Because I live in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year all I want to do is sit somewhere with a warm beverage and craft. Maybe we can actually craft something inspired by a warm beverage? With that in mind, let’s take a look at some hot chocolate cross stitch patterns.

First I love this little easy mug of cocoa with candy canes coming out from Bella Rose Craft. This would be a cute one to stitch on a napkin you use while drinking your favorite warm beverage. The design is 1.71 by 2.29 inches, or 4.3 by 5.8 cm on 14 count fabric.

Stitch up a sweet hot chocolate recipe with this design from Stitchrovia, perfect for hanging in your kitchen during warm beverage season. The pattern is 120 by 180 stitches, which on 14 count fabric comes out to 8.6 by 12.9 inches, or 21.8 by 32.7 cm.

Being a knitted of course I love the hot cocoa pattern from Maple Squirrel Stitch, which features hot chocolate loaded up with candy canes and marshmallows and in a mug with a knit-like coffee cup cozy. The design uses 30 colors and 7 blends, and is worked on 108 by 131 stitches. For 14 count fabric that’s 7.5 by 9 inches, or 19.6 by 23.8 cm. It includes full, half and back stitches.

Flat Iron Tack has another cute loaded cocoa project, this time with a mug that says “cold outside, cocoa inside,” which sounds like a pretty good plan. The design is 145 by 128 stitches and uses 14 colors.

This design from Autumn Andrea looks good enough to drink, and the blues make it more of a winter project than a Christmas one. At 196 by 196 stitches, on 14 count fabric it comes out 14 inches (35. 5 cm). If I can count correctly it uses 54 colors.

And if you’re looking for a super detailed, colorful and maybe kind of intense project, check out these loaded mugs from Laser Arts Designs. This pretty picture would be especially welcome at Christmas with all the red and green, and the traditional snowflake on the mug is a great touch. It only uses 14 colors, and measures 193 by 112 stitches. On 14 count fabric that would be 13.8 by 8 inches, or 35 by 20.3 cm, though the pattern includes counts for other sizes if you want to make it smaller.

15 Delicious Hot Cocoa Recipes [Edible Crafts]

Cozy Cocoa House Cross Stitch Pattern

What You Will Learn

• The significance of bold and vibrant colors in crochet, reflecting a new sense of optimism.
• The importance of textured stitches and patterns in enhancing the visual appeal of projects.
• How mixed media, including beads and fabrics, can elevate your crochet designs.
• The growing trend of sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices in crochet.
• Why staying updated on trends can keep your crochet projects fresh and relevant.
• Tips for integrating current trends into your crochet practice without feeling overwhelmed.
• Beginner-friendly patterns that embrace 2025 trends for new crocheters.
• The benefits of crochet kits for crafters at all skill levels, providing convenience and inspiration.
• Ways to connect with the crochet community for support and shared experiences.
• How to engage with crochet designers to gain insights into upcoming trends and techniques.

We Want to Hear From You!

What trends are you most excited to try out in your crochet projects this year? Share your thoughts below:

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Recap of Key Points

• Embrace bold and vibrant colors to reflect optimism in your crochet projects.
• Experiment with textured stitches and innovative techniques to add depth.
• Utilize mixed media and sustainable materials to enhance your creations.
• Stay updated on trends to keep your work relevant and appealing, especially if selling.
• Research current trends and select one or two to focus on for a manageable approach.
• Explore beginner-friendly patterns to simplify your entry into the latest styles.
• Engage with online crochet communities to share experiences and gain inspiration.
• Continuously learn new techniques and trends through tutorials and newsletters.
• Connect with crochet designers for insights and fresh ideas to inspire your own work.

Although puff pastry may not rank quite as high as chicken stock and canned beans on your must-have food staples list, if you keep a package of it in your freezer, you’ll never be far away from a delicious dessert—or dinner, for that matter. Turns out, the light and flaky dough you’ll find in the freezer aisle is a key building block for so much more than sweets.

Want to set yourself up for shortcut success? Your best bet is to thaw the frozen puff pastry in the fridge overnight, before you start cooking or baking. The dough should be pliable, but not too soft or limp. Once it’s thawed, unfold it carefully—if it’s still frozen in parts, it will crack or break, so it’s worth the extra few minutes to let the dough thaw completely. Be gentle as you roll or cut it—less is more, and you want maximum flakiness. If you can, chill the pastry again before baking, so the butter can firm up; this will help contribute to a beautiful crunch and flake.

