Peter Ashe"s Timberline lodge needlepoint ornament on Mt Hood - to get the purple mountain majesty (Ursula H.)
15. Dragon's wing, angel's wing, fairy wings (Emma S., Karen J.)
16. Highlight the light hitting clouds in the sky (Mikel O.)
17. Snow, rain, fire, stars, gems, lace and angel wings (Annie W.)
18. As a delicate crocheted edge on a knitted or crocheted scarf (Barbara V.)
19. Make the wings of macaws look sun-kissed (Debbie H.)
20. Christmas ornaments and Easter projects (Connie G. and April S.)
21. Christmas stockings (Marla C. and Cyndi F.)
22. Any dragonfly design (Squiffy L. and Yvonne H.)
23. The lavender pearl to add sparkle in Santa's eyes and the copper added to the strands of brown for the reindeer (Pam M.)
24. Great sheep colors (Kd B.)
25. As the crests/foaming of waves (Marla K.)
26. Santa's beard, snow (Sheila I.)
27. Snow (Carol E., Angela G., Lucille H. and Anne H.)
28. Snowman scene and snowman ornaments (Donna S.,Tina H. and Anne E.)
29. As accents or stars in a night sky or setting sun, or as the reflection of the sun in a body of water (Christine P.)
30. Snow, angel wings, trim on hats and scarves (Karen O.)
31. As an over wrap on a beautiful yarn (Sara H.)
32. Christmas ornaments (Katie E. and Terry P. and Beth M.)
33. Accent harvest moons (Susan S.)
34. Temari designs (Ginny T.)
35. On a Christmas canvas that needs to be started (Margaret R.)
36. Snow, clouds, stars, trim on Santa and Mrs. Claus' clothing (Pat W.)
37. On Mirabilia's Snow Queen (Madge G.)
38. Easter egg designs (Deby B.)
39. For a moon (Paula C.)
40. Accents on fairy wings (Jess M., Monica D., Elizabeth B. and Teresa B.)
41. Bee wings (Bev F.)
42. Snow scenes, fur, beards on Santa (Pam J.)
43. Lavender pearl should definitely be blended with silk for appropriate flowers (Betty D.)
44. Snow, icing on cupcakes, bride's dresses, christening gowns (stitched ones as well as real ones) (Jackie M.)
45. Any project done on black canvas (Susan C. and Heather G.)
46. Accentuate dark colours, for angel ornaments (Eileen L.)
47. Add sparkle to white horses (Corine V.)
48. Joined with a lovely fine yarn and crocheted (Kristi R.)
49. In bobbin lace bookmarks to add lovely sparkle (Michelle L.)
50. The Victoria Sampler design Wedding Sampler (Wendy W.)
51. Copper Pearl to accent on Judaic canvases (Donna B.)
52. Santa's beard awaits (Christine W.)
53. On hand embroidered purses (Diana P. and Lida R.)
54. On any Laura J. Perrin canvaswork design (Wendy W.)
55. For the four horsemen on the HAED design (Tanya W.)
56. Tatting a beautiful necklace with mother of pearl (Catherine P.)
57. Shadows on Snow (Carole J.)
58. Copper pearl on fall designs (Wendy W.)
59. For shading of snow, glitter on trees, ornaments, flowers, anywhere I want (Sallie M.)
60. Anywhere and everywhere (Denise H.)

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Kreinik: Embroidery thread to the stars

If the action on HBO's "Game of Thrones" gets bloody crazy, focus on the costumes for a minute—can you spot the Kreinik threads? One of the designers, Michele Carragher, uses Kreinik metallics for embroidery on some of the costumes.

It's exciting to work with super-talented Michele, and even more exciting to see the same threads you use for your needlepoint/cross-stitch/embroidery featured on an actor or actress. Back in August, we rushed some to the set in Northern Ireland for emergency costume embroidery. Unfortunately, we can't show photos of this season's costumes due to legal reasons, but Michele says they are just as spectacular as in past seasons. The thread (our 3/8" Trim) "was for something special, so will be worth the wait‎," Michele said.

