When Katie was three or four years old we read a book about Saint Lucia day and Katie was wide-eyed. When she was four years old we made a set of Saint Lucia clothespin dolls. Last year we decided Katie was big enough to bring buns to us in bed — I get up and help her get ready then go back to bed — and this year we added a crown.
I first saw the idea in Living Crafts magazine — love this magazine by the way — and considered seeing if someone could make us one but never got my act together. So this one was made by me at the last minute but was so worth it when Katie realized she would be wearing a crown this year. The crown is made of wool felt with machine appliqued embellishments with a cotton strap in the back. We’re not Scandinavian, Italian, or Catholic so celebrating Saint Lucy is not part of our cultural or religious tradition. However, the darkness of these days as we near the solstice is something we want to recognize and the idea of a child reminding us of the coming light of Christmas is magical. So, our tradition has evolved to this, a little girl with candles and a crown helping us remember what this season is all about.
The crown is almost as precious as your little one! What a lovely tradition.
I love this! It’s going to be a wonderful memory for her and I’ll bet she carries it on with her family someday!
Gorgeous crown, you did a great job! I’m sure she was so pleased.
What a lovely crown! My daughter also became enchanted with the St. Lucia tradition after she read the Kirsten books. Being the oldest daughter, she loves the growing responsibility she has every year to prepare the morning treat for us. She would love such a crown! I saw the project in living crafts, but was a little intimidated as my sewing skills are still at the beginning stage. You have given me inspiration for next year, though!
this crown is beautiful, what a wonderful tradition!
pretty much the crown, we will do it, thanks for the idea