DIY Christmas Decor From Household Items

Rachel | mapleandgrey
by Rachel | mapleandgrey
9 Materials
$4
3 Hours
Easy

This year I wanted a new look for my Christmas tree and had planned to buy new baubles to create a more neutral theme. However, I decided to set myself a challenge and make ornaments using only things I had around the house. I wanted to demonstrate that it’s not always necessary to spend money to create something new!

First I made salt dough decorations and cut out shapes using some Christmas shaped cutters. The recipe I used was:




  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup table salt
  • 1.5 cups water

I baked these for around 90 minutes at 250 degrees F. I also punched a hole to hang the ornaments prior to baking.

I then painted them using white acrylic paint.

Once dry I tied regular string through the holes to hang on the tree.

These were so simple and cheap to make however I would say that I found it hard to get a uniform look with them as some bubbled up in the oven and they are varying thicknesses. If you want a perfect look I would recommend using air dying clay instead.

These ornaments are made the same way by combining applesauce and mixed spice or cinnamon (3 cups of each and they are dried instead of baked). I hung these using twine and have reused every year and they smell like cinnamon for ages.

I had originally wanted to decorate using a wool garland but didn’t manage to find any thick yarn. So I decided to try making a popcorn garland instead. This was really easy to make by stringing popcorn together on thread but was time consuming. It looked great on the tree and added texture but I decided it wasn’t worth my time at this stage in my life. So I used a cotton ribbon instead in the end.

I made an orange peel garland using string and dried oranges (dried at 140 degrees F for about an hour). I made this to hang in the kitchen but this would also work well on a tree as a garland or individual ornaments.

I had previously bought some white pom poms and strung these together with white thread.

These hold in place well on the thread without tying any knots and was so quick to put together. I made this to hang in the kitchen and another to hang over a mirror but this would also work so well as a tree garland.

These are labels I’ve used for a few years and I just stamped words onto them. These are so cheap and simple and add a great neutral touch.

I hope that this demonstrates that it is possible to be creative with items you have around the home or by sourcing a few craft materials. And that you can update your decor without needing to spend a lot of money!

The finished tree! Not perfect but more neutral than last year. Next year I hope to add baubles and we will hopefully have a faux flocked tree!

One way I styled the pom pom garland. Ribbons are such an easy way to add the finishing touch to Christmas decor!

How I styled the orange garland. I love this touch in our kitchen and it added such a cozy feel!


Thanks for checking out this post and I hope this inspires you with some ideas for next Christmas.

To see more of this and other projects follow along on Instagram!


~ Rachel ♡

Suggested materials:
  • Salt dough ingredients   (Grocery store)
  • White acrylic paint   (Craft store)
  • Cookie cutters   (IKEA)
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  1 question
  • Pam Pam on Dec 31, 2020

    Beautiful tree. Are the bags on the floor made of burlap. I’m interested in your wall behind the tree. Looks like a DIY made from a pallet.

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 4 comments
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 01, 2021

    I look forward to making these with my Granddaughter for next Christmas. What variety tree is it that is in picture?

  • Debbie Debbie on Jan 03, 2021

    Hello...what is the name of your tree? I searched all over and couldn’t find one like this. Thank you.

    • Rachel | mapleandgrey Rachel | mapleandgrey on Jan 07, 2021

      It was a regular Norway spruce but had been growing for a few years so was well grown when we cut it down. Probably looks more like a Fraser fir in appearance.

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