In this collection, we’ve pulled together store-bought puff pastry recipes that put this essential to clever use, from breakfast options and snacks to lunches, dinners, and, yes, desserts. Ready for a culinary adventure?

Is it just me, or does everything get a little more magical when Rudolph’s nose is involved? This adorable “Rudolph’s Nose” digital pattern (available in PDF and SVG formats) is such a cheeky little addition to your holiday crafting stash! Whether you’re whipping up iron-on shirts, cards, tote bags, or festive decor, this simple yet bold design is ready to spread Christmas cheer with a wink.

I love that it comes with both SVG and PDF options—it means it’s perfect for Cricut users and those who prefer to go old school with scissors and felt. It’s the kind of pattern that can easily become a yearly favorite, especially for homemade gifts and party accessories. Plus, it’s fast—perfect for when you’ve got a mug of hot cocoa in one hand and a Lindt chocolate ball melting in your mouth (hazelnut is my personal weakness ?).

Yes, you read that right—Lindt chocolate balls are my holiday kryptonite. I can’t craft my way through December without a bowl of them nearby, and I suspect Rudolph would approve too. There’s just something about crafting while unwrapping one silky chocolate at a time that makes the season feel extra indulgent and festive.

Here at CraftGossip, we’re proud to spotlight amazing indie creators on Etsy. Supporting small pattern designers means more unique, joyful designs in our feeds—and more holiday magic in our hands.

So go ahead—click over, download the pattern, and start creating with chocolate in one hand and holiday spirit in your heart.

Evan Brand tipped us this summer that he’d be traveling to Japan and Korea this fall, and visiting Maker Faires in both countries, and would we like him to report for Make:? Of course we would! Here’s Evan’s dispatch from Maker Faire Seoul, September 27-28, and Maker Faire Tokyo, October 4-5. (For more coverage of the Tokyo event, see Make Books editor Kevin Toyama’s report here.)

Maker Faire Seoul 2025

This past week I had the opportunity to check out Maker Faire Seoul. Hosted at the Seoul Science Centre, this event showed off a large variety of makers and projects. Though I couldn’t cover everything, I have noted a selection of the fantastic exhibits below.

WHEELY-X by Kangsters

A video gaming and workout device using a wheelchair for its controller.  By varying the speed and intensity of spinning each wheel, you are able to control different aspects of each game. The treadmill setup has an accompanying app that can track fitness and give feedback regarding each game or workout! Really cool device with a fun demo to explain the technology.

Interactive Gunpla by Side B Lab

These Bandai Gunpla (Gundam Plastic models) are modified by Ji Hyun Ko, adding lights and control circuitry. The variety of projects light up or can be moved via controllers and different sensors around the models, turning normally inanimate models into interactive experiences closer to their inspiration, the giant robots of the Gundam franchise.

AR Origami by Picker Studio

This booth displayed different books of origami bugs with an accompanying app. When built, the AR app would animate the different bugs and bring a person’s creation to life!

Unimat by The Cool Tool 

This was an all-in-one desktop woodworking tool that allowed for a variety of different configurations to transform it for different uses. Similar to a desktop version of a Shopsmith, the tool was being demoed as a wood lathe by allowing folks to turn their own pen blanks at the event!

Geekble

Lighting Round!  The folks behind YouTube channel Geekble had several projects of note, some of which are listed below:

— MacroController

This large scale 3D print of an ESP32-powered microcontroller that was also designed by the group shows off the design in full 3D printed glory.

— Electric Guitar Bike

This bicycle turns into a fully playable instrument, which was created for the band QWER and presented to them at the Pentaport Rock Festival. When the switch is flipped a pneumatic actuator extends the guitar neck out, primed to play.

— Meat Slapping Machine

Exactly what it sounds like.

3D Printed GLaDOS by Blackout.Retech

This 3D printed bot, a character in the Portal video game series, was printed in parts on a Bambu Lab  P1 S. Somehow the entire thing was built in the month leading up to the event.  Aperture Science would trip over themselves for that type of engineering skill!

