Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to get creative with your Christmas decorations. Making your own Christmas decor can be not only budget-friendly but also a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 30 affordable and DIY Christmas decoration ideas that will add a festive touch to your home.

Note: This Post Has Been Updated for Christmas 2024

Handmade Ornaments

Create your own ornaments using materials like felt, paper, or salt dough. Let your imagination run wild with shapes and colors.

To make Handmade Ornaments, you will need the following items:

1. Felt ($7) paper, or salt dough ($13) for the base material
2. Scissors
3. Pencil or pen for tracing shapes
4. Assorted craft supplies like glitter ($9), sequins ($8) beads ($7) or buttons for decoration
5. Craft glue or glue gun ($10)
6. Ribbon ($7) or string for hanging the ornaments

These basic materials will allow you to get started on creating your own unique handmade ornaments. Feel free to let your imagination run wild with shapes, colors, and decorations!

Pinecone Wreath

Gather pinecones and hot glue them to a circular base to make a rustic and charming wreath.

To pinecone wreath, you will need the following items:

1. Pinecones: Gather a sufficient amount of pinecones, preferably of a similar size and shape.
2. Circular Base: You will need a circular base to attach the pinecones to. This can be a wire wreath frame or a foam wreath form. Here is the flat iron ones for $11 or the wooden frames for $15.
3. Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: Use a glue gun and glue sticks to secure the pinecones to the base.
4. Ribbon or Wire: To hang the wreath, you will need a ribbon or wire.
5. Optional Decorations: If desired, you can add additional decorations like faux berries, bows, or ornaments to embellish the wreath.

Once you have gathered these materials, follow these steps to make the pinecone wreath:

1. Prepare the Pinecones: Clean the pinecones and remove any dirt or debris. You can also bake the pinecones at a low temperature to ensure they are free from any insects or sap.
2. Attach the Pinecones: Using a glue gun, carefully attach the pinecones to the circular base. Start by placing some glue on the bottom of each pinecone and attaching it to the base, repeating this process until the base is fully covered with pinecones.
3. Fill in the Gaps: If there are any gaps between the pinecones, you can add smaller pinecones or pieces of pine branches to fill in the spaces.
4. Add Decorations (Optional): If desired, you can add additional decorations like faux berries, bows, or ornaments by attaching them to the wreath using a glue gun.
5. Attach the Hanging Mechanism: Attach a ribbon or wire to the back of the wreath to use for hanging it on a door or wall.
6. Allow the Glue to Dry: Let the glue dry completely before hanging the wreath.

Enjoy your beautiful pinecone wreath as a festive and rustic decoration for the holiday season!

Mason Jar Centerpieces

Fill mason jars with Christmas lights, ornaments, or small pine branches for a lovely table centerpiece.

To make mason jar centerpieces, you will need the following items:

1. Mason Jars: You can choose jars of different sizes depending on your preference. Here’s our choice for a 32oz jars, 6-pack at $21
2. Christmas Lights: Use battery-operated fairy lights or string lights to add a warm glow. Here’s a 6 pack of fairy lights for $8
3. Ornaments: Small decorative ornaments or baubles that match your desired theme.
4. Small Pine Branches: ($9) Artificial or real pine branches to give a festive touch.
5. Ribbon or Twine ($5): To add a decorative element or tie a bow around the jar.
6. Optional: Glitter, faux snow, or other embellishments for added sparkle and texture.

Feel free to get creative and customize your mason jar centerpieces according to your personal style and the overall theme you want to achieve.

Paper Snowflakes

Cut out intricate snowflake patterns from white paper and hang them on windows for a winter wonderland effect.

To make paper snowflakes, you will need the following items:

1. White Paper: ($5) Use plain white paper for traditional snowflakes. You can also use colored or patterned paper for a unique twist.
2. Scissors: Choose a pair of sharp scissors that are comfortable to handle for cutting intricate designs.
3. Pencil or Pen: Use a pencil or pen to lightly trace your desired snowflake patterns on the paper before cutting.
4. Optional: Decorations such as glitter, sequins, or adhesive gems can be added to enhance the appearance of your snowflakes.

These materials will enable you to create beautiful and intricate paper snowflakes to decorate your windows and create a winter wonderland effect. Let your creativity guide you as you design unique snowflake shapes!

Cinnamon Stick Candles

Wrap cinnamon sticks around plain candles, securing them with twine or ribbon for a fragrant and decorative touch.

To make cinnamon stick candles, you will need the following items:

1. Plain Candles: Choose plain candles of your preferred size and color. Pack of six, short and wide for $15. Long, taper candles, pack of 10, for $15
2. Cinnamon Sticks: ($8) Purchase cinnamon sticks, ensuring they are long enough to wrap around the candles. You can find them at your local grocery store or online.
3. Twine or Ribbon: Use twine or ribbon to secure the cinnamon sticks to the candles.
4. Glue: Use craft glue or a glue gun to secure the ends of the cinnamon sticks to each other and to the candles.
5. Optional: You may also consider adding additional decorative elements such as dried orange slices, berries, or ribbon bows for a more festive look.

With these materials, you can create beautiful cinnamon stick candles that not only provide a cozy ambiance but also emit a delightful fragrance. Happy crafting!

String Art Christmas Tree

Use nails and colored string to create a unique Christmas tree design on a wooden board.

To make a String Art Christmas Tree, you will need the following items:

1. Wooden Board: Choose a wooden board of your preferred size and shape. Make sure it is sturdy and can withstand the weight of the nails and string. You can find wooden boards at your local craft store or online, we suggest this variety pack for $21
2. Nails: Select small nails that are around 1 inch in length. You will use these to create the outline of the Christmas tree on the wooden board. You can find nails at a hardware store or online.
3. Hammer: Use a hammer to securely drive the nails into the wooden board. Make sure to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines while using the hammer.
4. Colored or Embroidery Thread: ($20) Choose threads in various colors, such as green for the tree and brown for the trunk. You can also use different shades of green to add depth and dimension to your String Art Christmas Tree. You can find colored or embroidery thread at a craft store or online.
5. Scissors: Use scissors to cut the thread to the desired lengths and to trim any excess thread.
6. Optional: Pencil or Chalk: You can use a pencil or chalk to lightly sketch the outline of the Christmas tree on the wooden board before driving in the nails. This will help guide you as you create the string art design.

With these materials, you can create a unique and visually appealing String Art Christmas Tree to decorate your home during the holiday season. Happy crafting!

In conclusion, the holiday season is the perfect time to let your creativity shine and add a personalized touch to your home with DIY Christmas decorations. Whether you’re creating handmade ornaments, crafting a pinecone wreath, designing mason jar centerpieces, cutting paper snowflakes, making cinnamon stick candles, or trying your hand at string art, these affordable and fun projects are sure to bring festive cheer to your space.

By using simple materials like felt, paper, salt dough, pinecones, mason jars, white paper, cinnamon sticks, nails, and colored string, you can transform your home into a winter wonderland filled with unique and eye-catching decor. Get your family involved to make it a fun and rewarding activity for everyone.

Remember, the joy of creating your own Christmas decorations not only lies in the budget-friendly aspect but also in the ability to infuse your personal style and imagination into each piece. So, gather your supplies, embrace the holiday spirit, and let your creativity shine bright as you bring the magic of the season into your home.

Happy crafting and have a joyful holiday season!