DIY Gifts & Decor

Print How-To

DIY Christmas Card Memory Book

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Storage

Seasonal Event:

Holidays, Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Book
• Grommet set
• Book Rings (2)
• Scrapbook
• Spray Glue
• Hole punch
• Drill
• Exacto knife

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice book along cover line to remove pages.
2. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit outside of spine and make sure it’s long enough so it bends over into the inside on both sides and glue it along the spine.
3. Cut a second piece of scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the book and spray glue on.
4. Drill holes close to the spine through the book for the grommets and rings.
5. Add grommets to the holes.
6. Add rings and Cards.

TIP: To know exactly where to hole punch your cards, create a guide with an extra piece of scrapbook paper that you keep in the book, so your cards are evenly punched every time.

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DIY Oversized Christmas Ornaments

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Christmas Decor, Outdoor Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Floral foam balls in a variety of sizes. (12”, 10”, and 8”)
• Acrylic paint in fun colors
• Large paint brush
• 18 gauge crafting wire in gold
• PVC end caps 3”
• 2” deli cups (2” diameter at the opening)
• Gold spray paint
• Drill with drill bit
• Foam glue
• Wire cutter
• Hot glue/glue gun
• Glitter (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Paint your foam balls with your paintbrush and acrylic paint. Set aside to dry. TIP: Spray paint would be a whole lot easier but beware – spray paint actually eats into Styrofoam with will make your ball look like the surface of the moon! So even though it might take longer, the good old-fashioned paint brush and acrylic paint in the way to go! If you want to add glitter to your ornaments, now is the time to do it when the paint is still wet.
2. For your tops, we are going to be using the PVC end caps and the deli cups.
3. Take your drill and drill bit and drill two holes into each end cap and deli cup.
4. Here’s where you get to spray paint! Take your PVC end caps and your deli cups outside and give them a coat of gold spray paint. Make sure you even get the holes that you just drilled. Set aside to dry.
5. Once everything has dried, add your wire to the holes of your caps to resemble a hook at the top of an ornament. Bend the ends underneath the cap and use hot glue to secure into place.
6. Take your cap and push it slightly into the Styrofoam ball to create an indent.
7. You can use hot glue on a low setting or Styrofoam glue to secure the cap to the ornament.
8. Enjoy your cute oversized ornaments!

Click here for more Christmas crafts

Print How-To

DIY Snowy Winter Suitcases

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Several vintage style suitcases
• Painter’s tape
• White primer
• White spray paint
• White glitter
• Clear sealant
• Wired ribbon
• Luggage tags
• Pretty ink pens
• Ribbon to attach
• Vintage travel decals

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Collect old suitcases. You will want a variety of shapes and sizes to make your display interesting. Ultimately, you want to stack the suitcases on top of each other.
2. Tape-off any hardware that is visually interesting. Save things like keys & luggage tags. Play with how the locks sit-- you can sometimes move them so that they are more interesting to your final product. I can show you this on one of the cases I sent. You can decide if you think it’s worth noting.
3. Spray with white spray paint. If you are using a dark colored suitcase a spray paint with primer will speed up the project. Repeat until you get the desired look you want. Usually at least 2 coats.
4. Once you get good white coverage, liberally cover with glitter while the spray paint is still wet. You will want to go back later and seal the glitter with another coat of spray paint. This changes the look of the glitter from shiny to a more textured finish.
5. You can treat luggage tags using the same paint and glitter formula.
6. Stack suitcases. Use travel decals or stickers to embellish the suitcases. You can use places you've visited or lived, or places you want to travel too. Re-attach any keys.
7. Embellish your suitcase stack with floral pics, and a ribbon for your suitcase handle. Fill out your luggage tags. You can use your family name and home address or simply write "Merry Christmas" on your tag.

Print How-To

DIY Book Page Christmas Tree

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Book
• Hot Glue
• Scissors
• Craft Paper
• Ribbon
• Embellishments

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fold pages of book to center until complete circle.
2. Hot glue edges together.
3. Decorate with ribbon and glue on holiday embellishments

OR

1. Open book to center.
2. Fold the middle third of the pages.
3. Cut silhouettes out of craft paper .
4. Hot glue silhouettes on flat pages.

Print How-To

DIY Cookie Cutter Candles

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

Layering Candle

• Beeswax sheets
• Cookie cutters
• Wicks

Traditional Candle

• Soy wax
• Cookie cutters
• Candle dye chips
• Wicks
• Baking sheet
• Wax paper

INSTRUCTIONS:

LAYERING CANDLE:

1. Lay out your beeswax sheet & start stamping your cookie cutter into it.
2. Cut about 10 pieces to make one candles.
3. Sandwich a wick in between about 5 layers & then all another 5 layers on top to complete.
4. Cut your wick to about ⅛.
5. If you would like to make it a cake topper just stick some toothpicks in & stick on your cake.

TRADITIONAL CANDLES:

1. Melt your soy wax & add your candle dye chips if you would like to make it colorful.
2. Melt & mix.
3. Pour about a ½ inch into a prepared baking sheet.
4. Then place your cookie cutters in.
5. Once it starts to harden up little place your wicks in.
6. Let fully harden.
7. Pop them out & lite them!

