The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about how to make your home festive and inviting. Instead of buying new decorations, why not go for a natural and zero waste theme this Christmas? Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be reducing your environmental impact. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of DIY Christmas decorations that are sustainable, easy to make, and will add a touch of charm to your home.
1. Festive Dried Citrus Garland
One of the simplest and most delightful DIY decorations you can make is a festive dried citrus garland. Not only will it add a pop of color to your home, but it will also fill the air with the scent of Christmas. To create this garland, all you need are oranges, string, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Start by slicing the oranges as thinly as possible and making a hole at the top with a wooden chopstick. Bake the slices in the oven on low heat until they are completely dry. Once dried, thread string through the holes and tie a knot at each slice to hold it in place. You can also add cinnamon sticks and cloves for extra flair. Hang the garland on your Christmas tree or around your house for a festive touch.
2. Popcorn Tree Garland
For a cheap and eco-friendly DIY Christmas decoration, look no further than a popcorn tree garland. This simple yet charming garland adds a touch of whimsy to any festive decor scheme. All you need is popped popcorn and a threaded needle.
String the popcorn together by piercing each piece with the needle. For added color, you can also incorporate dried cranberries. These garlands make great tree decor and are a wonderful alternative to traditional tinsel. Just make sure to use them indoors, as popcorn is not suitable for outdoor decorations.
3. Recycled Printed Wrapping Paper
Reduce waste this holiday season by making your own wrapping paper. Instead of buying rolls of paper that will end up in the trash, consider using recycled materials. You can save newspapers throughout December and wrap your gifts with twine and sprigs of holly for a rustic look. Alternatively, you can purchase recycled parcel paper and stamp it with fun designs using potato stamps and vegetable inks. Your loved ones will appreciate the unique and personalized touch to their gifts, and the wrapped presents will add a rustic charm to your home decor.
4. Fabric Wrapping Paper
Take your commitment to zero waste to the next level by learning the art of furoshiki. This traditional Japanese technique involves wrapping gifts in fabric instead of disposable paper. Choose sustainable cloth such as those offered by Saged Home, or repurpose scraps of fabric you already have at home. The key is to ensure the fabric is in the shape of a square.
To wrap your gift, place the box in the center of the fabric, with the corners of the box pointing toward the straight sides of the fabric. Bring opposite corners of the fabric up and over the box, tying them together on top. The best part is that your loved ones can reuse the fabric themselves, making it a wrapping technique that keeps on giving.
5. Natural Place Settings
Add a personal touch to your Christmas table with DIY place settings. These natural decorations will give your dining room a festive flourish. Get creative with seasonal foraged items such as holly and rosemary. You can also incorporate dried berries, cinnamon sticks, dried sliced oranges, sage leaves, and pine cones. Place the natural elements in mason jars or vases to add stability and create a decorative centerpiece. Not only will these natural place settings impress your guests, but they also make great DIY outdoor Christmas decorations.
6. Origami Stars
Origami stars are a fun and creative way to decorate your home for Christmas. These colorful ornaments can be hung on your tree, stuck on windows, made into garlands, or even used as ceiling decorations. You can make them out of upcycled paper such as old newspaper, sheet music, or even worn-out books.
To make origami stars, cut the paper into squares of your desired size. A 12″ square can create a 7″ star. Follow a tutorial video or step-by-step instructions to fold the paper into the desired shape. Once you get the hang of it, making origami stars becomes an easy and enjoyable activity. Each star is unique and adds a touch of handmade charm to your Christmas decor.
7. Twig or Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments
Stars are a timeless symbol of the holiday season, and you can create your own plastic-free and zero waste star ornaments using twigs or cinnamon sticks. These DIY wooden decorations are simple to make and require only a few materials. Gather twigs, string, and a bit of creativity to mold them into star shapes. You can also use cookie cutters as templates while the glue dries to create different shapes.
If you prefer a festive scent, opt for cinnamon sticks instead of twigs. Dye your string with natural dyes in advance to add an extra touch of color. Whether you choose twigs or cinnamon sticks, these natural ornaments will look beautiful on your Christmas tree or as part of your eco-friendly Christmas table decorations. They can even be used as DIY outdoor Christmas decorations to add a touch of nature to your space.
8. Newspaper DIY Christmas Cards
Don’t let your scrap paper go to waste after making origami stars. Instead, use them to create easy homemade Christmas cards. These rustic and charming cards are simple to make but will stand out with their unique look. You can create different designs by stitching flaps of paper cut into the shape of a Christmas tree onto the outside of the card. Get creative and experiment with different shapes and patterns to make your cards truly one-of-a-kind.
9. Seed Packet Christmas Cards
Combine holiday greetings with sustainability by repurposing seed packets into unique Christmas cards. These cards are perfect for gardeners or plant lovers in your life. Gather empty seed packets and a piece of upcycled paperboard or cardstock. Trim the packets to fit the size of the card and attach them to the front using glue or double-sided tape. Write your holiday message inside the card, and your loved ones will have a unique piece of DIY farmhouse Christmas decor they can display for years to come.
10. DIY Christmas Wreaths
Instead of buying a shop-bought Christmas wreath, why not make your own? DIY wreaths are easy, eco-friendly, and allow you to put to use materials that would otherwise go to waste. There are countless ideas for Christmas wreaths, but one of our favorites is the fabric scrap wreath. Gather fabric scraps in various colors and sizes, such as old sewing projects or worn-out t-shirts. Cut them into strips approximately 6-8 inches long.
Next, tie the fabric strips onto a wire wreath frame, creating a layered and textured look. Continue until the entire frame is covered. Fluff and arrange the fabric strips, and consider adding dried berries and citrus slices for a festive touch. This DIY wreath will add a personal and eco-friendly touch to your Christmas decor and can be reused year after year.
11. DIY Christmas Tree
Take your DIY Christmas decorations to the next level by making your own sustainable Christmas tree. There are countless ways to create a DIY Christmas tree using items you already have at home. For a simple option, stack a pile of books in the shape of a tree. If you prefer a wall-mounted tree, tie sticks together with the smallest size at the top and larger sizes descending down. This deconstructed hanging tree can be made using fallen pine boughs and other fresh greenery.
Adorn your DIY Christmas tree with garlands and ornaments, such as the ones mentioned earlier in this article. Get creative and let your imagination run wild. The beauty of a DIY Christmas tree is that it’s unique and customizable. Whether you’re limited on space or want to reduce your environmental impact, making your own Christmas tree is a fun and sustainable project.
Final Thoughts on DIY Holiday Decorations
Creating DIY Christmas decorations is not only fun but also environmentally friendly. By making your own decorations, you can reduce waste, save money, and add a personal touch to your home. From dried citrus garlands to fabric wrapping paper and homemade wreaths, the possibilities for DIY holiday decor are endless. So, this holiday season, gather your friends and family for a crafting party or embark on a solo project. Embrace the spirit of sustainability and creativity, and make your Christmas decorations truly one-of-a-kind.
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