Frankincense Sampler, Part 1, Gifts of the Magi Series

Gifts of the Magi #1 Christmas is a time many of us give gifts from the heart. This tradition has its roots in the legend of the Three Wise Men who came to pay homage to the Christ child. Exchanging gifts was, and still is, a very important ritual in the Middle East. Each of the three gifts given by the Magi, were thought to be precious and highly valued. This sampler symbolizes the gift of Frankincense. According to the legend, Frankincense was given by Balthasar, the dark-skinned King of Ethiopia, the land of spices. It is made from the sweet-smelling gum from an Arabian desert tree, was usually burnt during religious ceremonies, and is therefore associated with holiness and prayer. The contours of this sampler are chalice shaped, giving an impression of the type of container such a fine gift would be carried in. The royal colors of purple, magenta, crimson, blue and green give depth and body to the piece, while the opulent gold stitching, couching and beadwork shimmer with rich beautiful lights!

Suggested Materials:

• Caron Wildflowers - "Nefertiti"
• YLI 4mm Silk Ribbon #021 - green
• TRA 132 ecru or DMC #5 Perle Cotton #712
• TRA 111 black or DMC #5 Perle Cotton black
• TRA 510 Amethyst or DMC #5 Perle Cotton - #550
• Kreinik #16 Braid 031 - crimson
• Kreinik #8 Braid 042 - multi
• Kreinik #8 Braid - gold
• Kreinik 002J - Japan gold thread
• DMC floss #500, #3033, #498, black
• Anchor floss #887 – gold
• Mill Hill Beads #00557 gold
• Mill Hill Bugle Small #72045 green
• Mill Hill Antique #03021 pearl
• 28ct Cashel Linen - platinum
• #24 tapestry needle
• #10 short beading needle