Toronto artist and maker Arounna Khounnoraj describes herself as a “curious crafter.” Her Instagram (497,000 followers) attests to her eclectic interests, showcasing punch-needle stool covers; embroidered, visibly mended sweaters; and more. In Winter Celebrations (Quadrille, Sept.), she focuses on handmade, modern decor and gifts for the holiday season. Khounnoraj spoke with PW about her accessible and resourceful approach to winter crafting.

What inspired you to write a book on winter crafts?

For us as a family, winter is one of the favorite times to decorate. Especially when the kids were younger, it was a lot of fun to do different types of crafts with them. They weren’t always great at it—you would get things that were kind of wonky, like wrapped presents that were scribbled on—and there was something magical about that. I wanted to capture that essence in a book, with projects that didn’t require a lot of special tools or special materials, and that have different skill levels, too. I wanted people to do these things with their kids as well as on their own.

Your previous books focused on textiles, and you have another, Contemporary Patchwork [C&T, Dec.], on the way. What made you branch out to other materials in Winter Celebrations?

My background is not in textiles, it’s actually ceramics. As somebody who went to school studying ceramics, I wouldn’t ever use self-hardening clay, and I would never draw on pottery with a pen. But I was trying to think of ways to make ceramics projects accessible, because not everybody has access to a kiln.

I also collaborated with my husband. He designed the wood veneer mobile, which I love. We give a pattern, but if readers went with their own shapes, it would all work out. You didn’t have to replicate what we did—the book is meant to inspire.

Many of your projects are mindful of sustainability; for instance, you use kitchen scraps to dye old T-shirts, and then weave them together into washcloths. How does sustainability inform your practice?

I grew up with very resourceful parents—my dad made the furniture for our house, my mom made our clothes. Sustainability, in my mind, is about being resourceful with what you have around you. I do a lot of natural dyeing, and there are so many things that you have access to in your own kitchen. During the fall in Canada, I’ll use walnut husks and any type of plant stuff that you find lying around when the trees are discarding them. All those things are available to you.

What project in the book are you most excited to share?

One of my favorites is the star ornaments that I made out of clear tracing paper. There’s something about the way the light captures it. It’s one of those underrated materials, tracing paper—it’s so simple, but it’s kind of translucent, it’s glossy, there are so many cool elements to it. Another project I love is the reusable eco-painted wrapping cloth. The process seems complicated, but it’s so simple, and the result is so lovely. I like the idea of reusing something, and that the thing that the gift is wrapped in is also the gift.

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