Make A Wish

Julie Oldham's artwork shows Santa warming his hands while snow settles on his beard: a gentle Christmas design worked on full colour printed Aida, so the print guides the stitching and the background stays visible without having to be covered.

Alongside the cross stitch there is back stitch for the outlines, couching to hold down the fluffy Lana threads that give texture to the bobble and the hat brim, and a single French knot. The silver sequins catch the light like falling snow. You will also want a hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors; a picture frame is not included, though the finished piece frames beautifully or can be mounted as a seasonal decoration.