Start a Christmas Heirloom Tonight; Counted Crosstitch Crismons

Roughly 20 years ago, I was in a very cool group called M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers)  I was introduced to  these beautiful tree ornaments called Crismons.  They were originally Greek letters or "monograms" for the names of Christ.  Eventually they were made with all kinds of Christian Symbols.


Several churches in the U.S. use large crismons, made of jeweled wood or styrofoam, on their Christmas Trees.  We wanted  that kind of symbolism in our own homes, as well.  So I adapted some designs for Counted Crosstitch, and we published them in our "Christmas Survival Manual"  They are simple, but you do need to start early, especially if you have more than one child

  These designs are worked on 10 or 12 count aida cloth, with  4 colors of embroidery floss; dark gold to white.  Click on the photo to copy the designs, and see the stitching chart. (I substituted pearls or beads for French Knots)
You might also enjoy looking at this lady's handmade jewelled crismons for inspiration,  and this do-it-yourself Paper Snowflake Crismons kit!