Vacuum Light by 유리공방 기미기

A bottle pushed under vacuum to cast dazzling displays of light. Each pedal pressed at the base of the project causes plasma to arc to different points in the bottle. 

Electronics Demo by {w_b} 더블유엔비

Badges! Different badges and electronics projects powered by ESP32-C3 boards. A variety of demos were on display from boards showing the weather to small lamps to sit on your desk. 

Maker Faire Tokyo 2025

Heading to the Tokyo Big Sight Expo Center, I had a chance to explore and talk with many of the makers at this year’s Maker Faire Tokyo. Below is a small selection of the many groups and projects at this year’s event:

OpenAgriTech

This collective wanted to make weighing crops easier and so created an open source scale for agriculture. The scales read off a settable table, being able to categorize objects based on weight. It then saves the data to a spreadsheet so the user can keep track of stock!

Memory Game by Makerspace KM1

This clever  test of skills takes the form of a memory card game that works using RFID stickers. Match the correct cards together and the holder lights up green!

Miniature Concert by Robotics Technology Study Group

This love letter to idol concerts reproduces the magic in miniature. Built from laser-cut acrylic and around 100 servos, LED wands move in sync with the musical performance based on a custom-made movement model. The build also includes a train to move the singers between the crowd to complete the feel of the show.

Bots by Miseclinic

Looking down I happened to spot these Strandbeest-inspired robots. With builds that can be created out of mainly chopsticks, these bots are great to introduce robotics and kinematics to someone looking to jump into making.

Wearable Keyboard by Generative Idea Flow

Always a fan of wearables, I spotted this keyboard sewn into an apron using conductive thread. A microcontroller processes the inputs and sends the information wirelessly to a paired device.  A brilliant way to thread the needle between wearables and electronics; bravo!

Controllable Mech

For anyone looking to build big, but unsure what they can do with their machines at home, this 8-foot-tall mech from Brave was largely 3D printed. The controls on the side of the display allow passersby to move the robot in real time!

Micro Electric Bikes

These extremely tiny electric bicycles are actually rideable! Balance is tricky, but there is an impressive amount of torque behind the motors.  Just don’t kick up any rocks!

Walking T-Rex

This costume is made out of corrugated plastic sheet and zip ties. Outside of the large costume, the team worked to teach kids how to make smaller versions of the dino for themselves!

Joshibi Robot Research and Development

A pleasant departure from the hyper-optimized project sphere, this group aims to bring the fun back into robotics. Coming at the problem from the design angle instead of engineering, these makers are trying to make friendlier and emotion driven bots.

Kuquri

This articulated robot caught my attention dancing around the exhibit booth. Using spherical wheels it moved in all directions, bobbing up and down as it went.

Robot Band

Following the sound of bells I came across a small band or bots playing music. The songs varied over the course of the event but always lent a cheery tune as folks walked around!

Non Planar 3D Printer

This 3D printer can adjust its build plate to allow for printing at different angles. The group also created the software necessary to slice the 3D models to run on such a machine.

Street Legal Kotatsu

You know it’s a Maker Faire when someone turns a household object into a car. This heated table is ready for the road. Not only is it drivable but it is actually street legal and registered, classified as an e-scooter.

Pneu Logics

A fun use to show off pneumatics. Each button press actuates the physical logic gates to perform addition., forming a mechanical computer!

Hermit Cone

It can’t be a Maker Faire without a hidden robot wandering around. When it feels the need for some new scenery, this hermit crab bot flips up its cone and walks about.

Circuit in a Bottle

A truly impressive show of patience. Combining the attention-to-detail of model shipbuilding and the intricacies of electronics, the project is a testament to persistence.  Every circuit at the booth was assembled by hand in the bottles and are fully functional.

TwinHAM

An amazing wheelchair add on. The pieces of this project attach onto an existing wheelchair and turn it into an electric powered device. The device is still a prototype but from the demo was extremely easy to operate and pick up.

Desktop EDM Machine

For those looking into subtractive manufacturing, this EDM device can cleanly cut into metal parts. It uses a geared motor to get some extremely precise cuts.