Print How-To

DIY Christmas Train Toy Chest

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor, Holiday Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• 3 Premade Wood Toy Boxes
• 3 wood crates (small, medium, large)
• (8) 6” wood rounds
• (2) 11” wood rounds
• (8) 4” wood rounds
• 1 shield plaque
• (1) 8” sonotube
• 1 rectangular plaque (6x8)
• Balsa wood trim
• Puck light
• Train bell
• Spray paint or brush paint
• Craft foam
• E6000
• Drill

INSTRUCTIONS:

THE ENGINE:

1. Cut the medium crate to fit the top of the toy box & glue in place on top of toy chest with E6000.
2. Spray paint the whole thing red.
3. Paint all the wood rounds black.
4. Add 2 small wheels & 1 large wheel to each side of the toy box.
5. Cut ½ inch piece of wood to fit in between the wheels & paint silver.
6. Then glue onto wheels with E6000.
7. Cut your sonotube to about 12”. Cut the bottom to fit the top of toy box lid.
8. Paint sonotube black & then attach to top of toy box with E6000.
9. Paint your shield black & give it some gold trim. (Add kids initials) & attach to the side.
10. Paint your plaque back.
11. Attach your plaque to the front of the engine & then screw your bell into it to connect.
12. Add puck light below.
13. Take a large crate & paint it black. Using tape, tape on the little grates. Then just place in front so it can serve as a little stool.

THE PASSENGER CART:

1. Paint your toy box red.
2. Paint the lid black.
3. Run 1x2 balsa wood across the side of toy box to divide into 4 sections making windows.
4. Paint your windows black.
5. Add 2 wheels (medium size wood rounds) on each side of the train using E6000.

THE CABOOSE:

1. Paint your whole toy box red.
2. Take your small crate & cut bottom to fit the lid if necessary.
3. Glue your crate onto the center of the toy box lid.
4. Paint red.
5. Glue on your wheels.
6. Add 4 small wood plaques on each side (8 total) to add black windows & add embellishments.

Print How-To

DIY Family Portrait Snow Globes

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• One gallon fish bowl (glass or plastic)
• Fake snow
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Super glue
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Miniature Christmas trees
• White foam core
• Ribbon (optional)
• Family photo
• Printer
• Spray Adhesive
• Photo paper
• Wood rounds just slightly bigger than the opening of your fish bowl

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take a family photo that you want to use and print it on photo paper. You will want your picture to be about 2/3 of the size of your fish bowl, so enlarge or decrease the size of your picture depending on the size of your glass fish bowl.
2. Cut out your family figurines with scissors. Since we want to make it look like your family is in the snow with the trees, you want to make sure you cut out all background on your pictures.
3. Take your cut-out picture and spray adhesive on the back.
4. Attach it to the foam core. TIP: You can use gloves or a paper towel on top of the picture so that you don’t get fingerprints on it and it stays clean.
5. Glue your family picture to the wood round with a lot of hot glue. This will be covered with snow so it doesn’t have to be perfect.
6. Add little miniature trees and décor to create your own little snow globe scenes.
7. Once you love the configuration, glue the items into place with hot glue.
8. Let the glue set up and move over to your fish bowl. Turn it right side up and fill about 1/3 of the way up with fake snow.
9. Keeping the bowl right side up, add a bead of glue all the way around the rim.
10. Take your wood round and place it on top of the bowl and hold it in place (upside down) until it adheres.
11. Turn the entire structure over and let the snow fall where it may! Voila! You have a Family Portrait Snow Globe!

Feature your kid's artwork!

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DIY Upholstered Christmas Trees

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Decor, Holiday Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• Foam core
• X-acto knife
• Fabric
• Spray glue
• Hot glue
• Upholstery tacks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Create an edge pattern that you like. IT can be a straight edge of zig zag edge
2. Cut out & you’ll use that to cut out your pieces onto foam core
3. Trace your pattern onto your foam core & cut out with an x-acto knife. Do 4 of these cut outs
4. Then measure the width of your foam core & double that to make your slits. Make slits at the top of 2 of your pieces, and then slits on the bottom of 2 of your pieces
5. To attach the fabric -spray glue your foam core & then place it on your fabric
6. Using scissors cut around tthe cut our leaving about 1 inch - 2 inches of excess fabric
7. Fold the fabric to the backside of your foam core & secure down with hot glue
8. Slide your pieces together
9. Add upholstery tacks down along the side if you prefer

Print How-To

DIY Wooden Paper Doll Kit

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Kids Crafts, DIY Gifts

MATERIALS:

• Frame (we used an 11x14)
• ¼ inch Plywood (dimension of frame)
• Toy and clothes templates
• Velcro
• Spray Adhesive
• Hot Glue Gun/Glue
• X-Acto knife
• Balsa Wood

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut out doll using scissors of X-Acto knife.
2. Attach to one side of plywood using spray adhesive.
3. Remove glass from frame and replace it with plywood. Close frame backing.
4. Attach clothing template to balsa wood using spray adhesive. Use an x-acto knife to cut them out.
5. Cut Velcro to sizes that fit the clothes and attach the soft side to the back of clothes with hot glue, and the hard side to the chest and legs of doll.
6. Add remaining hard side of Velcro to the side of plywood that the doll is not on. Glue as many pieces of velcro that you have clothes. Attach clothes to velcro to store.

Get the Girl Paper Doll >>
Get the Girl Paper Doll Clothes >>
Get the Boy Paper Doll >>
Get the Boy Paper Doll Clothes >>

MATERIALS:

• Cutting mat
• Craft knife or sharp scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Glitter paper
• Bone folder
• Hot-glue gun
• Ribbon or double side tape for hanging

INSTRUCTIONS:

Measure and cut two 20”x 20” squares on your watercolor paper.

