I had such fun doing the Christmas tree ornament with heat-applied crystals that I decided to stitch a Christmas wreath ornament. Using a different shade of silk lame braid for 18m, I did the criss-cross Hungarian over the entire surface of the wreath. The natural flow of the stitch leaves openings which are perfect for French knots, cross stitches, or heat-applied crystals. I had originally planned to do a combination of French knots and crystals, but the French knots just didn't look right in either a contrasting color or the same shade of green.
From this photograph it's difficult to discern whether the sparkles are crystals or beads. I applied crystals to every other row and left a hole between crystals in a row. That does not show in the photograph, but does show in person.
The wreath and the tree were both such fun to stitch that I decided to produce kits so others can have the same fun. I've started the stitches on each and included enough of the silk lame braid to complete the project.
This is one of my very favorite stitches - I use beads in the spaces left. Also, I have used two different colors, which creates a kind of "fabric" look. I want to do this on one of my topiary trees. Thanks for reminding me.
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