Simple DIY Crafts for the Holidays
Looking for fun ways to decorate your home for the holidays? While you might already have a box of ornaments you reuse every year, if you're searching for new ones to DIY with the whole family, then look no further—we've got the perfect ideas to help you usher in that festive cheer and spirit. From snow globe jars to 3D paper stars, here are 20 easy winter crafts to adorn your home with this holiday season.
1. Snow Globe Jars
Grab a mason jar—half-pint or pint-sized ones will work best for the globe look—and fill it with glitter, pom-pom snowmen, and handmade Christmas trees. For the snowfall effect, you can either glue together glitter pieces on the inside or hand-paint a few on the outside. Or, if you're feeling extra crafty, pour in some distilled water mixed with a few drops of glycerin.
2. Winter-Themed Wooden Coasters
You can either make these coasters yourself if you have any wood lying around and are fine with sawing, shaping, and sanding them. But since this is an easy crafts guide, we suggest buying them from your local art store. If you think that takes the fun away from it, go all out on the painting—give these coasters a winter wonderland or a starry night!
3. Garlands
Garlands are super simple to make.
You just need some yarn, a darning needle, and pom poms. Then, thread your pom poms through, add a few foam snowflake charms, and voila! For an extra festive look, you can also glue felt Christmas trees, stuff them with cotton, and string these through, too.
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on Pexels
4. Paper Snowflakes
There's a reason why all kids learn to make paper snowflakes at school—they're extremely easy and fun to make! All you need is scissors and a sheet of paper. Then channel your inner creativity and cut up some fun designs. You can either do these as single snowflakes or make a chain.
5. Snowman Ornaments
Glue three pom poms together to make snowman ornaments! Decorate with felt to make the eyes, hat, and buttons, then tie a string at the top to hang it on your tree. You can also use ping pong balls if you'd rather draw on the details.
6. Paper Clip Ornaments
Who says paper clips can't make great ornaments? The ideal ones to use are butterfly paper clips, which look like snow angels. Then, thread a ribbon through, add a few beads, and you have adorable paper clip angels to decorate your tree with.
7. Painted Mason Jars
If you're feeling up to paint, why not decorate a few mason jars? Acrylic and chalk paint work best for this medium.
Make sure to clean your jar with soap and rubbing alcohol so you have a clear base, then start painting. Feel free to stamp some snowflakes or Christmas trees onto your design. Afterwards, seal with Mod Podge.
8. Paper Christmas Trees
Like paper snowflakes, paper Christmas trees are just as easy to make. You can either use the same method and craft them out from cutting sheets of paper. Or, if you're up for a challenge, you can make 3D origami trees using the same materials—and a bit of patience.
Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash
9. Winter Gnomes
Making these little winter gnomes will definitely make your house feel much more cozy and gnome-y. They're surprisingly easy to make, too. Just make a cone from a toiler paper roll for the hat, layer it with a sheet of felt, then add a pom pom for the body. Gently pull apart a cotton ball for the beard, add a wooden ball nose, and there you have your gnomes!
Brigitta Schneiter on Unsplash
10. Salt Shaker Snowman
Salt shaker snowmen make adorable little companions during holiday dinners. Take an empty salt shaker, fill it with white glitter, then add a ribbon for the scarf, some buttons for the body, and a wooden (or ping pong) ball for the head. Draw on the face, glue the salt shaker lid back on, and say hello to your mini frosty friend.
11. Snowflake Lanterns
You can make your very own holiday lanterns with paper and an LED candle. Draw out your design on construction paper, then cut out the shape with an exact-o knife. Glue a sheet of mulberry paper at the back before you seal up your lantern, then place your LED candle in the middle.
12. Handprint Penguins
Handprint penguins are exactly that—penguins made from handprints. Trace out your hand on a sheet of black construction paper for the body, then glue on felt circles for the body, googly eyes, and a triangle beak.
13. Twig or Popsicle Stick Star Ornaments
These star ornaments are quick and easy to make, and are great for adding festive flair. Just find a few short, thin twigs and hot glue them together at the center to make a star. You can also add a holly in the middle to make them more holiday-themed. If you're not up for a nature walk to look for twigs, you can use popsicle sticks instead.
14. Pinecone Snow Angels
While you're out collecting twigs for your star ornaments, why not look for some pinecones, too? When you're home, you can turn these pinecones into cute little snow angel ornaments. First, paint the body white with acrylic paint, then once dry, glue on cardboard paper wings decorated with stickers, paint, crayons, or flowers.
Add a wooden ball for the head, a pipe cleaner for the halo, and a piece of string. It's that easy.
15. Handmade Holiday Cards
Instead of going out to buy a pack of holiday cards to give out this year or to prop on your mantel, make your own. Use construction paper for a sturdier base, then decorate it however you'd like, with glitter, watercolors, or felt. Since you can add your own messages, these cards have a unique, personal touch to them, making them great decorations and gifts.
16. Sock Stockings
Do you have a pair of socks you don't wear anymore? Turn them into stockings! Just decorate with pipe cleaners, felt sheets, googly eyes, and pom poms to make them more festive. While they might be narrower and smaller than your regular Christmas stocking, they'll still make adorable alternatives.
Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash
17. Pottery Painting
Don't worry if you don't make pottery at home—you can buy a set from the art store. For paint, you can either use ceramic or acrylic, or you can pick up paint pens if you need greater precision. Then, you're ready to make some designs! Search up a few for inspiration, or make it up as you go. The key is to have fun with it.
18. Handmade Gift Tags
Handmade gift tags can be easily crafted out of regular paper, construction paper, or cardboard paper. To give it a more rustic feel, use twine or yarn and brown cardstock. You have full creative freedom for the designs, so go wild! These tags can either be used for gift giving or as ornaments and bookmarks.
19. 3D Origami Stars
If you've already tried your hand at making a 3D origami Christmas tree, don't stop there—make 3D origami stars to go along with it. These can also be made with just paper and scissors, along with glue. You'll need to cut out individual squares, fold them into diamonds, then connect them together. Once you have your stars ready, they can either be ornaments or your tree topper.
20. Christmas Wreaths
Christmas wreaths are a holiday essential, and the good news is you can easily make your own. All you need is some wire and a little imagination. From there, decorate it with balls of yarn, felt, or giant pom poms—or venture out into nature for more inspiration. From pine and eucalyptus to holly and spruce, the possibilities are endless!
