Christmas Song Bird and Cottage Ornament Bead Embroidery Kit by Abris Art ABT-E-003

Bead Christmas Song, a two-sided beaded Christmas ornament kit by Abris Art — a plump little bird in a red knitted hat and scarf perched on a holly branch on one side and a white cottage with a red door among green firs and berries on the other, finished with a red beaded rim and a white satin ribbon for hanging. Worked with about 295 Preciosa Czech glass beads in 5 colours over a full-colour printed design, so the beads pick out the highlights while the soft painted picture shows through.

A little stitcher's folklore: country folk say a songbird at the window in winter brings good news before the New Year. Stitchers say this one sings the house a happy carol.

Why this kit: if you love Scandinavian-style, cottagecore Christmas decor, this pale, pretty ornament looks lovely on a green tree or a fir wreath. Five bead colours make it easy and fast.

Kit includes: art canvas pre-printed in colour with both sides of the ornament, about 295 Preciosa Czech glass beads in 5 colours, beading needles, beading thread, fiberfill, a decorative ribbon for hanging, and instructions with a finishing guide. The greenery, cones and other props in the photos are not included.

Sew each bead onto its colour-marked spot on the printed canvas, then cut out both circles, stitch them together, add the filling and finish with the beaded rim and ribbon loop.

Finished size: about 6.6 cm (2.6 in) across. A handmade keepsake for the tree, a gift topper or a Christmas card insert, and a sweet stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to craft.