As the holidays loom in the not-so-distant future, it’s definitely time to start thinking about the Christmas craft projects you want to work on. We’ve all learned that hard lesson of waiting too long to start and then before you know it, time runs out. Thankfully, these festive repurposed crafts will definitely inspire you to rummage through a few drawers and closets and start crafting up a storm in no time.
Jolly Santa Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This Christmas wreath has a retro feel, thanks to the vintage decorations and old fashioned Santa graphic in the center. But the best part is that it was made by upcycling a plastic tray from the thrift store.
Christmas Craft Projects with Glass Jars
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Waterless snow globes are the easiest snow globes to make, and they really are just as cute! And while you can use new jars and decorations from the craft store, I’m partial to old jars and vintage decorative bits like these.
But, honestly, jars from your recycle bin would work just as well!
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The Charlie Brown Christmas tree is iconic, isn’t it? And this version is not only easy to make, but started as a most unexpected thing: A banana holder from the thrift store!
Or the one you no longer use at home.
Mini Ornament Hooks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you love those tiny ornaments that hang on tabletop trees, then you definitely need this easy Christmas craft project: Mini ornament hooks! They are super easy to make and they start from cheap, basic ornament hooks. And they make a HUGE difference when it comes how your tiny ornaments look on their tabletop trees.
Christmas Cloche
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Have an old cheese dome or cloche tucked in the back of your cupboard? Or perhaps you spotted one at the thrift store the other day. Either way, they are the perfect thing for upcycling into Christmas or winter scenes, like this little ice skating pond.
Christmas Craft Projects with Plastic Ornaments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Humdrum plastic ball ornaments aren’t really all that special- and plenty of them end up at thrift stores after the holiday season. But they’re ideal for embellishing into Christmas plaid ornaments with this simple craft idea: wrapping them in flannel and decorating with woodland bits.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel” by Sarah Ramberg.
DIY Candy Canes for the Porch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Perfect for holiday porch decor, these oversized DIY candy canes started as a thrift store find. Or perhaps you or a loved one used one of these for a bit and now no longer need it. Either way, with this “sweet” makeover, you’ll be decorating your porch in no time.
Mason Jar Lid Wreath Ornaments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are any number of Christmas craft ideas that involve mason jars, but this one focuses solely on the lids. Specifically, the band or ring portion of a mason jar lid. Whether you like a country/rustic style or a mid-century modern flair (like these tinsel wreath ornaments), this ornament craft is sure to please.
Christmas Craft Projects for Storage
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’re anything like me, then you save your Christmas magazines season after season. And storing them couldn’t be easier or cheerier with this fun upcycle! A picnic basket from the thrift store (or your attic) got a fresh and festive makeover and the magazines fit perfectly inside.
Rustic Flannel Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
One of the coziest wreaths you can make for the winter holidays is one that involves plaid flannel shirts like this. The red and green make it Christmas-y, but you could just as easily focus on blue, white, and green for a winter version, as well.
Old World Santa Decor
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
Here’s a gorgeous Christmas craft project that features a classic old world Santa (and his reindeer, of course). And it all started out with a dull metal platter from the thrift store- but just look at it now!
Wooden Clothespin Snowflakes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage brooches with broken clasps are an ideal focal point on DIY Christmas ornaments that are made from clothespins. Even if they’re missing stones or are still in good condition, they add sparkle to your tree instead of sleeping in a jewelry box.
Sewing Pattern Tissue to the Wrapping Rescue
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage sewing patterns from the thrift store are one of the cheapest craft supplies out there. And one of my favorite Christmas craft projects uses the pattern tissue for wrapping gifts like this! In fact, I wrapped gifts in three different ways using them here.
Upcycled Christmas Card Box
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’re anything like me, you keep a few Christmas cards each year- cherished memories from loved ones or just really adorable cards you can’t bear to toss. So, a storage box like this (upcycled from a thrift store find) is the perfect thing for storing them year after year.
Christmas Mantel Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
They may look like lovely wrapped gifts, but unfortunately, they’re just decorative and perfect for your Christmas mantel. The secret to these wrapped present decor? Thrift store picture frames!
Christmas Craft Projects with Wood Slices
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a fun craft project you can make with craft store wood slices, especially if you love vintage Christmas postcards. Turn the slices into rustic door ornaments for closets in just a few easy steps.
Switch Plate Ornaments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s one of the more unusual Christmas craft projects, but hear me out: DIY ornaments made from inexpensive switch plate covers from hardware stores or thrift shops like Habitat ReStore! They are super cheap and easy to work with, which is perfect if you’re planning an ornament-making party for kids or adults, alike.
Canning Jar Lid Ornaments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Canning jar lids and vintage wrapping paper might not be a pairing you’ve ever put together before. But look how cute they are together as DIY Christmas ornaments. And the truth is, you could use any number of items in place of wrapping paper: old Christmas cards, photos, etc.
Christmas Craft Projects to Upcycle This Season
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
From ornaments to wreaths to decor and wrapping gifts, there are so many fantastic upcycling ideas to make during the holidays! I hope these Christmas craft projects have you itching to run to the thrift store, paw through a junk drawer, and break out the glue gun- Merry Craftmas to you and yours!
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.com
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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