Tabla de contenidos para Christmas 2020 en Mollie Magazine

...to our Christmas issue – your official start to the festivities. And, to make this month’s mag even more special, we’ve included a bonus recipe book filled with 12 seasonal treats! Lots of us turned to baking as a source of joy this year, so we’re celebrating this latest obsession with a fun collection of sugary delights in association with our pals at Bacofoil®. There’s quick makes, recipes to relax with and goodies to gift, plus gluten-free and vegan options, so something for everyone. It definitely made us hungry! Once you’ve whipped up something sweet, get stuck into all the amazing projects in the main mag. Discover must-make presents, including statement stitch markers and a mini amigurumi Christmas tree, or embrace decorating your home. From our crochet advent calendar to…

HOW TO MAKE MARBLED CRACKERS MATERIALS SixsheetsofA3green paper Large tray Two paint brushes Black ink Jar Washing up liquid Cracker snaps Glue Double-sided sticky tape Six toilet roll tubes Gold ribbon When you’re a crafter, everyone expects a handmade touch to gifts, décor and more. So, give them what they want with these simple yet super-luxe crackers and a beautifully laid table. You’ll get all the impact of an opulent make using the art of Suminagashi, a centuries-old type of marbling originating in Japan. But, it’ll take no time at all – these beauties can easily be done over a couple of evenings. Finish your Christmas Day tablescape with foraged greenery and fancy gold details for a next-level look, and fill the crackers with your choice of goodies –…

01 Luana Asiata’s artwork was made for crisp white walls. Layering colour, pattern and shape to create modern abstract scenes, her Movement print will take you on a visual journey. Destination? Sunny California. www.luxeology.co.uk 02 Why nod to Christmas when you can give it a massive wave? There’s nothing subtle about these star wall hangings, which is exactly why we love them. Combining metallic glam with vintage vibes, they’re a celestial statement. www.oliverbonas.com 03 We’re pretty sure Santa invented maximalism – have you seen his uniform? – so this tinsel pom pom wreath is guaranteed to have him slamming on those sleigh brakes. Extra sweets in your stocking if your door’s painted pastel. www. noths.com/fatpompoms 04 These braided stoneware baguette baskets are the exact quirky twist your table needs. Giving…

HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET CHRISTMAS TREE MATERIALS SirdarHappyCottonDK 100% cotton, 20g/43m per ball, one ball in Wicket (0781) (Yarn A) and small amounts each of Cookie (0777) (Yarn B), Lippy (0789) (Yarn C), Melon (0794) (Yarn D) and Shower (0762) (Yarn E) 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) crochet hook Two 9mm ( 3/8") safety eyes Black embroidery thread Embroidery needle Yarn needle Soft toy stuffing Stitch marker TENSION Tension is not important, but the stitches need to be dense enough so the stuffing doesn’t show ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain ss slip stitch dc double crochet dc2tog double crochet 2 together – (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook BLO work stitch through back…

“Everything was inspired by the world I’d been immersed in.” Originally I moved to Australia to pursue a doctorate in Marine Biology, but four years later I emerged from there as a potter with a PhD. I’d spent the last 10 years of my life in academia, first doing my Bachelors and Masters, then as a researcher and finally a PhD candidate, publishing papers on climate change and ocean creatures. One year into my PhD I joined a pottery class. I hated it. It was so difficult and I was terrible at it. It was nothing at all like the meditative and fluid movements you watch in pottery videos, more a panicked splashing and sloshing as the top of the espresso cup you’ve been meticulously perfecting for an hour flies…

INGREDIENTS For the biscuits ■ 150g (5oz) salted butter ■ 120g (4oz) soft brown sugar ■ 2 tsp black treacle ■ 2 tbsp beaten egg ■ 2 tbsp ground ginger ■ ¾ tbsp ground cinnamon ■ ¼ tsp ground cloves ■ 225g (8oz) plain flour For the royal icing ■ 40g (1½oz) egg white (substitute with aquafaba for a vegan version) ■ 225g (8oz) icing sugar EQUIPMENT ■ Baking tray ■ Baking paper ■ Jumper biscuit cutters ■ Disposable piping bags ■ Cocktail sticks ■ Food colouring (we used red, blue, green, orange and pink) MAKES 30-40 Put down the yarn and pick up your apron – The Great British Bake Off legend Kim-Joy is here to spark creativity in the kitchen. It might not be the kind of pattern…