2. Fold one corner to its opposite counterpart. Use a bond folder to help you create a durable fold. Repeat this process with the opposite corners to the ones you just used. You should now have two diagonal fold.

3. Turn over your piece of watercolor paper and fold in half using your bone folder. Unfold and then repeat to create one horizontal and one vertical fold in the middle of your paper.

4. Using the folds, you have just created fold into a triangle.

5. Measure and mark in the center with a led pencil 3 inches up from the bottom. Draw a line from the center to the corners of each side. These will be your cut lines.

6. Using scissors or a craft knife cute along your marked line.

7. Unfold the shape and you should now have a star.

8. Repeat steps 1-7 to create a second star.

9. OPTIONAL: Should you prefer more texture and cover on your stars then add a coating of glass glitter.

10. Hot glue gun your 2-star shapes in the center to make it a full star

11. Trace a triangle onto a sheet of watercolor paper or cardstock. This will help to give the corner of your stars some support. Repeat this 8 times and each one out. Each point of your star should have its own triangle support.
Using a hot glue gun secure your triangle supports to the back of your star.
Attach double sided tape or you ribbon, & hang onto the wall.Ta-da!

Print How-To

DIY Christmas Carolers

Level:

Begginer

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor, Christmas Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• Dowels
• Craft paint
• Sponge brush
• Wooden end caps
• Pipe Cleaner
• Felt
• Disk door knob
• Hot glue
• Wood round

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Paint all pieces and let dry
2. Once dry begin assembly ( Wood end caps to dowel, etc)
3. For Top hat: Take wooden door knob and glue to wood round, once dried glue to head.
4. Wrap pipe cleaner around dowel several times, let excess become arms
5. Cut paper and hot glue to hands to create song book
6. For clothing, cut strip of felt for scarf and with excess material wrap around dowel and glue behind to secure.

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DIY Christmas Spool Trees

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Decor, Christmas Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• Spools
• Spools
• Figurines
• Accessories
• Hot Glue
• Ribbon
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sort through your trees and accessories to see what you’d like to pair up. (Keeping Smaller trees with smaller spools, etc.)
2. Wrap ribbon, wrapping paper or sheet music around center of spool and glue.
3. Glue tree to spool and let dry.
4. Glue additional accessories to the top of the spool and let dry.

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Frozen Chocolate Bar

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Home Decor, Outdoor Decor, Entertaining

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

Marshmallow Polar Bears

• Marshmallows, small, medium, large
• White candy melts
• Candy eyes
• Lollipop stick
• Chocolate candy for nose
• Toothpicks

Snowflake Drink Stirrers

• Popsicle sticks or plastic drink stirrer
• Snowflake decoration; clay or plastic
• Hot glue gun

INSTRUCTIONS:

MARSHMALLOW POLAR BEARS:

1. Dip the medium marshmallow into the melted white chocolate and attach to the large one to make the snout
2. Dip the small marshmallows into the white chocolate and attach them to the large one to make the ears
3. Use a toothpick to add a small amount of chocolate onto the large marshmallow where you want the eyes and nose and attach the candy eyes and the chocolate candy to make the eyes and nose
4. Place in the fridge to harden
5. Stick a lollipop stick into the bottom; optional but it helps it stay up and look like the polar bear is sticking his head out of the chocolate

SNOWFLAKE DRINK STIRRERS:

1. Glue the snowflake decoration onto the popsicle stick or plastic drink stirrer with hot glue

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DIY Christmas Paint Brushes

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Decor, Christmas Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas , Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Acrylic paint in the following colors: white, black, red, brown and any other color you would like.
• Googly eyes
• Brown felt
• White felt
• Wooden button plugs (1/2” size)
• Black paint pen or Sharpie
• Hot glue sticks
• Glue gun
• Fabric scissors
• Artist paintbrush
• Small White pom poms

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Paint the handle part of your paintbrush solid red. Set aside to dry.
2. Paint the top part of the bristles white. This will be Santa’s beard. Set aside to dry.
3. Paint the bottom part of the bristles red in the shape of a “V”. This will be Santa’s jacket. Set aside to dry.
4. Paint your wooden button red (or mix white and red to make a pink color). This will be Santa’s nose. Set aside to dry.
5. Take your white felt or furry material and cut it to the size of your silver strip on the paintbrush. Leave a little part of the metal showing, about the size of your googly eyes. Measure all the way around so that all the top of the silver is covered with white fabric.
6. Add the white fabric to the paintbrush with hot glue. Secure all the way around. This will be the white furry part of Santa’s hat.
7. Add the googly eyes on the paintbrush for Santa’s eyes.
8. Add any embellishments that you would like to the hat, like a little piece of holly on the brim and a white pom pom on the top of the hat/handle.
9. You can leave the handle red, or add white polka dots.
10. Use these same steps to create a reindeer, a snowman, an angel, or any other Christmas character you would like.

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DIY Jumbo Ornament

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Decor, Christmas Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• Glass globe
• Deli cup
• Eye hook
• Battery operated light
• Spray frost
• Stencil
• Spray paint
• Craft paint
• Small wreath or greenery
• Hot glue

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Insert eye hook into top of deli cup and spray silver
2. Spray globe with frost.
3. Attach stencil to globe.
4. Paint stencil with craft paint and remove.
5. Place light in the middle of wreath.
6. Set globe over light.
7. Attach deli cup with hot glue.