In the meanwhile, to satisfy our craving for embroidery on the big screen, Michele shares this link to a film she worked on and used Kreinik threads. It is called "Queen of the Desert," released in 2015 starring Nicole Kidman. Michele worked on ball gowns and corsages for Nicole's character in the film. Just think: Kreinik threads on Nicole Kidman!

Take a look at the photos of the Thistle Ball Gown for the gorgeous costume and details. Click here for more details on show she made the gowns in the film: http://www.michelecarragherembroidery.com/Queen-of-the-Desert-Gallery(3035276).htm

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Three new Kreinik colors

For your stitching pleasure, we excitedly announce three new metallic thread colors: 5013 Plum Berry, 2132HL Copper Pearl High Lustre, and 1232HL Lavender Pearl Hi Lustre. The new colors debuted last month at the Destination: Dallas needlepoint trade show, so they are making their way to your favorite needlework stores now. (If any shop missed the show, call us to order.) 

Ideas for using the new colors

Tis the season to be stitching snow...and that just got a little bit more fun with the two new pearl shades. Now you can do shading with white, stitching prismatic color just like Mother Nature. The new pearls are also perfect for frosting, any whimsical pattern, or simply to add a sparkle with subtle color. The 2132HL Copper Pearl Hi Lustre has a hint of orange mixed with the white, and 1232HL Lavender Pearl Hi Lustre has a whisper of purple. Both come in Kreinik Fine #8 Braid and Tapestry #12 Braid sizes.

Gorgeous 5013 Plum Berry is a rich purple with fuchsia undertones that adds depth, color, and a regal feeling to projects. This color is like a fine wine, a Renaissance painting, or a delicious fruit: smooth, sensual, an instant classic. Available in Kreinik thread sizes Very Fine #4 Braid, Fine #8 Braid, and Tapestry #12 Braid. 

2132HL

   

1232HL

5013

To get the new colors

Ask your favorite needlework store for 5013, 2132HL, and 1232HL, or visit our website to pick up these new colors.

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Tent sale at the Kreinik factory

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Kreinik Factory Outlet Store will be open September 28-October 1 from 9-3.

Our Tent Sale will feature bargains on closeout and overstock items such as: 

• Metallic Threads
• Silk Threads
• Metallic & Silk Quilting Threads
• Needles, Thimbles & Scissors
• Collectors Pins
• Kits
• Fabric
• Saturday will feature special clearance sales

Stop by and enjoy a fun day collecting fibers. You also have a chance to meet and get your photo taken with Doug Kreinik. Put it in your GPS and make the gorgeous autumn drive over to: 1708 Gihon Road, Parkersburg WV 26101.

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New Glowing Unicorn Cross Stitch Design

New for cross stitchers: We've partnered with 8 Bit Stitch (Kari Warning) to kit her fabulous Glowing Unicorn cross stitch design. "Don't let anyone dim your glow" is the inspirational-and-fun message on the easy-to-stitch pattern, featuring glow-in-the-dark Kreinik threads. Stitched on 14-count Aida, it is a perfect project for stitchers of all skill levels.

Special Note: The kit includes a discontinued color, so this is LIMITED EDITION. We have only 70 kits available; be sure to get yours while supplies last.

Kit includes Kreinik Fine #8 Braid, Kreinik Silk Mori silk floss, and needle. Pattern and fabric sold separately:

• Click here to get the pattern.
• Get here to get the thread kit.
• You will also need an 8-inch X 8-inch piece of DMC Bright Ideas Aida Cloth (Polar Ice 14 count), available from other sources. (Try your local craft store, needlework store, or DMC website).

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Team Charles

By Doug Kreinik

Sixteen months ago, my son took his life; he was depressed, addicted and alone. We were not aware of his extreme agony and pain. He had become hopeless, helpless and hapless. He was loved, had many friends, and was a great actor.

Over the past year, my wife and I have become involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). They have programs working to the public and those contemplating suicide about suicide and prevention programs.

Please join the community of nearly 250K people walking in hundreds of cities across the country in support of the AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Please help us reach our fundraising goal by donating to a team member. To donate online, please select "Roster" and then choose one of the team members listed. Once you are on their page, click "Donate Now." Please make donations to Team Charles. http://AFSP.donordrive.com/team/Charles

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