Kotona_living

Police officer nurtures 230 bonsai: “I even sleep better these days—I wonder if it’s thanks to the bonsai”

“I’m amazed at the sense of peace I feel when working with bonsai. It might be comparable to meditation,” says Juha Alhonen.

Carnival glass: is this iridescent collector’s favorite dangerous or safe to use?

The magic of carnival glass items lies in a special manufacturing technique that creates its signature luster. But is it safe to use?

Crochet a rainbow envelope bag with Molla Mills’s pattern

This shoulder bag, designed by craft influencer Molla Mills, is crocheted with basic stitches. The wavy pattern stands out beautifully in the striped flap.

Column | How my first sweater turned into a lifelong knitting tradition

Do you unravel without regret—or does it bother you when you have to unravel your knitting?

Crochet this roomy belt bag with pattern by Molla Mills—the two-color bag is easy to assemble from pieces

This fun crocheted belt bag transitions effortlessly from morning to night. Check out the pattern and charts by Molla Mills!

Sew a twinkling village for cozy nights—free house lantern template included

These adorable little houses are sewn from cotton or linen fabric and lit with LEDs. Sew different-sized houses and assemble them into an entire village.

Meiju Kallio’s soft, stunning designs are making waves across the knitting world——discover Meiju’s hit pattern on Kotona!

Knitting has helped Meiju get through tough phases in her life. Read more in our interview ❤️

A four-story elf home inside a wall: "I believe the next floor will surprise you," says Riikka, who’s been building her elf door for 10 years

This multi-level elf advent calendar will once again get a new floor.

Craft a cozy cardboard gingerbread house—an easy DIY holiday hideaway for your pet

Your pet’s gingerbread house is made from recycled cardboard. Finish it with white icing-style accents. Check out our easy tutorial!

Sew a classic flag garland for your Christmas tree—here’s how!

A flag garland is a traditional Christmas tree ornament and it’s easy to make yourself. These colorful fabric flags will bring joy to your holiday season.

This playful fox basket will delight the whole family—the knit-style basket is worked in tapestry crochet

This small fox basket is perfect for a variety of storage needs. Although its surface looks deceptively knitted, it’s actually made with tapestry crochet.

Cheater’s layered star: unbelievably easy—here’s how to make one in a flash

The cheater’s layered star looks like two stars of different sizes, but the illusion is created by cutting. All you need is paper bags, glue, and scissors.

How to read a knitting pattern: 5 expert tips from knitwear designer Meiju Kallio

Reading a knitting pattern can be challenging, especially for a first-timer. With these tips, you can easily make sense of knitting instructions!

Inside a set designer’s joyful treasure trove: “Minimalism just isn’t for me”

“I’m always doing something—waving a paintbrush, wallpapering, or removing a wall,” says Meku.

How to remove candle wax from glass candle holders: An effortless oven trick to make your candle holders sparkle

Everything you need to clean your candle holders is already in your kitchen. See how to remove candle wax from glass candle holders!

Crochet a rainbow envelope bag with Molla Mills’s pattern

This shoulder bag, designed by craft influencer Molla Mills, is crocheted with basic stitches. The wavy pattern stands out beautifully in the striped flap.

Crocheted cardigan from squares—an eye-catching piece made with three-dimensional flower squares

This beautiful crocheted flower cardigan is made one square at a time. Because the cardigan is cut straight, joining the squares is straightforward.

Crochet this roomy belt bag with pattern by Molla Mills—the two-color bag is easy to assemble from pieces

This fun crocheted belt bag transitions effortlessly from morning to night. Check out the pattern and charts by Molla Mills!

Step inside Pia's 35-square-meter cottage: "The logs might get weathered by time and they’re not meant to be hidden"

This small, red cottage captured Pia's heart. Inside its log walls, it's wonderful to spend Christmas amid the scent of evergreens and a cat's purr.

Finnish Christmas: 10 surprising traditions

Finnish Christmas has its own quirky twists. What is a himmeli, and what goes into glögi?

Macramé spruce: knot a durable spruce for your front door or wall

A macramé spruce works as a decoration for your front door! You can use any round yarn, string, cord, or twine. The spruce is knotted entirely with square knots. The pictured spruce is about 30 centimeters (12″) tall and was made with 6 millimeter (bulky) yarn.

This crocheted foldable cushion is almost like a portable armchair! See pattern by Molla Mills

Crochet a foldable cushion that’s easy to take anywhere!

Police officer nurtures 230 bonsai: “I even sleep better these days—I wonder if it’s thanks to the bonsai”

“I’m amazed at the sense of peace I feel when working with bonsai. It might be comparable to meditation,” says Juha Alhonen.

Craft a cozy cardboard gingerbread house—an easy DIY holiday hideaway for your pet

Your pet’s gingerbread house is made from recycled cardboard. Finish it with white icing-style accents. Check out our easy tutorial!

Crochet this cute bottle bag for your summer drinks—perfect for picnics!

This bottle bag is a great picnic accessory or gift to bring to your friend’s summer cottage. Check out the pattern by craft artist Molla Mills!

Cheater’s layered star: unbelievably easy—here’s how to make one in a flash

The cheater’s layered star looks like two stars of different sizes, but the illusion is created by cutting. All you need is paper bags, glue, and scissors.

How to read a knitting pattern: 5 expert tips from knitwear designer Meiju Kallio

Reading a knitting pattern can be challenging, especially for a first-timer. With these tips, you can easily make sense of knitting instructions!

Bring back old-country Christmas with cozy textiles

Turn a cottage or an old house into a festive retreat with textiles featuring traditional patterns and checks.

Inside a set designer’s joyful treasure trove: “Minimalism just isn’t for me”

“I’m always doing something—waving a paintbrush, wallpapering, or removing a wall,” says Meku.

How to remove candle wax from glass candle holders: An effortless oven trick to make your candle holders sparkle

Everything you need to clean your candle holders is already in your kitchen. See how to remove candle wax from glass candle holders!