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DIY Christmas Trays

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor, Storage

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Wood rounds
• Stencils
• Drawer pulls
• Drill
• Adhesive spray
• Paint

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take your stencil & spray it down with adhesive spray. This way it will stick to the board a bit & prevent moving.
2. Chose where you'd like to place you stencil & then start filling in the stencil with acrylic paint.
3. Once it you've stenciled in your lettering & designs & it's dry, use some spray on glaze to give it a nice seal.
4. Once that is all dry it is time to attach your handles.
5. Drill in 2 little hole with a drill & drill bit.
6. Then screw in your drawer pull handles & you're good to go.

Try making these beautiful resin Christmas trays!

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DIY Keepsake Ornament Tree Display

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor, Christmas Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Seasonal

MATERIALS:

• 1”x 10” board
• Log slice
• Cup hook
• jigsaw

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Draw out tree pattern
2. Use jigsaw to cut out shape
3. Sand
4. Water down paint and brush on. Wipe off excess paint
5. Screw log onto bottom of tree
6. Add cup hook to cut out area of tree

Download Ornament Tree PDF

MATERIALS:

• Felt
• Garland
• Star beads
• Embroidery floss
• Thick sharp needle
• Glitter
• Mod podge
• Paint brush

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut out any color felt you want in five 1½ ” squares, five 1¼” squares, five 1” squares, five ¾” squares, five ½” squares, and five ¼” squares. From brown felt, cut out five circles about ½” in diameter.
2. Use a sharp needle and poke through the center of each circle and thread them onto the floss.
3. Thread squares onto the floss from largest to smallest in size.
4. Make sure to loop needle and thread through each felt square and loop it through and
5. leave enough thread on top of tree.
6. Tie a knot at the bottom of the tree and cut off any extra thread from the bottom.
7. Once you have a tower shape, move felt and shape it into a tree.
8. In a bowl mix together mod podge and glitter.
9. Use paint brush and paint on glitter onto your tree on different corners of the felt. the
10. mod podge will dry clear so don’t worry when it appears white.
11. Let dry. Optional: once dry add a gold star on top of your tree.
12. Insert each tree onto garland, space out each tree.
13. Hang garland anywhere in your house. TIP: pre-poke a hole in the center of each felt piece to make it easier for kids when threading.

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DIY Life-Size Nutcracker

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Christmas Decor, Home Decor, Outdoor Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

DIY Nutcracker Materials

• 1 4ft concrete tube (12 inches around)
• 12 inch plywood round
• 14 inch plywood round
• 4 inch PVC pipe - 8 ft.
• Styrofoam balls
• Large round Christmas ornaments
• Brush-on paint
• Masking tape
• Expanding foam glue
• White craft fur
• Embellishments of your choice for eyes, clothing, accessories

DIY Nutcracker Instructions

1. Create your base by gluing PVC pipe legs to base (14 inch plywood round).
2. Create the body by gluing 12 inch round to bottom of tube, reinforce with screws.
3. Glue the body onto the legs.
4. Take PVC pipe for arms, glue on and reinforce with screws. Place half-way down from top of tube.
5. Paint the legs white, the body red, the top black. Let dry.
6. Add embellishments of your choosing. Craft fur for the beard, and hair. Stick-on facial features from print out on transfer/adhesive paper. A template can be downloaded at homeandfamilytv.com
7. Use rope or fabric to decorate epilates for the jacket. Form epilates with an ornament ball glued to a deli cup, spray-paint gold.

Download Nutcracker PDF

Upcycle your fall decor and make snowmen or add some elves!

Click here for more Christmas crafts

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Christmas Tree Bath Fizzies

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Beauty

MATERIALS:

• Baking soda
• Corn starch
• Bentonite clay
• Cocounut oil
• Fragrance
• Witch hazel
• Neon green fun soap colorant
• Kelly green fun soap colorant
• Citric acid
• Candy confetti

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Weigh out and mix 52 tsps. of Baking Soda, 14 tsps. of Corn Starch, 6 tsps. of Epsom Salt, and 1 tsp. of Bentonite Clay in a mixing bowl. If there are any clumps, break them up with your hands.
2. In a separate bowl mix 6 tsps. of Coconut Oil 76 (use at room temperature form), a quarter tsp. of fragrance oil, 1 and a half tsp. of witch hazel, 2 and a half tsps. of Neon Green Fun Soap Colorant, and 1 tsp. Kelly Green Fun Soap Colorant. Use a spoon to mix these ingredients together. (It will have a clumpy paste like consistency.)
3. Use a spatula to add the wet ingredients bowl to the dry ingredients bowl and incorporate well (using your hands).
4. Once the color is fully dispersed among all of the ingredients, sprinkle your candies into your mold.
5. Next, add 26 tsps. of citric acid to the bowl. Stir in to incorporate.
6. Finally, fill your molds. Allow to harden before removing.

*Note: It's best to use Spearmint Essential Oil instead of Peppermint during pregnancy, as you want to opt for gentler oils.

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Tips for Outdoor Christmas Lighting

How-To:

Outdoor Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

Outdoor Lighting Tips:

1. Keep your design simple. Too many lights and you've got the Griswold Family Christmas.
2. Always hang your lights early in the season before it gets cold and wet.
3. Determine the lighting design plan before you go to the store and before you hang.
4. Decide what you need - bulbs, spot lights, icicles, ribbon, ornaments, roof clips, ladder, bucket, outdoor timer, extension cords.
5. Measure the areas where lights will be hung and how many strings of lights and of what length - consider shrubs, windows, trees, and doors.
6. Take out what you have and test them before you hang them. Organize lights according to color and type to see what you have and what you need to get.
7. When buying lights, opt for shorter strings because they are easier to store, handle, and replace. They and less expensive, too!
8. Check chord color - they do come in different colors, too.
9. They new LED lights go a long way; they are energy efficient and last for years.
10. Popular spacing is between 12" and 15", so you can clearly see from the street.
11. Determine where your power supply is and calculate wattage - make sure the electrical set up of your house can support your lighting design.
12. Don't plug too many strings into one outlet source.

