DIY Christmas Decorations

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DIY Mountain Vista Shelf

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Holidays

MATERIALS:

• 1” x 4” x 8’ wooden planks
• Wood glue
• Miter saw (chop saw) or miter box and hand saw
• Power drill
• Phillips head bit
• Pilot hole bit
• Wood screws
• Painter’s tape
• White paint
• Snow-Tex
• Paintbrushes
• Rags
• Sandpaper
• Hanging materials

OPTIONAL:

• Stain
• Nail gun and brad nails

CUT LIST:

Cut at 45-degree angle on both ends

• 9 1/2” x 4” (2)
• 11” x 4”
• 16” x 4”
• 36” x 4”

Cut at 45-degree angle on one end

• 5 1/2” x 4”
• 9 1/2" x 4”

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut your straight cuts first, then your 45-degree cuts. *Make sure all of your 45-degree angles are angled outward to create obtuse angles. *
2. To create the peaks of your vista, join these pieces at the 45-degree angles making an “L” shape.

• 11” x 4” and 5 1/2”
• 16” x 4” and 9 1/2”
• 9 1/2” x 4” and 9 1/2” x 4”

1. Rotate the “L” shapes and dry fit the placement of each piece to make sure everything lines up and fits properly onto the bottom piece.
2. Glue and secure your peaks together, now you have a vista! *If you are using screws instead of the nailing, drill a pilot hole for each screw. *
3. Line the bottom piece up to your vista and attach from the bottom at each point of contact. Make sure to use glue as well as nails or screws.
4. Sand. Stain. Allow to dry.
5. Tape off the caps of your mountains and paint them white.
6. Add Snow-Tex in globs to add realistic snow details. Allow to dry.
7. Hang as desired and enjoy!

More wall space to cover? check out: DIY Felt Banners or Oversized Gift Tags!

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Creative Ways to Display Christmas Cards

Level:

Easy

How-To:

Home Decor, Storage

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

Materials for Framed Look

• Picture Frame
• Hanging wire
• Café hooks
• Staple gun
• Holiday Cards

Materials for Snowman

• 2 large white foam cord
• Tape
• White felt
• Spray glue
• Accessories for snowman

Steps for Framed Look

1. Take a picture frame, whatever size you choose
2. Remove the back of the frame
3. Attach wire to back of frame using staple gun
4. Attach café hooks to wire
5. Hang cards from hooks and display

Instructions for Snowman

1. Cut outline with x-acto knife
2. Attach boards with tape
3. Spray adhesive
4. Cover outline with felt
5. Trim felt
6. Add accessories (eyes, nose, hat, buttons)
7. Attach cards using velcro dots

Check out these other methods of preserving your Christmas cards on a Card Tree, Card Display, or Memory Book.

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DIY Christmas Stocking Holders

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Storage, Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS

TO CREATE THE STOCKING WALL HANG:

• Large branch found outside or purchased at craft store
• Twine or ribbon
• Stockings
• Zip ties
• Desired hanging materials, hammer and nail work
• Decorative materials like garland and ornaments
• Optional: Command hooks
• Optional: Saw

TO CREATE THE STOCKING NEWEL POST:

• Newel post
• 24” plywood round
• 3/4” wooden dowel
• 3/4” forstner bit
• Phillips head bit
• Small drill bit for pilot hole
• Power drill
• Black spray paint
• Silver spray paint
• Lantern
• Battery operated candle
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Pencil
• Optional: Christmas décor
• Optional: Saw

INSTRUCTIONS:

TO CREATE THE STOCKING WALL HANG

1. If the branch is too big, cut it down.
2. Decide how you want to hang the branch, if using nails, figure out the best spacing depending on the shape and size of your branch.
3. Decorate the branch as desired. You can use garland, lights or any other décor you like! Depending on how you decorate, hanging the branch first could be helpful. Attach with zip ties and hot glue.
4. Hang the branch if not already done. You can use command hooks depending on the weight of the branch. You could also hang it above a side-table to mimic a mantle.
5. Attach the stockings to the branch with ribbon or twine. Enjoy!

