Pat’s Bonbon by Hazel Blomkamp

Our latest book The Design Collective | Christmas not only features 12 spectacularly stitched Christmas projects, it also tells the story of the 12 creative and life journeys travelled to bring each piece to life.

One of the most touching and poignant stories in the book is about the project Pat’s Bonbon by South African designer, Hazel Blomkamp.

Hazel created this multi-use Christmas cracker, in honour and memory of her dear friend, Pat. ‘I had known Pat for perhaps thirty years and she had worked for me for fifteen of those. Aged in her 80s, Pat enjoyed working two mornings a week, watching my business grow.’

Pat, who was a keen quilter, came to work for Hazel one day in 2022 with the prototype of a quilted cracker made using two pieces of plumbing pipe split in the centre with a zip keeping the two halves together.

Pat challenged Hazel to ‘see what you can do with this.’ The cracker was still sitting on Hazel’s desk when, a few weeks later, Pat passed away in her sleep.

Then, only a few weeks after Pat passed, Hazel received our commission to design a Christmas-themed project for the second edition of The Design Collective books, she knew instantly what she had to do…

‘There was no doubt in my mind that it needed beadwork flowers to give it a rich embellishment. Poinsettias, known as Christmas flowers, were the obvious choice. As I approached the finishing stitches, I kept wanting to show Pat, but there was no messaging service to where she is now.

I hope this is a fitting tribute to a much-missed friend.’

Reflecting Hazel’s trademark flair, Pat’s Bonbon uses a variety of different bead embroidery styles. This includes beads attached directly onto the fabric and three-dimensional beading where the beads are attached in the hand creating a bead ‘fabric’ which is then joined together before being attached to the bonbon. v

The two pieces of pipe or cylinders are covered in green felt before being inserted into the outer bead-embellished fabric layer. Red satin ribbons at each end add an extra festive finish.

Pat’s Bonbon is a wonderful way to create both a lasting Christmas gift and a festive decoration that conveys special meaning and can become an heirloom for future generations.

Special Note – The Inspirations kit team has done an amazing job sourcing all the materials you need to re-create this spectacular project. If tracking down materials is not an aspect of stitching you enjoy and you just want to get started with the fun part – this is one kit that is definitely for you!

Make Your Own Pat’s Bonbon

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Pat’s Bonbon by Hazel Blomkamp is a bonbon to use every year, adorned with sparkling poinsettias, flowers and leaves in three-dimensional beading.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Pat’s Bonbon includes everything* you need to re-create this sparkling bonbon: Silk fabric (unprinted), wool felt, zip, ribbon, dark green sewing thread, pipe, beading threads, beads and needle.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the book.