INGREDIENTS ■ 2 cups (400g) sugar ■ 1 orange ■ 1 cup (135g) hazelnuts ■ 3 cups (510g) dark chocolate ■ ¼ cup (50g) demerara sugar EQUIPMENT ■ Baking tray ■ Baking paper SERVES 8 If you’re ever stuck for a last-minute gift, chocolate bark is the ultimate go-to. It’s quick and easy to make, you can chuck on top whatever extras you have rattling around in the cupboard, and it looks beyond impressive. Laura’s flavour combos are spot on for this time of year, but you can always experiment with your own variations like sour cherries and almonds, or add swirls of white chocolate on top for an extra Christmassy touch. This recipe is enough to serve eight, but scale it up and make multiple batches if you’re playing…

HOW TO MAKE COOKIES INGREDIENTS ■ 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter ■ 2oz (55g) cream cheese ■ 1 cup (200g) sugar ■ 1 large egg ■ 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract ■ 3 cups (360g) plain flour ■ 1½ tsp baking powder ■ ½ tsp salt ■ Pink, green and blue food colouring EQUIPMENT ■ Baking tray ■ Non-stick spray ■ Biscuit cutters ■ Alphabet biscuit stamps ■ Cooling rack Fans of iconic Christmas film Elf , rejoice. These moreish sugary treats not only fall under one of the main four elf food groups – candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup – they’re also sprinkled with quotes galore. Not so up on your movie trivia? Personalise yours with cute festive messages for friends and family – sort of like…

Benita Nagra Benita left the world of finance to follow her creative dreams, and now makes gorgeous homewares and jewellery from her studio in London, championing eco-friendly processes and products. Make Benita’s resin earrings on page 26. www.theabstractbee.com Nikki Griffiths Nikki is one half of the dream team behind colour-pop home Tierney Terrace. When she’s not working as a communications consultant, you’ll find her hanging out with her Boston terriers Paloma and Pilot. Look around Nikki’s pad on page 40. www.tierneyterrace.com Taylor Clem Jewellery designer Taylor always wanted to have a house full of dogs, and will go out of her way to pet your dog, even if it involves crossing the road. She’s a lover of craft beer, and often has one beside her while making earrings. Craft Taylor’s…

HOW TO MAKE A TIERED SKIRT MATERIALS 25m2yrd) medium-weight taffeta fabric (we used Two Tone Poly Taffeta Dress Fabric in Chalky Lilac from Elastic, 2cm (1") wide Pattern paper Tailor’s chalk Rotary cutter Normally we’d be getting party ready right about now, but just because things are different this year, doesn’t mean we can’t still get fancy. Use the power of dressing up to boost your mood with this swishy tiered skirt, be it for a social bubble shindig or your Christmas day outfit. If you want to practise your sewing skills this is a good place to start, as it’s a simple project with an impressive result. And, it’s even got an elasticated waistband to make space for festive indulgences. Seam allowances are 1cm (½") unless otherwise…

HOW TO MAKE DRIED FLOWER WREATHS MATERIALS Thinflexiblevineslike Virginia creeper or clematis Raffia Selection of dried grasses, seed heads and flowers The season of chunky knitwear and hot chocolates is fast approaching, so get ready to cosy up with some seriously comforting crafting. These beautiful mini wreaths make the loveliest winter decorations – use them to embellish fabric-wrapped gifts for eco vibes, or to dress up a place setting at a dinner table. You could even use them to style up your home, creating a feature wall from a nature-inspired wreath montage. The best part? This make is super sustainable. Wrap up warm, then take a stroll in your local park or the countryside to forage for materials, and raid your craft stash for ribbons, raffia or twine. 01…