TO CREATE THE STOCKING NEWEL POST

1. To create the base for your post, find the center of your round and attach the newel post to it with a few wood screws from the bottom up. Drill pilot holes first.
2. On the block top of your post, mark where you want the dowels to go. You want to create a cross section without the dowels actually intersecting. Place one hole at least 1” above the other which should be marked on the adjacent face of the block.
3. Use the forstner bit to drill through the block top where you’ve marked.
4. Feed the dowels into the holes. Cut to size before if necessary.
5. Use hot glue to attach the knobs onto each end of the dowels.
6. Glue your lantern to the top of your post.
7. In a well-ventilated area or outdoors spray paint the whole thing black. Allow to dry.
8. Spray a light mist of silver spray paint to add a metallic finish. Allow to dry.
9. Put the post in place and decorate as desired.
10. Drop the battery-operated candle in the lantern and turn on.
11. Hang your stockings on the dowels and enjoy!

if you do have a mantle, try out this Stocking holder!
Make these for the fashionista in your life, faux fur stockings!

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DIY Christmas Collectible Display

Level:

Easy

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Storage

MATERIALS:

• Vintage Santa collection
• Modern box shelving
• Small wrapped packages

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mount modern shelf pieces/boxes to the wall securely.
2. Place vintage collectables/figurines in and on the shelving to create contrast between old and new.
3. Place pre-wrapped small boxes near figures for added flair.

Continue the vintage vibes with these how-to's! Vintage Snow Spray Shadow Boxes and DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor

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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 "Welcome Winter" Sign

Level:

Easy

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Winter, Holidays

Materials

• Memo Board
• Large Frame
• Craft Letters
• Glue
• White Paint
• Spray paint - Blue, glitter/silver, and white
• White Felt
• Scissors
• Mounting Tape

Additional Mantlescape Decor

• Silver, White, and Blue Tulle
• White felt
• Fake Snow
• Galvanized Buckets
• White Styrofoam balls
• Artificial Candles

Instructions:

1. Find a memo board that fits in the area you are looking to decorate. I found one with a metal background to add to the silvery winter feel.
2. Paint the frame around the memo board white, and sprinkle a bit of glitter over the drying paint. You can also add a little mod podge over the paint for the glitter to stick.
3. If you are comfortable with freehand painting, paint the word “Welcome” across the top half of the board. If you aren’t, there are plenty of stencils available in craft stores.
4. To give the word “Winter” a little extra pop, spray paint your craft letters a bright blue. A nice light blue gives a crisp cool winter feel. Glue these across the bottom half of the memo board.
5. Find a large frame that gives you at least a few inches on all sides around the sign. Spray paint this frame the same blue as your letters. Spray a loose amount of white and silver around the frame as well to make the color a little more dynamic.
6. Hang the memo board and frame so that the memo board sits loosely in the center of the frame
7. Using mounting tape, attach one long felt piece across the top section of the frame. Cut icicles out of the frame at your desired length. To give it a nice “framed” look, make the icicles on the outer edges just slightly longer.

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Try out those other easy how-to's 3D letter mantlescape or presents mantlescape

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DIY Advent Calendar

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor, Homemade

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Embroidery hoop
• Paint in desired color
• Paintbrush
• Brown pillow boxes
• Paint pen
• Decorative ribbon or twine
• Mini gift bows
• Clothespins
• Bordette in silver or gold
• Wire in silver or gold
• Wire snips
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Paint the embroidery hoop to desired color. Set aside to dry.
2. Glue a mini gift bow to each clothespin.
3. Write a number on each envelope with a paint pen.
4. Assemble the pillow boxes by folding along the crease lines, leave the top back flap uncreased so that it sticks straight up, you will attach the clothespin there.
5. On the hoop, space out all your boxes inside the hoop to see how many will fit on each strand. PRO TIP: when laying out your calendar, make sure the fastener of the hoop is at the top so that you can use it as the base for the ornament cap.
6. Cut lengths of the decorative ribbon or twine to size for each row of boxes.
7. Attach each piece of ribbon to the hoop, wrap the ends of each strand around the hoop, use glue to secure in place. Make sure it is pulled very taut so that it doesn’t droop after attaching the boxes.
8. Create the ornament cap at the top. Cut a rectangle of the bordette and glue to the fastener at the top of the embroidery hoop. Cut a piece of wire, bend into an arch and glue on as the ornament cap loop. PRO TIP: you can back the bordette with a stiff material if necessary.
9. Attach the envelopes to the rows of ribbon by placing each with the flap behind and clamping in place with a clothespin.
10. Hang as desired, fill the envelopes with treats and enjoy!