Particle Accelerator 

Against all odds, my expectations were blown away by a particle accelerator in miniature on display. The build was completed by a high-school club, with other high schools building them and planning to compete to see which one has the best build!

The Old Fashioned is my favorite classic cocktail. I love ordering it when dining out, and I often make them at home. I have tried several options for Old Fashioned Mix (also called Old Fashioned Simple Syrup) and after some research, I strongly believe the most delicious mix you can use is homemade.

This recipe is simple and you can whip it up and enjoy it for weeks (or even months) in your fridge. Having this mix on hand makes mixing a cocktail faster and less messy. All you have to do is mix it with your spirit, shake, and pour over ice.

Related: If you’re already making some homemade syrups, why not try our Homemade Margarita Mix, Homemade Sour Mix, Classic Old Fashioned and Simple Syrup, and Mint Simple Syrup recipes while you are at it?!

Old Fashioned Mix Ingredients

How to Make Old Fashioned Simple Syrup

In a sauce pan, combine 3 cups sugar, 2 cups water, and 1 cup freshly squeezed clementine juice. I used 5 clementines and a citrus juice hand press to juice them.

Next, add 5 maraschino cherries cut into halves and stems removed. Add one cinnamon stick. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water.

Next, remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit to cool and for the flavors to steep for one hour.

After the ingredients have steeped for one hour, add aromatic and orange bitters. I used about 50 drops of each bottle, or you can measure out 1/2 tablespoon of each bitter type.

Use a fine mesh strainer and a funnel to decant your syrup into a glass bottle. I used this bottle set for mine.

As a finishing touch, you can use rubber stamps to create a label like I did. This is especially useful if you are getting ready for a party where guests will serve themselves, or if you are making more than one type of syrup.

Tips for Mixing an Old Fashioned

• To mix an Old Fashioned using this recipe, combine 2 ounces high quality bourbon and 1 ounce of mix. Stir and pour over a large ice cube to serve in a whiskey glass.
• Garnish your drink with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.
• If you are in the market for glassware that works great for an old fashioned, these glasses are great for whiskey cocktails.

An Old Fashioned Pairs Well With

Other recipes you may like:

FAQ

Beautiful window treatments add subtle elegance to your home as if they’re part of the architecture. However, the wrong treatment—whether it’s a faded jacquard valance above the kitchen sink or mismatched, pleated drapes—can make your space feel cluttered or outdated.

Whether you’re starting small with a fresh fabric or rethinking the entire look of a room, knowing which styles to retire is the first step toward a more natural, contemporary space. Here, we turned to interior designers for their take on the treatments that date a room and what to use instead.

Heavy Drapery

Few elements can date a room faster than heavy, ornate drapery paired with oversized valances.

“[It] overwhelms a room and blocks the natural light that so many homeowners are craving,” says Jasmin Reese, principal designer of Jasmin Reese Interiors. “The key is execution. Using the same fabric for both cornice and drapery, playing with multiple tassels, or experimenting with a sculptural cornice silhouette can transform the look from old-fashioned to an artful statement.”

Matching Roman Shades

For most spaces, however, Reese recommends a lighter hand. “I use a lot of colorful, sheer panels in my projects—just make sure they go from the floor to the ceiling no matter the height of the window,” she says. “This elongates the space.”

Roman shades that perfectly match upholstery, bedding, or other fabrics may have once been the hallmark of a coordinated room, but designers now see them as outdated.

“That kind of overly staged look feels flat and predictable,” says Jeanine Bogart, principal designer at Epic Interiors. “Today’s clients want a mix that feels curated rather than cookie-cutter.”

For a cleaner, more contemporary approach, Bogart recommends materials and colors that allow the window to shine. “Our design aesthetic tends to be more clean-lined, so we often recommend mesh roller shades in a contrasting neutral or white—something that’s modern and lets natural light in and maximizes the view,” she says.

Cheaply Made Fabric

Nothing dates a window quite like curtains that feel insubstantial or that look cheaply made.

“When the material reads as flimsy, it makes the interior seem less elevated,” says Brittny Button, founder of Button Atelier. “Don’t use anything that’s straight polyester without it being a blend.”

Button also highlights the importance of lining. “Always make sure they have a lining. This is a failsafe so that the curtains have a presence, and it protects them from the sun.”