HOW TO MAKE STITCH MARKERS MATERIALS SculpeySoufflePolymerClay 2oz (57g), one pack each in Sea Glass, Guava, Raspberry and two packs of Igloo Acrylic rolling pin Craft knife Cocktail stick Mini metal cutters, circular and oval Baking paper Baking tray Sandpaper, 600 grit and 1200 grit Hand drill Jump rings Pliers Lobster clips The one thing both knitters and crocheters can agree on is that stitch markers are a crafter’s best friend. Whether you’re marking off rounds in amigurumi or using them to keep place on a cosy sock pattern, they’re beyond handy, but not always beautiful. These decorative treats are made using the material of the moment – polymer clay – for an extra special way to mark the spot. Inspired by vintage Christmas baubles, they’d also make a…

HOLDING THE HOOK PENCIL METHOD Hold the hook in your dominant hand like a pencil, roughly 3-5cm (1¼-2") from the hooked end. If the hook has a flat area, hold it here between your index finger and your thumb. KNIFE METHOD Hold the hook between your thumb and your index finger, about 3-5cm (1¼-2") from the hooked end, resting the other end against your palm. This will give you plenty of control. HOLDING THE YARN METHOD ONE Pass the ball end of the yarn between the little finger and third fingers of your non-dominant hand, then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger. METHOD TWO Loop the ball end of the yarn around the little finger of your non-dominant hand, then take it over the third finger,…

I think we can officially say that 2020 has been the year of baking. From banana bread galore to the welcome return of The Great British Bake Off, there’s something hugely comforting about all things cake we’ve embraced with open arms. There’s so much joy to be had from creating something delicious in the kitchen, especially when you can share it with friends and family. So, with Christmas just around the corner, we’ve teamed up with Bacofoil® to put together a selection of fun, festive recipes that are easy to make, from quick gifts to those you can take your time over. Sending love and sugary treats your way!…

INGREDIENTS For the pastry ■ 350g (12oz) plain flour ■ 1 tsp fine sea salt ■ 300g (10½oz) unsalted butter, chilled ■ 10-12 tbsp ice-cold water ■ 1 large egg white ■ Granulated sugar For the filling ■ Unsalted butter ■ 8 tbsp mascarpone ■ 8 tbsp apricot jam ■ 1 tsp vanilla bean paste ■ 1 large egg yolk For the glaze ■ 3 tbsp lemon juice ■ 180g (6¹/ 3 oz) icing sugar ■ Edible sprinkles EQUIPMENT ■ Rolling pin ■ 23 x 33cm (9 x 13") baking tin ■ Baking paper ■ Pastry brush ■ Cooling rack MAKES 8 If you can make your own pastry, you can accomplish anything. And, while it is easier to opt for shop-bought, just think how smug you’ll be when everyone’s…

PARTY OR NO PARTY, THERE’S ALWAYS AN URGE TO SPRUCE UP and rock something special for Christmas. Enter People Tree’s capsule collection with the V&A – chintzy floral prints rendered in the most planet-friendly fabrics. There are eight garments, all with a statement feel, like this curling fern fronds jacket that looks like embroidered velvet, but is actually organic cotton. www.peopletree.co.uk JUST LANDED CELESTIAL STUNNERS that are small enough to slip in with a Christmas card – a lovely way to surprise pals you might not be seeing IRL. Indie maker Mia Winston-Hart has captured dark winter sky loveliness with her exquisite resin hair slides and earrings. www. mwinstonhart.etsy.com IS A JESMONITE CRUSH A THING? If so, ours is definitely KLNDRA. Their slick modern homewares have the kind of simple…

“While the house is packed with colour, we’ve also used a lot of clean lines.” There’s nothing run-of-the-mill about Tierney Terrace, a 1960s ex-local authority terraced house in Streatham Hill, South London, which is home to Nikki Griffiths and her boyfriend Luke Moseley. From its pink corrugated steel exterior to the colour-pop rooms inside, every inch of this renovation has been thought through and executed with authenticity and love. The couple, originally from Yorkshire, have always been fans of mid-century architecture, and fell in love with the Brutalist style and ethos when house hunting in the capital. “We’re hugely influenced by it, stretching from London’s angular concrete buildings to Palm Springs’ laid-back, modernist vibe. Brutalist architecture was all about clean lines and geometry, as well as the follow of light,”…

HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET ADVENT CALENDAR MATERIALS Wool and The Gang Feeling Good Yarn, 70% baby Alpaca/7%Merino/23% nylon, 50g/130m per ball, three balls in Ivory White (Yarn A), and one ball each in Lilac Power (Yarn B), Eucalyptus Green (Yarn C), Hot Punk Pink (Yarn D) and Bronzed Olive (Yarn E) 6mm (UK 4, US J/10) crochet hook 5mm (UK 6, US H/8) crochet hook Wooden dowel, 1m (39 3/8"), 0.8cm (¼") diameter Bakers’ twine Yarn needle TENSION Approx. 14 sts and 11 rows to 10cm (4") square, worked in htr rows using 5mm crochet hook ABBREVIATIONS (UK)  st(s) stitch(es) ch chain htr half treble inc increase by working 2 dc in next st BLO work stitch through back loop only FLO work stitch through front loop only rep…

Within each of us lies a heart that soars with craft and creativity. Sometimes you’ll unexpectedly feel something huge within a single stitch, a still moment, a flourish of paint. That quiet thread of feeling whirls within before perhaps freeing you. That’s the beauty of creativity – it’s a meditative and meaningful balm. It’s also active and loaded with love and power. What we all need this Christmas is an extravaganza of this; we need to knit it into baubles and pave a glittery path to 2021. For creative small businesses, your support never goes unnoticed, and over this year many brands have relinquished control and opened up. For example, Kalkidan Legesse, managing director of sustainable clothing company Sanchos, says: “We leaned into being in a position of vulnerability, particularly…

FRENCH KNOT This is a stitch that everyone should learn, because it’s so useful. The secret is to hold the working thread taut while you pull it through. Come up at point 1, then wrap the thread around the needle twice. Holding the working thread with your non-dominant hand, bring the needle down at point 2 (close to point 1, but not the same hole) and pull slowly until the knot is formed. BLANKET STITCH This is fun for decorative stitching or appliqué. Try to keep the spacing and stitch height consistent. Come up at point 1. Go down at point 2 and come back up at point 3, keeping the needle over the working thread. Pull the thread to create a right angle, then repeat as per the pattern.…

INGREDIENTS For the macaron shells ■ 35g (1oz) egg whites ■ 45g (1½oz) caster sugar ■ 40g (1½oz) ground almonds ■ 40g (1½oz) icing sugar For the buttercream ■ 50g (1¾oz) caster sugar ■ 1 egg white ■ 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter ■ 75g (2½oz) cream cheese ■ Lemon juice For the decoration ■ Coloured writing icing (we used light blue, dark blue, yellow, pink and black) EQUIPMENT ■ Spatula ■ Baking paper ■ Baking tray ■ Piping bag MAKES 10 Do you want to build a snowman? Us too! These super-cute macarons are just the thing to get you through winter, with a crispy shell, chewy centre and deliciously soft Swiss meringue buttercream filling. Now, we know this might not sound like the easiest recipe, but we promise if…

INGREDIENTS ■ 150g (5oz) light brown sugar ■ 225g (8oz) caster sugar ■ 200g (7oz) butter ■ 150g (5oz) dark chocolate, chopped ■ 3 eggs ■ 125g (4½oz) plain flour ■ 30g (1oz) cocoa powder ■ 50g (1¾oz) popcorn ■ 25g (¾oz) salted pretzels ■ 2 tblsp salted caramel sauce EQUIPMENT ■ 24 x 24cm (9½ x 9½") square baking tin ■ Baking paper MAKES 9 That classic combo of sweet and salt means these popcorn and pretzel brownies won’t last long, but luckily you can whip up a new batch in no time. Made slightly differently to standard cakes, brownies involve melting the butter and sugar first for maximum gooeyness in every bite. Don’t overbake them – simply leave to cool until set for that perfectly squishy middle. 01…