It’s that time of year again – the tree is up, the boxes of ornaments and tangled lights are being pulled down from the attic, stores are pushing the latest trend in Christmas decor – and you’re feeling a bit… overwhelmed. It started for me a couple of years ago. I began feeling bored with the routine of pulling out the same cheaply made ornaments and frustrated with the cost of buying pointless decor to fill the house for one month only.
Around the same time, however, I discovered a new passion of mine – DIY decor. Yes, DIY decor is more work than going to your nearby box store and buying a set of something Christmasy. However – there is something fresh and magical about turning something you have around the house into something more meaningful. I’ve listed some ideas below of some low-effort DIY decor ideas for you to try this year – some of these are easier than others, but all are very do-able. These are even easy for kids to help with!
1. Orange Ornaments
This is my all-time favorite thing to make for Christmas. I do this every year, and it’s one of those traditions that make the house feel merry and bright. All you need to do is buy some navel oranges, slice them and bake them in the oven on 200 degrees for about 5 hours. Basically, slice and put them in the oven. Your house will be filled with an orangey scent – so lovely! Once they are dried completely, grab any string you have hanging around the house and add a little loop to the orange slice so you can hang them around. These are a perfect way to make any space more festive.
2. Baking Soda Stars
I made a garland of baking soda stars the Christmas before my son was born – I wanted the classic look they brought to the tree, and I didn’t need too many materials. I followed this guide from LilyArdor.com, though I’m not sure mine turned out as pretty as those on her site! (LilyAdor.com also has a great post about upcycling old Christmas ornaments!) After the first Christmas of using these, I just carefully took them off the tree and stored them in a ziplock bag to pull out year after year.
3. Retro Paper Ornaments
Ok – if you’ve got more of a 60’s retro style, you can’t skip this super easy DIY paper ornament from LiaGriffith.com. These are absolutely adorable and you can’t go wrong with going with whatever pop of color you want! These might even be a fun decoration year round…
4. Tissue Paper Stain Glass
This tissue paper craft from Happy Hooligans is high on my list of activities to try with my toddler. While this craft doesn’t necessarily fit with my decor style, I always love finding a way to to engage my child in a Christmas-themed arts and crafts activity, so I’m willing to accept the unique style. You can be creative and do other Christmas shapes in more “natural” colors – I’m partial to pretty yellow stars.
5. Paper House Lights
This DIY decor idea is inspired by my husband, the artist. A few years back he became fascinated with the art of cutting paper and made many elaborate images from just paper and scissors. I love the idea of combining the fun of cutting paper with the joy of Christmas villages. All you need is paper, scissors (or an x-acto knife), and electric tea lights. You can get as simple or as complicated as you want. Delia Creates has a wonderful template and guide on how to do your own paper houses – how can you not fall in love with these little paper houses?
There are so many possibilities when it comes to DIY Christmas decor – this list barely scratches the surface. I’d love to know what your favorite thing to make at Christmas time is – feel free to drop me a comment!