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DIY Snow Village Holiday Wreath

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Decor, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Plain Holiday Wreath (or Wreath form and garland)
• Miniature Houses and Trees
• Spray Snow
• Glue Gun
• Scissors

INTRUCTIONS:

1. MAKE THE WREATH: If you are creating your own wreath, cut the garland to fit your wreath form, then wrap the garland around the wreath form and glue the ends together with your glue gun. If you are using a pre-made plain wreath or a live wreath, skip this step.
2. CONFIGURE YOUR VILLAGE: Once you’ve created your wreath, organize how you want your village to lay out.
3. BUILD YOUR PLATFORM: Now make the platform to hold the village. Cut a piece of cardboard large enough to hold the pieces you chose. This will be the base. Glue it in place on the wreath, and camouflage it with extra garland and some snow.
4. ADD SNOW: This the most fun part. We get to make it snow! Use the Spray Snow to cover the parts you want to create the snowy illusion. Have fun!

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DIY Lighted Holiday Gift Box

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Plastic Box
• Tape
• Glue dots
• Mini plastic lights
• Netting (from a craft store) of your color choosing
• Porous fabric (like Burlap) or cellophane
• Frosted spray
• Ribbon/Fabric Ribbon for the bow

Note: You want to get the mini lights that have the white wiring not the green wiring unless you’re using a darker wrapping paper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Take your box and use scotch tape to tape the lights to the inside of the box
2. Take your sparkly netting and weave it in between on the inside to give it more fullness
3. Then assemble the box and put a tiny slit in it for the plug
4. Spray the outside of your box with frosted spray
5. Wrap the box very tightly in clear cellophane or burlap (or other fabric of choice) and cut a slit in the wrapping to let the cord hang out
6. Take your ribbon/fabric and make a bow
7. Plug in!

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Floral Diffusers

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Garden, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Rattan reeds
• Dried flowers
• Narrow neck, glass bottle preferably in a dark color
• Natural reed diffuser base
• Essential oils
• Funnel that fits into the bottleneck
• Floral tape
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Measure how much of each liquid is going into the bottle. Funnel the liquid into the bottle as you measure each. Fill with 2 oz of liquid total. Use 1 ¾ oz of base and ¼ oz essential oil.
2. Place the rattan reeds into the bottle.
3. Create a bouquet of the dried flowers and wrap the stems together with floral tape. Place the dried flowers into the bottle.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to create as many diffusers as you’d like.
5. After a day flip the rattan reeds over so the aroma emanates and enjoy!

More hostess gifts! DIY standing stockings

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DIY Christmas Table Runner

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Existing plain table runner
• Sponges
• Sharpie
• Scissors
• Fabric paint
• Paintbrush
• Acrylic paint pen
• Pom-pom trim
• Fabri-tac

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the stamp. Draw out or trace a printout of the desired shape like a tree or a circle for an ornament onto the sponge. PRO TIP: If you’re going to use multiple paint colors, create as many stamps as you have colors.
2. Cut each stamp out with scissors.
3. Stamp the runner on a covered work surface. Use a paintbrush to apply paint to the stamp and stamp, apply some pressure and lift. Use a different stamp for each color. PRO TIP: Use the paintbrush to fill in any spots that didn’t get painted.
4. Once you’ve finished stamping, move to dry in another spot so it doesn’t stick to the surface.
5. Adhere the pom-pom trim. Cut a length to size of each side of the runner and adhere with fabri-tac.
6. Use a paint pen to add any details like the ornament cap and hook to your design.
7. Allow the paint and glue to completely dry. Set out for gatherings or just as décor and enjoy!

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DIY Watercolor Necklace

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Fashion, Jewelry, Gifts

MATERIALS:

• Pencil and eraser
• Bezel pendant tray with glass cabochon in your choice of shape and size
• Hot-press watercolor paper
• Colorful water-based markers
• Plastic sandwich bag
• Aqua pen filled with clean water
• Monoline drawing pen or another waterproof fine-tip marker
• Scissors
• Mod podge
• Artist brush
• Ball chain necklace

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Use a pencil to trace the shape of the cabochon onto the hot-press watercolor paper.
2. Scribble your choice of colorful water-based markers onto the plastic baggie.
3. Run the tip of your aqua brush through the colors of choice on the baggie, then use the aqua brush to paint inside the traced shape. Allow to dry completely.
4. Draw a phrase or initial inside the traced shape with the painted background using a waterproof fine-tip marker.
5. Use scissors to cut out the traced shape slightly inside your line to fit the bezel and cabochon.
6. Adhere the cut out to the bezel by painting a little mod podge onto the bezel then pressing the cut out on.
7. Attach the cabochon by painting some mod podge on the flat side and pressing onto the bezel. PRO TIP: Mod podge dries clear, so don’t worry if it looks cloudy at first!
8. Thread the ball chain through the loop of the bezel pendant, wear and enjoy!