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Enjoy building this train advent with the kids and don't forget the pets

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DIY Footprint Xmas Art

Level:

Easy

How-To:

Home Decor, Kids

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

MATERIALS:

• Non-toxic paint in various colors
• Canvas
• Canvas
• Mod Podge
• Foam

OPTIONAL:

• Vinyl stickers and sticker letters

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Paint the paint onto the child’s foot or hands.
2. Press the painted part of the foot or hand flat onto the canvas, do not move it around or you will lose the shape. Allow it to dry.
3. Paint in the rest of the scene around the foot, you can also use vinyl stickers.
4. Add lettering if desired with paint and stencils, freehand or with vinyl stickers.
5. Once all the paint is thoroughly dry, coat the canvas with a layer of mod podge using the foam brush.
6. Display and enjoy!

Check out more projects to get the kids involved! Santa scopes and paper snowflakes!

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DIY Peppermint Topiary

Level:

Intermediate

How-To:

Home Decor, Outdoor Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas, Holidays

MATERIALS:

• 3 wood discs
• White spray paint
• Red paint brushes
• Paper and scissors
• Plywood terra cotta pot (cut using jigsaw)
• Velcro strips
• Wood stick

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spray paint your discs white.
2. Measure the middle of your wood discs and cut a swirly triangle out as the “peppermint strip.”
3. Use the peppermint strip cut-out to trace four peppermints on opposite sides of the peppermints. Paint these using the red paint.
4. Adhere the painted peppermint discs and terra cotta pot to your wood stick. The velcro allows you to take this apart when it’s not being displayed for easy storage!

Upcycle your leftover faux pumpkins to create these cute snowmen or assemble a boxwood Christmas tree!

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DIY Lantern Snow Village

Level:

Easy

How-To:

Home Decor

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

Materials

• Lantern
• Batting
• Small boxes
• Miniature houses/ trees
• Copper wire lights
• Glue

Directions

1. Use small boxes - find a small, medium and a slightly higher one - and glue them to the bottom of the lantern. This forms the base for your blanket snow
2. Add the blanket snow (batting), which you’ll cut according to the size of the lantern bottom. Glue down the snow
3. Place in your village pieces and glue down
4. Place copper wire lights around the scene - these are battery powered

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Bring more of that winter feel inside your home with snowflake laterns, Christmas terrarium, or vintage style tabletop ornaments

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Christmas Tree Gallery Wall

Level:

Advanced

How-To:

Home Decor, Storage

Seasonal Event:

Christmas

CHRISTMAS TREE GALLERY WALL MATERIALS:

• 1” x 4” reclaimed wood cut at 37-degree angles to:
  • 36” length for the bottom tier
  • 30” length for the bottom tier
  • 29 ½” length for the second tier
  • 23 ½” length for the second tier
  • 22 ½” length for the third tier
  • 16 ¾” length for the third tier
  • 16” length for the fourth tier
  • 10” length for the fourth tier
  • 9 ½” length for the top tier
  • 5 ¼” length for the top tier
• 1” x 4” straight cut to:
  • 46” length for the vertical support
  • 6” length for the trunk
  • Desired length for shelves
• Circular saw
• Nail gun with ¾” brad nails or drill with ¾” screws
• Wooden star or jigsaw and star template to cut your own
• Angle finder
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Desired hanging hardware
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Optional:
  • Sanding block

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the wood to size. The vertical support, shelves and trunk are straight cuts. For the tiers, use an angle finder to create a line from the length measurement inward on each side that is angled at 37-degrees, mark and cut. Cut some straight pieces to desired size for the shelves.
2. If you are cutting your own star, do so now. Trace a star template onto the wood and use a jigsaw to cut out.
3. Sand any rough edges lightly.
4. Place the trunk then the two pieces of each tier together in order from the bottom tier upward face down on your workspace then place the vertical support on top.
5. Space the tiers using the shelves, wedge them in between each tier to make sure they will fit snugly.
6. Attach the tiers and trunk to the vertical support by screwing or nailing through the back of it in multiple places on each piece.
7. Flip the tree over and hot glue the star to the top. PRO TIP: you can screw or nail in place if desired as well.
8. Hang as desired, insert the shelves, decorate and enjoy!

Click here for more Christmas crafts

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Check out a variety of tree decor you can craft for your home! Vintage ornament wall decor, tulle trees, book page trees, or drip Christmas tree art.