Drapes That Are Too Short

The placement and length of your curtains have a bigger impact on a room’s feel than many homeowners realize. Drapes hung too low can make ceilings seem squat and rooms feel compressed, while curtains that end well above the floor look unfinished and careless.

“Curtains should reach the floor and ideally have a lining. This gives them presence and lets the panels drape properly,” says Button.

Button emphasizes that hanging drapery from ceiling height instantly changes the room’s proportions. “It lifts the feel of the room and draws your eye upward,” she explains. Panels that lightly skim or pool on the floor create a sense of drama and refinement, while also connecting visually with the space.

Curtains That Don’t Function

It’s surprising how often curtains are installed purely for decoration, leaving homeowners with “illusion drapes” that don’t actually block light or provide any privacy. While they may look pretty, panels that can’t fully close fail to serve the primary purpose of window coverings. In today’s interiors, functionality is just as important as style.

Button recommends a relaxed Roman shade as a practical and stylish option. “[It] fills the need without requiring a complete drapery overhaul,” she says. This approach perfectly balances aesthetics and usability.

Traditional Blinds

Traditional vertical and horizontal blinds were once the practical choice for just about every home. These days, though, they can make a room feel dated and a little too busy. “They often disrupt the flow of natural light and create harsh lines that don’t complement today’s softer, more architectural interiors,” says Bogart.

For something that feels both clean and functional, think beyond the traditional slats. “We often recommend upgrading to automated Lutron shades,” she says. “They offer a clean, modern look with the added benefit of convenience and smart-home integration.” The result is a more seamless, elevated window treatment that works with the room, rather than against it.

If your heart is set on something more traditional, especially in a historic home, then Bogart says blinds can still have their place. “They tend to darken a room, which is great if that’s the mood you’re going for,” she adds. “We love them for libraries, studies, or moody dens where that cozy, intimate feel makes sense.”

If you’ve ever thought about beekeeping—or even just felt concerned about the future of our planet—then The Beekeeper’s Bible is the kind of book you need on your shelf. Written by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch, this isn’t just a how-to guide. It’s an inspiring, deeply informative celebration of bees, beekeeping, and the incredible role these little pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems thriving.

What really struck me about this book is how beautifully it blends history, science, and hands-on instruction. It starts with a fascinating look at the history of beekeeping, which honestly gave me a whole new appreciation for how long humans and bees have been working together. But it doesn’t stop at storytelling—it dives straight into practical beekeeping advice for beginners and seasoned keepers alike.

You’ll learn about hive types, seasonal care, bee behavior, and how to manage healthy colonies—something that’s becoming more and more urgent as bee populations continue to decline. The more we understand bees, the better we can protect them. And this book makes that learning process feel approachable and genuinely enjoyable.

One of my favorite parts? The section filled with honey recipes and beeswax crafts. It reminds you that keeping bees isn’t just about the science—it’s about joy, creativity, and connection to nature. I tried my hand at a few recipes (yes, honey cake!) and even dabbled in making a beeswax candle, which turned out far better than I expected.

But what I love most about The Beekeeper’s Bible is its quiet, steady reminder that saving bees starts with us. Whether you start a backyard hive or just become more aware of pollinator-friendly gardening, every small step helps. This book isn’t pushy or preachy—it simply makes you want to do better by these amazing creatures.

If you’re interested in sustainable living, eco-friendly gardening, or even just curious about how to support the bees in your area, this book will inspire and empower you. It’s more than a reference—it’s a call to action, wrapped up in gorgeous photos, thoughtful writing, and a whole lot of love for the bees

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden

Tips For Creating a Bee Friendly Garden

Looking for a project to try this weekend? These decor diy ideas might hit the spot. 

When your home could use a refresh, but your budget says otherwise, a little creativity goes a long way. Because you don’t need a designer or a hefty price tag to create a space that feels thoughtful and elevated.

With a few smart materials and a free weekend, you can make something that will make you (and your wallet) happy. From large scale artwork and easy curtain rods to DIY bookshelves and reupholstery projects, these DIY ways to decorate at home strike a balance between stylish and surprisingly affordable. 

