Christmas Sled Decor with Baby Ice Skates

Christmas Sled Decor with Baby Ice Skates

Several years ago, I stumbled across this small decorative sled at a thrift store. Though it was slightly bigger than your typical wreath, I still planned to use it as one. It languished in our garage for a while and even survived the pre-move purge. But, I’ve FINALLY transformed it into Christmas sled decor for our front door.

Decorative sled for a Christmas wreath

It took me a while to develop a vision for it. After bringing it inside to clean up, I also realized it was more tomato-red than cherry-red.

Decorative Christmas sled

Obviously not a problem, but still a surprise.

Anyway, my vision involved pairing it with little ice skates. But where, oh where, would I find baby ice skates that would work well with it?

The answer would start with vintage baby shoes.

Vintage baby shoes

Still with me? Ok, let’s get to it!

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From Vintage Baby Shoes to Baby Ice Skates

All I needed to do to the baby shoes was add some sort of “blade”. Not metal, of course, but something like heavy duty cardboard or rigid-but-cuttable plastic.

First, though, I needed to sketch out the blade shape. I used some real ice skates as a template and a paper bag from our recycling bin to do so.

How to make baby ice skates for a Christmas wreath

After cutting out the paper blade pattern, I scrounged around for the right blade material. And I settled on a plastic DVD case from our donation pile!

Crafting with plastic from a DVD case

Next, I cut the DVD case in half with my heavy duty craft shears, and traced the blade pattern on the plastic.

Making plastic blades for baby ice skates

Then, I simply cut out the blades for my baby ice skates!

Decorative ice skates from vintage baby shoes

They needed to be silver, of course, so I headed outside to spray paint them.

Spray painting the plastic blades of decorative ice skates

Assembling the Christmas Sled Decor

Once the blades for the baby ice skates had been painted, they were ready to attach to the soles of the baby shoes.

Decorative ice skates for Christmas sled decor

I used my hot glue gun to do that initially, but I shored up the attachment with a little super glue. Just to be sure!

Baby ice skates from vintage baby shoes

Next, I turned my attention back to the decorative sled. I decided that a brighter shade of red would be preferable, and I already had a can of paint in the garage!

Decorative Christmas sled to use as door decor

When the red paint had dried thoroughly, it was time to assemble my Christmas sled decor!

I started by screwing in a cup hook near the top where I hung a small wreath (purchased from Michaels).

Hanging a wreath on Christmas sled decor

Then, I stitched the shoelaces of each baby ice skate together and looped them (individually) over the bottom of the wreath.

Ice skates hanging on a decorative sled

Stitching the laces together prevented a noticeable knot from showing through the greenery!

And let me tell you, it was nearly perfect and I ALMOST stopped there.

Christmas Sled Decor with Baby Ice Skates

Lastly, I topped off the entire thing with a bow made from Christmas craft ribbon!

Decorative sled as a Christmas wreath

Tell me that is not the CUTEST Christmas sled decor that you’ve ever seen. The vintage baby shoes as little ice skates worked out BRILLIANTLY.

And on our shiny black front door?

Gorgeous. The entire “wreath” just POPS against the black.

Decorative sled and baby ice skates as a Christmas wreath

I absolutely love it! I mean, I’ve loved ALL the Christmas wreaths I’ve made over the years. But this one has quickly slid into the top #1 spot in my heart!

I’m sure it’s the baby ice skates. You know how I feel about mini things…

Speaking of which, if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for Christmas sled decor with baby ice skates, then you may also enjoy this mini ice skating scene, as well!

Winter Christmas scene under a cheese dome

Craft on!

S

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baby shoes as ice skates

 

Upcycling vintage baby shoes as baby ice skates

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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.

Comments

  1. Gorgeous!

  2. 100% adorable, Sarah!

  3. Nancy Anderson says

    How cute is that!

  4. Carmen Montmarquet says

    I love your sled and wreath but especially love those baby skates!!!!! You did a superb job!!!

  5. Adorable and it can stay on your door all winter. Crafting baby skates ….magical. I have painted on a skate but your vision is always WOW.
    Merry Christmas.

  6. SO CUTE!! I think about the only thing that would make it even more perfect would be to paint the soles on the baby shoes black like the real ice skates! You are such a genius tho!! Pinned!

    Tania

  7. Maura Stefl says

    I like how use “trash” items to make things work.

  8. penney helms says

    This is jaw-droppingly awesome. Not sure I could ever come up with a “sled”, but I really want to use the “skates” somehow. Thank you for sharing, and have a warm, blessed Christmas.

  9. omg’sh this is adorable!!

  10. Rebecca Payne says

    So Cute. I love it. Great job.

  11. That is so baby sweet. You’re a crafting force!

  12. This darling.It can serve for the entire season as well as winter. You have such a creative mind. Skate s from baby shoes and blades. Very clever. Have a Merry Ch5 and a Blessed New Year

  13. these are absolutely adorable and truly one-of-a-kind decor! thank you for sharing. 🙂

  14. Karolyn Love says

    Absolutely LOVE this!!! Those skates are perfect!! Gonna be on the lookout now for a small sled to try doing this…thanks so much for sharing your brilliant ideas!!!

  15. Those skates just want to make me go “Awwwww!” You rocked it again. That red against the black door is gorgeous!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      I actually thought about that door color- this wreath wouldn’t have looked NEARLY as good against our red door!! So, it’s a darn good thing I held onto this sled for a few years after all, LOL.

  16. Merry Christmas to you and thank you so much for your wonderful Christmas craft ideas. You always bring a smile to me throughout the year, best wishes always 🙂

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