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DIY Santa’s Cookies Tray

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Christmas Decor, Kids

MATERIALS:

• Existing tray with lip
• Epoxy resin
• Glitter, acrylic paint or mica in desired color
• Disposable mixing cups
• Popsicle sticks or other disposable mixing utensils
• Vinyl sticker letters or vinyl cutting machine and adhesive vinyl
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Optional:
  • Heat gun
  • Handles
  • Screws
  • Drill

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Seal the inner bottom edge of the tray with hot glue to prevent any resin from seeping through, unless it is one solid piece.
2. Mix the resin and hardener together according to the instructions. Add either glitter, mica powder or a touch of paint into the mixture. Continue to mix until completely blended.
3. Pour the first layer of resin into the bottom of the tray, make sure it is level. Allow to cure for 24 hours. PRO TIP: To pop any bubbles on the surface, blow warm air on the resin gently with a heat gun on a low setting.
4. Adhere the vinyl lettering to the cured first layer of resin. Consider the placement of the wording with the cookie plate and note in mind.
5. Mix together the second round of resin and pour into the tray over the first layer and vinyl lettering. Mix in a little bit of glitter if desired before pouring, but remember you want to be able to read the lettering still. Level the tray and allow to cure for 24 hours. PRO TIP: To pop any bubbles on the surface, blow warm air on the resin gently with a heat gun on a low setting.
6. Once the top layer has cured, add handles to the tray if desired using some screws and a drill if desired.
7. Place the tray out on Christmas eve with some treats and note for Santa. Enjoy!

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DIY Burlap Star Luminaries

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Wooden star frames
• Tracing paper
• Burlap
• Led fairy lights
• Spray adhesive
• Fabri-tac
• X-acto knife
• Cutting mat

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If creating the burlap covered star, spray adhesive onto the burlap and lay the tracing paper on. Press and smooth to adhere well. You can skip this step and just use tracing paper for a more minimal look.
2. Apply fabri-tac to the front edge of the star, place the burlap with tracing paper on top then press and smooth to make sure it adheres well.
3. Flip the star fabric side down onto your cutting mat and use the edges of the star as your guide to cut as close to the edge as possible with an x-acto.
4. Place the fairy lights inside the star frame, arrange and bend them as desired. Leave the battery pack outside of the star. PRO TIP: Do this with the lights turned on. It will allow you to see how you want them arranged for the best effect.
5. Lay a line of fabri-tac on the back edge of the star and place a piece of tracing paper on. Press and smooth to adhere well.
6. Place the star back side down on the cutting mat and cut the tracing paper to the edge of the star. Make sure to avoid the cord of the lights.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 to create as many star luminaries as desired, place in your décor and enjoy!

Print How-To

DIY Metal Stamped Christmas Spoons

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Metal Stamps
• Stamping Block
• Stamping hammer
• Silver plated spoons
• Marker
• Painter's Tap

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Tape your spoon onto a block.
2. Wherever it makes contact with your block, that is where you want to stamp because the spoons are rounded. You will need to rotate for each letter to get the best impression.
3. Using masking or painter’s tape to tape the spoon down, and also to lay over the spoon to help measure where you would like the letters to go on the spoon. You can write on the tape, so you know exactly where to punch.
4. For best results, start the word in the middle of your spoon first and work your way out, rotating the spoon as you need to.
5. Once you are done, write over your impressions with a fine-tipped sharpie, making sure you get in all of the grooves. It’s ok if you go out of the lines…you can wipe away any excess and the indentation will keep the color. (OPTIONAL: there is also stamping ink that you can use – follow manufacturer’s instructions.)

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DIY Candy Cane Soap

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Homemade

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• White soap base like shea butter or goat milk
• Red soap colorant
• Peppermint essential oil
• Double broiler or a heat-proof glass bowl and pot
• Silicone spatula
• Loaf and rectangular silicone molds
• Rubbing alcohol in spray bottle
• Soap cutter
• Optional:
  • Food scale

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat up soap base for the first layer of soap in a double broiler until liquified. Stir frequently. Be careful not to boil the soap. To create the red and white layering effect, melt each layer individually. Heat the soap for each layer when ready to pour once the layer before has set.
2. To create the red layers of the soap, stir red colorant into the melted soap base until it reaches the desired color.
3. Create some extra pieces of layered soap then cut them up into small cubes to add into the top layer while it’s still wet.
4. Meltdown the base soap, add colorant if it’s a red layer, pour and let each layer set then repeat until satisfied with the layers of soap as you’d like. If you’ve got a food scale, you can use it to weight each layer of soap before pouring into the mold to make sure they’re even. PRO TIP: spray each freshly poured layer lightly with alcohol to remove any bubbles.
5. Add the small cubes into the top layer while it’s still wet.
6. Cut the soap down into usable pieces with a soap cutter and enjoy!

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DIY Resin Trays

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Resin
• Irregular silicone tray mold or a silicone mat and hot glue
• Metallic resin flakes
• Acrylic paint
• Clear plastic mixing cups
• Stir sticks or large popsicle sticks
• Disposable gloves
• Handle set
• Drill with drill bit to size of handle screw

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the clear base resin up. One container for each color, one clear and one for metallic flakes if you’re using them. Make sure to follow the resin brand’s instructions and wear gloves. PRO TIP: if you are going to create your own mold with a silicone mat and hot glue instead of purchasing, do so before this step.
2. Mix any additives you want in like acrylic paint for color or the metallic flakes. Stir until thoroughly blended in.
3. Freely pour the colorful resin into the mold first in an abstract pattern. Move the mold around to spread.
4. Pour the clear resin into the mold then move around to blend the resin a little. You don’t want it to get muddy, just blur the lines a bit.
5. Add the metallic resin mix if desired. Move the mold around to spread.
6. Allow the resin to cure in the mold for at least 24 hours.
7. Attach the handles according to instructions and enjoy!