Smaller Decor Projects for your Home

Each decor idea you’ll find below is meant to help make your home feel curated and unique. Think linen storage ottomans, custom wall hooks, chic office organizers, and everything in between.

Whether you’re decorating a rental, refreshing your living room, or just want to make something beautiful with your hands, these smaller decor projects prove that great design doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sometimes it just takes a bit of imagination.

1. Transforming wired wall sconces into wireless wall lamps sconces is easy with this tutorial. And don’t forget to add a fresh coat of spray paint, for a custom look that rivals designer lighting. 

2. A DIY way to transform inexpensive rugs into something with a bit more character.

3. I love a long lumbar pillow. And as it turns out, you can make your own almost as easily as it would be to go out and buy a brand new one.

4. Dress up your entryway with unique diy wall hooks that won’t break the bank.

5. A simple idea to get the creativity flowing – painting glass vases.

6. As it turns out, carving a wood bowl (beginners guide) is not as difficult as it sounds. You just need the right tools and a little bit of practice. Who couldn’t use a tiny wood bowl for little odds and ends? 

7. Bet you didn’t have refurbing a wood serving board on your list of weekend projects. But maybe now you will! 

I found a quirky serving board for less than $10 and turned it into something I can now use everyday. Click through for the tutorial.

8. I will literally never stop making candles. It’s just so fun…and easy…and satisfying. And I happen to have a guide for how to make candles ready to go for you. 

Larger Decor Projects for your Home

9. Make an incredible dining table, with the help of this tutorial from Smor Home.

10. If you’re in need of cheap curtain rods I have you covered. This diy idea costs less than $10 to make. I don’t even think you could buy a curtain rod from the thrift store for less than ten dollars, at this point. 

11. Have a collection of things? Make a ‘mug house’ wood shelf (from Collective Gen). 

12. A little inspiration in case you wanna tackle DIY flooring.

13. Recently found this amazing mirror makeover from Duygu Turgut Gökpınar. The tile work is so cool. I just love it!

14. Ever wondered how much to reupholster a chair? I break it all down and show you how to do it yourself, if you wanna learn.

15. This DIY wall organizer has been through it with it me. And let me just tell you, it’s a workhorse! I used it in my office for years, organizing all of my art supplies and crafting stuff. And now it hangs in my son’s room as a heavy-duty toy organizer.

16. This one could be as big or as small as you make it. The size will determine how long it takes to make DIY patchwork artwork. You’ll just need some paper, paint, and a few other supplies. 

17. In a room that feels ungrounded, unfocused, or just simply too big, these diy bookshelves can work wonders. 

Admittedly, this may be the most expensive project on the list, coming in at just under $1,000. But I included it because it can easily be made with less expensive wood a fraction of the price (around $300 all in). When you compare it to what this would have cost to have custom-made or purchased from a high end big box store, we felt like we saved a lot of money by doing it ourselves.

18. Where can you buy a console table for less than $30?! Literally nowhere! But if you’re willing to make it yourself, this diy console table is a big win for your wallet.

19. When you want a standing desk, but not the standing desk price tag, head to Ikea for a couple of items and try this ikea desk hack. I used it for years and loved it so much. Plus, it had storage! What more could you want?

20. When we moved to our current home, I ditched the standing desk in favor of a built-in closet desk. No regrets! The standing desk was great, but so is the one I have now. 

21. My son’s room is the perfect example of making use of what you already have. We desperately needed storage and seating in here, so I reupholstered an old ottoman that was previously in the office and now it houses all of his bulky toys and random costumes. Learn how to reupholster a round ottoman here.

22. For the reader room makeover I completed in Atlanta, there was a quirky (and cool) fireplace that needed a teeny upgrade. If your fireplace could use something similar, I have some fireplace and hearth ideas for you to check out.

23. This diy coffee table is a whole lot easier than it looks!

24. On the topic of furniture DIYs, if you’re feeling bold, I have a bunch of dupe furniture hack ideas that are budget-friendly and totally worth the effort. 

26. My diy king headboard in our primary bedroom is still one of my all-time fave decor projects. At the time of writing this post, we’ve had it for more than 5 years now – still going strong.

27. Last but not least… If you’re looking for something a little different in the bedroom, I have a roundup of 21 unique diy headboard ideas you may like.