Print How-To

DIY Spoon Rests

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Polymer clay in various colors
• Circle cookie cutters in two sizes one ¾” larger than the other
• Wax paper, silicone mat or another non-stick surface to work on clay roller or rolling pin
• Knife
• Baking sheet
• Non-toxic, dishwasher safe sealant
• Paintbrush

INSTRUCTIONS:

Terrazzo Spoon Rest:

1. Roll out the base color of clay, we used white, into a large slab on a non-stick surface. Pro tip: leave the slab slightly thicker than you want the spoon rest to be because it will be rolled out a little more later.
2. Roll out ½” thick logs of colorful clay, we used coppers, terracotta and brown.
3. Cut the logs into small chunks.
4. Embed the chunks of colorful clay into the slab. Place them then use a rolling pin to flatten the chunks into the slab.
5. Use the larger cookie cutter to get the shape of your spoon rest. Peel away the excess clay slab.
6. Press the smaller cookie cutter into the center of the spoon rest shape.
7. Bend the outer edges of the spoon rest up slightly then press to meld the outer ring and center of the spoon rest together.
8. Use a knife or spoon to press one part of the outer edge flat. PRO TIP: keep your crafting and kitchen tools separate.
9. Place on baking sheet then bake according to instructions on package.
10. Seal with dishwasher safe, non-toxic sealant. Allow to cure for time according to sealant’s instructions then enjoy!

Dragon Fruit Spoon Rest

1. Roll out a slab white clay to about ½” thick.
2. To create the seeds, roll out a very thin log of black clay then cut into small pieces with a knife.
3. Place the “seeds” on the slab then flatten into the slab with a rolling pin.
4. Use a cookie cutter to create the center circle of the spoon rest. Pull away the excess clay slab.
5. To create the “skin” of the dragon fruit, roll out a long 1” thick log of magenta clay.
6. Wrap the clay log around the circle then press with your fingers to meld the outer ring to the inner circle.
7. Fold the outer edge up a big as you continue to meld the ring to the circle. Leave about 2 inches flat for the spoon handle.
8. Place on baking sheet then bake according to instructions on package.
9. Seal with dishwasher safe, non-toxic sealant. Allow to cure for time according to sealant’s instructions then enjoy!

Print How-To

LED Pressed Flower Candle

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Dried flowers
• Glue
• Led candle with wax coating
• Tweezers

Wax Pressed Flower Pillar Candle:

• Dried flowers
• Heat gun or hair dryer
• Wax paper
• Pillar candle

DIRECTIONS:

1. Figure out the general design. (tip: some flowers have a front and back, so make sure you’re gluing the right side)
2. Add small amounts of glue to the entire backside of the flower.
3. Wipe off excess glue.
4. Press to the candle and hold for a minute until it fuses. (tip: use tweezers for delicate flowers or work with heartier flowers)

Wax Pressed Flower Pillar Candle:

1. Cut wax paper to the length of candle.
2. Lay out design wrong side down.
3. Take candle and roll wax paper around it and tape.
4. Use a craft heat gun or hair dryer (high heat, low airflow) and heat the wax. You can roll the candle on a hard surface to make sure the flowers fuse into the wax.
5. Allow to cool, and then peel off the wax paper.

Print How-To

DIY Ribbon Work Wreath

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Holidays, Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Work wreath form with ties
• Very wide burlap ribbon or runner
• Narrower (about 2” wide) ribbon in various colors and patterns
• Fabric scissors
• Faux greenery
• Wire snips

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Attach the wide burlap to the form, creating big loops of volume in between each tie. Twist to secure then leave the ends open for the next set of ribbon.
2. Cut about 6” pieces of ribbon in various colors. Fold then cut on a diagonal toward the center to create mermaid tail ends.
3. Layer the pieces then place into each tie, twist to secure then fluff to appear full.
4. Add in sprigs of greenery as desired.
5. Add a corsage of ribbon and greenery if desired.
6. Tuck any excess ties to hide them, hang and enjoy!

Check out 3 ways to decorate with a wreath or go for a vintage look.

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DIY Santa Sleigh

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Outdoor Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

Materials

• 4 large pieces of plywood (½ inch thick)
• Jigsaw
• Sleigh Pattern
• Sand paper
• Paint of your choice

Steps

1. Draw or use pattern to create outline on plywood
2. Use Jigsaw to cut plywood
3. Sand edges of plywood with sand paper
4. Paint sleigh to your liking
5. Assemble by sliding head and foot board into slots

**When using a jigsaw, wear protective gear and eyewear

Download the Sleigh Stencil
Add more to your yard with DIY Signposts or DIY Mailbox

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DIY Hand Lettered Shoes

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Fashion

MATERIALS:

• Canvas shoes
• Fabric paint
• Paint brush
• Pencil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Trace design onto your canvas shoe.
2. Paint in your design starting from the top and working your way down.
3. Go back in and add in finishing touches, such as using another paint color to act as a highlighter on your lettering.
4. Allow the shoes to dry overnight or for 24 hours.

Print How-To

DIY Santa’s Mailboxes

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Christmas Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• 18x18x36 Cardboard box (or any size rectangular box you have)
• 10” by 40” Full length sonotube
• Corrugated cardboard
• Strips of cut of file boxes
• Packers tape
• Exacto knife
• Paint
• Foam Core
• Vinyl lettering

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Lay box horizontally with flaps opening up and down.
2. Cut half of the top of the box off (don’t throw away this piece will create the door to the mailbox).
3. Cut 6, 2 ½” strips from you bankers’ box horizontally.
4. Tape first strip in an arch from one side to the other starting at the top of the box. Reinforce strip with a second strip, to make it more sturdy. Repeat this step until you have three arches starting from the beginning of the box and moving to the back.
5. Cut corrugated cardboard (this will be top of your mailbox) big enough to go from bottom side of the mailbox to the other side of mail box. You may have to do this in two strips to cover entire box.
6. Take corrugated cardboard strip and tape it to the bottom of the box. Before draping it to the other side of box, spray adhesive to the inside so it will stick straight to the sides of boxes. Drape adhesive onto the other side and secure it with tape at the bottom.
7. Take previous scrap you put to the side in step 2 and use tape to attach it to the bottom front flap of your box. This will create door.
8. Fold flap up and trace an arc so your door will fit your mailbox. Cut off excess material.
9. Take your mailbox and center it onto your sonotube and trace the circle. Cut out circle (save this circle for later use).
10. Cut out strips of corrugated cardboard, wrap it around tube about 2” from the top a couple of times to create a lip for the mailbox to sit upon. Set your mailbox on tube.
11. Take your circular cut out and tape it to the top of the sonotube inside mailbox.
12. Paint and decorate to your liking.

Add more to your yard with DIY Signposts or Santa Sleigh

Click here for more Christmas crafts

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DIY Stamped Trinket Bowls

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Fashion, Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Crayola airdry clay
• Rolling pin
• Rubber stamps
• Dish or bowl to size and shape you want bowl to be
• X-acto knife
• Bowl with water
• Crayola acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Crayola liquid metal craft markers
• Non-stick work surface like wax paper or silicone mat
• Optional:
  • Crayola diy trinket dish craft kit
  • Clear sealant

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Roll the clay out into a slab on a non-stick surface like wax paper or silicone sheet.
2. Stamp the clay with stamps in desired design or pattern.
3. Place the bowl or dish on top and use an x-acto knife to cut to size and shape of the dish. Pull away the excess clay from the shape you cut.
4. Smooth the edges of the shape. Dip your finger in the water and run it along the edge until it reaches desired smoothness.
5. With the dish upside down, drape the slab face-down on the dish to dry to form. Allow to dry according to instructions.
6. Paint the trays as desired, mix the Crayola paints together to create a custom color or add water to create a wash which will give a translucent layer of color. Allow the paint to dry.
7. Add a metallic rim to the dish using the Crayola liquid metal markers. Allow to dry.
8. For a shiny, protective coat add a clear sealant. Allow to dry according to instructions and enjoy!

Print How-To

DIY Christmas Napkins

Level:

Beginner

How-To:

Home Decor

MATERIALS:

• Napkin of your choice
• Stamp
• Ink pad (make sure it’s permanent ink!)
• Jewels, pearls, embellishments
• Needle and thread

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spread out your blank napkin
2. Roll the stamp in ink
3. Gingerly press stamp onto napkin
4. Let the ink dry
5. Hand stitch the jewelry into place as ornaments

Print How-To

DIY Monogrammed Clay Keychains

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Fashion

MATERIALS:

• Liquid polymer clay in desired colors, translucent to create the glitter option
• Silicone alphabet mold
• Toothpicks
• 200 grit or higher sandpaper
• Small eye screws
• Jump rings
• Jewelry pliers
• Keyrings

OPTIONAL:

• Glitter
• Decorative add-ons like pom poms

INSTRUCTIONS:

Glitter Monogram:

1. Sprinkle some glitter in the desired letter molds.
2. Fill the molds with translucent liquid polymer clay about halfway full. Make sure your mold isn’t too thick or too thin. It should be around ½ inch thick.
3. Add more glitter on top.
4. Use a toothpick to mix all the glitter into the liquid clay.
5. Gently tap the sides of the mold to release any bubbles and spread the liquid evenly. If any bubbles creep up to the surface, use the toothpick to pop them.
6. Bake according to product instructions.

Marbled Monogram:

1. Pour a thin layer of one color into part of the letter mold.
2. Pour a thin layer of the second color into another part of the mold.
3. Alternate adding in colors until the mold is filled about ½”.
4. Swirl the colors together using a toothpick. Make sure the toothpick goes all the way to the bottom as you do this.
5. Gently tap the sides of the mold to release any bubbles and spread the liquid evenly. If any bubbles creep up to the surface, use the toothpick to pop them.
6. Bake according to product instructions.

Solid Monogram:

1. Fill the letter mold until it is about ½” thick with the liquid polymer clay.
2. Gently tap the sides of the mold to release any bubbles and spread the liquid evenly. If any bubbles creep up to the surface, use the toothpick to pop them.
3. Bake according to product instructions.

Assembling Monogrammed Clay Keychain:

1. Once the letters have been baked, cooled and removed from the mold sand any rough edges.
2. Twist the eye screw into the top of the letter, the clay is a rubber like consistency, so it is easy to screw in by hand.
3. Attach a jump ring to the eye screw using jewelry pliers.
4. Add the keyring onto the jump ring along with any decorative add-ons desired and enjoy!